16 of the Best Hobbies for Seniors (with Resources to Get Started)
The post-retirement years are a great time to pursue new adventures and interests. One way to stay active and engaged is to take up a hobby. Hobbies offer a sense of purpose, creativity, and fulfillment, and can contribute to mental and physical well-being. With so many hobbies to choose from, there’s bound to be something that matches your interests and lifestyle.
This ultimate guide to hobbies for seniors explores a wide list of hobby ideas grouped into the following categories:
- physical activities (indoor and outdoor)
- creative activities
- technology-based hobbies
Each hobby listed is accompanied by at least one resource to help get you started, as well as an overview of its benefits and rewards. I’ve also included 3 bonus interviews with hobbyists who can help you get started in their given crafts.
Whether you want to stay active, learn a new skill, or simply have fun, read on to discover the wonderful hobbies that can make retirement even more enjoyable.
This post may contain affiliate links where I make a commission on your purchases with no additional cost to you. For more details, please see Affiliate Disclosure.
Try new hobbies. Develop new interests. Pursue new experiences. When you expand your interests, you increase your opportunities for happiness.
Richelle E. Goodrich
Physical Activities
It goes without saying that staying active is important for all ages. It’s especially important for seniors, however; keeping moving not only promotes physical health but helps with mental well-being as well.
Regular exercise can help prevent chronic disease, improve flexibility and balance, and boost mood and cognitive function. Here are five physical hobbies that are perfect for seniors.
1. Gardening
Gardening is such a great hobby for seniors because it combines exercise with staying in touch with nature. In addition, gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Growing beautiful flowers for your home or delicious vegetables for your next dinner helps you stay active and contribute to your household.
Don’t think you have a “green thumb?” There are plenty of resources on the internet to help get you started including this article from the Old Farmer’s Almanac. For advice specifically geared toward seniors, check out this article, 15 Tips To Make Gardening Easier and More Accessible For Seniors. Looking for some social interaction? A simple Google search for “Garden Clubs Near Me” can help you find local garden clubs and community gardens.
2. Walking or Hiking
Like gardening, walking and hiking are fantastic opportunities to remain physically active while spending time in nature. A low-impact activity, walking is a popular hobby for seniors because it can be modified to fit individuals of all fitness levels and offers benefits such as improving bone strength and enhancing cardiovascular health.
Additionally, it can contribute to improved cognitive function and overall mood, while also presenting chances for social interaction. Given the benefits, rewards, and low cost to get started, this might just be the perfect hobby for you! Check out these tips from The Bristal Assisted Living to help get you started with walking or hiking as a hobby.
3. Birdwatching
Birdwatching (or birding) has many benefits for seniors. It’s low-impact, making it easy on the body. Unlike many other physical hobbies, birdwatching does not require a lot of physical exertion or mobility, making it a great hobby for seniors with a wide range of physical abilities.
Birdwatching can be a great way to cultivate mindfulness and relaxation in seniors. By its very nature, birdwatching requires a certain level of focus and attention, which can help seniors stay in the present moment and develop a greater sense of mindfulness.
Because it’s primarily an outdoor activity, birding provides an opportunity for seniors to connect with nature, which can be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Spending time outside has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a range of other health benefits, making birdwatching an excellent activity for seniors who want to boost their overall well-being.
Birding is also a great way to keep the mind sharp. Learning about different bird species—their markings, calls, behaviors, and habitats—requires seniors to use their brains and exercise their cognitive skills. This can be especially important for older adults who want to stay mentally sharp as they age.To learn how to get started with birding, check out The National Audubon Center.
4. Swimming
Swimming is another activity that might well fall into the “perfect hobby for seniors” category. It’s a great way to improve cardiovascular health, keep your muscles strong, and enhance flexibility.
Swimming is also an excellent stress reliever that promotes relaxation, making it an ideal activity for days when you still want to be active but in a more “chilled-out” way.For more benefits and a list of ideas to help get you started with swimming, be sure to check out this article from Saber Healthcare.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a fun and restorative physical practice that can work wonders for your body and mind. You’ll feel more flexible, balanced, and strong after just a few sessions. Yoga can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and chronic pain and give you an awesome mental boost.
There are several different styles of yoga so you’re sure to find one that works for your fitness level and goals.If you’re not sure where to start, check out this awesome video from Yoga with Kassandra to help you get started.
