Seniors are jumping on the technology bandwagon now that smartphones, tablets, and laptops are more user-friendly. They enjoy staying in touch with loved ones using social media and video chat and watching videos online. Seniors also know that the internet is a fantastic resource for learning new skills, and we’re going to suggest a few that you can learn and then share with a group of friends.
1. Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
Seniors can develop knowledge of music by taking online music courses. If you’ve always been a music lover and want to learn more about your favorite composer, band, or instrument, start with one of the free online courses suggested by Springboard.
As you become inspired, sign up for online music lessons to learn to play a musical instrument, such as a clarinet, from the comfort of your home. The clarinet is a popular instrument to learn because it is fairly easy for beginners. There is a one-to-one correspondence of notes to fingerings and one melodic line.
As you perfect your instrument, consider joining a community band or playing at your church. You’ll expand your circle of friends and enjoy making music with others. The other reason to take up an instrument is the mental health benefits of playing music. According to Medical News Today, playing and listening to music lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and has the power to relieve symptoms of depression.
2. Perfecting Your Golf Game
Seniors enjoy playing golf because it gets them out in the sunshine and provides exercise without causing overexertion. If you’re hoping to improve your golf game, consider going online to learn tips and take video golf lessons. If you live in an area of the country that prevents you from playing outdoors during winter, perfect your skills using online resources so you’re ready to play when warmer weather returns.
If you live in a place that is warm and sunny year-round, you can put your new skills to the test as soon as you hit the course again. Either way, you’ll improve your basic golf skills and fundamentals, or you’ll gain the confidence to play golf for the first time with a group of friends.
3. Learning a New Hobby
Seniors enjoy their hobbies, and there are several online resources online to help you take yours to a whole new level. For example, if you enjoy fishing, you can learn how to tie flies by watching tutorials. You’ll find videos for flies that are appropriate to use at various times throughout the fishing season as well as for flies that will help you land different types of fish. Don’t be afraid to start a fly-tying club with your friends. You can watch the videos together and then tie flies a couple of times a week. If the outdoors are your happy place, why not look to your own backyard for a potential hobby to take up such as gardening or landscaping? Find inspiration and ideas to implement in your yard via a quick search online. There is always work to be done whether it is planting, watering, or pulling weeds, and it creates a wonderful outdoor space to escape to to relax and unwind.
On the other hand, if you enjoy knitting, you can learn new skills and patterns through online videos and tutorials. Many online knitting videos guide you through correcting common mistakes, building on your existing skills, and making gifts for loved ones that they will appreciate for many years. You also can start a knitting group with friends or church members and share the skills you’ve learned with others.
Seniors who want to have more fun and expand their circle of friends should learn new skills online and share them with others. For example, you can take an online music course or learn to play the clarinet. You also can take online golf lessons or learn a new hobby by watching online videos.Image via Pixabay by Imaresz