Looking for a new hobby? As we age, it’s important to find activities that bring joy, challenge your mind and allow for social interaction.
Learn how to find the right hobby based on your interests and abilities, plus discover the many benefits of enjoying hobbies in your later years and get practical ideas and tips to get started.
How to Find a New Hobby
After age 50 is the perfect time to start a new hobby, explore new interests or revisit old passions you may have set aside during busier years. With more free time and possibly fewer responsibilities, now is the time to find an activity you enjoy. Here are a few ways to find the right fit.
Reflect on Your Interests
Think back to what fascinated you when you were younger. Did you always want to learn how to paint? Are you interested in gardening but never had the chance? Maybe there’s a sport or activity that has caught your attention recently.
Make a list of all these ideas. It can provide an excellent starting point for discovering potential hobbies.
Research New Possibilities and Groups
In addition to past interests, explore entirely new areas. This allows you to connect with others to discover a new hobby, establish lasting friendships and benefit from helpful tools and encouragement.
Start by browsing through Meetup groups and reading articles about different activities. You can also attend local talks and lectures where people share experiences of traveling, hiking or starting a new hobby such as winemaking or crafting artisan beer. Check out community centers, libraries or coffee shops for club advertisements or meetups in your area.
If you prefer an online setting, consider joining virtual communities. Social media platforms like Facebook often have private groups centered around particular interests.
Tip: If you can’t find an existing group, create one yourself! Advertise your new club locally or on social media to attract new members.
Experiment
Finding the right hobby might take some experimentation. Begin with short-term commitments like workshops or introductory classes. And remember, it’s normal to feel a bit rusty or out of your comfort zone when trying something new. Give yourself time and patience with your chosen hobby. You can also seek advice, insight and tips from others who share the same interests.
Benefits of Having a Hobby
Engaging in hobbies offers older adults several cognitive, psychological, physical and social benefits.
Mental Stimulation
Hobbies often require learning new skills and information, which helps keep the mind sharp as you age. One study found that participating in mentally stimulating activities can help reduce cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.
Social Interaction
Many hobbies include a social aspect. Making new friends can help combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation that sometimes accompany aging.
Researchers have also found that sustaining close interpersonal ties helps promote stronger emotional, mental and physical health in older age.
Consider looking into local workshops or community college courses for older adults if you prefer face-to-face interaction. Organizations, such as OASIS Lifelong Adventure Programs or Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes focus on educational opportunities for those aged 50+, offering smaller class sizes for better connections between classmates and hands-on learning experiences.
Physical Health Benefits
Certain hobbies, like gardening, dancing or playing sports, promote physical activity. This can contribute to better overall health by improving strength, flexibility, balance or cardiovascular fitness.
The CDC recommends regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities, for older adults. Staying active can help you maintain independence while reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes.
Personal Growth
Hobbies encourage personal growth by challenging individuals to set and achieve goals over time. They also offer a sense of purpose as you accomplish and master new skills. Recent research found that a sense of purpose in life is associated with better physical and mental health among older adults.
Stress Reduction
Hobbies often serve as a form of relaxation or escape from daily pressures, allowing you to unwind and recharge your batteries. Leisure activities are also associated with reduced levels of depression.
Participating in activities you enjoy as you age may also reduce the likelihood of developing certain diseases, increase your lifespan and improve your mental well-being, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Hobbies: Finding the Right Fit
One of the easiest ways to narrow down hobby ideas is to think about where you enjoy spending your time. Some people feel most energized indoors, while others thrive outside—or enjoy a mix of both.
Indoor Hobbies
Indoor hobbies are often more predictable and easier to fit into your daily routine. They’re ideal if you enjoy structure, prefer a quiet environment, or want an activity you can do year‑round.
