Retirement often comes as a shock due to the sheer number of free hours you suddenly have. This is a great opportunity to spend more time with family and do other things you enjoy — but your current hobbies may not be enough to fill your days. The solution is to find new hobbies that match your lifestyle.
Hobbies are more than just fulfilling — they have a huge number of benefits on your physical and mental well-being. Seniors who engage in hobbies live longer, have a lower risk of serious diseases, avoid boredom, and are less likely to feel socially isolated.
Whether you want to get out and be active, have something to do at home, or spend more time with other people, you have plenty of options to choose from.
1. Gardening
A classic hobby for seniors is gardening — and for good reason. It’s a great way to gain your daily dose of vitamin D, spend time outdoors, and exercise only as much as you find comfortable.
Plus, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your efforts, whether that’s through a beautiful landscape to show off to your friends and family or producing your own fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have a garden at home, find out if there are any plots available in a community garden near you.
2. Stargazing
If you’re more of a night owl, you may like to take up stargazing. There can be much more to this than looking up at the nigh sky — although just enjoying fresh air on a cool night is definitely a selling point. To take this hobby to the next level, download an app that helps you learn the constellations. In addition, plan to watch the sky whenever a celestial event is happening.
3. Arts and Crafts
Most arts and crafts take a while to learn, which makes retirement an ideal time to get started. Explore something that has always looked appealing, whether that’s drawing, painting, jewelry making, scrapbooking, crocheting, or knitting. It may be worth taking classes to learn the technique — plus, this will mean you connect with likeminded people. By practicing your craft regularly, you’ll maintain or even improve your motor skills.
4. Coloring
If you feel intimidated by difficult crafts but want to gain the benefits of practicing art, try coloring instead. This is no longer an activity just for kids — it’s now popular with people of all ages, including seniors. Find adult coloring books and an array of colors to see where this hobby takes you.
5. Learn a New Language
One of the best ways to keep your brain active is to learn a language. You may want to start learning with an app to go at your own pace, then join a class to practice with others. Stay motivated by booking a trip to a country where they speak the language you’re learning.
6. Play an Instrument
Dig out the musical instrument you used to play as a kid or buy a cheap one (such as a second-hand instrument). Teach yourself to play by using tutorials or invest in some lessons. If you already play an instrument, use your free time now to learn another.
7. Cooking
Whether you’re already a decent cook or you’ve never cooked much before but want to start preparing your own meals now you’ve retired, there’s always plenty to learn. Explore new recipes (such as dishes from other cultures) or take cooking classes with other people to learn crucial skills. Put what you learn into practice by cooking a meal with family and friends.
8. Group Fitness Classes
Another way to join classes is to exercise with other people. Depending on your current fitness level, you may like to join a class open to everyone or one specifically for seniors. Some top choices include yoga, tai chi, aqua aerobics, and strength training. As well as meeting other people, you’ll have a trainer to support and motivate you. Plus, you’ll learn the safe way to perform exercises, which will reduce your risk of suffering an injury.
9. Working Out with a Personal Trainer
If you don’t feel comfortable working out in a group just yet, you have specific fitness goals you want to meet, or you’d just prefer to have personalized attention, a good alternative is to book sessions with a personal trainer. Booking a couple sessions for each week will ensure you stay fit into your retirement years.
10. Watch Documentaries
It’s important to have some hobbies that don’t require any strenuous activity for times when you want to relax. Turn watching TV into a productive hobby by exploring documentaries on topics you find interesting.
11. Reading
You can also explore topics you’re interested in by reading — either non-fiction or novels. Make a list of books you’ve always wanted to read and buy a few to get started or visit your local library to choose from a huge selection for free. You may also like to join or start a book club to discuss what you’re reading with others.
If you find it difficult to stay focused on the words on the page or want to avoid eyestrain, consider using audiobooks instead.
12. Writing
All that reading may inspire you to pick up your pen. You can take your writing in all sorts of creative directions, including through journaling, writing poetry or short stories, blogging, or leaving a memoir for your relatives.
13. Volunteering
Find out what volunteering opportunities are available in your local community. Giving a few hours or even a couple days of your time to a cause each week could make a big difference.
14. Games and Puzzles
Keep your mind active by finding games you enjoy playing, especially ones that give you a challenge. Puzzle games are particularly useful for stimulating your brain when you’re on your own. If you have a partner or if you see friends regularly, learn some board games or card games to play together. Alternatively, you could connect with friends over the internet by playing video games together.
15. Genealogy
Learn more about your family history by exploring your genealogy. Free online resources make it easier than ever to build a detailed family tree.
16. Birdwatching & Photography
Give yourself an excuse to spend more time outdoors by taking up birdwatching. It may be fun to start by learning to identify all the birds in your local area. For more of a challenge, visit nature reserves or national parks farther afield and try to identify more species. Read this article for tips on wildlife photography.
17. Hiking
Hiking is a great hobby on its own, but you can also combine it with birdwatching. Choose nature trails that are suitable for your level of fitness. As you build up your strength you may find you’re able to go a little longer or manage more rugged terrain.
18. Travel
Use your retirement as an opportunity to see the world. Since you’re not constrained by work commitments, you may be able to travel at any time of year, which will improve your chances of finding good deals. When you’re not actively traveling, keep the hobby alive by planning your next trip.
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