Retirement is an exciting time that allows active adults to pursue their favorite pastimes or learn and enjoy new activities. Hobbies for seniors are an enjoyable and enriching way to spend time indoors and out. They allow seniors to expand their horizons and enjoy learning things they may have never considered in the past.
Whether you have a list of beloved hobbies or aren’t sure which types of activities will fit your personality, our ultimate hobby guide will pique your curiosity and hopefully inspire you to try something new. Our list is divided into sections that make it easy to browse. Dive in to explore your current interests and expand your search to discover something you never imagined you’d love.
Indoor Hobbies for Seniors
Pursuing your favorite indoor hobbies is the ideal way to relax inside your home. Indoor hobbies for seniors, from crafting to cooking, can be enjoyed anytime day or night to align with your schedule and provide entertainment on rainy days.
Play an Instrument
Whether you learned and abandoned an instrument years ago or have never tested your musical prowess, playing an instrument can be a relaxing and rewarding pastime. Consider the sounds you love and the types of instruments that make them. Musical instruments ranging from guitars or fiddle to piano or harmonica are enjoyable to play alone or in a group setting.
Leatherworking
Leather can be used to create many attractive and durable items that make wonderful gifts and personal items. With a few specialized tools and the adoption of some new skills, you can learn to make items like belts, wallets, bags, keychains, and more. A beginner’s kit can be a great introduction to the craft with everything you need and step-by-step instructions to create a simple project.
Cooking
If you’ve always wanted to expand your culinary horizons, grab a cookbook and experiment with fresh ingredients in the kitchen. New recipes, spices, and flavors can transform cooking from a daily chore to an exciting craft. Perfect your favorite nostalgic dishes, try new recipes, and experiment with global cuisines to please your palate and entertain your friends and family.
Knit or Crochet
With a few small tools, some colorful skeins of yarn, and the time to learn a few stitches, you can create beautiful projects ranging from scarves or sweaters to blankets. The rhythmic movement of knitting and crocheting is a soothing motion that keeps fingers nimble and dextrous, making knitting and crocheting ideal hobbies for seniors. Patterns in books and online make it easy to make a range of items from headbands or toys to clothing.
Coloring
Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore. Adult coloring books with a wide range of themes and images encourage adults to use markers, pens, pencils, or crayons to fill pages with vibrant colors. Awaken your inner artist without the demands of creating your own imagery.
Scrapbooking
Smartphones and digital tools make snapping and sharing photos easier than ever. Yet, all too often these treasured memories are never displayed. Scrapbooking allows you to preserve mementos and photos together, telling a beautiful story with images. The finished result makes a beautiful gift that can be passed down through generations.
Outdoor Hobbies for Seniors
Many active adults choose a retirement destination based on proximity to enjoyable outdoor activities. Spending time outdoors helps you stay healthy, enjoy mild weather, and get physical exercise. Here are just a few examples of outdoor hobbies for seniors.
Hiking
Most cities and retirement communities offer easy access to hiking or walking trails for active adults of all skill levels. If you’re new to hiking, you can begin with short trails and graduate to longer trails as you gain endurance. Exploring nature is a fun group activity that encourages increased mobility and physical exercise.
Gardening
A rewarding hobby that allows you to enhance your property with your favorite blooms or your meals with the tastiest veggies and herbs, gardening is often a favorite pastime of active seniors. Options for gardening range from dedicated outdoor spaces to containers or raised beds, allowing active adults to create a unique garden in almost any environment.
Nature Photography
Get outdoors and capture the nuances of nature through the lens of your favorite camera or smartphone. Tap into your inner artist to capture panoramas of gorgeous landscapes, intricate close-ups of flowers or landscapes, or interesting images that redefine a favorite location. Hone your skills as you gain experience to learn new techniques and tricks that enhance your images.
Bird Watching
Whether you’ve always had an interest in the many species of birds that flutter outdoors or haven’t taken time to properly observe them, bird watching can be a peaceful and interesting pastime. Bird watching is a favorite on our list of hobbies for seniors. Observe backyard feeders or explore local parks and nature preserves to spot colorful birds, learn their breeds, and listen to their songs.
Metal Detecting
This might seem like an odd addition to a list of hobbies for seniors, but if you dream of immersing yourself in a modern-day treasure hunt, a metal detector is the perfect tool for your new outdoor hobby. Explore parks, beaches, or your own backyard to find hidden treasures just beneath the soil’s surface. Unearth coins, jewelry, lost treasures, or even historical artifacts to collect, share, display, or reunite with owners who lost them.
