Make the Most of Your Free Time
After so many years in a 9-5 job, retirement can hit like a ton of bricks. You suddenly have hours of free time, and it’s hard to know what to even do with them! Luckily, we’ve got you covered—here are some of the best hobbies any senior can enjoy.
1. Go Back to School
We know what you’re thinking, but stay with us! School isn’t for everyone, and heaven knows we don’t want to go back, but there’s a difference between studying what they tell you and studying what you want to. Continuing education classes focus on your particular hobbies, which makes learning a lot more fun.
2. Start a Garden
With so much time on your hands, now’s your perfect chance to start a garden. Whether you focus on stunning flowers or try your hand at a backyard grocery store, there’s no shortage of opportunities. The best thing about it is that gardening easily becomes another hobby! You can pickle, arrange flowers, or even attend a local farmer’s market with your spoils.
3. Walking and Hiking
You deserve a break after so many years of hard work. Nature trails and walking paths await anyone adventurous enough to try them! Getting out in nature not only keeps you active, but it also gives you the chance to finally explore what’s around the corner.
micheile henderson on Unsplash
4. Volunteering
Why not give back a little in retirement? You have dozens of organizations to choose from, allowing you to work with animals, children, or anyone less fortunate. Volunteering eats up a few hours every week while also providing a sense of community!
5. Declutter Your Home
We know decluttering doesn’t sound like a “hobby” per se, but it can be with the right attitude! Chances are, you have a few knick-knacks lying around the house, and those treasures turn into a hobby all their own. Try your hand at online marketplaces (or donate the items), and make that freshly cleaned space all your own.
6. Start Traveling
You’ve got some time and cash burning a hole in your pocket—why not start a sightseeing journey? So long as it fits within your budget, you can finally explore Italy or take a day trip to a neighboring city. Either way, it’s a good opportunity to see more of the world.
7. Meet New People
Retirees don’t always embrace community. Try to avoid that mistake! Retired seniors are far more susceptible to loneliness, but taking the time to meet new people keeps those blues away. Whether it’s a book club or attending local events, get out there and make some new friends.
8. Become a Tour Guide
Who knows your city better than you? If you’re a history buff with a few hours to spare, look for volunteer tour guide opportunities! You’ll offer unbeatable knowledge to travelers and any interested locals, practicing your speaking skills and making new friends along the way.
9. Crafting
The coolest thing about crafting is that it’s basically whatever you want it to be. Scrapbooking? Done. Embroidery? Go for it. Woodworking? A great choice. Whichever craft you choose, you’ll keep your mind sharp and your hands busy. You can also branch into various crafts, which keep you busy for years to come!
10. Better Your Cooking Skills
You’ve likely whipped up more than a few meals in your day, but now’s the time to really focus on its intricacies. Good meals are an art form, and retirees have all the time in the world to become the next Gordon Ramsay. From baking bread to making pasta from scratch, retirement lets you explore your culinary prowess.
11. Creative Writing
Writing isn’t easy, but it is for everyone. You don’t need to become the next great author, but nothing’s stopping you from crafting your first poem or finishing a short story. You’re not under any deadlines either, so you can take it at your own pace.
12. Genealogy
Genealogy’s no joke, and not everyone understands the dedication it takes. Though it’s much easier now than it used to be, it still takes diligent research to get the job done. If you’re interested in your family tree, venture into your very own history!
13. Pick Up a Book
How many times have you told yourself that you’d read more if you had more time? Well, look who it is—time! Head to your local library. Stop by a coffee shop with your favorite book. Get lost in an Indigo. There are millions of books out there just waiting to be read.
14. Food Preserving
Remember how we talked about hobbies born from hobbies? Food preservation stems from gardening, but it’s also something you can do without an entire crop field in your backyard. There’s a lot to know before you do it properly (temperatures, fermentation, dehydration), making it a great hobby that helps burn away the hours.
15. Remodel the House
What better time to add those finishing touches to your house? So long as you do it safely and within your budget, home renovation is an excellent way to stay busy. Building a deck, repainting your bedroom, and even swapping out old light fixtures can make your home feel brand new.
16. Fishing
Fishing isn’t for everyone. It’s often seen as a tedious pastime that hardly reaps any benefits—but that’s unfair! Fishing keeps you fit, puts you in touch with nature’s serenity, provides food, and helps alleviate stress. When you think about it, it’s actually the ultimate hobby.
17. Drawing
Try to think of drawing like crafting: an awesome hobby that has more branches than you think. From charcoal drawings and watercolors to landscapes and pottery painting, there’s no shortage of ways to express your creativity.
18. Explore What’s Around You
It’s hard to explore all your city has to offer when you’re crammed in a cubicle all week. But now that you’re retired, your city is the perfect spot to start exploring. Museums, art galleries, food trucks, and small businesses help make a neighborhood great, and you have the rest of your life to indulge.
19. Ride Your Bike
Looking for a fun way to keep active? Look no further than bike riding! Whether you take a gentle ride around the neighborhood or push yourself on trails, cycling is a terrific way to stay in shape and enjoy nature’s beauty.
20. Study a New Language
Learning a new language isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what makes it such a fun challenge! If you don’t want to immerse yourself fully, you can always take a class at the library or join community groups that encourage practice in a safe environment.
