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There was once a time when hobbies for people over 50 were boring, sedentary activities. Not anymore!
Advances in medical technology and healthcare have played a significant role in our overall health. There’s much more awareness on fitness and nutrition along with better access to a wide variety of healthy activities.
As we enter our later years, finding fulfilling and enjoyable ways to spend our free time becomes increasingly important.
Whether you are looking to improve your physical health, enhance your mental well-being, or simply have a lot of fun, there are countless hobby ideas out there.
Keep reading to access the full list of ultimate hobbies for people over 50.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog post, “23 Ultimate Hobbies for People Over 50,” is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new hobby or physical activity to ensure it is safe for your individual health needs.
How Important are Hobbies for People Over 50?
Engaging in hobbies can enhance your social life as well, especially when connecting with like-minded individuals.
The benefits of hobbies are supported by research, including a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine.
It found that engaging in enjoyable leisure activities is associated with better psychological and physical health.
Another study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted the positive impact of hobbies on reducing the risk of dementia and improving mental health in older adults.
Physical Health
Many hobbies for people over 50, such as gardening, dancing, or walking, encourage physical activity, which can help maintain or improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity is crucial for managing weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and enhancing mobility.
Mental Health
Activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill, are great hobbies for people over 50.
They may help keep the mind sharp and improve cognitive function.
Engaging in creative activities like painting or playing music can also reduce stress and promote relaxation, contributing to better mental health.
Social Connections
Participating in group activities or clubs provides opportunities to meet new people and build friendships, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Strong social connections are associated with lower rates of depression and a longer, healthier life.
Sense of Purpose
Hobbies for people over 50 can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which is particularly important during retirement or other life transitions. This sense of purpose can boost self-esteem and overall happiness.
Lifelong Learning
Hobbies often involve learning new things, which can be intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. Continuous learning is linked to improved brain health and can help delay cognitive decline.
Just for Fun: Most Expensive Hobbies For People Over 50
Some of the most expensive hobbies for people over 50 include the following:
- Yachting
- Aviation
- Collecting classic cars
- Horse riding
- Collecting Art
- Antique rug collecting
- Collecting rare items
Just for Fun: Least Expensive Hobbies for People Over 50
Some of the least expensive hobbies for people over 50 include the following:
- Walking or hiking
- Gardening
- Reading
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Photography
- Bird watching
- Volunteering
- Cooking/baking
- Writing/journaling
- Playing cardsÂ
- Playing board games
- Yoga/meditation
- Drawing/painting
- Learning a new language
No matter what your income, age, or health, there are many hobbies to choose from. Here are the top 23:
1. Join a Book Club
Joining a book club is a great way to spend your leisure time. Not only does it encourage you to read more, but it also provides an excellent way to meet new people and engage in stimulating discussions.
The social interaction and mental engagement can have positive effects on cognitive function and mental health. As mentioned earlier, hobbies for people over 50 have many significant benefits.
Start with a good book, invite your friends to read it, and have them over for refreshments. Whether you want to keep the group small or expand it into a larger event is completely up to you.Â
Other ways to find and join a book club include the following:
- Local libraries sometimes host book clubs.
- Websites like Meetup, Goodreads, and Facebook have groups dedicated to book clubs.
- Again, round up your family and friends!
- Scout out a local book club through social media
The best way to start a book club, in my opinion, is to just create your own. Identify the family and friends who enjoy books as much as you do.
2. Take Up a New Musical Instrument
Learning to play a musical instrument is a wonderful way to keep your brain active and improve your fine motor skills.
Whether it’s the piano, guitar, or even a violin, mastering a new instrument can be a lot of fun and a great hobby.
If you’re an introvert like me, you may not be keen on joining a class to learn an instrument. One option is to find a private teacher who can give you a customized, one-on-one experience.
Online lessons are also a great way to dabble in music. In fact, some instructors offer virtual lessons through platforms like Zoom, Skype, etc.
Another way to go is to seek out YouTube videos for free tutorials. There are also paid courses available online through websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare.
Check out some of the latest and greatest learning apps for inspiration. For example, Yousician, Simply Piano, and Fender Play offer interactive learning experiences for various instruments.
3. Explore Creative Writing
Creative writing, whether it’s penning short stories or starting a novel, is a perfect hobby for those looking for a creative outlet.
It’s also an excellent way to preserve memories, share experiences, and engage in artistic expression.
Getting involved in creative writing can be a highly rewarding endeavor. Here are some steps to help you get started and stay engaged:
- Begin by journaling or writing daily. This helps to establish a writing habit and allows you to explore ideas.
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to free write without stopping. Don’t worry about grammar or structure!