Health Boosting Hobbies for Seniors
Active adults often pursue hobbies for health or fitness. These types of hobbies are great for staying physically active, improving mobility, building strength, and reaching weight loss goals. Most importantly, they’re fun and can relieve daily stress.
Yoga
With many styles to choose from, yoga provides opportunities to increase flexibility, build strength, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. Yoga positions and poses flow through many ranges of difficulty to accommodate beginners, experts who have been practicing for years, and everyone in between. Joining a beginner class is the best way to get started and learn proper poses with the help of an instructor.
Pickleball
A fast-paced game that’s fun while being gentle on the joints, pickleball is a sport that is readily available in many retirement communities. The game is played in teams of two against two with a strategy similar to tennis. However, since players use light paddles and low-bouncing balls and play on a smaller court, pickleball is less strenuous than tennis.
Dance
No matter what type of music you enjoy, dancing is a sure way to get exercise and enjoy active time spent indoors or out. From formal dance lessons to dance-inspired workout videos or classes, dancing is a fun activity that encourages groups to get physical exercise together. For added inspiration, consider occasionally learning new types of dance such as salsa or line dancing.
Cycling
Bicycling is a favorite pastime for many active adults and is a great way to improve health and mobility. Cycling routes range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and a used bike purchase will allow you to begin with minimal starting costs. Riding a bicycle is a great form of cardio that improves blood pressure and strengthens bones and muscles. Plus, it is one of the hobbies for seniors that can lower stress.
Hobbies for Seniors on the Water
Waterfront properties and communities near oceans and lakes are some of the most popular retirement destinations. Bodies of water are not only peaceful and enjoyable, they provide the perfect environment for a range of enjoyable activities.
Boating
Whether you take over the helm or remain a passenger, boating is a great way to explore local waterways. Enjoy sunny days spent on a lake or even on the ocean. Make a day of it with a picnic lunch and don’t forget the sunscreen. For those without access to a personal vessel, boat tours are an enjoyable way to get out on the water.
Snorkeling
When you want a different perspective of the water, snorkeling is an experience that is simultaneously exciting and relaxing. Float comfortably on top of the water while safely viewing underwater vistas and aquatic wildlife. Beginner classes may include floatation devices and safety tips to help newcomers get used to the activity.
Fishing
Fishing is both relaxing and exciting and can be enjoyed from land or on the water. It’s a favorite among hobbies for seniors. Many parks and public places include fishing spots where people gather to fish and enjoy time spent outdoors. Before visiting public fishing spots, check licensing requirements and schedules. As fishers gain experience, they may learn about new tools and methods to take on greater challenges.
Kayaking
Get out into the water to enjoy a low-impact activity that engages multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health. Kayaking requires aerobic activity and increases mobility. The exercise is often enjoyable as it allows people to go out and enjoy mild weather and time spent on the water. Starting with a guided tour is a great way to get started, and no matter your experience level, it’s essential to always wear a life vest while kayaking.
Sports-Centered Hobbies for Seniors
Many people enjoy competitive sports as a way to get exercise and participate in social activities. While active seniors can freely participate in a range of athletic activities, many prefer sports that don’t have a substantial impact on joints and muscles.
Golfing
For those who have long enjoyed a game of golf, retirement is a time when they can finally have more time to play their favorite sport. For those new to golf, a little instruction and patience go a long way toward finding a favorite hobby that will lead to hours of enjoyment on the course. Golf requires precision, patience, and a good attitude. It also requires plenty of walking, which is great for cardiovascular health and improved mobility and balance.
Bowling
A social and fun sport that is enjoyable for all skill levels, bowling is a great hobby to encourage a little friendly competition. While bowling may be difficult to master, the concept is simple enough to encourage beginners to jump right in. Bowling is a social sport that encourages group gatherings and repeated games. Learning new skills is half the fun and makes this among the easiest hobbies for seniors to master.
Shuffleboard
Played indoors on a table or outdoors on a court, shuffleboard requires dexterity and concentration while being a fun competition. When playing outdoors, participants use long cue sticks to push pucks on a long court into high-scoring areas. The game requires strategy, energy, and skill, making it increasingly enjoyable as players gain experience.
Spectator Sports
Watching sports and rooting for your favorite teams is a big part of the fun for sports lovers. Whether you enjoy going to games with friends and family or watching your favorite teams play on the big screen TV, watching sports with like-minded (or opposing) views can be a fun way to interact and socialize.
