2021 is the year that many have been waiting for; the chance for a fresh start on the calendar, and 12 months worth of possibilities for hobbies, activities and opportunities to discover a brand new passion.

We’ve collected a selection of ideas that will expand your horizons this year. And, despite any COVID-19 restrictions that may linger this year, many of these can be explored from the comfort of your own home. 

Whether you make it your New Year’s Resolution to take up one of the exciting activities, or try a couple until you meet your match, the possibilities are not only varied but either free or really cost-effective to try out.  

Here are six exciting things to test out in 2021. 

1. Listen to a podcast

A podcast is the perfect way to learn something new or discover an interesting story – and you don’t even have to leave your home! With such a huge range of topics on offer and conversations to tune into, you can pick and choose what to listen to, based on what interests you the most.

Listen while you’re cooking in the kitchen and tidying in the house to pass the time; put a podcast on in the car while you’re driving; or take a device on the go with you and tune into a podcast while on a walk, or sitting and enjoying the scenery at your favourite park. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, our Grow Bold with Disability podcast is a place that discusses the taboo, the uncomfortable and funny side of living with disability. With two seasons full of guest stars such as ABC reporter Nas Campanella, Olympic Gold Medal swimmer Cate Campbell, and comedian and TV presenter Adam Hills, expect uplifting stories of people overcoming adversity, along with educational and informative episodes about the disability sector.

Use a phone or tablet to download apps such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher and listen to the podcast, or find it online and stream it directly here. 

2. Discover a new virtual hobby

What if 2021 is finally the year you learn to paint, or discover some yoga moves, or grasp the basics of French? Thanks to COVID-19 bringing so much into the virtual world, it’s now so much easier to explore things from the comfort of your own living room – and we have the perfect place for you to begin.

Our Virtual Social Centre is an online platform for seniors that can be accessed via computer, tablet, or laptop. Participants can log in and join whichever session best suits them. 

Whether it’s online classes in meditation and music, or Book Club and language classes , there are a huge range of options so that you can discover what lights you up the most. 

3. Make a new friend or two

Social restrictions often kept us in our own small circles last year. But there are so many ways to connect with others online, especially if they have similar interests to you. 

The best way is to log onto your session of choice via the Virtual Social Centre and participate in the interactive sessions, connecting with fellow like-minded people that you may never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. You never know who could end up becoming a pen-pal or a lifelong friend. 

4. Discover a different kind of film

If you’ve always loved the cinema, it could be the perfect time to step it up a notch and take a foray into the world of short films.

Our Fearless Films series showcases how people live bold lives in the most remarkable ways; such as Nate, a fully trained chef who happens to be legally deaf and blind, yet has constantly chased his culinary dreams to incredible success. You can also still watch last season’s films, documenting seniors living their best bold lives such as Peter Warner on his latest ocean adventure. Watch the films here.

Make some popcorn, dim the lights and take the deep dive into seasons one and two, uncovering some remarkable stories along the way – and make sure you let us know which one your favourite is! 

5. Try your hand at writing

It’s easier than you might expect to become a wordsmith; you don’t have to be Shakespeare or Hemingway, it’s just a case of putting pen to paper (or typing some words into your computer – whatever strikes your fancy).

Think of a story you have to tell, a memory you’d like to reflect on, or an idea you’d like to explore. All it takes is a bit of practice and creativity to get the words flowing from there. You might even refine your vocabulary, improve your communication skills and keep your memory nice and sharp along the way. 

You don’t ever have to show anyone your writing if you don’t want to – or you can be brave and show a crowd! Take inspiration, for example, from our senior Gran Slammers who recently took part in a virtual workshop for slam poetry that culminated in a live event. There was a lot to be said in this performance project, and we welcome seniors who wants to take part in 2021! 

6. Learn to cook

It’s easy to fall into a routine of cooking the same thing over and over again; after all, familiarity is comfortable, and it’s not always easy to think of new recipes. That’s where we come in.

We’ve partnered with City of Playford council for the ‘Look ‘n Cook’ project, showcasing easy-to-follow recipes that you might like to try at home; such as tacos, watermelon coconut smoothies and even deliciously classic ANZAC biscuits. 

Look ‘n Cook is all about making cooking possible for more people while also opening up a range of yummy possibilities. We’ll see you in the kitchen.

Not sure where to begin, or wish to find out more? To discover more about our programs and how they could benefit you, or someone you know, call 1300 090 256.