6. Dancing
Engaging in enjoyable hobbies like dancing can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Ballroom dancing, for instance, is a great way to stay active and improve cognitive health while having fun and socializing with others.
Any type of dancing can help enhance balance, coordination, and overall mental health. Plus, it provides an opportunity for self-expression and socialization. This is especially beneficial for seniors who may be looking to try something new, get some exercise, and meet new friends.
One of the many advantages of dancing is its adaptability to different fitness levels and abilities. Whether you prefer ballroom dancing, swing, or hip hop, there’s a dance style out there that’s perfect for you.
To get started, you can search for “Dancing for Seniors Near Me” online to find local dance studios, dance clubs, and senior centers offering dancing lessons. If you prefer to dance at home, simply turning on your favorite tunes and moving to the beat is an excellent way to get your daily dose of activity while reaping the benefits of improved cognitive and mental health.
Creative Activities
Looking for some great arts and crafts activities but not sure about your artistic abilities? Never fear! People of all skill levels can enjoy any of these crafty activities.
7. Painting
Painting is an excellent hobby for seniors because it provides an opportunity for creative expression and can have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in painting allows seniors to tap into their imaginations, relieve stress, and boost their moods.
It’s also a way to socialize and connect with others who share similar interests, as many community centers and senior programs offer painting classes and workshops. Overall, painting is a wonderful way for seniors to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled.
Not sure if painting is for you? Check out this short interview with Carolyn of “Painting with Carolyn” for some inspiration.
Painting with Carolyn
Tell me a little bit about your background and how you got interested in art.
I never really thought that I would ever consider myself an “artist.” It took me years and years to be able to utter those words. I simply didn’t believe that I was good enough until later in life.
After staying home for several years with my three boys, I decided to go back to college to earn my master’s degree in art education when my youngest was in kindergarten. This was the beginning of carving out time for myself to further my education and get back to what I always wanted to do—develop my artistic voice.
One class ran into the next., and before I knew it I was hired as a high school art teacher and began to paint feverishly! It felt so freeing—almost euphoric—and it still does.
How do you approach a new project?
When I paint, I like to work intuitively. One color or shape dictates the next and so on until a painting begins to emerge. I often start simply with a color palette in mind, a word that inspires me, or a feeling that I would like to evoke. Peaceful and happy feelings are often included in my work, along with positivity. These are all things that we need more of in the world and those that I enjoy conveying in my work.
What are some challenges with painting?
Finding time is not always easy. Working full-time as a teacher certainly takes up a lot of my time. But I am in the habit now of unwinding down in my little studio in the basement. It’s a very small space but one that I appreciate.
Tell me about some of your accomplishments.
In recent years I got up the nerve to enter my work in several local juried art shows. And I was beyond excited when my work placed in all of the shows that I entered! I couldn’t get over it! This small success encouraged me to create more work and build up enough paintings to have three solo art shows. It was so nice to see my body of work displayed and shared—something that I would never have dreamed of ten years ago.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to start or rekindle their own painting skills?
I recommend you get started by going to a local art store such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby and picking up a few art supplies. A small spiral drawing sketchbook and drawing pencils should be at the top of your list.
Here are a few of my “go-to” supplies:
How much of a financial investment is needed to get started?
For approximately $100 and a Michaels 50% off coupon, you can be off to the races! You can pick and choose the supplies that you want to start with and then gradually build from there.
What resources do you go to for learning or inspiration?
I created my own Instagram (@foreverinpaint) where I follow artists that I find inspiring. A few of these artists include:
- @patbutynski (abstract)
- @elizabethtichvon
- @cathynicholsart
- @robenmarie (mixed media)
- @lucydaviesartist (abstract landscape).
For more crafty projects and inspiration I love to follow Barb from The Shabby Tree on Facebook. She is so upbeat and encouraging for crafters of all levels and she is always coming up with fun projects with everyday items.
What about someone who already knows the basics and wants to progress?
I think it all depends on what type of art you are looking to create. I personally have moved away from painting realistically and am more focused on abstract florals and layering them using mixed media. But maybe you enjoy something completely different.
I also recommend that you try to challenge yourself to do something toward your artistic goal every day…research art, artists, and artistic techniques, draw in your sketchbook (even if it’s just for a few minutes of doodling), and explore different materials or combinations of materials. You might find your own artistic voice in the process as you begin to improve!
