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Do you want to try new hobbies, but can't find the time?
Be aware that many people over 50 choose to take this time off for the pleasure of trying something new and to improve their mental health and well-being. It's a great way to make new friends, relax, and have fun. After all, you still feel young at 50!
The pandemic has forced many people to shift their priorities, particularly when it comes to work-life balance. To maintain their mental health or simply improve their well-being, many have opted for early retirement, and those just over 50 have decided to continue pursuing the new hobbies they've developed during lockdown.
The eternal clock gift and the traditional severance package have fortunately become classics when you retire, as has the preconceived notion that retirement means spending your time doing nothing on the sofa in your slippers.
Today, retirement can often begin in your fifties, and guess what? Then there are no limits to the fun. Think cruises, kayaking, dancing, and dominoes, not to mention more extreme hobbies for the adventurous.
It may not be the case for everyone, but there are plenty of great opportunities to try a new hobby. It might be something you've always wanted to do or an activity you never would have considered.
What do you think of paragliding, surfing, or rollerblading? For those who like to live life in the fast lane, there are even hobbies like extreme ironing (yes, it's a real discipline) and barefoot (water skiing without skis)!
For budding Indiana Joneses or homebody adventurers, we've compiled a list of the best hobbies for those over 50. You're sure to find something you like.
But first, let's look at the benefits of taking up a new hobby. It allows:
- to relieve stress and improve general well-being;
- to improve mental health and cognitive abilities;
- to strengthen mental health;
- to increase self-confidence;
- to make friends;
- to share one's skills with others;
- to find a new passion;
- to improve skills already acquired;
- to create new social links; and
- to have additional income.
Researchers are studying how taking up a hobby can have positive effects on mental health, such as reducing feelings of depression and increasing dopamine production in the reward system. Unfortunately, taking time to do what you love is rarely recommended. Research has shown that having a hobby is associated with lower levels of depression, and can even prevent depression in some people.
Besides joy and motivation, hobbies can offer other benefits. Physical hobbies can boost physical fitness, and others can even improve brain function. Research suggests that some activities, such as playing a musical instrument, can improve memory, while artistic hobbies, such as reading, board games, and puzzles, may help prevent dementia in later life.
Excellent leisure activities for the over 50s
Gardening
Gardening is one of the most relaxing hobbies and offers many benefits. This naturally slow process, which simply cannot be rushed, encourages you to take your time and be in harmony with nature. It has a calming effect and is a way to connect with nature while working with your hands. It is good for both body and mind. Don't let the need to manage a large space deter you. It is possible to garden on any size, from a windowsill filled with herbs to a full-fledged vegetable patch. Gardening is perfect for those with a busy lifestyle and a small budget.
Geocaching
It's the perfect pastime for those who love walking and treasure hunting!
To give a precise definition, geocaching is the use of a handheld or GPS receiving device and other tracking techniques to hide and search for containers called "geocaches" or "caches" in specific locations marked by coordinates around the world.
A typical cache is a small, waterproof container that includes a logbook and a pen or pencil. The geocacher signs the logbook with their code name and the date to prove they found the cache. After signing the logbook, the cache must be returned to the exact location where it was found. Larger containers, such as plastic food containers, may also contain items to trade, such as small toys or trinkets.
The picking
Another great way to enjoy the outdoors is foraging, or harvesting food from nature. Ideal for those interested in the flora and fauna of their region, it allows you to learn about foods that are edible, medicinal, restorative, and beneficial for mental health and well-being.
We recommend going with an experienced and knowledgeable guide on your first foraging expeditions to ensure that what you gather is safe and non-toxic. You can choose from wild berries, mushrooms, plants, and roots to cook or eat raw. There's likely a specialist in your area, and small group or paired walks are usually available. There are also various apps available for phones to help identify wild plants, as well as excellent paperback books you can take on your excursions.
Nordic walking
Nordic walking is a walking technique using special poles that harnesses the power of the upper body to turn walking into a workout. It's suitable for everyone and can be done anywhere. You've probably seen a Nordic walking group near you. There are many Nordic walking groups for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced. It's a great way to meet up with friends, exercise, and improve your fitness.
The private pilot license
For those who want to reach the heights of daring recreation, obtaining a private pilot license is easier than you might think. As a private pilot, you can fly virtually any aircraft, fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), and acquire additional ratings, such as multi-engine or instrument ratings. The best part is, you don't need to log hundreds of flight hours to complete your training. In fact, it may only take a few weeks to earn your license.
If you're a diligent student and enjoy a challenge, this is the perfect hobby for you. Plus, you can fly whenever you want during your travels.
Pet sitting
If you love dogs, this is a great way to help others while pursuing your passion. Many people work during the day or are reluctant to put their beloved pet in a kennel when they go on vacation. So, you can turn your love of dogs into a useful hobby.
How it works is up to you. You can walk a dog every day or offer to look after it at the owner's house while they're on vacation. You can also set up a dog-friendly holiday home at your home, which may be more convenient for you. Whichever option you choose, remember that this is a hobby, so it should be fun, relaxing, and work for you.
Mixology
If you're a budding bartender or mixologist, you can hone your skills with a local class or online tutorials. Plus, there are plenty of great books, online groups, and events to learn more about mixing your favorite spirits. It's a great way to make like-minded friends and share ideas and experiences. Make delicious drinks for yourself or your friends, and you can even demonstrate some tricks you've learned along the way.
Video games and virtual reality
There's no age limit to starting to play video games. Choose from classics like Candy Crush, Minecraft, Wordscapes, or Flight Simulator Extreme, and enjoy the fun you want without leaving your couch. Video games exercise your brain and stimulate your senses by developing quick reflexes and response times.
You can even try virtual reality, or VR, which is becoming increasingly popular with people of all ages. Virtual reality is changing the landscape of home gaming because you can travel, discover new activities, and transcend worlds without leaving your home.
World records
How do you think so many people break world records? They often start out as a hobby. Then they get a little more competitive to be the best. You might do the same. Do you have an interesting or unusual talent? Do you enjoy limbo or crab walking? Perhaps you collect things like buttons, insects, trading cards, or Barbie dolls? Or perhaps you could bake the world's largest cake, the roundest rubber band ball, or the longest row of dominoes?
Every hobby can be turned into a record-breaking success with determination and imagination. If you have an interesting or unusual skill, check online to see if others have used it and to what extent, then try to break the record yourself.
Finally, there is a hobby for people who are looking for something completely different and insanely challenging.
Extreme ironing
This activity really exists! Extreme ironing is an extreme sport that involves taking an ironing board to a remote location and ironing clothes. According to the official Extreme Ironing Bureau, extreme ironing is "a very high-risk sport that combines the thrill of extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-ironed shirt." It's crazy, but it's true!
Any new hobby you choose to try can significantly improve your mental health and well-being, whether you're over 50 or beyond. The sooner you take the time to pursue your hobbies, the sooner you'll benefit from the widely demonstrated positive effects on your physical and psychological well-being.
Do you feel like something's missing in your life? Do you want to meet new people and make new friends? Or do you think your mental health is deteriorating? Take up new hobbies. The most important thing is what interests you and what feels good for your body and mind.