Through your working years, you probably found yourself saying ‘I can’t wait to retire’ and understandably so! It’s an exciting life transition where you can embrace newfound freedom and spend your days doing exactly what you wish. But for some, the newfound freedom can feel like a loss of purpose, so whether you’re excited to take up new hobbies, learn a new skill, or are looking for a new passion we’ve gathered the most popular retirement hobbies worth a try!
Why take up new hobbies in retirement?
Retirement hobbies can improve mental health and overall well-being by providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Engaging in new activities can help seniors maintain mental and physical health, keep their brains healthy and active, and reduce cognitive decline risk.
Adopting new hobbies in your retirement years is a great way to form new friendships by spending time forging social connections with peers of similar interests while helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Pursuing new interests can lead to a more meaningful retirement life and a greater sense of satisfaction. With so many to choose from, you don’t need to force yourself to love something that’s not your cup of tea! Retirement hobbies can be tailored to individual interests and abilities, making them accessible to all older adults.
Outdoor hobby ideas for seniors
Gardening
Gardening is a low-impact activity that can be done in a local park through a volunteer program or in your backyard, providing fresh air and exercise. It can also be a social activity, with many community gardens offering opportunities to meet members of your community with shared interests. Gardening can be adapted to individual abilities, with options for container gardening or raised beds. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s work.
Walking or Hiking
Walking or hiking are great ways to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, with many local parks and trails offering accessible routes. These activities can be done with friends, family or solo and not only is walking or hiking a great way to clear one’s mind, but it doesn’t cost a cent if done locally, so there’s no worrying if you’ve got enough money in your monthly budget!
A secondary hobby that pairs perfectly with walking or hiking is birdwatching and photography! Many local senior centres offer walking or hiking groups, providing a safe and supportive environment.
Cycling
If you’re looking for more of a challenge and lead an active working life, cycling could be your perfect fit! A relatively low-impact sport, cycling along local trails allows you to take in the beauty of nature, and top up on vitamin D while ensuring you stay active.
Social activities for seniors
While most retirement hobbies set you up to meet new people, there are a few hobbies that are great to help you stay connected with your local community.
Joining a book club or adult learning course is a great way to meet new friends who share similar interests. If you want to give back to your community, explore volunteering opportunities at local charities. Many local senior centres offer social events and activities, providing opportunities to meet new people. Social media platforms such as Facebook can also be a great way to connect with others, join online communities and create friendships.
Creative hobbies for seniors
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are a great way to express oneself creatively and can be done in a variety of mediums. Whether you’re attending arts and crafts classes (a great social activity), or collecting supplies to craft from home it’s a great hobby to rediscover pride in your work and explore the many mediums of art to find what you take an interest in.
Music and Instruments
Playing a musical instrument is a stimulating mental challenge that improves cognitive function. Not only does learning a new instrument keep your brain healthy by learning the instrument itself, but you can challenge yourself by learning to read sheet music – it’s like learning a whole new language!
You can sign up for solo lessons, or join a local orchestra or musicians group to help you stay engaged and work towards regular performances.
Intellectual hobbies for retirees
Personal Growth
Taking an educational course is a great way to challenge oneself and learn new skills. It can also provide opportunities to network and in some cases lead to a second career! It’s important to note that if you want to explore a new career after retiring there are implications on your superfund. You can learn more about this in a recent article.
Relaxation and Wellness for Seniors
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are great ways to relax and reduce stress while providing opportunities for staying active. Make sure to start with small and non-complex movements, building up your strength over time. Learn how to exercise safely during retirement to prevent unwanted aches, pains or injuries.
Travel
Travelling is a great way to explore new places and experiences. It can provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals on holiday experiences designed for retirees while giving you a reimagined sense of adventure and excitement.
At St Ives,we understand how overwhelming it can be to find a new hobby or interest, oftentimes giving a new hobby a go can be a costly commitment requiring you to sign up for a full course just to see if you like it. That’s why, at a St Ives Retirement Village, our amenities, from art and craft centres to lawn bowls are included in your monthly payments – allowing you to explore as many new hobbies as your heart desires.
Ultimately, taking up new pastimes in retirement, whether solo or as part of group activities, is a fantastic way to improve brain function, meet new people and discover new passions. Enquire today to explore the exciting hobbies available to residents at St Ives Retirement Village and unlock a vibrant new lifestyle.