The 23 Best Hobbies for Seniors and Retirees

December 18, 2023 | Kathy Ingulsrud

Maintaining existing interests and developing new hobbies is an integral part of staying healthy for seniors and retirees. The mental health benefits alone can be huge, including increased happiness, improved life satisfaction, and decreased depressive symptoms. Trying a new hobby can be especially fun, and you might even discover you have a passion or talent you never knew about by trying one of the ideas we share below!

Gardening

1. 1. • Cultivating a garden can be both therapeutic and rewarding. When you engage in growing a variety of plants, nurturing them from seeds to full blooms, it can instill a sense of accomplishment and enhance your living space with natural beauty.

Painting/Drawing

1. 1. • Unleashing one’s artistic side through painting or drawing can be both relaxing and fulfilling. It’s a hobby that promotes mindfulness and allows individuals to express themselves through different mediums and techniques.

Bird Watching

1. 1. • Bird watching encourages you to venture outdoors and appreciate the natural world. It can be a peaceful hobby that fosters a deeper connection with nature, while also encouraging physical activity through walks and hikes.

Writing and Journaling

1. 1. • Writing offers a way for seniors and retirees to document your lifetime of experiences, stories, or knowledge. Journaling, in particular, can be a therapeutic exercise that helps in reflecting on one’s life and expressing inner thoughts privately.

Photography

1. 1. • Photography is a hobby that can help capture beautiful moments and scenic views. Learning different techniques can make it an enriching experience, giving an opportunity to see the world, quite literally, through a different lens.

Cooking/Baking

• • • Taking the time in the kitchen to experiment with different recipes and cuisines can be not only a delicious pastime, but also a wonderful activity to do with family, grandkids, and friends, fostering bonding and creating joyful memories.

Read More: Healthy Eating Tips for Older Adults

Dance Classes

1. 1. • Joining dance classes can be a fun way for you to stay active and enjoy music. Different dance styles can be explored, offering a way to exercise and meet new people with similar interests.

Pottery

1. 1. • Working with clay to create pottery is a therapeutic hobby that encourages creativity. You can create beautiful, functional art while also enjoying the calming, tactile experience of shaping clay.

Yoga and Meditation

1. 1. • These practices promote physical health and mental tranquility, helping to maintain flexibility and reduce stress. Seniors can find classes tailored to their needs, making it an inclusive hobby that nurtures both the mind and body.

Knitting and Crocheting

1. 1. • These hobbies offer a tranquil yet productive way to spend time, creating everything from garments to decorative items. It’s also a wonderful way to gift personal, handmade items to loved ones, adding a personal touch to presents.

Learning a Musical Instrument

1. 1. • Learning to play a musical instrument can be a richly rewarding hobby that stimulates the mind and offers a wonderful source of personal satisfaction. Instruments like the piano, ukulele, or harmonica can be great choices for beginners.

Book Clubs

1. 1. • Being part of a book club fosters social connections and invites intellectual discussions on various literature pieces. You can explore different genres, expand your understanding of various topics, and enjoy vibrant discussions with fellow book enthusiasts.

Volunteering

1. 1. • Volunteering allows you to give back to the community while utilizing your life experiences and skills in a meaningful way. It fosters a sense of purpose and connection to the community, enhancing well-being.

Puzzle Games

• • • Engaging in puzzle games, like Sudoku or crossword puzzles, can be a great brain exercise. It encourages problem-solving skills, improves memory, and offers a satisfying challenge to conquer.

Read More: 7 Ways Seniors Can Stay Sharp: Improve Mental Well-being, Memory And Focus 

Aquatic Fitness Classes

1. 1. • These classes are beneficial for seniors as they are gentle on the joints while still providing a substantial workout. It’s a fun, social way to stay active, and the buoyancy of the water reduces the risk of injury, making it a safe fitness option.

Blogging/Vlogging

1. 1. • Creating a blog or vlog (video blog) allows you to share your experiences, knowledge, or hobbies with a wider audience. It can be a fulfilling hobby where you can connect with people globally, receiving feedback and engaging in discussions on topics you are passionate about. 

Fishing

1. 1. • Fishing offers a tranquil way to spend time outdoors, enjoying the peace that comes with being near water. It also gives a sense of achievement when one manages to catch a fish, not to mention it can be a source of fresh, healthy meals – there is nothing quite as tasty as dinner you caught yourself!

Hiking

1. 1. • Hiking is a great way to stay physically active and enjoy nature. You can choose trails that match your mobility and fitness levels, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience amidst nature.

Genealogy

1. 1. • Delving into genealogy allows you to explore your family history, potentially uncovering interesting stories and connections. It’s a hobby that can be done online, connecting dots and discovering heritage, which can sometimes lead to unexpected and rewarding connections.

Scrapbooking

1. 1. • Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve cherished memories through a creative medium. It allows you to recount stories, organize photos and memorabilia in a personalized way, creating a tangible walk down memory lane with family and friends.

Astronomy

1. 1. • Taking up astronomy can be a beautiful experience, as you learn about different celestial bodies and phenomena. It can be a gateway to numerous star-gazing adventures, either through a telescope or at planetarium visits, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Learning a New Language

1. 1. • Learning a new language is a cognitive exercise that can be both challenging and rewarding. It keeps the brain engaged and opens up opportunities for more diverse social connections and understandings of different cultures.

Floral Arrangement

• • • Floral arrangement is a hobby that allows you to create beautiful setups with plants and flowers, enhancing your living space or creating gifts for friends and family. This hobby not only fosters creativity but also brings the beauty and tranquility of nature indoors.

Each of these hobbies provides seniors and retirees with a wonderful opportunity to stay engaged, active, and connected to their communities and interests. They can foster new friendships, keep the mind and body healthy, and most importantly, experience newfound joy and fulfillment.

Did you know that your Medicare plan may offer additional opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Contact Twin City Underwriters for more information on what is covered under your specific plan.

Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!

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Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.