Your Guide to Finding New and Accessible Hobbies

Your Guide to Finding New and Accessible Hobbies

28 Ideas To Banish Boredom 

 

As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly important for our physical and mental well-being. For those of us with mobility issues, finding suitable hobbies can be challenging. 


We’ve rounded up 28 hobbies, activities, and new interests that can be modified to accommodate your specific needs — and are sure to bring joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

 

Indoor Hobbies for Seniors with Limited Mobility

 

Creative pursuits

  • Painting and drawing
  • Sculpting and pottery
  • Photography and photo editing

 

Painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, and photography can be wonderful avenues for self-expression and creativity. These activities can be done from the comfort of your home, allowing you to engage in a fulfilling artistic process.

 

Intellectual activities

  • Reading and writing
  • Puzzles and brain games
  • Learning a new language 
  • Learning a musical instrument

 

Reading, writing, puzzles, and brain games stimulate the mind and provide a sense of accomplishment. These hobbies can be enjoyed at one's own pace, promoting cognitive health and mental agility. If you enjoy writing and reading, consider writing a memoir of your life or joining a book club.

 

Handicrafts and DIY projects

  • Knitting and crocheting
  • Jewelry making
  • Woodworking 
  • Model building

 

Knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, and woodworking are excellent hobbies that allow you to create beautiful and useful items. Adapting tools and techniques to accommodate mobility limitations can make these hobbies accessible and enjoyable. Try your hand at some of these DIY projects — they’d make excellent gifts when the holidays come around.

 

Outdoor Hobbies Modified for Mobility Challenges

 

 an older man and woman are standing at a table with flower pots on it, planting flowers in a pot and laughing

Gardening

  • Raised bed gardening
  • Container gardening
  • Vertical gardening and trellis systems

Experience the joy of gardening by using raised beds, container gardens, or vertical gardening systems. These adaptations make it easier to reach and tend to plants, allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of nurturing nature. If you’re interested in growing herbs, you can use them while cooking as well!


Adaptive sports and recreational activities

  • Wheelchair tennis or basketball
  • Hand cycling
  • Light yoga

Adaptive sports like wheelchair tennis or basketball offer opportunities for friendly competition and social interaction. Additionally, hand cycling or adapted yoga are great avenues for physical fitness and well-being. Research groups and opportunities in your area to get involved. 


Birdwatching and nature appreciation

  • Set up bird feeders
  • Observing wildlife from a comfortable spot

Setting up bird feeders and observing wildlife from a comfortable spot let you connect with nature. These activities provide relaxation and stimulation.

 

Virtual Hobbies and Technology-Based Activities

 

A woman and man seated next to each other on a couch looking at a tablet

Online communities and social networks

  • Joining forums and discussion groups
  • Engaging in video calls with family and friends
  • Participating in virtual events and workshops

Joining forums and discussion groups catered to specific interests and engaging in video calls with family and friends can help you maintain social connections and build supportive relationships. Virtual events and workshops offer opportunities for learning and interaction.


Virtual tours and exploration

  • Museum tours and art exhibitions
  • Virtual travel experiences
  • Virtual reality (VR) applications for immersive experiences

Museum tours, art exhibitions, and virtual travel experiences can transport you and provide immersive experiences. Museums frequently offer accommodations for those of us with disabilities and may even offer workshops, classes, and live music to attend. 

 

Engaging in Social Hobbies and Volunteering

 

Several people gathered around a board game on a coffee table, laughing and smiling
  • Join a local senior center or club
  • Participate in book clubs or discussion groups
  • Check out volunteer opportunities tailored for seniors with limited mobility

Joining local senior centers and clubs, participating in book clubs or discussion groups, and seeking volunteering opportunities tailored for seniors with limited mobility promote social interaction and a sense of belonging. Engaging in activities with like-minded individuals can foster new friendships and shared experiences.

 

Go Beyond The Daily -

9 Bonus activities made easier with assistive equipment

 

With a little extra help from assistive equipment like the So Lite ScooterZoomer, or Journey Air Elite, you can go further and faster during outings. Using an electric assistive vehicle restores your independence, keeps you moving and taking fewer breaks. 

 

Here are a few bonus activities you can join in on made easier with The Zoomer:

  • Attending and maneuvering around your grandkids' sporting events
  • Shopping with your friends
  • Viewing the state fair fireworks 
  • Joining your family at the amusement park
  • Exploring the great outdoors
  • Moving through airports
  • Vacationing with your family
  • Taking your dog for a walk
  • Watching a beach sunrise or sunset

Finding new and accessible hobbies is the key to maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle, especially as we age. Despite mobility challenges, numerous activities can be modified to accommodate specific needs and bring joy, purpose, and fulfillment — because enjoying life never gets old!

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