How to brainstorm indoor hobbies:
- Think about activities you already enjoy at home, like reading, organizing, or creative projects
- Ask yourself if you prefer working with your hands, your mind, or both
- Consider hobbies that can be done in short sessions or easily paused and resumed
Examples of indoor hobbies:
- Painting, drawing, or crafting
- Playing a musical instrument
- Puzzles, board games, or card games
- Cooking, baking, or bread‑making
- Writing, journaling, or genealogy research
Benefits of indoor hobbies: Indoor hobbies can improve focus, reduce stress, and support cognitive health. They also tend to be easier to maintain during colder months or inclement weather, making them a reliable source of enjoyment year‑round.
Outdoor Hobbies
Outdoor hobbies are perfect for those who enjoy fresh air, movement, and changing scenery. They can be as gentle or as active as you like—and don’t have to be physically demanding to be rewarding.
How to brainstorm outdoor hobbies:
- Think about places you enjoy visiting, such as parks, beaches, or gardens
- Reflect on whether you prefer solo outdoor time or social activities
- Consider hobbies that allow you to set your own pace
Examples of outdoor hobbies:
- Walking or hiking
- Gardening
- Birdwatching or nature photography
- Pickleball, golf, or casual cycling
- Volunteering outdoors, such as park cleanups or community gardens
Benefits of outdoor hobbies: Spending time outdoors supports both physical and mental well‑being. Outdoor hobbies can boost mood, encourage gentle physical activity, and offer a refreshing break from screens and indoor routines.
High‑Energy vs. Low‑Energy Hobbies: Matching Your Mood and Momentum
Another helpful way to explore new hobbies is by considering how much energy you want—or have—to give. Some days call for movement and momentum, while others are better suited to calm, restorative activities.
High‑Energy Hobbies
High‑energy hobbies involve movement, engagement, or social interaction. These are great for days when you want to feel active, energized, or challenged.
How to brainstorm high‑energy hobbies:
- Think about activities that get your heart rate up or involve learning new skills
- Consider hobbies that include group participation or friendly competition
- Ask yourself what activities make you feel accomplished afterward
Examples of high‑energy hobbies:
- Pickleball, dancing, or swimming
- Hiking or brisk walking
- Woodworking or home improvement projects
- Group fitness classes or recreational sports
- Volunteering in active roles
Benefits of high‑energy hobbies: These hobbies support cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and endurance. They can also boost confidence, improve sleep, and provide a strong sense of accomplishment.
Low‑Energy Hobbies
Low‑energy hobbies focus on relaxation, creativity, and mindfulness. They’re ideal for winding down, managing stress, or enjoying quiet moments of focus.
How to brainstorm low‑energy hobbies:
- Think about activities that help you relax or lose track of time
- Consider hobbies you can enjoy seated or at your own pace
- Reflect on activities that feel calming rather than stimulating
Examples of low‑energy hobbies:
- Knitting, crocheting, or quilting
- Reading or listening to audiobooks
- Playing a musical instrument at home
- Meditation, yoga, or tai chi
- Puzzles, model building, or journaling
Benefits of low‑energy hobbies: Low‑energy hobbies promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support mental clarity. They’re especially helpful for recovery days or moments when you want to recharge without being idle.
Consider taking an online or in-person class to gain new skills and knowledge and meet like-minded individuals. Websites like Skillshare, Udemy or even YouTube tutorials offer courses on topics from photography to gardening. Online classes let you learn at your own pace while still getting expert guidance.
Explore Your Passion
It’s never too late to reignite your spark and discover a new hobby. Whether you take a class, find an online group or try something on your own, you can find plenty of opportunities to explore your passions as you age.
A hobby can be a source of joy and boost physical health, mental wellbeing and even social connections. So don’t be afraid to challenge yourself: Pick up that guitar or start learning Spanish. You’ll be glad you did.
View Comments (2)
Thanks for the article about hobbies. I took up piano lessons, 6 months before I retired, and three and a half years later, I still love every minute of it. However, "Fiber Arts"? Come on...
for 67 years ..postage stamps have been my passion. So much to learn from stamps from around the world. Other hobbies include cross stitch, needle point, tatting, stained glass design and fabrication, jigsaw puzzles, puzzles in general, pysanky. I am never bored !!