January is National Hobby Month, a perfect time to explore new interests or reignite old passions. For seniors, hobbies offer far more than just a way to pass the time. Hobbies can significantly enhance quality of life by improving mental health, physical well-being, and social connections.
With retirement either on the horizon or in full swing, there is more time to fill. For some of us, this is a welcome relief after decades of work, parenting, travel and housekeeping. For others, what to do with this free time can feel like a burden. Hobbies can fill this gap and provide meaning, purpose and support for the healthy, active lives we dreamt of all those years.
Why Hobbies Matter for Seniors
Participating in hobbies has profound benefits, especially for older adults. Studies show that staying mentally and physically active can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and even lower stress levels.
According to a study at Texas A&M University, “…older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities such as word games and hobbies, have better memory, working memory, attention and processing speed than those who do not.”
Whether it’s gardening, painting, playing a musical instrument, or learning a new language, hobbies provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In research published in Nature Medicine, researchers found, “…hobby engagement was associated with better mental and self-reported health in adults aged 65 years and older as well as correlation with higher life expectancy and national happiness levels.”
Physical hobbies like yoga, dancing, or walking clubs can improve mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Creative outlets such as knitting, writing, or painting can boost cognitive function and provide a therapeutic way to express emotions. Even social hobbies like joining a book club or participating in group classes help foster connections that combat isolation—a common issue among seniors.
Tips for Starting or Reconnecting with Hobbies
- Reflect on Past Interests: Think back to activities you enjoyed earlier in life. Did you love photography, sewing, or woodworking? Revisiting a former passion can rekindle joy and bring back fond memories.
- Try Something New: If you’ve always been curious about a particular hobby but never had the time, now’s your chance. Many community centers, libraries, and senior centers offer affordable or free classes on everything from pottery to tai chi.
- Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself by diving into a complex hobby right away. Begin with beginner-level tools, materials, or classes and gradually build your skills and confidence.
- Embrace Technology: Technology offers countless resources to learn new skills. Platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, or even virtual reality experiences can make hobbies like painting, fitness, or travel accessible from the comfort of your home.
- Stay Social: Look for group-based hobbies to meet like-minded individuals. Socializing not only enriches the experience but also adds accountability and structure to your routine.
- Adapt to Physical Abilities: If mobility or other health concerns are a challenge, choose hobbies that suit your abilities. Chair yoga, tabletop gardening, or voice recording for audiobooks are excellent low-impact options.
Popular Hobbies for Seniors
- Gardening: A wonderful way to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, and a connection to nature. Gardening can improve mental health and overall wellbeing by reducing stress, improving concentration and attention, contributing to community and connection and increasing confidence and motivation.
- Crafting: Knitting, crocheting, or woodworking are therapeutic and allow for creativity. Crafting can actually reduce risk for dementia.
- Photography: Modern smartphones make it easy to capture life’s beautiful moments allowing us to be present in the immediate moment and recall the moment later as well.
- Music: Playing an instrument or singing can be deeply fulfilling and great for mental stimulation. According to researchers, “music makes unique demands on our nervous system …and listening to music improves cognitive skills such as fluency, working memory and recognition memory.”
- Puzzles and Games: Crosswords, Sudoku, and chess are excellent for keeping the mind sharp.
- Volunteering: Helping others can be a rewarding way to spend time and make a difference. Research shows that volunteering can positively affect all areas of our lives including decreasing risk for overall mortality, improved psychosocial outcomes and lower depressive symptoms.
Make It a Family Affair
National Hobby Month is also a great opportunity to bond with younger generations. Teach grandchildren a craft, share family recipes, or work together on a DIY project. Not only does this create lasting memories, but it also bridges generational gaps and fosters meaningful connections. Seniors have a great wealth of knowledge and skills, and many in younger generations are eager to learn and explore. Wisdom-sharing has been shown to be beneficial for both seniors and younger people, including improved connection among the groups and increased comfort engaging with each other. When we share our hobbies, we build deep connections with those we love.
Final Thoughts
Hobbies are much more than pastimes; they are pathways to a richer, more vibrant life. This January, take the time to explore activities that bring joy, promote wellness, and connect you with others. It’s never too late to start a new chapter—and National Hobby Month is the perfect time to begin.
Get Our Newsletter
Navigating life after 50 can be complex for you and your loved ones. We're here to help with tips, advice, and answers to questions. When you sign up for our newsletter, we'll let you know by email when we publish new articles that can help you.