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Seniors who are engaged in interesting activities live lives of joy and purpose. The path to this type of fulfillment starts with a discussion of hobbies, past activities and interest in learning about new potential activities. Brainstorm new ideas by tapping into interests that may have fallen by the wayside while the senior was working and raising a family.
Retirement means a change in routine and sometimes that can lead to boredom, loneliness, and depression which can affect all aspects of life, including overall health. Finding meaningful activities will lead to structure and a sense of purpose.
Ideally, the activities(Opens in a new window) will involve mental and physical challenges and social interactions. Physical activities may help to improve general fitness and improve mental (and emotional) well-being.
Seek guidance from a medical professional before engaging in physical activities(Opens in a new window). They have your medical history and are best positioned to provide you with advice and suggestions that will fit your specific lifestyle.
Once you have medical guidance, you might consider fitness activities like chair yoga, aqua fit, tai chi, swimming, walking, table tennis, pickleball and golf. Most fitness facilities have adaptive measures for mobility issues.
Walking clubs provide companionship and an incentive to participate. Some shopping malls even open early to allow walkers to walk in inclement weather.
Gardening is an interesting activity for seniors and can be done at home or in a community garden. Growing flowers and vegetables can be rewarding and stimulate seniors both physically and artistically. Eating fresh vegetables contributes to good nutrition and well-being. Some local community gardens may have raised beds for those who need assistance with planting.
Hiking can be enjoyable and provide access to the outdoors as well as physical exercise. There are many different types of hiking trails that vary from easy to challenging.
Word puzzles, card games, jigsaw puzzles and trivia all challenge the mind. Connecting with people at your local library or park district’s senior game activities or participating online with friends is a great way to engage with others and keep in touch.
Cell phone cameras allow for ease of taking photos and video. This creative activity can be done in a group or individually. Camera stores may be a good source for courses, but they can also be found on YouTube (and other internet platforms), as well as in books.
Birdwatching is another activity that can be done as a group or individually and has the added benefit of being in nature and the opportunity to learn about birds and their habits.
Creative activities, such as playing a musical instrument or arts and craft projects, are absorbing as well as satisfying. Sometimes, these skills were used in another stage of life and need to be relearned, but that challenge can be rewarding.
Needlework, quilting and knitting provide opportunities to work individually or collaborate with others. Teaching skills such as embroidery, chess, woodworking, model building and calligraphy spreads the knowledge to another generation.
Writing is another great activity. Some senior learning centers sponsor courses on writing memoir, fiction, nonfiction and blogs. There are also online writing groups and local groups that may meet at a bookstore or other venue. Feedback from peers will encourage and challenge seniors to bravely put their thoughts in writing.
Many community colleges, local park districts, community centers or senior learning centers have language classes. There are also several online opportunities to learn a language, which has the added benefit of being accessible at home at your own pace.
Many local libraries have book clubs. Some book clubs may be specialized to mysteries, romance and nonfiction, to name a few.
Theater groups can include both acting, writing and working on props and scenery. Going to theater performances and musical performances can be done individually or as a group.
Dining out is a way to explore restaurants and different cuisines. Some senior centers sponsor weekly outings which allow seniors to socialize and try different foods. Going to restaurants with other people may be revitalizing as well as nutritious.
Cooking classes are sponsored at some restaurants, specialty shops, and senior centers. While seniors may have been preparing meals for years, cooking classes may provide an opportunity to learn different techniques and try different ingredients. Some cooking classes may be specific to a specialized diet such as a diabetic diet or a vegan/vegetarian diet.
Following a sports team can lead to discussion groups and watch parties. Activities for seniors should be fun. Following local high school and college teams is a great way to enjoy watching the sport and provide support for the local community.
Nonprofits often need volunteers and it can be an ideal activity for seniors. The flexibility of scheduling allows seniors to participate on weekdays when many other volunteers may be working. Food banks need volunteers to sort donations, cook and help serve meals.
Animal shelters need volunteers to help with the animals and to keep the areas clean. And hospitals often have active volunteer programs and tasks to fit many different abilities and interests.
Schools have volunteer programs that include working with the children reading stories or working in the library. Volunteering with children is rewarding and fun. Kids have a unique way of looking at the world, which can be thought-provoking.
There are programs for reading to people who are losing their sight or visiting homebound seniors. Running errands for people with limited mobility can also be quite rewarding. These people can be neighbors or acquaintances who need additional help.
Volunteering at a museum or historical society provides an opportunity for learning, but also a chance to become a tour guide or docent. Many communities have a local land trust that works with the community to preserve land and natural areas. There are many opportunities to contribute including organizing and working at fundraising events.
Finding interesting activities for seniors can seem confusing and complicated. Chances are there will be some glitches in the process. Some activities may be uncomfortable or logistically challenging, but could lead to something that is a better fit.
Keeping an open mind to what is possible is key. Limiting activities due to fear of failure increases the likelihood of feelings of loneliness and isolation. Talk to friends and acquaintances about what they are doing and be unafraid to organize your own groups.
BrightStar Care team members can help your loved one find activities that will bring them joy and enrich their lives. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!
Dedicated In-Home Care by BrightStar Care of Venice and Port CharlotteBrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency, offering a range of services to meet your needs:Companion Services: Meal preparation, transportation, light housekeepingPersonal Care: Bathing, dressing, transfersSkilled Care: Assessments, medication management, med box fillsMedical Staffing: Providing professional healthcare staff for various needsBrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and has been recognized as a Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice from 2016 to 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All our caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded, and insured.We are available 24/7 and just a phone call away, ready to provide reliable and compassionate care whenever you need it.
BrightStar Care of North Sarasota provides a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care, BrightStar Care offers both medical and non-medical services, including skilled nursing, personal care, and companionship. Their team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of clients in the comfort of their own homes. With a focus on maintaining the highest standards of care, BrightStar Care of North Sarasota is a trusted partner in enhancing the quality of life for those they serve.