Recreation & Leisure

 for Seniors with Vision Loss

Relaxation and fitness are an important part of life, especially in one’s senior years. This section offers numerous resources on staying active and pursuing leisure interests. Information is included on sports and fitness, gardening, arts, crafts, hobbies, games, and audio-described movies and television programs.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Arts, Crafts, & Hobbies

Hobbies: Crafts, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
General crafting tips and new ways to enjoy classic hobbies.

Woodworking Resources, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Resources for those who want to take up woodworking.

Arts, Crafts, & Hobbies: Organizations & Resources to Explore

Possibilities Fair for Seniors Losing Vision
This annual event showcases services and independence skills, including hobbies and leisure. Local NFB affiliates may offer similar fairs in their home states.

Games

Game Night!, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Cards, bingo, and other games for players who are blind or visually impaired.

Gardening

Blind Seniors Garden Too, Braille Monitor, National Federation of the Blind
Pat Munson describes her experiences as gardener who is blind.

The Garden Path, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Detailed information on container gardening, including selection of soil and containers, and labeling tips; includes a list of plants that grow well in containers.

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Research: Recreation & Leisure for Seniors with Visual Impairment

Visually Impaired Older Adults and Home-Based Leisure Activities: The Effects of Person-Environment Congruence, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
This study explores the impact of the home environment on participation in leisure activities by two legally blind older adults. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Sports & Fitness

Keep Reaching for the Stars: Stretching and the Role of Flexibility in an Active Lifestyle, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
A discussion of the importance of flexibility; includes basic stretching exercises and safety guidelines.

Leading an Active Lifestyle, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Articles on a number of sports (golf, bowling, swimming, biking, running), as well as general suggestions for remaining active.

Sports & Fitness: Organizations & Resources to Explore

Fitness and Fun, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
A wealth of information on activities and resources for staying fit and having a good time.

See also Recreation.

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