Many people transitioning out of full-time work face “retirement boredom.” After leaving the 9-to-5 life, it can be hard to figure out how to fill all that new free time. If you’re in retirement or are just looking for something new to try, here are 15 fun hobbies you can do to cure boredom, learn something new, and stay engaged in later life.
Here are some fun, senior-friendly hobbies that are sure to keep you engaged this year.
Read: More helpful health stories
1. Play video games
Video games aren’t just for younger people — they can be fun at any age. From Sims to Call of Duty, to Candy Crush and Mario Kart, there are tons of games out there that can bring some fun to your living room. Depending on your chosen games, you can play on your PC, phone, or buy a gaming console like a PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.
2. Join a book club
If you love to read books, consider joining a book club — whether in-person or online. Several clubs exist for different genres, so you can easily connect with other readers who enjoy the same books. And if you’re not a fan of assigned reading and discussion, many clubs exist where you can simply show up and do quiet reading with others.
3. Create a garden
If you’re okay with getting a bit of dirt on your hands, consider building a garden. Start with your favorite fruits, vegetables, or herbs, and find the perfect spot in your yard to create your garden. If you want to make the hobby more social, look for local community gardens where you can plant and harvest with others, while also supporting those facing food insecurity.
4. Volunteer
Volunteering is an opportunity to get out of the house and give your time to your community. This activity can boost your sense of purpose, expand your social circle, and even support your mental well-being. Some ways you can volunteer include:
- Mentoring a young child or teen
- Cleaning up trash
- Being a greeter at a hospital
- Building a home
- Teaching CPR (after getting certified)
- Helping people register to vote
- Knitting scarves or hats for individuals and families in shelters
- Becoming a crossing guard
5. Learn a new language
A great way to keep your mind sharp and explore other cultures is to learn a new language. You can download the Duolingo app, hire a tutor, or listen to a podcast to start learning another language.
6. Join SilverSneakers classes
SilverSneakers is a program included with many Medicare Advantage and some Medicare Supplement plans, where you can access fitness classes. The membership offers several weekly classes, ranging from yoga to indoor walking — all led by instructors. Depending on where you live, your community center may offer SilverSneakers classes, or you can just attend them online.
7. Get a coloring book
Over the past few years, adult coloring has become a popular hobby, offering a way to de-stress while creating something beautiful. There are several adult coloring books available at most retailers and online, but if you don’t want to commit to an entire book, there are plenty of free pages you can download online and print out. If you want to take it up a notch, you could also design your own coloring pages using Canva.
8. Play pickleball
If you want to get some more exercise into your routine, consider playing pickleball. The sport has become popular among many older adults, supporting their physical well-being while also keeping them socially connected. Check your local community center for upcoming pickleball games for beginners. In some communities, there are meetups for seniors looking to learn the sport.
9. Join a wine club
Do you consider yourself a wine connoisseur? If so, joining a wine club might be right up your alley. Many clubs offer tasting-size pours, which can help you explore wines mindfully. Becoming a member can give you access to exclusive wines, discounts, get more informed about the beverage, and help you meet others.
10. Try woodworking
For those who like to work with their hands, woodworking can be a great way to spend their free time. From crafting small toys to building furniture, this hobby can help you stay active, tap into your creativity, and feel fulfilled. You can choose to DIY your woodworking projects, or sign up for beginner classes near you.
11. Foster animals
If you’re an animal lover, fostering animals can be an opportunity to support your local animal shelter. You can temporarily take in dogs and/or cats who need to heal, grow, or get some extra TLC while they await their forever homes. Fostering can be flexible, but it may require time, space, and some basic supplies. You can contact your local animal shelter to learn the requirements for fostering animals.
12. Do geocaching
If you’re up for an adventure, geocaching might be the perfect hobby for you. Geocaching involves using a GPS to locate hidden containers filled with trinkets or logbooks. It’s a great blend of outdoor adventure, puzzle-solving, and building a connection with others. You can download the Geocaching.com app to get started.
13. Practice calligraphy
Want to sharpen your writing skills, or handwrite letters to loved ones? Calligraphy might be a hobby you’ll want to explore. You can watch YouTube videos to develop your craft, or you can see if there are any local classes that you can join and connect with others.
14. Get into photography
Taking photos is a fun hobby to enjoy in your free time. With your phone or professional camera, you can start snapping pictures around your house or go out in your community to capture nature, art, or loved ones. If you want to upskill, you can always watch online tutorials or take instructor-led classes near you.
15. Become a mystery shopper
A hobby often overlooked is mystery shopping. This hobby, which can also provide a little income, involves a business hiring people to act as regular shoppers and evaluate products, services, and the atmosphere while following specific instructions. You may be assigned to shop online, at a local retailer, or make a phone call to a business. Ultimately, the goal is for the business to get deeper insights on how they’re supporting customers, but it’s also a way for you to get out of the house while making some income. Make sure you work with reputable mystery shopping companies and avoid any that ask for upfront fees.
The fun doesn’t have to slow down with age. There are plenty of activities you can join to stay active, connected, and fulfilled.
More from Nifty50+
- What’s so compelling about older fighters pummeling each other?
- She handwrote a letter to all 580 of her Facebook friends. Here’s why
- Today is National Napping Day: How sleep changes as we age & expert tips to rest better
- Understanding Alzheimer’s: The Role of AI in Early Diagnosis