10 Activities for Retired Veterans
Retirement is a time to relax and enjoy what you’ve earned. This is especially true for retired veterans who served our country and protected our freedoms at home and abroad, often while enduring time away from home and apart from family. A close-knit community of friends and neighbors can help veterans stay engaged and make the most of their free time in retirement.
Choosing an active senior living community is a perfect fit for many retired veterans who enjoy the company of others in a similar stage of life and who share common experiences. It’s a place where retired veterans and military spouses can relax, unwind, and discover opportunities for inspiration and purpose every day.
We put together this list of engaging activities for retired veterans and their loved ones:
1. Join a walking club. Venture out with friends on a walking route through the community, and enjoy the beauty of courtyards and gardens along the way. If the weather keeps you indoors, you could change it up and get your steps in on a treadmill in the fitness center instead.
2. Try strength training. Working with a personal trainer or joining a strength-training class can help you learn the proper techniques and create a customized weight-lifting routine that matches your goals and physical abilities.
3. Find your balance. Stretch your mind and body with gentle exercises such as yoga and tai chi. If you’re not sure where to start, join a class for beginners. Practicing simple yoga poses can promote a relaxed state of mind while improving flexibility, balance, and strength.
4. Get creative. Working on art and craft projects can be a rewarding way to spend your free time. It’s also a great way to meet people who share your interests. You could find a creative outlet through painting, ceramics, knitting, woodworking or other projects.
5. Play an instrument. You don’t have to be a musician to express yourself through music. Learn something new or dust off an instrument you used to play years ago. You could take guitar lessons, experiment with sounds on a keyboard, or teach yourself to play harmonica or ukulele. All that matters is that you have fun while doing it!
6. Take a field trip. You don’t have to travel far for an adventure when there’s so much to discover close to home. Plan an outing to visit area parks and gardens, explore museums, or attend a sports game or theater show.
7. Go back to the classroom. There’s always something new to learn, whether you’re interested in technology, art, languages, history or other subjects. Freedom Village of Bradenton offers guest lectures and educational classes for residents, and you can also check out lifelong learning opportunities at the University of South Florida in Sarasota.
8. Volunteer in your community. Share your time and talents by volunteering with a local nonprofit organization. It’s a great way to meet people who share your values and make a difference in the greater community.
9. Join a local veterans organization. Spending time with veterans who are active in the community is a great way to find support and camaraderie.
10. Find a new hobby. Pursuing new interests or revisiting old hobbies can keep you mentally sharp and physically active as you age. Find something that inspires you, whether that’s gardening, birdwatching, collecting seashells, writing in a journal, working on family genealogy, or other hobbies.
Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit
Living in an all-inclusive retirement community is more affordable than you think when you choose Freedom Village of Bradenton. Military veterans may also be eligible for benefits that bring down the cost of senior living. If you have questions about the Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit for those who have served and their spouses, contact us for more information about how these financial benefits can make community living possible.
A Strong Community Where Veterans Thrive
At Freedom Village of Bradenton, we have a full calendar of activities for seniors with countless opportunities to learn new things, connect with others, and stay active in retirement. We invite you to learn more about our independent living community in the heart of Bradenton, where you’ll find a strong presence of retired veterans and their families.
