It’s important for everyone to stay physically active and mentally stimulated, but for older adults with limited mobility, it’s not always straightforward. Hobbies are the perfect excuse to get your body moving and your mind engaged in something that interests you. 

So, which hobbies are well-suited for older adults with limited mobility? 

Gardening

If you’ve ever spent a while inside and then stepped outside and taken a breath of fresh air, you’ll remember how refreshing it felt. Research shows that those who spend at least 120 minutes a week in nature are much more likely to have good health and improved mental wellbeing compared to those who don’t visit nature at all during an average week.

Some people with limited mobility spend a lot of time inside, but gardening gives them an excuse to get outside and enjoy nature. This hobby is also a low-impact activity which can be adapted to suit different abilities and needs. There are many aids out there, such as easy-grip and long-handled equipment that make it easier for those with limited mobility to enjoy the benefits of gardening without overexertion. 

If getting outside isn’t always an option, you can still enjoy the joys of growing plants indoors. Even potted herbs on a windowsill or balcony can be fascinating to watch as they grow and change week by week.

Photography

Another way to enjoy nature is to get your camera out and snap some photos. Whether you’re taking pictures of birds and butterflies in your garden or capturing the sunset in a local park, this hobby feels extremely therapeutic. It encourages you to move at your own pace and see the world through a creative lens – all while gently increasing physical activity.

Exercising at Home 

If exercise feels unappealing, it might be because you haven’t yet found the right kind. Getting active at home can be a hobby in itself, especially if there’s a form of exercise that you really enjoy. For those with reduced mobility, low-impact movement can be more manageable, and there are several options. Popping on your favourite songs and doing chair exercises, or practising gentle yoga in your front room, is ideal for those who struggle to leave the house often. Remember to listen to your body and do whatever feels most comfortable. 

At Your Back Yard, we also offer live-streamed online classes like Pilates, yoga, and cardio sessions, which are perfect for joining in from the comfort of your own home.

Reading or Listening to Audiobooks

Reading is a wonderful mental escape. Whether you’re at home, in the local park, or relaxing at your favourite coffee shop, a good book can transport you somewhere else entirely. If holding a book or eye strain is an issue, audiobooks offer an excellent alternative, letting you listen to stories and ideas comfortably.

For many people with limited mobility, daily life can be mentally draining, but getting lost in a book offers welcome relief, shifting focus and keeping the mind engaged.

Creative crafts 

Another way to get your brain thinking is to get creative! Knitting, crochet, and embroidery are popular, and you can create some incredible designs. There are aids to help people with this, such as ergonomic needles and pre-threaded needles too. Card making, origami, painting a canvas, and jewellery making are a few other things you might want to try. 

If you’re not a fan of starting things from scratch, then doing an adult colouring book gives you an outline to start with that you can add your own personal touch to. From nature scenes to patterns and mandalas, there’s a whole selection of colouring books out there to choose from. 

Cooking and Baking 

There’s nothing better than handing out homemade cookies to your friends and family and seeing their reactions as they bite into them. If you’re someone who struggles to stand up for long periods of time, then recipes like shortbreads or fairy cakes don’t take too long to put together. To make baking more comfortable, tools like non-slip mixing bowls, universal jar and tin openers, and adaptive utensils are designed to simplify the process and reduce strain.

When it comes to cooking, there are plenty of ergonomic tools available too, like adaptive knives, vegetable choppers, and non-slip cutting boards. Dishes that require minimal time on your feet, such as stews or quick stir-fries, are great options for enjoying home cooked food without the fatigue.

Learn Something New Online 

Doing an online course isn’t just for young people attending university, but for anyone wanting to gain skills and insight about something new. This could be learning a language, studying a subject like maths or science, or taking a course about how to play an instrument. When using technology like a laptop or a tablet, check the accessibility settings to see if there’s anything helpful. Larger fonts or text-to-speech can make a huge difference for some people. 

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully something on this list stood out to you, and perhaps you found something new you want to try. Limited mobility doesn’t look the same for everyone, but you can adapt activities to meet your needs so you feel comfortable.At Your Back Yard, we work with communities across West Yorkshire and beyond to improve facilities, support healthy lifestyles, and help older adults become more digitally included. We provide a range of health and well‑being activities designed to help you stay active. Visit our website to see how you can get involved!

Written by Holly Dodd

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