Do you know of any communities someone can join for companionship and support with questions?
I recommend signing up for a class with a friend (even if it has to be virtual for now). It’s always fun when you are painting with a buddy!
Any advice for avoiding feeling discouraged or overwhelmed?
Don’t compare yourself to other artists that have been drawing or painting for years. Remember, they had a starting point too. Just show up, enjoy practicing, and enjoy the process. The more you set time aside for yourself to improve your practice, the happier you will be as an artist and in life in general. What better way to express yourself and be heard? It will prove to be therapeutic. Painting is my Zen and I hope it will become yours (if it hasn’t already)! Follow Carolyn on Instagram here.
8. Knitting
Knitting is a classic hobby for seniors because it can be done anywhere and by almost anyone, including those with mobility issues.
The hand-eye coordination needed to knit is not only great for improving motor skills but is also relaxing and calming, and can reduce stress.
Another great thing about knitting is that it provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment through creating beautiful and useful items such as scarves, hats, or blankets.
Here’s a short interview I did with my friend Roseanne to help you get started.
Knitting with Roseanne
Tell me a little bit about how you got started with knitting.
Read any article or book about knitting and you will inevitably see references to peace and calm – Knitting is Mindful Meditation, Zen and the Art of Knitting, The Health Benefits of Knitting, Mindful Knitting – It’s the Journey, Not the Scarf. That may be true, but certainly not how my knitting life started.
My Grandma Rose was a prolific crafter. She could make or bake anything without a pattern or recipe. Family lore has it that she taught me to knit when I was five. Rather unlikely. Probably she guided my little fingers around her needles and proclaimed success. When I was about 10, with Grandma’s help, I attempted knitting golf club covers for my dad. Knots and holes produced anger and tears—mine and maybe hers too—and a project she surely frogged (knitting terminology for removing the needles and unraveling your work).
Tell me about how you came back to knitting later in life.
Yes, many years later I tried again. Eight months pregnant with my first child, some complications were making me anxious. Maybe knitting a baby sweater would calm me. I bought a pattern and yarn from a local yarn store (LYS). Four weeks later I produced a healthy baby and a beautiful sweater. I was hooked on both!
In the 30 years since that baby sweater, I have rarely been without a project on the needles. Scarves, hats, shawls, socks, lace, cables, and colorwork. Yes, knitting can facilitate mental calmness, but mostly it is productive, creative, and fun.
If you were learning to knit today, where would you turn for help?
YouTube, of course! They have many beginner knitting options. Sheep & Stitch is a favorite channel with well-lit videos and clear explanations. For more advanced techniques and tips-and-tricks type instruction, I like Patty Lyons and Very Pink Knits.
Prefer to learn from books? My favorites are The Knit Stitch and The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville. Sally has been a popular teacher for years. Beyond the basics, her books provide fashionable projects for practice and proficiency. Meg Swansen of Schoolhouse Press offers videos, books, and patterns with great instruction. Meg and her late mother, Elizabeth Zimmermann, are icons in the knitting world.
What about materials and support?
Finding the right pattern and yarn was difficult until about 15 years ago with the introduction of the Ravelry website. I like to think of it as Facebook for knitters.
On Ravelry, thousands of individuals, magazines, designers, and vendors maintain accounts showcasing their work and products. The site is highly searchable by project, yarn, technique, difficulty, and more. Many designers maintain group discussion boards where you can find knitting assistance and camaraderie.
What tips can you share for beginner knitters?
Start with quality yarn and needles. Wool yarn and wood or bamboo needles are great for a beginner. The combination provides a bit of friction that keeps the stitches from slipping, the bane of every new knitter.
Cast on about 20 stitches with a medium-weight or bulky yarn on size 8–10 needle. Knit each row with the goal of making each stitch the same size and maintaining the stitch count. After you master the knit stitch, learn the purl stitch. Knitting every row is called a garter stitch. Alternating knit and purl rows are called stockinette stitches. These two stitches are the basis of every knitted item you would ever want to make.
I suggest shopping for yarn and needles at a local yarn store for quality products and personal assistance. Even better, when you buy your learning needles and yarn, ask the shop owner or even a customer to cast it on for you. Then take it all home, pull up a YouTube lesson, and start knitting. Save learning the cast on for later, when you are more comfortable with the stitching.