- Take online writing courses or join local classes in your area.Â
- Check Facebook for local writing groupsÂ
- Attend writing conferences and festivals
- Use writing prompts to help get your creative juices flowing! Online tools like Random First Line Generator or Plot Generator are helpful tools.
- Consider submitting your short stories or non-fiction articles to contests or magazines.
- Network with other writers through social media or within writing communities.
Creative writing is a great hobby for anyone! It’s good for the young, the young at heart, or even for older people with mobility issues.Â
4. Participate in Physical Activities Like Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that is particularly suitable for older adults.
It’s a low-impact physical activity that improves balance, flexibility, and physical health. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
Tai Chi is particularly beneficial for people over 50 due to its gentle, low-impact nature and various health benefits:
- Improves balances and reduces the risk of a fall
- Enhances flexibility and strength
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Reduces stress and promotes mental well-being
- Supports joint health
- May improve respiratory function
- Promotes social interaction.
These benefits make Tai Chi an excellent choice for maintaining physical and mental health as people age.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
5. Enjoy Board Games and Card Games
Board games and card games are classic hobbies that provide a fun way to spend time with family members and friends.
They are perfect for enhancing problem-solving skills, social interaction, and can even help in reducing cognitive decline.
Playing board games is a great hobby for people over 50 for many reasons. It gives you a chance to spend quality time with friends and family, fosters closeness, and can even create lasting memories.
The key is to find games that you find interesting. Some people prefer complex card games where others may prefer games that involve analysis or strategy.
Read: 37 Best Adult Board Games For The Over 50 Crowd to get an idea of the games available.
6. Make Art Prints for Etsy
One of my favorite hobbies (that is also a side-hustle) is creating digital downloads for Etsy. You can use programs like Canva Pro, or Adobe Creative Cloud to create original works of art to sell online.
Places like Etsy or Creative Marketplace are good places to sell digital prints, downloadable artwork, e-journals, and more!
Read: How to Make Art Prints on Etsy: Sell Your Digital Prints for a detailed guide on how to get started. The post includes everything you need to know (how to make art prints, sizing, marketing, and how to set up your Etsy business quickly and easily).
7. Try Your Hand at Bird Watching
Bird watching is an excellent way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
It’s a hobby that can be enjoyed at any skill level and provides a peaceful way to spend your leisure time while keeping your brain active.
Bird watching is one of those great outdoor activities that help keep you mobile, active, and interested in the environment/nature.
To get started with birdwatching, you’ll need a few essential items including:
Binoculars
Invest in a good pair of binoculars with decent magnification (8x or 10x) and a wide field of view. This will help you observe birds from a distance without disturbing them.
Field Guide
Purchase a field guide specific to birds in your region. These guides provide information about bird species, their habits, habitats, and physical characteristics, which will be invaluable for identification.
Notebook and Pen
Keep a notebook handy to jot down observations, including bird species, behavior, location, and any other details you find noteworthy.
Bird Feeder and Seed
Setting up a bird feeder in your backyard can attract a variety of bird species, providing you with opportunities for observation without having to venture far.
Birdhouse or Nesting Box
Installing birdhouses or nesting boxes can encourage birds to nest in your area, allowing you to observe their behaviors up close.
Camera or Smartphone
A camera or smartphone with a decent zoom can help you capture photos of birds for identification or to document your sightings.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan on spending extended periods outdoors.
Field Bag or Backpack
Carry your essentials in a lightweight, comfortable bag or backpack that allows you to move freely while keeping your hands free.
Map or Guidebook
If you’re exploring new locations for birdwatching, bring along a map or guidebook to help you navigate and identify potential birding hotspots.
Patience and Persistence
Birdwatching requires patience and persistence. Sometimes, you may need to wait quietly for birds to appear or revisit locations multiple times to spot elusive species.
With these essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your birdwatching adventures and enjoy the beauty of avian life in your surroundings.
9. Get Involved in Creative Hobbies Like Painting and Drawing
Artistic hobbies such as painting and drawing offer great ways to express creativity and improve mental well-being. Taking art classes can help you develop new skills and meet others who share your interests.
Diamond painting art is growing in popularity and there’s something for everybody. You can choose from seasonal prints, abstract art, or even submit family photos to get a kit custom made just for you.
Read:Â 7 Pro Tools to Elevate Your Best Diamond Painting Art
10. Dive Into the World of Gardening
If you have a green thumb, gardening can be a perfect hobby. It’s a form of physical exercise that also offers mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and providing a sense of accomplishment.
11. Play Video Games
Video games aren’t just for younger people; they can also be a fun and engaging way for older adults to improve hand-eye coordination and cognitive function.
Many games are designed to be social activities that you can enjoy with friends and family members.
My husband and I sometimes enjoy playing ping pong with the Meta Quest 2headset!
