The best way to treat hearing loss is to prevent it before it happens. There are certain activities and hobbies that have been proven to help prevent hearing loss, especially as we age. We put together a list of the top ten hobbies and activities to exercise our ears and our brains.
Video Games
Video games are no longer just for kids! Studies show playing video games can help lessen the negative effects of aging in people older than 60. Just keep the volume down to avoid damage to your ears and hearing loss.
Restoration
Interested in old cars, boats, or motorcycles? The detailed work, creativity, and necessary troubleshooting of restoring old machines is a great hobby to maintain cognitive health. Avoid hearing loss or hearing damage by wearing earplugs or earmuffs if you’re working with loud tools.
Walking
Walking regularly is incredibly beneficial for all aspects of health, and the AARP has even designed
a program for people over 50 to organize their own community walking groups. Walking also has the added benefit of being a social activity, which has been proven to stimulate brain function.
Computers
In this day and age, being computer savvy is integral for keeping up with friends and family that may be scattered around the country or the world. Studies have shown that older adults who use computers were less likely to experience mild cognitive decline as they age. Find a game that you like, find articles to read, or just keep up with social media!
Bird Calls
Listening to bird calls has a positive impact on your overall health and well-being, and bird calls can even signal safety or danger to us. Listening to bird calls is a soothing hobby that won’t damage your hearing.
Theatre
If you have a dramatic streak, performing is a great way to counteract the effects of aging on your brain and your ears. Exercises like memorizing lines, singing songs, and learning dance numbers
can keep your brain occupied and improve cognitive function. In addition, hearing needs to be sharp in order to hear and understand fellow actors, so theatre participation may alert you to any hearing loss.
Swimming
Swimming is a great hobby for many reasons. It promotes physical fitness as well as improves mental and cognitive health, especially when done in a group. Group swim classes, popular with older adults and senior citizens, are fun, social activities that keep the brain sharp. Just make sure to wear waterproof earplugs and take precautions to avoid swimmer’s ear. Remember to take your hearing aid out before diving in!
Art
Did you know Georgia O’Keeffe continued to paint until she was 96 years old? The act of creating art, whether it’s painting, sketching, sculpting, or even quilting, has a great impact on brain health. These hands-on activities, particularly tasks like following, understanding, and imitating (especially visual art), boost cognitive activity.
Reading
A lifetime of reading may stave off dementia and memory loss, according to studies. Reading helps keep brain circuits active and increases thinking, learning, and memory abilities. Reading is a good hobby for avoiding hearing loss, as it is quiet and gives your ears time to rest if you’ve been in noisy places.
Meditation
An ancient practice, meditation is now considered a very brain-focused activity. Studies have found that long-term meditation can help maintain the aging brain. Those who meditated for an average of 20 years actually had more grey matter volume throughout their brains, indicating healthier brain function! Meditation is also great for your ears because it’s a quiet and calm activity that allows your ears to rest and recuperate after long days in noisy environments.