Creativity seems to come naturally to children. In your grandchild’s eyes, a cardboard box is actually a castle, and a piece of broccoli is a tree in a magical forest. As we grow up and become busy with school and jobs, it’s easy to set that natural creativity aside. However, your retirement is the perfect time to flex your creative muscles again. Whether you enjoy singing, writing, knitting, or sculpting pottery, engaging in various creative activities for adults can add some joy to your everyday life. If you aren’t sure which creative pursuit best fits your interests, why not try out a few? We’ve listed some possibilities below.
Creative Activities for Adults
Write a Memoir or Novel
You don’t have to be an artist to be creative. With all the years you’ve lived, you probably have an amazing story to tell. Writing an autobiography can be an enjoyable and even an emotionally healing process, as you find ways to convey the best and worst days of your life. This record of your memories will also be a gift to your children and an honor to your legacy.
To take the creativity a step further, make up your own work of fiction. You can write with the intention of getting your work published, or you can write for your own enjoyment and keep your work for yourself. If writing an entire book seems daunting, you could start by writing short stories, scenes, or poetry.
Take Up Photography
The art of photography involves more than just snapping a quick photo on your cell phone. While this can be a fun place to start, take advantage of all you can learn about photography. In fact, you can take some pretty amazing photos on your smartphone by implementing a few techniques. Or, pick up an old film camera and go on a walk, paying attention to the beauty of ordinary things, like the way the sun hits a fence or the dew drops on the grass. When something catches your eye, snap a picture.
If you want to get serious about photography, you can invest in a digital camera and Adobe’s photo editing software. Visit your local library, a bookstore, or even YouTube to find resources that will help you learn how to operate your camera and edit photos.
Make Music or Act
Singing, learning a new instrument, and acting are excellent creative activities for adults. Not only can they spur your imagination, but they can also help you make new friends. By joining a choir, you’ll get to meet at least a dozen new people and work with them to collectively produce beautiful songs. The same goes for acting or singing in a show. Ask your local theatre if they offer classes, or go out on a whim and audition for a show. If you don’t consider yourself a singer or an actor, let an instrument produce the sound for you. It’s never too late to learn a new instrument. Take private lessons, and with a little patience, you might even master it – and if you don’t, at least you had fun and tried something new!
Reignite Your Love for an Old Hobby
What were your favorite childhood hobbies? Whether you spent your summer vacation building model trains, painting imaginative pictures, or dancing around your room, consider taking up a long-lost hobby in your sunset years. And what did you fill your free time with before retirement? Did you love sewing, cooking, or sketching? As a retired adult, you can dedicate more time to becoming even better at your craft. Take cooking classes, experiment with a new art medium like pottery, or take up a difficult sewing project.
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With so many creative activities for adults to choose from, you shouldn’t have any problem entertaining yourself during a snowy winter evening or a rainy summer day. Happy creating!
If you’re looking for a new home where you can enjoy your golden years, check out The Shores of Lake Phalen in Maplewood, Minnesota. Our community is located in a wooded setting near two lakes, and it offers apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. Thanks to the team of dedicated staff members, residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle without the common worries of running a household. Schedule a tour to explore our community or give us a call at 651-777-7784. We look forward to hearing from you!