Social Hobbies for Singles
Some hobbies create group settings and social opportunities that are ideal for single adults to meet fellow singles, neighbors, and friends. These hobbies may include joining clubs, taking classes, or attending gatherings where socializing is a part of the fun.
Wine or Restaurant Clubs
Wine and food clubs offer a way to try new things in an atmosphere with ample time for socializing. Many 55+ communities have several clubs to join, including those designed to try out new restaurants or wineries. Active adults can join like-minded communities and make new acquaintances that become long-time friends.
Game Nights
Card games or board games can bring groups together to share enjoyable competition. From dedicated poker nights to cribbage clubs, or community bingo, games bring groups together for socialization and communication. Seek out clubs and groups that play games you like or those you’re interested in learning.
Take a Class
Whether you want to learn how to cook, speak another language, or pick up a new skill, taking a class provides a social setting where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people. Classes for adults often support social environments and can encourage ongoing interactions.
Play a Team Sport
Co-ed team sports for seniors encourage socialization and physical activity. Choose any sport that matches your physical abilities and enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a close-knit team. Sports teams often practice together and get together to celebrate wins and make strategic plans to recover from losses.
Start a Local Group
If you already participate in an enjoyable hobby but can’t find a relevant group to join, consider starting a group to attract others. Whether your passion is art, music, or an outdoor activity like biking or hiking, you can connect with others and use your leadership skills to share your hobby with others.
Hobbies for Seniors to Enjoy as a Couple
Retirement is a great time for couples to enjoy spending time together and explore new entertainment opportunities and pastimes. Finding hobbies that you both enjoy can bring you closer together.
Traveling
With plenty of time and freedom, active couples enjoy frequent travel. Whether you dream of exploring the country or the world, there are many ways to make the most of the journey when traveling with your partner. Consider RV travel, cruises, or hopping on a plat to visit the country you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
Adopting a Pet
If you’re a couple of animal lovers who never really had enough time to give to a pet, adopting one after retirement can be a rewarding hobby. Whether you adopt a puppy or kitten, rescue an animal from a shelter, or find the most unexpected pet, creating the ideal home and lifestyle is enjoyable. Couples can determine the best way to make a new pet feel at home and conduct training together.
Hit the Gym or Start an Active Hobby
Exercise is a great way to improve health and energize your lifestyle. Couples who begin a fitness routine together can experience the joys and pains of becoming active again. If the gym isn’t for you, consider choosing an activity you both enjoy.
Take a Dance Class
Whether you have a history of dancing together or long to experience the joy of creating a seamless rhythm as a couple, taking a dance class can be an endeavor sure to bring you closer. Learn a new dance or perfect a favorite style. After you learn new steps, try them out together at local entertainment venues.
Co-Mentor a Younger Person
Whether you incorporate knowledge from your careers, personal hobbies, or experience from a life well lived, mentoring a younger person is a fulfilling activity couples can enjoy together. Work together to teach someone new skills, share industry knowledge, or give interview tips and encouragement to help a young person meet their goals.
Popular Men’s Hobbies
Busy men who haven’t engaged in hobbies in the past may find it challenging to search for a suitable hobby later in life. While this section of hobbies is suitable for anyone, some of these activities are particularly popular among men.
Woodworking
When wood is your canvas, you can use various tools to create practically anything you desire. Woodworking can range from whittling to furniture making, and everything in between. If you’re unfamiliar with the trade, start with a small project and expand your horizons as you gain experience.
Car Restoration
Whether you’re interested in motors, classic cars, or niche makes and models, car restoration can be a rewarding hobby. If you’re interested in mechanics, you may enjoy working under the hood. If metalwork is more in your wheelhouse, bodywork could be a good fit. Some restoration experts take on the entire project.
Axe Throwing
If you’re interested in a hobby that looks a little dangerous but requires precision and skill, axe throwing might be a good match. It requires throwing an axe or hatchet at a wooden target, focusing on accuracy rather than speed.
Drone Flying or Racing
A newer hobby that requires a bit of tech savviness and skill, drone flying can be entertaining and rewarding. Flying drones is a creative hobby that can be combined with photography or videography to capture stunning aerial images or travel videos.
Popular Women’s Hobbies for Seniors
These hobbies tap into creativity and the urge to make beautiful things. While they are often popular among women, they can be enjoyed by anyone.
