Hobby - WKTV Journal

With the gentle passing of time, and as we grow in experience and maturity, we can sometimes find ourselves getting bored with the hobbies that we’ve been enjoying for many years. That’s not to say that the hobbies haven’t been pleasant, but at this point, it just may seem like—something is missing.

Having more time in retirement offers the opportunity to expand our knowledge base in new, exciting places. Not only can this be a fun journey, but it also offers tremendous benefit to health, happiness, and mental sharpness.

An opportunity to turn dreams into reality

A large percentage of people who retire eventually elect to downsize from a large home, condo, or co-op to an assisted living community that can better meet the needs of aging adults. Their lives may have changed dramatically, and they now feel the emotional need for a comfortable transition to a more relaxed and fun-filled lifestyle that is more suitable for aging adults.

Moving into a well-run, friendly and luxurious assisted living community can be an excellent opportunity to make new friends, try a few new things and discover new passions. Let’s be frank, who doesn’t want more leisure time to enjoy life’s pleasures? This remains the case for those dealing with health challenges and disabilities.

Exciting new activities

With assisted living activities, the objective is helping people enrich their lives in a new home and friendly community. These activities encourage people to have fun and try new things whether it’s learning to play chess, learning to play pool, or exploring computer classes where they can send and receive photos of their adult children, grandchildren, and their siblings. They may not physically be able to visit foreign countries, but they can take a tour via the internet.

Assisted living activities like arts and theater appreciation improve the quality of life for both caregivers and loved ones. Artistic expression can put a sparkle in their eyes and an uplifting sense of achievement.

For those who have had a burning desire to create and develop a blog, write a children’s book, or try their hand at poetry, assisted living creates an ideal and safe environment for this type of artistic exploration.

Gardening is also an extremely popular choice. It provides community members with the opportunity to experience nature in a very intimate and personal way. It’s also perfect for stress relief, relaxation and heart health. Nurturing and caring for a tiny and delicate flowering plant as it slowly grows into a magnificent work of nature can be an incredible experience.

There are so many activities that can ignite a fun and active spirit no matter the participant’s age. And even if it’s something entirely new to you or your loved one, the key element is finding the strength to embark on something new. Who knows? It just may be the key part to discovering a brand-new passion in life.

Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

With school out, kids have a lot of free time on their hands. Instead of having them stay home all summer long, give them an educational vacation! There are hands-on, interactive, and genuinely fun educational experiences that will have kids of all ages learning throughout summer break, whether they know it or not. There are even educational vacations for adults, including in-depth winery and brewery tours. Make sure that the whole family is having a fun summer, while still learning, in West Michigan.

Learn a New Hobby

With the Action Summer Camps at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, your kids will be introduced to the world of wakeboarding. These camps are the perfect place for eager wakeboarders to expand their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Action Wake Park camps supply your camper with everything they’ll need, including professional instruction. For dates and sign up information, visit Action Wake Park’s website.

Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont offers golf lessons throughout the summer. In their Junior Program, the less-experienced golfers will learn basic golf instruction, USGA rules, and proper course etiquette. Intermediate to advanced golfers will improve their skills, prepare for competitive golf, and participate in weekly competitions.

Check out the Creative Chocolate Class at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven. Designed to cater to your sweeter, more artistic side, the 90-minute class is an adventure that you’ll want to be sure to add to your schedule. You will have the opportunity to learn about chocolate while socializing with friends, family, and other chocolate enthusiasts.

Drop into Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta every Wednesday for a half hour group lesson from their PGA pros, five holes of golf, and happy hour food and drinks during their Five-Hole Happy Hour! Cost is only $25 per week, and you’ll golf alongside pros who will offer course tips.

Saskatoon Golf in Alto hosts Junior Golf Lessons and Leagues, perfect for any beginner, intermediate, or advanced player looking to hone their skills. The Junior League requires players to be familiar with golf basics and etiquette. The nine-week league places teams in a bracket to see who can come out on top. Enroll your kids in these lessons or leagues today to see if they have what it takes to rule the greens!