How to Engage Your Mind and Body as a Senior in Austin

Life is too short not to live it to the fullest. No matter your age, it is never too late to pick up a new hobby, build new friendships, follow a dream or discover a new passion. In the process, these new experiences can work wonders on your brain function. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, engaging the aging brain is all about finding ways to fulfill your physical, mental and emotional needs.  

Here are some things you can do to keep you feeling as young as you wish to feel.  

Stay Physically Active 

Think beyond the gym. Physical activity is not one size fits all. Contrary to popular societal norms, exercise is not all about weight loss. Staying active has a wide range of benefits. From improving memory, releasing “feel good” endorphins and boosting immunity, the positive effects of exercise are endless. 

Austin has many options to keep you moving and grooving: 

• Discover the art of dance through Ballet Austin.
• Join the YMCA for Senior Fitness classes. 
• Take a pilates class with friends.
• Head to a pool for water fitness classes.

Be adventurous, and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try something new. If the fitness activity is not outlined specifically for senior citizens, so what? You might just find a new pastime. 

Stay Learning

Opportunities for learning are not confined to a traditional school setting. Learning something new might mean getting crafty, picking up a good book, visiting a place filled with rich history or taking your skills into the kitchen to whip up a delicious meal. 

Here are some suggestions to get you inspired to learn something new: 

• While traditional family recipes and cooking techniques are wonderful things to cherish, why not spice things up a bit? Join the team at Cozy Meal for a cooking class. All classes are centered around your interest. Whether you’d like to explore french cuisine, learn to cook the perfect steak or try your hand at southern cooking, they have something for everyone. 
• Picking a new book can be a daunting task. When you finally decide on one, half the fun of reading is talking about it with someone. Consider joining a book club through the Austin Public Library. 
• Music can be enjoyed by all ages. Consider learning to play an instrument through the Lonestar School of Music.

Stay Social 

Humans are hard-wired to desire connection and have a need for community. There are few things greater in life than the love, support and companionship of a genuine friend. Making friends as an adult can sometimes be tricky. Luckily, Austin is full of groups just for you. Who knows – your new best friend could be just around the corner!

• Consider joining a social group. Meetup is a website specifically designed to be a hub for people to find connections in their city. Groups like “60+ keeping it fun” share in virtual and in-person community events. Imagine attending fun events, visiting new places around Austin and experiencing life with over 1,000 of your new friends!  
• If you are on the lookout for a new place to call home, retirement communities such as The Village at the Triangle are great places to call home. Communities such as these surround you with people your age, give you the opportunity to build friendships through weekly community events and give you all the amenities you could ever need. 
• Volunteering is a great way to find connections with others while positively impacting the lives of those around you. Austin360 is a great resource for finding a volunteer opportunity that speaks to your heart. 

Live every day to the fullest, and don’t look back. You are only as old as you think you are. Don’t let age stand in the way of anything. Get out there and live it up!