Best retirement hobbies and activities to start pursuing now

Without question, hobbies are good for us. In fact, research has found that having an interest in which you regularly immerse yourself provides a variety of benefits.

Here’s a list of some of the benefits you can enjoy by taking up a new hobby:

• Relieve stress
• Lower blood pressure
• Build muscle and strengthen bones
• Improve mental health
• Boost creativity
• Encourage connections with others
• Boost self-esteem

Some hobbies are easy to jump into at any age. For example, many people who haven’t typically cracked open a book develop an interest in reading as they get older. Other hobbies, though, are best begun earlier in life since certain skills can take years to learn and master.

When choosing a hobby, spend some time reflecting on those things that you enjoy doing or that interest you. Let your mind be open to things you may not have considered before. According to Kettering University, a good approach is to ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you enjoy competition?
2. Do you prefer to enjoy doing things alone or with others?
3. Is there a particular skill you would like to develop?
4. Are you getting enough physical activity in your daily life?
5. Are there things you enjoyed doing in your childhood that you would like to revisit?
6. In what ways do you want your hobby to challenge or change you?
7. How much time can you devote to your new hobby?
8. How much money can you invest in your new hobby?
9. What types of people would you like to interact with?
10. What kinds of benefits would you like your hobby to provide?

Here are some of the senior hobbies that you can consider starting sooner rather than later.

Cooking

People of all ages enjoy cooking, but with so many types of cuisines and tools to learn about, mastering this hobby can take years. If you’d like to become an amateur chef, check out some of the many popular cable cooking shows, or consider taking a class in your area.

Outdoor Sports

Whether you’re in great shape or just want to get outside once in a while, an outdoor sport can provide you with many hours of enjoyment. Some outdoor sports can be quite challenging and require time and patience to perform safely, and others require specialized equipment. Consider water or snow skiing, cycling, running, sailing, surfing, or scuba diving.

Dancing

Do you enjoy moving your body every now and then? Many people enjoy dancing from a young age well into their golden years. If you’d like to get started, there’s no time like the present. You can choose from a variety of styles of dancing, including ballroom, salsa, ballet, belly, hip hop, and more!

Bird Watching

Many seniors enjoy bird watching, but the sooner you start, the more you’ll benefit. With almost 10,000 species of birds living around the globe, it can take time to familiarize yourself with signature behaviors and movements. Why not grab some binoculars and a field guide and get started?

Arts and Crafts

If you have an innovative streak, you might enjoy creating crafts or works of art as a hobby. It can take years to become adept at some arts and crafts — including embroidery, painting, sculpture, calligraphy, jewelry making, knitting, pottery and others. Experts say the best way to learn is to simply dive in and start creating!

Indoor Sports

Many sports that are performed indoors don’t require as much skill or stamina as some outdoor sports, but you still can benefit from starting now. Whether you enjoy yoga, swimming, weight lifting or fitness classes, you’ll build your enjoyment as you increase endurance and learn the proper form for your sport.

Music

Playing a musical instrument is another hobby in the creative realm that can take significant time to learn. If you’d enjoy participating in a community band or simply entertaining friends and family, consider leasing an instrument or buying one used while you get some lessons under your belt.

Need a retirement hobby? A world of options awaits

If you’d love to take up a stimulating new hobby for seniors, consider the active and engaged lifestyle at True Connection Communities. We offer a variety of clubs, programs, and activities to keep life interesting in a beautiful setting. Stimulate your mind and invigorate your body with our custom-designed exercise and wellness classes such as circuit fitness training, water aerobics, yoga on the lawn, and much more. Or be adventurous and learn Tai Chi or Zumba to stay active. We also offer many clubs where you can indulge your passions and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including walking groups, gardening clubs, book clubs, and cooking clubs. If you’re up for some friendly competition, join us for bowling, ping pong, and billiards, or improve your stroke on the putting green while you enjoy the fresh air. To learn more about our communities, please contact us today.