February 12, 2021

Ways to Walk More

Seniors Walking
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

Everyone knows walking is good for you.  Almost everyone can walk without risk of injury or danger of doing too much.  If you have any doubts at all talk to your doctor.  They probably will encourage you.  Here are some ideas.

Park in the Back of Parking Lots

This one has been around for a while, but it really does make sense Those extra steps add up.  And the side advantage is that it is less likely your car will get dinged from other cars doors or shopping carts.

Take the Stairs Instead of Elevator

OK, so this one is more than just walking and has also been around for a while.  This one is supposed to be really good for your heart.  Just don’t overdo it by starting with 20 flights of stairs!

Some people even make a practice of this one by purposely going up and down the stairs at some set time each day.  Again, if you don’t overdo it I imagine it would be great for you.

Walk to Pick Up Sunday Paper

For me the closest place to pick up the paper is about a mile away.  I used to take the walk regularly, although I admit I do most of my walking these days on a treadmill.  Maybe I should reconsider.

Drive to a Park and Take a Walk

This one accomplishes a few purposes at once.  The walking is good for you.  Getting to a quiet place and in a little nature is good to reduce stress and give you time to think.  For those in a city you may be able to walk to a park.  The rest of us may have to drive a little.

Drive to a Further Away Park and Take a Hike

Many state and county parks have great hiking trails.  Here you can really do some walking.  If you haven’t hiked in a while stick to easy and moderate trails.  Again, the hiking is a great stress reliever.

Take the Dog for a Walk Around the Block

This is one of the reasons a pet is good for you.  Your dog will probably love it so much they will try to drag you out every day.  It may take a little effort (of the dog and you,) but is well worth it!

Mow the Lawn Yourself

Get some walking, some exercise, and save some money in the process.  Those landscaping services can get expensive.

Offer to Mow an Elderly Neighbor’s Lawn

This is an even better idea.  The neighbor will really appreciate it and you will feel good inside.

Take the Dog to a Park and Take Him for a Walk

Think your dog loves a walk around the block?  They will really love going to a park for a walk.  Great new smells to explore and maybe even meetups with other dog friends.  And you might make some friends too!  Dog people are generally good people, and dog people usually get along well with other dog people.

Volunteer for Some Local Trail Cleanup

With budget cuts many trails depend on volunteers to keep trails open, litter free and well maintained.  Make some inquires and you will probably find a group you can join.  Or if there isn’t a group why not start one?  Sometimes people just need someone to take the initiative and they will agree to help.

There are so many ideas.  What are yours?

Filed Under: Health, Hobbies, Things To Do Leave a Comment
February 5, 2021

Anything Good From The Pandemic For Retired People?

Senior Washing Hands
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

First let me explain that I know the COVID pandemic has been devastating for many people, especially for older folks.  Almost everyone knows someone who has suffered because of the virus.  This article is in no way meant to minimize the effects of the pandemic in any way.  I pray for anyone dealing with COVID, and especially for anyone who has lost loved ones.

For the rest of us, let’s be grateful and look at some of the little ways our lives may have improved as a result of changes made necessary by the pandemic.

Senior Hours

I love senior hours and take advantage of them whenever I can.  Of course, those 6:00AM grocery runs are tough!

Less Traffic

When you do venture out there is a little less traffic.  That is good for the nerves and saves a little time in your day. 

You Might Be Saving Money

Less traffic saves money on gas and wear and tear on your car.  You are not eating out as much at restaurants and that can save a ton.  Even if you are using take out it is usually less expensive than sit down dining.

You Might Be Eating Better

In theory if you are eating more at home you might be eating more healthy meals.  This isn’t guaranteed of course but most homemade meals are better for you than fast food.  You might even get better at cooking which could be healthier long after the pandemic is over.

People Care A Little More, Or At Least Ask How You Are Doing

It’s weird, I’ve noticed people are generally more tense, but maybe a little more thoughtful of others.  I see this in little ways.  People are a little friendlier to cashiers in the store.  They say thank you to the delivery person.  On Zoom calls everyone asks how everyone is doing and if their families are healthy.  In this crazy political climate this is nice to see (I’m writing this in October, 2020.)  Hopefully this is another trend that will continue after the pandemic is long gone!

Good ForThe Environment

A little less driving means a little less pollution.  National and state parks are not as busy which is good for the animals and creates less strain on their ecosystem.  And when people do go to the parks, I think they appreciate them more.  In fact, during this pandemic I think we are all appreciating things we used to take for granted just a little more.

You Get More Reading Done

More time at home means more time for reading.  Yes, I know some people are just glued to the TV, but that gets old eventually.  Then people that haven’t picked up a book in a while might give it a try.  And avid readers just have a little more time to enjoy their reading habit.

