Fun Classes for Seniors – Staying Engaged, Staying Healthy

Seniors everywhere are becoming more aware of the effects of aging. We live in a time where we have everything we need at our fingertips to stay healthy. We are also blessed with limitless knowledge that is instantly available at the click of a button. In all, nothing is holding us back from doing or learning whatever we want.

Keeping yourself busy as you age has a profound effect on your cognitive abilities, mood and self-esteem. Fun classes for seniors help older adults stay sharp and provide interesting ways for them to spend their time productively.   

A 2020 study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B found that older adults learning a variety of skills during the same time period increased cognitive abilities to levels similar to adults 30 years younger.

Besides this, classes can also allow seniors to discover new passions, learn new skills or hone existing ones. They provide a forum for social interaction and can often be a place where new friendships develop and relationships grow. 

Here are a few fun classes for adults that seniors can take to stay creatively engaged in their free time.

1. Free Online Classes for Seniors

The internet is rich with a vast range of free online classes that seniors can take. Senior art classes, sewing, carpentry, baking, knitting, chair yoga, etc., are just a few examples. Regardless of your area of interest, you are sure to find free online classes that will help you cultivate your interests. A simple Google search will yield plentiful results. 

If it's academic excellence you are after, websites like edX and Udemy offer paid as well as free courses in a range of subjects. If you're looking to improve your tech skills, you will find free classes on websites like Teach an Old Dog New Tricks. 

Many of these online classes also provide a certificate upon completion that can add another feather to your cap. 

1. Community College

It is never too late to learn something new. If there is something you have always longed to learn at college, there is no time like the present to enroll yourself. Community college is a great way to get back out there, engage with peers and explore new areas of academia. 

Getting a degree is a tremendous accomplishment, but you are not bound to this commitment. Joining a community college does not mean that you have to get a degree. You can simply enroll in short-term classes that interest you, as and when they are available.

Senior art classes are quite popular today. There is nothing like a peaceful afternoon to get those creative juices flowing. Drawing, painting, sculpting, sketching, etc., are just a few art areas to explore. If you have trouble locating classes in your vicinity, the internet is filled with free online art tutorials. SkillShare and YouTube are two great platforms to get you started.

In addition to the joy of learning a new skill and creating something beautiful, art classes also positively affect cognitive function. According to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology, artistic engagement has been known to reduce mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. 

1. Cooking Classes

Young or old, cooking is a skill that everyone can acquire with proper training. If you know how to cook, you don’t have to depend on take-outs or anyone else to provide your meals. You can choose your own ingredients and ensure that you are consistently eating healthy, balanced meals.  

Cooking is perhaps one of the most fun classes for adults out there. These classes are easy to find in most communities. But if not, once again, the internet can come to your rescue. You can find easy-to-follow video tutorials all over the internet. All you have to do is search for the dish you would like to learn how to make and simply get cooking.

Cooking can be an effective stress buster and a great way to unwind or cheer yourself up when you’re down. Creating something truly delicious can also give you a deep sense of accomplishment.  

We cannot stress how important it is to stay fit as you age. Keeping active in your later years can prove beneficial in many ways. For one, it can keep mobility issues at bay. Secondly, it keeps your mind sharp. And finally, it ensures that muscles and joints remain strong, preventing falls in the elderly in the long run. If you can handle slightly more challenging exercises, you can invest in basic exercise equipment for seniors that you can use for home workouts. If you prefer to do low-impact exercises, you can still do a lot to keep your body fit and agile

As balance and coordination can start to fade with age, you can try these interesting and fun balance exercises to keep you agile as you age. Mobility issues are a very common development with age. You can keep these at bay with simple mobility workouts at home, with or without equipment. 

Benefits of Fun Activities for Seniors 

Fun classes for seniors have endless benefits. They:

• Keep you creatively engaged.
• Improve cognitive function and reduce cognitive impairment
• Keep you fit and active
• Improve mood and self-esteem
• Provide opportunities for social interaction
• Improve physical health and keep mobility issues at bay
• They promote overall emotional and mental health 

Final Thoughts

With age comes the gift of time. Retired seniors are at a unique advantage in their golden years to do with them as they please. With plenty of time to cultivate a new hobby, improve fitness or learn a new skill, many seniors can look towards various activities to keep them creatively engaged. 

The benefits of classes, courses and creative activities for seniors are immense. So, take this opportunity to learn something that brings you joy.