Antiquing
Combine a love of shopping with an enjoyment of restoring antique items to make something old new again. Visit antique stores, flea markets, and vintage shops to find one-of-a-kind items. Consider taking a day trip with a group of friends to explore unique shops in a nearby city to search for original treasures that can be lovingly restored to their original condition.
Book Clubs
Share a love of reading with the joy of discussing literature with like-minded friends. Club meetings often take place at coffee shops, wine shops, restaurants or the homes of members. Everyone in the group reads the same book and gets together to discuss it while enjoying a social environment. Themed meetings related to the book’s topic can keep things interesting.
Horseback Riding
A love of animals and spending time outdoors make horseback riding a favorite activity. Many states have stables and horseback riding trails you can visit for guided riding sessions or group trips. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the scenery while taking a leisurely ride.
Pottery
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty while creating beautiful pieces, pottery making is a fun hobby that can grow with you as you gain experience. Making pottery is a soothing and rewarding experience that promotes joint movement and dexterity. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, a beginner’s class can help you get started.
Hobbies for Seniors That Help Others
Hobbies for seniors that enable you to give back to the community are some of the most fulfilling and can add a unique social aspect to your activities. Active adults can join existing groups or branch out and start a program designed to help individuals in the neighborhood. Consider how your existing skills and knowledge can be turned into helpful hobbies that support your local community or an international cause.
Volunteering
With thousands of local and national service organizations to choose from, volunteers can participate in a social environment and take on various tasks to help others. Depending on your resources and capabilities, volunteering can include a wide range of activities from running a booth to bringing items to individuals in need. Research different groups to find the volunteer work that aligns best with your skills and favorite activities.
Teaching
If you have a special skillset or unique knowledge from a previous career, you can pass on what you know to help others with similar interests. Active adults can teach hobbies, languages, or industry-related courses to share their knowledge of niche activities and jobs. Sharing knowledge is a great way to keep your mind sharp and continue participating in a life-long interest.
Fostering Animals
If you’re an animal lover, you can volunteer to help your local shelter take care of animals in need. Shelters seek foster homes for animals for various reasons. You may be able to bottle-feed kittens or puppies, nurse animals back to health, or simply provide a temporary home for animals waiting to find their forever home.
Fundraising
Raising money is a vital part of helping nonprofits help individuals in need. Active adults can develop groups or work alone to raise money through bake sales, arts and crafts, or community yard sales. Advertising through local media and online can increase turnout and help you gain more interest.
Online Hobbies for Seniors
Modern technology opens up a new world of interesting hobbies for seniors that range from artistic to social. With easy access to smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices, tech-savvy adults (and those willing to learn) can enjoy different online hobbies anywhere and at any time. These hobbies use the internet to connect to new and interesting content and activities.
Genealogy
Today’s technology and access to information make it easier than ever to trace your ancestry and learn things about your family that you might have never discovered otherwise. With a little information and curiosity, you can trace your family tree, and create a documented account of your family history to be shared with generations to come.
Social Media
Social media platforms allow like-minded individuals to connect and join communities of people with similar interests and hobbies. You can find new outlets to share your favorite hobbies, learn new things, and interact with others who enjoy similar activities. Online groups are a great way to share progress and meet individuals from locations around the world.
Video Games
Modern video games span a wide range of interests that aren’t just for teens to enjoy. Like other forms of entertainment, video games can be a relaxing way to immerse yourself in a new fantasy world. Learning new games is also a good way to improve your memory, focus, dexterity, and vision.
Digital Art
Artistic hobbies are great for brain stimulation and creativity, but they can get messy and require many materials. Digital art offers a way to express your artistic talents with a computer or tablet as a medium. You can take online classes, join clubs, or simply create and share your artwork with others without the need for physical materials and supplies.
Podcasts
Many people enjoy listening to podcasts while completing daily activities but making your own podcasts can also become a fulfilling hobby. Stay social, improve your conversational skills, and share unique knowledge or skills you’ve accumulated throughout your lifetime. If you have limited mobility, your podcast can act as a platform for you to entertain others and create a community.
A 55+ Community Can Support Your Hobbies!
Exploring new hobbies is a wonderful way to enrich your life, stay active, and foster social connections. Luckily, 55+ communities provide the perfect environment to explore new hobbies. These vibrant neighborhoods are designed to support active lifestyles, offering a wide range of amenities, clubs, and social activities that make it easy to discover and pursue passions. Contact 55places.com today, and let us help you find the perfect community to match your hobbies and retirement lifestyle!
