Did you know that January is National Hobby Month? Everyone should have a hobby. Whether it’s gardening, birdwatching, or even something as simple as reading, it’s important to have an activity that you enjoy doing. As adults, it’s easy to become so focused on work and family that we let the hobbies we enjoyed as children fall to the wayside. Once you retire and your children are grown however, you might find that once again, you have more time for hobbies.
It is never too late to take up a new pastime or try something new. Retirement is actually the perfect time to pick up a new hobby. Many hobbies are perfect for older adults and can provide seniors with a number of benefits. From social interaction, to physical exercise, to mental stimulation, to pure enjoyment, hobbies can help you lead a healthier, and more satisfying life.
There are many hobbies that older adults can enjoy. These include solo hobbies or hobbies that you do with friends, such as:
- Bird watching
- Gardening
- Reading
- Puzzles
- Baking or cooking
- Sewing
- Dancing
- Golf or other sports
- Hiking
- Knitting
- Crossword puzzles
Taking on a new hobby can improve your well-being. Picking up a hobby can be a good way of connecting with others, and helping combat isolation or depression. Research has shown that participating in social activities can help people live longer. Depending on your hobby, having a new activity that you enjoy, such as yoga, can also help you maintain an active lifestyle. Both physical and mental activities can help older adults stay healthy.
Use this month to try something new and find others with whom you can share your hobby. While Covid-19 can make it hard to socialize, engaging in outdoor or virtual activities can help you stay safe. For inspiration, click here to check out this New York Times guide to “Choosing the Right Hobby”. For tips on finding hobbies for older adults, click here.