Women over 50 are usually looking for something to do in their free time, like knitting, learning new board games, or even becoming a “plant mom.” But did you know that all these hobbies aren’t just fun, but beneficial, too? Read on to find out how some fun activities can improve your health.
Board Games Boost Problem-Solving Abilities
Board games may sound like an old-fashioned thing to enjoy in a world full of TVs and smartphones, but around 70% of women over 50 still enjoy playing.
Apart from bringing back childhood memories, these games also help you think of a plan or solution you’ve been stuck on. Research proves that playing board games boost creativity as they stimulate our brains and allow us to be more open to new ideas.
Pickleball Helps Fight Off Depression
Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Washington state and for the past three years, it’s been the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Women over 50 play it most regularly, which is great as it can make them significantly happier.
Due to its accessibility for beginners and lighter paddles that are easy to pick up, the sport is popular among elderly people. In addition, it improves mental health, reduces stress levels, and increases overall happiness.
Knitting Improves Memory
Another hobby that’s gained a lot of traction in recent years is knitting due to the artistic freedom that its practicers gain. One more benefit is that it improves fuzzy short-term and long-term memory as well as decision-making abilities.
When people perform a task, the part of the brain that controls the task gets stronger and more efficient. It’s the same as with physical exercises.
Reading Contributes to Better Recall
Enjoying sitting down and getting lost in a good book isn’t exclusive to any age group or gender, but for women over 50, it can be particularly beneficial as it sharpens your episodic and working memory.
It allows you to keep track of storylines and remember specific details as it challenges the memory-managing areas of the brain.
Fight Fatigue by Taking Care of Houseplants
While it used to be a means of survival, planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs has now become a hobby, and a popular one at that. And when it comes to women over 50, the bigger their gardens are, the better; around 46% said they plan to grow the size of their gardens each year.
Taking care of your garden keeps you energetic throughout the day. That’s because plants “breathe” in carbon dioxide through their leaves, and carbon dioxide triggers drowsiness in humans. So less carbon dioxide means less fatigue!
Spending Time in Nature Soothes Pain
Nowadays, people spend a lot of time in nature, especially elderly women. This hobby decreases stress and reduces ongoing pain, such as arthritis and backaches.
Being around trees can also reduce chronic pain. The reason is the pain-squashing compounds that plants release into the air.