Exercise and a balanced diet are essential to a healthy lifestyle, but they are not the only important factors.
Participating in fun, hands-on activities significantly contributes to mental and emotional well-being.
According to the National Institute on Aging, participating in social activities and hobbies can significantly reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as dementia and heart disease. These activities can also enhance memory, improve cognitive function, and foster a strong sense of purpose.
One of the greatest advantages of retirement is the additional time it affords to explore passions or discover new interests.
Whether you’re looking for a new activity to fill your time or considering revisiting a long-lost passion, we’ll explore 13 hobbies that can spark creativity and bring joy to your life.
1. Traveling
Retirement is the perfect time to pull out your passport, gas up your vehicle or RV, and explore the places you’ve always wanted to see. Traveling enables seniors to explore and experience new cultures, connect with others, and stay physically active.
Consider planning to visit the U.S. state parks, follow your favorite sports team across the country, or see your favorite band.
2. Golf
Golf offers physical and mental health benefits for older adults, making it one of the most beneficial activities for seniors. Walking an 18-hole golf course can equal more than 6 miles, provides an opportunity to socialize, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.
3. Pilates
Pilates is a full-body, low-impact exercise involving controlled, repetitive movements. This senior-friendly exercise may benefit bone health, strength, flexibility, and mobility.
4. Birdwatching
We see birds so frequently that it’s easy to overlook their beauty and uniqueness. If you love nature, birdwatching is an excellent skill to develop and a fun, low-cost hobby. All you need is a bird guide and binoculars. Visit local parks, national parks, or even your backyard to start your bird-watching journey.
5. Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity among seniors has surged over the last few years. This unique racket sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The smaller court offers a fun, low-impact exercise that gets your heart pumping, builds strength, and improves flexibility.
6. Cooking and Baking
If you’ve spent years preparing the same mundane meals for your family and want to try something new, this is the perfect time to master the art of cooking. Sign up for a local cooking class, learn to bake, or experiment with international cuisine.
7. Drawing or Painting
Express your creativity with colored pencils, paint, pastels, and a sketchbook. Whether you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since high school art class, or you’ve mastered the art of drawing and want to try something new, art can be a wonderful way to express yourself.
8. Camping
For your next vacation, step out of your comfort zone! Ditch the hotel, pitch a tent, and enjoy the great outdoors. There are thousands of campsites across the U.S. where seniors can fish, hike, and swim while taking in the incredible beauty of nature.
9. Becoming an instructor
Put your skills and experience to use by becoming an instructor at your local community college or high school. You can also consider starting an online course and monetizing your knowledge.
10. Poker
Poker doesn’t have to be high stakes to be a great time. Round up a few friends, shuffle the deck, and catch up over a game of cards. Poker is an engaging game that stimulates the brain and provides hours of entertainment.
11. Gardening
Gardening, whether tending a vegetable garden, growing flowers, or mowing the lawn, offers light exercise, reduces stress, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
12. Playing a Musical Instrument
Have you always wanted to learn to play the guitar, but never had the time? Music brings joy! Instruments like the piano, keyboard, or harmonica are great options for beginners.
13. Knitting, Crocheting, or Quilting
These timeless art forms are an excellent way to keep busy and keep your mind focused. Plus, homemade scarves, baby clothes, and blankets make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Discover What It Means to Age Well
Aging is an inevitable part of life that offers many new possibilities. There are so many things to explore, experience, and enjoy during your golden years. Take this time to relax, reintroduce yourself to, and rediscover new hobbies, activities, and adventures.
Download A Guide to Aging Gracefully for tips on living longer, lowering your risk for chronic health conditions, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Planning Resources
Events
View our Communities
Talk with an Advisor
-1.jpg?width=450&height=250&name=Allegro%20DAB_Decorate%20Your%20Space%20(1)-1.jpg)
Comments