As people age and retire, most find themselves with time on their hands. Their families are all grown up and they now have time to do all the things that they have long wanted to do. It’s important for these retirees to find activities that they enjoy and that get them out and about. Metal detecting is one such activity that can be just perfect for seniors. Here’s why:
It Gets Them Outdoors
It’s important for people of all ages to spend time outside. It’s good for a person’s physical health as well as mental and emotional well-being. Metal detecting gets people outside and into nature, and there are some beautiful areas that can be hunted, like the beach, around lakes, the woods, parks, and more.
It’s Low Impact Exercise
Along with getting outside, metal detecting provides seniors with some low impact, gentle exercise. Every health professional will tell you how important it is to get moving in some way each day. The walking that metal detecting requires is typically easy and if the retiree has trouble bending to dig, it’s the perfect opportunity to find a metal detecting partner to help with retrieving targets.
It’s a Great Way to Make Friends
Loneliness can be a challenge for older people – especially those who have lost a spouse. Getting involved with metal detecting can help alleviate the isolation that many seniors feel. There are metal detecting groups and clubs in nearly every city, and they can provide seniors with social interaction and friendship, as well as helping them find other people to go detecting with.
It’s Something to Do with Grandchildren
Metal detecting is a hobby that is usually very appealing to kids. Seniors can take the opportunity to get in some quality time with their grandkids by taking them out hunting. It’s a wonderful way to bridge the generational gap and engage with family that might otherwise be uninvolved in the senior’s life.
It’s Fun
Metal detecting is fun! It provides detectorists with the thrill of the hunt and excitement when targets are located. Everyone, including seniors, needs to set aside time that is dedicated to having fun – metal detecting is the perfect activity for that.
Of course, make sure you understand the laws and rules of metal detecting. Nothing ruins a fun day out like a brush with the law.
Metal detecting is a great choice of a hobby for seniors, their families, and their friends. It’s important to look for detectors that are lightweight and that offer a hip mount, which will make it more comfortable to carry around. Depending on the individual, consider a “set and go” type detector that allows a person to get started detecting right away, or if the retiree wants to learn how all of the settings work, a more technical model might be called for.
Whatever type of detector seniors start off with, they are sure to have a good time, get some exercise and sunlight, and hang out with other detectorists if they choose to.
Photo Credits
Isle of Wight Metal Detecting Club – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Coins – by Portable Antiques on flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Jami Olive
Jami Olive is a writer, mother and metal detecting hobbyist. She is a regular contributor to the Kellyco Metal Detector Blog
Marshall Stephens says
Love the idea of introducing grandchildren to the hobby, crossing generations. We recently published a blog post about getting senior citizens out and about metal detecting, including some of the benefits of the sport.
https://www.kellycodetectors.com/pages/why-metal-detecting-is-a-great-hobby-for-senior-citizens/
Jenna Anderson says
If you’re looking for information about metal detecting, the team over at MetalDetectors.com created a helpful guide you might find helpful.
https://www.metaldetectors.com/page/buying-guide
BOB FLETCHER says
To whom it may concern.
I have recently purchased a metal detector with the intention of spending a few hours each week tinkering about on local land, such as waste ground , woods , etc. I have joined the N.C.M.D. club because I want to do everything legally. I am a senior citizen. I don’t want to join a club as the nearest one is too far away, I have written to my local council for permission to enter their land, they were very nice about it ,but I had the impression they weren’t really keen. I don’t relish the idea of approaching local farmers , because of reports I’ve read in their forums regarding their attitude to metal detectors on their land. I have the utmost respect for anybody’s property , I have read and understand the country code, the treasures act, and a lot of literature on the subject. What I thought would be a nice relaxing part-time hobby , has turned into a bit of a nightmare trying to get started.
Have I picked the right hobby ?
Yours Faithfully Bob Fletcher.
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