There are many things seniors may do to help boost their health as they age—like making healthy food choices and not smoking—but participating in social and other activities they enjoy can also help support healthy aging.1
As they grow older, seniors may find themselves spending more time at home alone. Social isolation is not good for overall well-being. For example, isolation may increase feelings of depression or anxiety, which may have a negative impact on other aspects of senior health.2
Consequently, those who find themselves spending a lot of time alone may benefit from participating in enjoyable, meaningful activities for seniors that not only create a sense of purpose in their daily lives, but also offer real health and well-being benefits. Research has shown that older adults with an active, engaged lifestyle are less likely to develop certain diseases, are happier and less depressed, are more resilient and better able to cope, and may be able to improve their thinking abilities.3
Fun activities for seniors4
Engaging in social and productive activities they enjoy—such as taking an art class, joining a hiking club or doing volunteer work in their community—may help seniors maintain their well-being and independence as they age. It’s also important for seniors to remember that an active lifestyle means more than just getting in their daily steps. It also includes taking part in activities that will benefit their mind and spirit, as well as their body.
There are plenty of places and ways for seniors to participate in activities they enjoy, depending on their interests and abilities. Some of the below suggestions include activities that can be enjoyed from a distance using phones, computers and other devices. Others can be done alone. So even if seniors live in a rural area or have other restrictions, they can still find ways to take part in fun, engaging, enjoyable activities.
- Connect with family and friends
- Play cards or other games with friends in person or online
- Travel with a group of older adults or retirees
- Video chat or call friends and family members
- Try different restaurants with loved ones
- Listen and share favorite music with friends or family
- Join in a group hobby like knitting, hiking, birdwatching or painting
- Reconnect with old friends through a high school or college alumni association
- Learn something new
- Take a cooking, art, dance, language or computer class
- Form or join a book or film club
- Try yoga, tai chi or another new physical activity
- Learn, or relearn, how to play a musical instrument
- Visit local museums; many offer free group tours and programs
- Become more active in the community
- Visit a community/senior center and take part in events and activities
- Serve meals or organize clothing donations for people in need
- Run errands for people who lack mobility or access to transportation
- Volunteer at a school, library, museum, hospital or animal shelter
- Join a community choral group or play in a local band/orchestra
- Take a part-time job at a local business
- Teach a favorite pastime or skill to a new generation
- Go out and get moving
- Garden (indoors or out) or do yard work
- Exercise at home or take an exercise class
- Go dancing
- Join a sports club for older adults, like a bowling club or bocce league
- Walk or ride bikes with a friend or neighbor
- Take a swimming class
- Teach grandchildren a game or dance remembered from childhood
- Adopt healthy stress-relieving habits
- Read a good book, magazine or newspaper
- Practice gratitude and mindfulness
- Cook a favorite, healthy meal
- Enjoy the little things, like a cup of coffee or the sunrise
Generation-spanning games for seniors
Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a 100-person reunion, fun and games are key to keeping people entertained, bridging multiple age groups and maintaining momentum. People engaged in these activities naturally make connections, tell stories and share family history—often with the seniors in the group leading the way. Here are some enjoyable pastime ideas that can bring the generations together:5
- Board games
Revisit classic games that are considered childhood favorites for laughs and friendly competition from ages 5 to 95.
- Movie night
Pick family-friendly films and have plenty of popcorn and snacks to pass around.
- Water balloon toss
Perfect for warm days as teams toss balloons back and forth until they burst.
- Relay races
Plan a race for every age group. Options include baby crawl, three-legged or potato sack races with small trophies or ribbons for the winners.
- Family photo bingo
In this fun variation, players match photos of family members instead of letter-number combinations.
- Scavenger hunt
Teams search for listed items or solve clues leading to treasure. Pairing seniors with kids is a great way to foster fellowship.
- Water sports
If the event is near a beach, lake or river, consider swimming, kayaking, canoeing or fishing.
Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a 100-person reunion, fun and games are key to keeping people entertained, bridging multiple age groups and maintaining momentum. People engaged in these activities naturally make connections, tell stories and share family history—often with the seniors in the group leading the way. Here are some enjoyable pastime ideas that can bring the generations together:6
Go365 by Humana® makes wellness fun and easy. We help Humana Medicare members with Go365® on their plan reach health goals, as well as take care of their physical and emotional health—allowing members to thrive at any age.
Humana Medicare members with Go365 on their plan can enroll in Go365 at
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Sources:
1“Participating in Activities You Enjoy as You Age,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed February 10, 2023,
2“Participating in Activities You Enjoy as You Age.”
3“Participating in Activities You Enjoy as You Age.”
4“Participating in Activities You Enjoy as You Age.”
5Sheryl Jean, “9 Fun Family Friendly Activities that Span Generations,” AARP, last accessed February 10, 2023,
Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
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