Did you ever dream about learning or doing something, but simply run out of time every week due to the hectic pace life can take? Retirement can be an ideal time to spend effort on some of the things you always wanted to learn or hone secret talents for your own enjoyment. And despite what you might believe, it's never too late to enjoy bettering yourself, and engaging in this type of activity can actually keep you mobile or help protect your cognitive health.
Here are just a few talents you're never too late to train for and can start enjoying right from your assisted living apartment at Bethesda Gardens in Frisco or in the community.
Whether you want to go solo at family gatherings or just join in a local church choir, you're never too old to learn more about singing. You can learn more about proper form from vocal coaches on YouTube or join a local singing group for support and camaraderie. If you're unsure of yourself or know you don't have a soloist's voice, look for a small faith-based choir that's more interested in making a joyful noise in worship than creating perfection.
Many people say they want to write a book or record their stories, but they simply never get around to doing it. In part, that's because writing does take some work and commitment. But if you've had stories playing out in your head for years or centuries, there's no better time to get them down on paper.
Plenty of resources are available to guide your journey in developing this talent. You can purchase a master class from an expert, get free advice from writers who share it online (such as Jerry Jenkins) or sign up for free college classes through local community college programs or online.
Dancing can be a great talent to explore in later years. You can choose from a variety of class types to fit your physical fitness level and personal preferences, and the social nature of the hobby helps reduce risks of isolation and loneliness. Some studies have shown that engaging in activities involving music helps improve cognitive function, such as memory or focus, and it may help slow down memory and cognitive decline associated with natural aging processes as well as dementia.
The gates of photography passions were once guarded by the need for expensive camera equipment and knowledge and space to convert film into photos. But digital photography has changed that, and anyone with a smartphone or tablet can engage in the practice. You can level up by investing in attachments for your phone or buying a more professional camera if and when you're ready. Local libraries often offer photograph workshops for those that want to use their smartphones to capture images of their lives and share them in online forums.
Crafting and creating anything can be a valuable way to spend some of your retirement hours. Consider learning to crochet, make quilts, create things with paper or wood or paint or draw. If you already know how to do some of these things, consider taking a local class or getting a group together to practice the craft together. You can use what you make to sell for extra money, gift to others or adorn your own assisted living apartment.
