Hobbies for Baby Boomers and Seniors
Song- ‘Pinball Wizard’ – The Who
Hobbies play an important part for many people throughout their lives however, many people complain that they don’t have time for a hobby. Work and raising a family are common reasons for not pursuing a hobby.
In retirement, hobbies that you may have always pursued may no longer be challenging physically or cognitively. Taking up new hobbies are a fantastic way to challenge the brain as you learn something new.
Many Baby Boomers have retired or are working part time and have more time to pursue a hobby or new interest that they haven’t done in the past.
As we know retirement is no longer about having a sedentary lifestyle; instead it is a time to engage in hobbies or interests that while working you were not able to pursue. Hobbies provide the opportunity for life long learning and have so many benefits including:
- Hobbies can provide a structure to your day or week.
- Hobbies give you a sense of purpose.
- Hobbies can have many health benefits for your physical health.
- Hobbies can reduce stress.
- Hobbies can improve brain function and mental health.
- Hobbies can boost happiness.
- Hobbies can increase social interactions.
There are so many hobbies to choose from, some popular hobbies include:
- Learning a new language ( I am trying to learn Ukrainian).
- Walking groups.
- Photography.
- Volunteering for a cause you care about (one friend joined a volunteer group removing graffiti in our local area).
- Fishing.
- Writing a book or starting a blog or podcast.
- Pickle Ball
- Painting.
- Book clubs (these are popular with many of my friends).
- Listening to music and researching your favourite bands
- Painting classes, just to name a few
Some more obscure hobbies include:
- Birdwatching.
- Stargazing.
- Geocaching (high tech treasure hunt).
- Competition activities such as Mahjong, chess and bridge.
- Pinball. (Wizard)
Pickle ball is a new hobby that I have recently started playing. Pickle ball is a cross between tennis, badminton, table tennis and ping pong. I was never good with bat and ball sports, I was sure I would not be very good and felt very much out of my comfort zone. However, much to my surprise I quickly got the hang of it and now love playing.
I play with friends at a local indoor court. Its challenging for the brain, great exercise and just so much fun. I have encouraged other friends to play too.
The best way to start a hobby is to join a local interest group. These include Senior Citizens, Seniors leisure groups, local community centres, local recreational centres and even places like Bunnings that have regular workshops for people wanting to learn DIY (do it yourself).
Social media such as Facebook is a great way to find a local hobby group or platforms such as Eventbrite or Meetup.com. Some senior magazines advertise and promote activity groups in the local area.
There is no age limit to starting a hobby, it’s just about finding an interest that fits your physical ability and interests.
I am committed to doing everything possible towards living a long and healthy life. I hope to be physically active and have good cognitive function as I journey along the road to being a Centenarian. For now my hobbies include Pickle Ball, learning a language, and researching for my blogs. And who knows what challenging hobbies I will take up in the next 33+ years!
It would be great if you could share your hobbies in the comment section below.
Till next time – ‘Keep on Rocking and Rolling’
Kim