As you progress in your craft, I suggest always buying quality yarn and needles. The simplest project can look fashionable or artistic with a good yarn.
Are there other emotional benefits to knitting as a hobby?
Knitting nurtures our social lives, too. Events, festivals, camps, and retreats are hugely popular. One of my favorites is Vogue Knitting Magazine’s “Vogue Knitting Live” (VKL), a multi-day extravaganza of classes, fashion shows, art exhibits, and shopping.
Usually held two or three times a year in major cities, VKL is now produced virtually and monthly. I love attending the in-person event, but VKL has done a marvelous job transitioning to a Zoom-type production complete with classes, a marketplace, and social events. Search for more events on KnittersReview.com.
What advice can you give knitting newbies to help them not feel overwhelmed?
Don’t let your knitting aptitude or project choice define you. I once attended a 3-day knitting camp. Of the 50 or so attendees, many were advanced knitters and even professional designers. These events usually feature a Show-and-Tell. After watching attendees present their awe-inspiring projects, the woman next to me stood up to show her work. Potholders. Most are in simple garter stitch. A true beginner project. This woman was wholly unapologetic. Knitting those potholders for her was creative, meditative, and fun. Exactly what knitting should be!
9. Woodworking
Woodworking provides mental stimulation, physical activity, social connection, a sense of accomplishment, and a creative outlet. It can help seniors maintain cognitive abilities, dexterity, and flexibility, and provide opportunities for socialization and self-expression.
Here’s an interview with my friend John, who gives tips for getting started in woodworking.
Woodworking with John
How did you first get started in woodworking?
I went to college to study engineering but didn’t love it. I was good at math, but I knew I didn’t want to do what they were teaching in the engineering program, so I switched to studying fine art. It was there that I took a design class—designing and building furniture. This course combined everything I loved: math, design, and critical thinking. This is what started me on my path to many years in the woodworking business, first working for a company and later branching off on my own.
What do you enjoy about woodworking?
Three things come immediately to mind.
First is the design aspect. I love being able to come up with an idea that solves a problem, then taking care of everything that needs to happen to complete the project.
Second, physically creating something you thought up and seeing it right there in front of you.
Lastly, woodworking is really diverse. It can be anything—woodturning on a lathe, carving, wood burning, and even different methods of wood finishing. There are so many different aspects—so many ways to go. It never gets boring.
You can make something super simple and functional. For example, my mom still has a napkin holder I made in 8th grade. Or it can be artistic and elaborate.
Looking back, what is it about woodworking that energizes you?
What really stands out in my mind is the non-physical part. I may have a problem or a client that wants something special, then I work through that to come up with the solution. It’s become more about the process before making it, rather than the making part itself. While it’s great to see something come together physically in front of you, it’s understanding the problem you’re solving that really brings the rewards.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to develop or rekindle their own woodworking skills?
If someone is starting out cold, with no experience, I suggest taking a class. This may take a little searching around in your area. Some community colleges offer classes free to people over 65. Look for trade schools, too. They could be teaching anything, like boat building, as an example. Any class in the general area will give a taste of what it means to work with wood. Also, taking a class will help you find other people with similar interests.
If you can’t find a class near you, look around for a woodworking business or individual professional. They may be open to having you come as an apprentice or just as an observer.
Another piece of advice is to be really focused when you’re doing this sort of work. Nearly all woodworking involves some sort of cutting. With cutting comes the risk of injury. Also, there’s no going back. Once you cut something, you either use it or toss it.
What financial investment is required?
Woodworking does involve something of a monetary commitment for equipment, materials, and workspace. The bigger the item, the bigger the equipment you will likely have to have (and with it, a higher cost). Starting out with a class or working with a professional is a good way of testing your interest before you dive too deep.
Another option for someone starting out is to consider having a mill shop mill the pieces, and you do the joinery.
What advice do you have for that person who isn’t a novice and wants to progress?
I would suggest trying something new. If you have experience with wood cutting and building, then try turning. Again, taking a class in this will help you know if this is something you enjoy before you go out and buy a lathe.
To test your problem-solving skills, try dumpster diving. This can actually be a lot of fun and rewarding. “Hmmm…what else can I make out of this old set of drawers?”
