These days, I have to stop and think about my age. Usually I’m shocked when I remember the actual number. Hint: I didn’t have a cell phone until I was in my thirties. As I think about getting older, my mind starts to wander to limitations and missed opportunities. At this point in my life I have to acknowledge that there are some things I will never do. Maybe I don’t have the time, or the money, or I’m not physically capable. It could be that in addition to getting older I have also gotten more fearful. Whatever the reason, I will never play tennis professionally, take several months to travel around the world, or sing in front of a large audience. Okay, that last one has nothing to do with age.
But there are many things I can still do. And even many things that I haven’t tried before. The same is true for you, regardless of your age. Studies show that trying new things is an important step in warding off alzheimers and other brain diseases, by helping to keep your brain sharp. Cognitive ability, physical activity, and social engagement have positive effects on memory and thinking ability as we age. In addition, people who engage in a variety of experiences retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones. Mini adventures can also lead to other non physical benefits like improved self esteem and confidence, making new friends, and even stumbling across an undiscovered talent or passion.
While we can, and should, continue to plan for the big items on our bucket list, we can start today with the small stuff. The following ideas can be tried with little advance planning, minimal time, money, or physical training. Most combine at least 2 of the characteristics that will benefit you most: Cognitive, Physical, and Social interactions. I have grouped them into 4 different categories: Learn something new, Get Social, Get Out and Explore, Put Yourself Out There.
Learn Something New
The idea here is to reach a little. Try something you’ve never tried, or only minimally tried. If you’re typically into athletic activities, try cooking or photography. Many local colleges offer unique classes. Check their catalogs. At Bunker Hill Community College in Massachusetts, you can take a 3 hour, noncredit course in Craft Cocktails and Mixology for $119. And frequently you don’t need to find anything this formal. For almost anything you want to try, there’s an online video that can show you how. Many of these items make for a great fun activity with other people, so grab a friend and broaden your horizons! Here are some other ideas:
–Bake a cake from scratch
–Tackle a home improvement project
–Take a scuba diving lesson
–Learn to play chess
–Learn a magic trick
–Take a CPR class
–Try a new sport
–Get a pet you’ve never had before
–Research your family tree
Get Social
Many options here to get together. It’s great to do things with your best buddies, but don’t be afraid to try something that will force you to meet new people.
–Join a team or club: Book club, poker night, sports team, trivia night; if you can’t locate your ideal group, start one yourself (www.wikihow.com/start-a-successful-club)
–Volunteer for something you’re passionate about
–Host an event: Dinner party, theme party, game night, scavenger hunt, larping; check out mymysteryparty.com; better yet, invite someone new to the mix
–Take a class in something you’ve always found interesting
–Meetup.com: organizes adult gatherings for like minded individuals
–Plan a day trip and invite your favorite travel companions
–Play like a kid: lasertag, paintball, hopscotch, hide and seek, roller skating, flying a kite, have a water balloon fight; challenge your kids to a contest in jumproping, hula hoops, cartwheels
Get Out and Explore
Exploring is all about getting outside and discovering new things. You don’t have to go far. There are interesting buildings, trails, boutique shops, cafes, country stores, etc, in every town in America. Start with onlyinyourstate.com.
–Go for a hike
–Try ziplining
–Find a great spot and watch the sunrise
–Attend a fair/farmers market/festival
–Go for a picnic
–Take the train/bus/ferry
–Attend an auction
–Try geocaching
–Go fishing
–Do some gardening
–Golf (full-on, mini-golf, driving range)
–Bird watching
–Paddle boarding
–Camping
–Look for covered bridges, waterfalls
–Explore a new culture: try their food, church, music, holidays, museums or historic sites
Put Yourself Out There
This is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Sure, you might feel awkward, silly, maybe even embarrassed. But it could also be a blast, and you’ll be so proud of yourself just for trying!
–Make a You Tube/Tik Tok Video
–Audition for a game show (go to a show’s website or check castingcallhub.com/tryout/game-show/
–Switch up your regular routine: If you’re a rock n roll girl, check out some live country music and line dancing; Go to the theatre to experience an unlikely movie selection; get a new hairdo, outfit, tattoo, piercing
–Try something that scares you: Roller coasters, ghost tours, public speaking
–Do something kind for a stranger
–Identify someone you’re grateful for and then tell them why you’re so happy to have them in your life
–Surprise someone who might need some lifting up: balloons, baked goods, or just a surprise visit
–Share a new interest or talent with your friends: made your first quilt? wrote a poem? Show it off with pride.
I hope this list has inspired you to try something new! You probably thought of some or your own ideas while reading mine. I’d love to hear about them. Share your ideas, and your experiences with me!
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