Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? It’s time to toss that cliché out the window—and pick up painting, jewelry making, or woodworking while you are at it.
Residents at Capris Communities see age as just a number and many have discovered there is always something new to learn, create or explore.
Meet Wayne K, he started making charming trivets and birdhouses out of wine corks. His newfound hobby fills his days with purpose, joy, and focused engagement that keeps his mind sharp and his heart happy.
Then there’s Sue A., whose jewelry making has blossomed into a successful business, letting her meet new people and spread joy with her dazzling creations.
Another resident, Patti K. has always dabbled in art, but she did not lean into it until she retired. Before she knew it, she had painted her way to award-winning watercolor masterpieces. As these examples from our Village Point Commons Community show, it’s never too late to start something new. There is no expiration date on curiosity. Whether you are eight or 80, new hobbies activate the parts of the brain associated with learning, creativity and memory.
Big on Benefits
Picking up a new hobby later in life isn’t just possible, it’s powerful! Whether you’re dusting off an old interest or diving into something new, a hobby can add joy, purpose, and excitement to your everyday routine.
Capri Communities believes you can live a full life at any age. That’s why our Lifestyle Enrichment programming focuses on four key elements of well-being: Adventure, Learning, Community, and Health & Wellness.
With our Enjoy Life Adventure Series, Adventure is the name of the game and the sky’s the limit! Residents experience everything from petting stingrays at the Shedd Aquarium to reaching new heights rock climbing, bending and stretching with goat yoga, saddling up for horseback rides, jamming out at jazz concerts, and tapping maple trees for syrup.
Got a passion for knitting? Obsessed with science? Can’t start the day without your coffee crew? Our resident-led programming lets residents turn their interests into a club! Whether it’s stretching with a fitness group, diving deep into a good book, or sharing knitting skills, our residents are the stars of the show—leading the way, making friends and having fun.
Our communities also keep minds sharp with puzzle tournaments like “So You Think You Can Puzzle,” where teams race to complete puzzles, and Variety Shows, where residents take the stage to showcase their creativity and confidence.
The Why?
Why do we focus on hobbies? Well, new hobbies are big on benefits! Here are just a few of them.
- Mental Stimulation. Learning a new language, solving a puzzle, writing a memoir, playing a game or painting a landscape keeps the brain active and sharp.
- Emotional Wellness. Engaging in hobbies and discovering something new are fantastic ways to combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
- Physical Activity. Many hobbies are surprisingly good workouts! Gardening? You’re lifting, bending, stretching. Dancing? Great cardio and a balance booster.
- Social Connection. Whether it’s a community class, a book club, or an online forum of fellow stamp collectors, hobbies can spark new friendships and revive old ones.
- Routine and Purpose. Retirement, health challenges and widowhood are major life shakeups that can disrupt life’s daily rhythm. Having a structured activity to look forward to can soothe the soul.
Hobby Ideas for the Young at Heart
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Express Yourself. Pick up painting, pottery, knitting, wood carving or even coloring books (yes, there are adult ones). All that’s needed is curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
- Get Growing. Turn a black thumb into a green one. Plant a container garden for the patio and add a few houseplants inside. Plants reduce stress, improve mood, and promote health.
- Get Moving. Find an activity that gets your heart pumping, whether it’s ballroom dancing, yoga or a walk outside. Working out improves cardiovascular health, enhances balance and strength, and boosts mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Join a Club. Explore Capri Communities’ diverse club scene, encompassing everything from book clubs to science groups and coffee clubs. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Why not start a club and share it with others?
- Gaming. Crank up the fun and bring your game face! Dive into a lively round of Bingo, shuffle into Sheepshead, show off your cribbage skills, or roll the dice with Bunco. Engage in friendly competition and boost brainpower while making memories!
- Go For the Unexpected. Learn to speak Italian. Take up photography. Start a YouTube channel. Enroll in college. There’s no age limit on creativity, curiosity or trying something new.
Step Into Something New
What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to try? Whether it’s learning a new game, picking up a hobby, or just stepping out of your comfort zone, chances are there’s something exciting waiting for you at your Capri Community.
So, dust off your curiosity, sharpen those colored pencils, grab a trowel, or step into that dance class. Because when minds stay in motion, the heart follows—and that’s a rhythm worth dancing to.
