It’s never too late to pick up a new interest, or revisit an old one. At Winnwood Retirement Community, we believe your retirement years are the perfect time to do just that! Rediscovering your passions can add vitality to each day, give you new reasons to smile, and support healthy aging in meaningful ways. Let’s explore how hobbies fit into your life, and how residents at Winnwood can tap into our wonderful offerings—from the Garden Club to our dog-friendly spaces.

Why Hobbies Matter Now

As our lives shift into a new chapter, pursuing hobbies supports both mind and body. A large international study found that older adults who engaged in hobbies had fewer depressive symptoms, reported better health, greater happiness and higher life satisfaction. That means when you plant that flower, stroll that trail or socialize with friends, you’re doing more than earning a hobby—you’re investing in your wellness.

Gardening: Dig In and Grow With the Garden Club

At Winnwood, our residents have the opportunity to join the Winnwood Garden Club, an official member of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. that meets on the last Monday of every month. Whether you’ve been gardening for years or are just curious to try, planting, pruning and caring for flowers or shrubs offers gentle movement, fresh air and the satisfaction of creation. 

Gardening helps flexibility, strength and coordination, while also offering a calm, meditative focus. And since you’re surrounded by award-winning landscaping and walking paths here at Winnwood, you’re in a perfect environment to enjoy it.

Pets and the Outdoors: Stay Active with Four-legged Friends

If you love animals, you’ll appreciate that our community is not just senior-friendly—it’s pet-friendly, too. The WinnWOOF Dog Park is an on-site amenity where your dog can roam, play and socialize—and you can too. Taking your dog for a walk at the dog park gives you fresh air, gentle exercise, friendly conversation and a sense of purpose—key components of healthy aging.

Create, Learn and Connect

Hobbies can take many forms. Maybe you’ve always wanted to explore embroidering, photography, bird-watching or swimming. Maybe you’d like to join a book club, cooking class or bridge group. Here at Winnwood, we encourage you to keep exploring. And because hobbies often bring people together, they boost connection and community—which means richer days and stronger well-being.

Benefits you’ll feel:

• Better mood & reduced stress: Engaging with a hobby lets you focus, relax and experience achievement.
• Stronger social ties: Whether it’s fellow gardeners or dog-park friendships, hobbies build connection.
• Gentle physical engagement: Gardening, dog walking or even arts and crafts help movement and coordination.
• Sense of purpose: Pursuing an interest gives your day meaning and something to look forward to.
• Mental stimulation: Learning, creating and adapting keep your mind active and alert.

How to Get Started

1. Pick one thing that sparks interest.
2. Set a small goal: For example, plant one new flower each month, or aim for a 10-minute walk each morning.
3. Invite a friend: Make it social—call a neighbor to join you, and you’ll enjoy the hobby and each other’s company.
4. Try something new: Maybe you’ve never painted. Now’s your time!
5. Track your progress: Notice how you feel before and after your hobby time. You may feel calmer, more engaged and alive.

At Winnwood, Every Day Offers Opportunity

Here at Winnwood Retirement Community, we’ve designed a place where your passions can flourish. With scenic gardens, a dedicated dog park, a warm community, and plenty of weekly activities planned for you, we believe your next chapter can be your most fulfilling yet.

So here’s to rediscovering your passions, enjoying every day, connecting with others and living your life with energy and joy.