Reach beyond the physical work and really challenge your creativity and design skills. Once again, a good class can help push you.
Check out woodworking plans. You can find these free online. They will get you thinking about process design. Then try creating your own plans.
Can you suggest some resources for learning?
You can find almost anything on YouTube. That’s good and bad. YouTube is full of professionals who make it look so easy. While their videos can be helpful, they can be discouraging, too, so just be mindful of that. And when you’re searching through YouTube, be sure to include the word beginner.
Do you have any other words of advice or encouragement?
The whole process around woodworking, from design to production, can be a terrific new venture for someone with a background in project management, problem-solving, or planning. You may have more background in this sort of work than you realize.
Lastly remember that when you have the desire to do something, that desire becomes part of the thing you are going to make.
10. Learn How to Play an Instrument
As a hobby for seniors, learning an instrument offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp and your fingers agile, while also expressing yourself and connecting with others through music.
What’s great is that you can even learn to play an instrument online in the comfort of your own home. Sites like Udemy, Coursera, Masterclass, and Skillshare offer many music courses at various skill levels, from beginning to advanced.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced musician or a total newbie—it’s never too late to start. Why not pick up an instrument and let the music move you? Who knows, you might just become the coolest senior around!
11. Join a Book Club
Joining a book club provides an opportunity for seniors to socialize, expand their horizons, and engage their minds, whether through real-life experiences or imaginary tales. Challenging your brain through reading can not only help improve cognitive skills but can also be a lot of fun.
By being part of a book club, you get a chance to connect with other book enthusiasts, share ideas, and explore new perspectives. You can make new friends and have lively discussions over some amazing stories!
Reading books of different genres keeps your mind active and healthy. You get to learn new things and improve your memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills.
Not sure where or how to get started in a book club? Here are a few tips:
Ask around. Ask your family and friends if they know of any book clubs in your area.
Check your local library. Local public libraries often have book clubs that are open to the public. Call or check their website for availability as well as what it takes to join.
Look online. Many online book clubs are free to join. Goodreads, for example, has a variety of virtual book clubs you can participate in. You can also search for book clubs on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Attend book festivals. Book festivals often have book clubs that meet throughout the year. Attending these events can allow you to meet other book lovers and get involved.
Start your own book club. If you can’t find a book club that suits your interests, start your own! You can invite friends, family, and neighbors to join, or advertise your book club on social media or at your local library.
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just looking for a new hobby, joining a book club is an incredible way to challenge your brain and connect with like-minded people. What are you waiting for? Grab a book and let the adventure begin!
12. Gaming
Think playing games is just for kids? Think again! There’s such a wide variety of board games, card games, strategic games, and video games available these days, any of which can be a fun way for seniors to keep busy and engaged and keep mental skills sharp.
Here are some game suggestions that can be suitable and enjoyable for seniors:
- Scrabble: Classic word game that can assist seniors in enhancing their vocabulary and mental agility.
- Chess: Strategic game that is useful for improving concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
- Bridge: Card game that can improve seniors’ critical thinking, memory, and social skills.
- Sudoku: Number-based puzzle game that can help seniors enhance their problem-solving skills and memory.
- Bingo: Fun and social game that can improve seniors’ concentration and hand-eye coordination.
- Jigsaw puzzles: Relaxing and rewarding activity that can help seniors enhance their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
- Trivial Pursuit: Trivia game that can exercise seniors’ memory and general knowledge.
- Mahjong: Tile-based game that can enhance seniors’ concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
This is just a short list of games. With so many options to choose from, seniors can easily take time trying out games to find ones that suit their physical and cognitive abilities and that match their interests.
13. Take Acting Classes
Taking up acting later in life can be a terrific outlet for creative expression. Seniors can reap the benefits acting has to offer without the pressure of always looking for that “next big role.” Consider the following benefits acting classes may provide:
Improved cognitive abilities. By learning lines and scenes, seniors can improve cognitive skills like memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. This can help keep their minds sharp.
Boosted confidence and self-esteem. Studying acting and becoming more comfortable expressing themselves in front of others can boost seniors’ confidence and self-esteem, which can be applied to other aspects of life, including feeling more comfortable expressing themselves and communicating with others.
