The retirement years are called “The Golden Years” for a reason, and you’ll likely want to make every minute of them count. Independent living in Sarasota can be the highlight of your retirement, whether you reside in one of the beautiful Florida assisted living facilities or not.
Since free time is pretty much guaranteed, you may be looking for ideas about what to do with it all. Following are five ideas for activities to learn in your golden years:
1. Take Up Photography
One of the best ways to enjoy every minute of your golden years is to slow down and take a really good look at the world through a camera lens. You don’t have to begin with a big, expensive camera, either; a low- to mid-range one will do.
Read up a bit on photography for beginners and get out there! Take photos of sunsets, birds, paths, trees, parks, and people. You can join photography Facebook groups and enroll in online photography classes, too, if you like.
2. Practice Yoga
What better way to tone your body and improve your health without the joint strain that many other types of exercise create? Yoga keeps your body flexible and strong, and it’s an excellent activity for the mind as well as the body.
You can practice solely at home or join a community-based yoga class, where you can find friends among members of your neighborhood. Many seniors have found that adding yoga into their daily routine can greatly improve independent living in Sarasota.
3. Learn a New Language
Whether you learn a new language or you explore any other subject in which you’re interested, there are endless benefits to continuing your education. Keep your mind sharp and expand your view of the world without having to leave your home.
You can check with your local university or library to see what online language courses are available. Here’s a bonus tip: You can check online educational websites that offer courses on everything from foreign languages to filmmaking and wine tasting.
4. Learn How to Play an Instrument
Quit playing the clarinet decades ago? Always wanted to learn how to play the piano? The golden years are a great time to return to music or become introduced to it.
There are many free classes and tutorials on YouTube, and you can also inquire with your local library about the availability of music instruction books. Many local shops have instruments for sale and for rent.
5. Take an Art Class
Wanting to get involved with something fun and easy after you retire is the perfect reason for signing up for art classes. There are so many options available, from sculpting to drawing to painting, that the opportunities are endless. Contact local museums, libraries, art galleries, and universities for classes.
Other Activities for Independent Living in Sarasota
If you’d like to volunteer in your community during your golden years, check out organizations like Senior Corps. Senior Corps can connect adults who are 55 and over with opportunities for volunteering in their communities.