You Are Really Learning How To Use Your Computer

Your computer is fast becoming central to communicating with the world.  This was already happening, but the pandemic has accelerated it.

More Remote Jobs

Remote jobs are easier for retired people that want to continue working.  And age discrimination is a little less of a problem.

You Try New Hobbies

The media has been touting the virtues of hobbies to help people cope.  Some are listening and it is good for us.  In my case I’ve always had the problem of too many interests, but I’ve gotten back to some that I drifted away from over the years.

More Exercise – At Home Or Outside

The media also has encouraged people to exercise more as a way to relieve stress.  I think they are listening.  I see more people outside walking.  Bike sales are way up.  Another trend that hopefully will continue.

You Hear More From The Kids

If you have grown kids you might be hearing from them more often.  Some of this might be out of guilt because they are afraid you might kick the bucket during the pandemic! (Only Kidding!)  But they also have a little more time and I’d like to think we all value our families a little more.

I pray for all of you going through the pandemic.  If you are fortunate enough to not be touched personally let’s all make the best of it!

Filed Under: General, Health, Hobbies, Personal Development, Things To Do Leave a Comment
January 29, 2021

10 Quick Setup Hobbies

Knitting Yarn and Knitting Needles
Photo by Margarida Afonso on Unsplash

If you feel yourself getting bored for whatever reason a new hobby might be the answer.  Before spending a ton of money and time on expensive gear why not consider some “guick setup” hobbies and see if you like them.  Then if you do you can then go all in on the fancy accessories and gear!  Here are some ideas to get you started.

Coin Collecting Using Pocket Change

Most people get started in coin collecting just looking at their pocket change or digging through the cushions in your sofa or your car seats.  You can collect by year or just save whatever seems interesting.  The point is you can do quite a bit without going out and buying expensive rare coins

Stamp Collecting Using Mail

I’m not an expert on stamp collecting but I assume you could start the same way as with coin collecting.  I see at least three ways to get started:

  • Cut the stamps off any mail you receive.  With email and the Internet we get less regular snail mail then we use to but we still get some.  Over time you can build up a collection.
  • Have friends and relatives also save their stamps for you.
  • Visit the post office and see what interesting stamps they have.  Do this once a month and you have a good start to a collection.

Writing

For writing you just need a pen and paper, so you cannot get set up much faster than that!  Obviously, a word processor makes things easier.

Nature Observing in Your Backyard

You might be surprised what you can find in your backyard or maybe a nearby park if you live in an apartment or the city.  Start by identifying some of the trees and plants.  Use your phone’s camera to take pictures of anything interesting, from animals and birds to rocks and trees.

Drawing

I can’t draw to save myself, but you might be more talented!  All you need is a pencil and paper.  Maybe check on the Internet to find some beginners tutorials or courses.

Bird Watching

For bird watching all you really need is your eyes and some patience.  Maybe dig out those binoculars sitting in the back of your closet.  If you can manage to get close enough use your phone to take some pictures.  Keep a journal of your findings.

Walking

You can start walking 30 seconds from now.  Just put on some sneakers and head out the door.  If the weather stinks start up that treadmill collecting dust in the corner.  Or just grab an umbrella and short of a blizzard head off for that walk regardless of weather.  In the beginning it is just about getting into a routine.  Everyone knows the health and mental benefits of walking are numerous.  Eventually start keeping track of your distance or maybe keep a journal of your wanderings.

Listening to Music

Most of us listen to music.  It’s easy to turn this into a hobby by organizing your collection or possibly expanding your listening.  Today’s streaming makes it easy to sample new artists and new kinds of music that you haven’t paid attention to before.

Photography (just grab your phone or old digital camera you have laying around)

With today’s technology anyone can be a photographer.  Just grab your phone and justify that expensive phone’s camera.  Or maybe you have an old digital camera lying around that just needs fresh batteries.  With your computer’s software and inexpensive hard drives, it’s easy to store and clean up your photos.  Have fun.

Short Trips Travel (just grab a local map)

I’ve written an article on this one but the basic idea is to grab a local map and draw a circle a few miles out from home.  Pick out some towns within the circle and then hit the Internet.  Look for parks, hiking trails, bike trails, historic sites, tours, and scenic overlooks within the circle.  Then visit the sites you find.  You might be surprised.  Maybe take some pictures or keep a journal of your travels.  It is good practice for when you decide to wander further in the future.

So, there are my ideas of “quick setup” hobbies to explore.  What are your ideas?

Filed Under: Hobbies, Things To Do Leave a Comment