12. Engage in Social Media and Online Communities
Using social media to connect with friends, family, and like-minded people can enhance your social engagement. It’s a good way to stay updated on recent years’ trends, share creative ideas, and maintain social connections.
13. Explore Outdoor Hobbies Like Hiking and Walking
Spending time in nature through activities like hiking and walking is an excellent way to maintain physical health and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
These activities are also great for meeting new people who share your love for the great outdoors.
14. Practice Creative Activities Like Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a great hobby for those who enjoy problem-solving.
They help improve fine motor skills, cognitive function, and provide a fun way to spend quality time either alone or with loved ones.
15. Attend Social Events and Gatherings
Attending social events, whether at community centers or local libraries, is a wonderful way to stay socially active. These events provide opportunities to make new friends and participate in various social activities.
16. Discover the Joy of Writing Short Stories
Writing short stories can be an easy way to dive into creative writing. It’s an artistic form that doesn’t require a long-term commitment and is perfect for exploring new things and ideas.
17. Delve Into Your Family Tree
Researching your family tree can be an engaging and rewarding hobby. It’s a good reason to connect with family members, learn about your heritage, and preserve history for future generations.
18. Become a Collector
Becoming a collector of things as a hobby over 50 can be an enriching and enjoyable experience. It’s a great way to learn about different things and gain a better appreciation of the things you’ve always admired.
There’s no limit to what people collect. All you need is a prominent place to put your collectibles, a genuine interest in something you love, and the budget to make the purchases.Â
Additionally, collecting can be a wonderful way to reminisce and reconnect with childhood memories or preserve a piece of history for future generations.
Collecting suits various skill levels and can be tailored to fit any budget, making it an excellent choice for older adults seeking a meaningful and satisfying pastime.
The types of hobbies you choose could be anything from collecting vintage postcards to antique toys, furniture, or rugs.
19. Learn How to Make Transparent Soap
Why make transparent soap? The truth is, it’s fun to learn how to make any kind of soap. It’s a rewarding hobby that allows you to incorporate your own creativity. You choose the essential oils, coloring, molds, etc.
Once you’re finished, you can keep your new soap collection, give them as gifts, sell them at the local market, or even sell them through an online platform like Etsy.
Making soap can be a rewarding hobby and a side-hustle if you want.
Read: How to Make Transparent Soaps Without Chemical Burns
20. Get Into Beekeeping
Beekeeping is an ideal hobby for those over 50 due to its therapeutic benefits. Some of the benefits include the following:
- Beekeeping can provide a tranquil escape and promote mental well-being.
- It also offers physical activity through hive maintenance and honey harvesting, keeping individuals active.
- The continuous learning involved in beekeeping fosters intellectual stimulation.
- The connection with nature enhances appreciation for the environment.Â
- Engaging with fellow beekeepers builds community and provides social opportunities.
- Beekeeping is a sustainable practice that you can feel good about.
To get started in beekeeping, research beekeeping techniques and local regulations. It’s a good idea to attend training sessions or workshops if possible.Â
A good place to get acquainted with beekeeping is through local communities, online forums, etc. Once you’ve established a starting point, you’ll need to gather necessary equipment like hives and protective gear.
21. Dance Lessons
Dancing or taking dance lessons is a fantastic hobby for adults over 50 because it’s a fun way to stay active and healthy.
Not only does it get your heart pumping and keep your body moving, but it’s also great for the mind, helping with memory and coordination.
Plus, dancing is a social activity, so you get to meet new people and make friends while grooving to your favorite tunes.
Whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or even line dancing, there’s a style for everyone to enjoy, making it a joyful and rewarding pastime!
Read: 19 Fun and Easy Hobbies for Couples Over 50
22. Martial Arts
Taking up martial arts is a fantastic hobby for adults over 50 because it combines physical fitness with mental discipline.
It’s a great way to stay active, improve strength, balance, and flexibility, all while learning self-defense skills. Martial arts also promote mental well-being by reducing stress and boosting confidence.
Plus, it’s a social activity where you can meet new people and join a supportive community. Whether you’re interested in karate, tai chi, or judo, martial arts offer a fun and engaging way to stay fit and sharp at any age!
23. Wine Making
Wine making is a fantastic hobby for adults over 50 because it combines creativity with the joy of crafting something delicious.
It’s a hands-on activity that allows you to learn about the intricacies of fermentation and grape varieties, all while producing your own unique blends.
Wine making can also be a social endeavor, giving you the opportunity to share your creations with friends and family or join a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to enjoy a glass of wine that you made yourself!
Conclusion
Exploring new hobbies in your senior years can be a great way to improve your mental and physical health, make new friends, and discover new interests.
Whether you’re learning a new language, playing musical instruments, engaging in creative writing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there’s a perfect hobby out there for everyone.
So step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and make the most of your leisure time!
