Discover the Magic of Writing in Your Golden Years

Pursuing hobbies as a senior is the foundation of living a healthy retirement. The problem is that sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to keep your brain stimulated in a way that's uniquely enjoyable at the same time. Doing activities like puzzles or math problems can feel like a chore rather than a true hobby.

Have you tried delving into the creative world of writing?

In this guide, we explore the benefits and joys of writing as a hobby. We also go through tips on how to get started so you can dive right in. Keep reading to learn more!

Benefits of Senior Writing

When it comes to hobbies for the elderly, few have as many mental benefits as writing. It doesn't matter what style of writing or even the quality of the writing. The simple act of engaging in writing can give you the benefits of:

Strengthen memory
Build confidence
Improve critical thinking
Strengthen empathy
Clearer thought process
Improve focus
Reduce stress

The best part is that all of these benefits happen naturally without it ever feeling like something you need to focus on. You only need to engage in writing and you'll stimulate your brain and keep it active all while having a good time.

Join a Creative Group

Sometimes the best way to get started with creative pursuits for seniors is to join a group of like-minded seniors. You'll gain a passionate support group who are interested in the same activity as you.

It can be a relief to have the option to ask other writers a question or opinion about something when you're in the middle of a writing spree.

Even if you prefer to write in the solitude of your living quarters, sometimes the social aspect of a group can give you a new perspective. It can be worth it to give a creative group a try and see how it impacts both your writing and your overall mood. It may even help spark inspiration for that area in your writing that's been giving you trouble.

How to Start Writing

The process of writing is an individual endeavor. Each writer has a different method, which you'll only discover as you continue practicing. However, there are a few things you can do to help lower that initial fear of participating in a hobby as personal as writing.

Choosing a Genre

Figuring out the genre and type of writing that interests you most is the first step. There are so many styles out there that there's bound to be something that sparks your inspiration, including:

Fantasy
Historical fiction
Science fiction
Personal memoirs
Mystery
Non-fiction
Western
Crime thriller
Horror
Children's literature
Fairytales
Humor

You can also mix and match a bunch of genres to suit an idea you have. There are no real rules when it comes to writing as long as you enjoy and express yourself to the fullest.

Method of Writing

Do you know how you want to write? This is another preference you'll discover as you pursue writing but choosing one to start with can make it easier to begin.

Many writers prefer typing on a keyboard, whether it be on a computer or a typewriter. This allows them to convey words quickly and can aid in the flow of their thought processes. It does require good posture and frequent breaks from the machine to prevent injury.

Others prefer the slower method of putting pen to paper. This gives them time to think things through and it can be a joy to fill a page with physical ink. Some find holding a pen for so long can cause cramps and pains, however.

Another method is dictation. Recording yourself and then later writing those words down can be an easier process for many senior writers.

Test as many methods as you'd like until you find what works for you. Take your physical limitations into account and don't be afraid to change your method to suit how you feel on a certain day.

Letting Go of Perfection

The desire for instant perfection can put a stop to the flowing words as you write. You'll find yourself going back to edit over and over again until hours pass and you've written only a few sentences.

No beautiful page of prose ever started from nothing.

It's better to put words on a page until you're finished, and then go back to edit. Keeping the two processes separated can help you keep going, rather than getting stuck on perfecting that one sentence that's bothering you.

A clever trick to stop yourself from editing before you're ready is to cover up your words as you write them. Some writers use white font on a white document on their computers. Others use a separate paper to cover the previous lines they've written as they scribble down the page.

Take Breaks

There needs to be a balance when it comes to your writing. Creating a habit of writing will help keep the words flowing, but trying to force them too much can create a block.

Don't forget to indulge in other senior activities from time to time.

Not only do they give you a mental break, but they can also help to inspire you. Inspiration comes from all areas in the world. A small piece of conversation or the way another person laughs can be what you need to hear to get excited to write again.

Without participating in other things, you won't have the chance to fill your creative bucket.

Pursuing Hobbies as a Senior With Addington Place

The act of pursuing hobbies as a senior can sometimes be overwhelming or even frightening. Choosing a community where you feel comfortable and supported is the best way to combat these debilitating feelings. Addington Place can be such a community for you.

Addington Place of Shiloh brings personal and passionate care to Illinois. When you join our community, you're gaining an extended family who will work with you to elevate your life in all ways.