Social interaction. Acting classes provide a way for seniors to interact with others who share their interests. This can be especially advantageous for seniors who may feel isolated or who have limited social opportunities.
Creative expression: Acting classes can help seniors explore their creativity and express themselves in new and exciting ways. This can be a fantastic way to discover hidden talents and passions.
Sense of purpose: Engaging in acting classes can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It can be a way for seniors to challenge themselves and achieve new goals, which can be highly rewarding.
Seniors can find acting classes by:
- searching online for local community theater companies or acting schools
- checking community centers, senior centers, or adult education programs
- checking local colleges and universities for continuing education classes in theater or acting
- asking for recommendations from friends or family who have taken acting classes
14. Take a Cooking Class
Are you ready to put on your apron and have some fun in the kitchen? Taking a cooking class can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for seniors and can have a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.
One major benefit is the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Cooking classes provide a great chance for seniors to connect with others, thereby reducing social isolation and improving mental well-being.
In addition, cooking classes can teach seniors how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals, which is particularly important as we age. Eating a well-balanced diet can help prevent or manage health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Cooking also provides a great brain workout, as it requires concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. It is also a fun way for seniors to learn new skills and challenge themselves.
There are several places where seniors can take cooking classes, both online and in person. Some options include:
Community centers. Many community centers offer cooking classes for seniors, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Local colleges or universities. Check with local colleges or universities to see if they offer cooking classes for the public.
Senior centers. Many senior centers offer low-cost and accessible cooking classes designed specifically for seniors.
Cooking schools. Many cooking schools offer classes for seniors, either in-person or online.
Online platforms. Many online platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, or MasterClass offer cooking classes that can be taken from the comfort of home.
Local grocery stores. Some local grocery stores offer cooking classes, often focusing on healthy eating or specific types of cuisine.Non-profit organizations. Non-profit organizations such as the YMCA or local food banks may offer cooking classes to the community, so don’t forget to check them out.
Cooking is a creative activity that provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting self-esteem and mood. And let’s not forget, your family and friends will love tasting your delicious creations!
Technology-Based Hobbies
15. Genealogy
How much do you know about your family history? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably, “Not much.” Studying genealogy can be a fun way to exercise your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while learning more about your family tree.
There are many resources available for people interested in researching their family history. Online databases, archives, and genealogy websites can provide a starting point for those who want to explore their ancestry. Public libraries, historical societies, and genealogy clubs are also excellent sources of information for people interested in genealogy.
Here are a few resources to help you get started:
You can also find courses on Udemy and Skillshare to help you get started.
Overall, studying genealogy can be an exciting and rewarding way to learn about one’s family history while also honing valuable cognitive skills.
16. Start a Website
Passionate about a particular topic? Why not start a website around that topic? After all, that’s exactly what I did with my website, I Just Retired Now What?
Starting a website to pursue a passion can be an excellent hobby for seniors for several reasons:
It keeps the mind active. Creating a website requires critical thinking, planning, and creativity, which can help seniors stay mentally active and challenged. It can also allow seniors to learn new skills while pursuing their interests.
It facilitates social interaction. A website can provide a platform for seniors to connect with others who share similar interests, allowing them to interact with a wider community online. This can help seniors make new friends, share knowledge, and learn from others.
It provides a sense of purpose. Pursuing a passion project can give seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Watching their website grow and develop over time can be gratifying, and it may even lead to opportunities to earn from their hobby.
It provides a creative outlet. Starting a website enables seniors to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives with others. They can design the website, write content, and create multimedia content such as photos or videos to share their passion with the world.
It encourages lifelong learning. Building a website requires seniors to learn new skills such as coding, web design, and search engine optimization (SEO). Seniors can take advantage of various resources such as local community colleges or universities, online learning platforms, senior centers, local libraries, non-profit organizations, and online tutorials and blogs to improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Now It’s Your Turn!
I hope you feel energized to go out and find a hobby (or hobbies!) of your own. I’d love to see pictures of what you’re up to. If you’d like to share, please post them on Instagram with the hashtag #ijustretirednowwhat.
Not only will you make me happy by sharing your own hobbies but you’ll also help motivate your fellow retirees!
Last but not least, a very big and heartfelt thank you to Carolyn, Roseanne, and John for taking the time to share their tremendous experiences and guidance. Their stories are truly inspiring.