Title: Participating in Activities You Enjoy | National Institute on Aging
Headings: Participating in Activities You Enjoy
Participating in Activities You Enjoy
June's Story
Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Melvin and Linn's Story
Activities to Consider
Get Out and About
Learn Something New
Become More Active in Your Community
Maria's Story
Be Physically Active
Ted's Story
Find the Right Balance
For More Information About Participating in Activities

Content: Research shows that staying active can help older adults like June stay healthy. Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
Engaging in social and productive activities you enjoy, like taking an art class or becoming a volunteer in your community, may help to maintain your well-being. Research tells us that older people with an active lifestyle: Are less likely to develop certain diseases. Participating in hobbies and other social and leisure pursuits may lower risk for developing some health problems, including dementia. Have a longer lifespan. One study showed that older adults who reported taking part in social activities (such as playing games, belonging to social groups, or traveling) or meaningful, productive activities (such as having a paid or unpaid job, or gardening) lived longer than people who did not. Researchers are further exploring this connection. Are happier and less depressed. Studies suggest that older adults who participate in what they believe are meaningful activities, like volunteering in their communities, say they feel happier and healthier.