Retirement and senior living bring the gift of time—time to rediscover passions, try new activities, and build meaningful connections. Sometimes, however, the major challenge can be figuring out how to spend all this time!
One of the best ways older adult men can enrich their days is by picking up hobbies. Engaging in hobbies keeps the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit fulfilled. It’s also a way to connect with friends, families, and neighbors.
Whether you’re living independently or in assisted living, hobbies add vibrancy to your everyday life. To get you started, we’ll list some hobby ideas that are relatively easy to get started with, such as birdwatching, model making, and tabletop gaming. If you’re unsure whether a hobby is safe for you and your health conditions, check in with your healthcare provider first.
Benefits of Hobbies to Older Adult Men
Participating in activities you enjoy is more than just fun—it can also significantly boost your health and well-being. According to the National Institute on Aging, staying active as an older adult can:
- Extend your lifespan: Activities that bring happiness and purpose can add years to your life; furthermore, studies show that life satisfaction and a positive mindset are linked to greater longevity
- Reduce disease risk: Hobbies and staying social can lower one’s risk of developing certain health conditions, including dementia, stroke, and some cancer types
- Boost your mood: Studies have linked doing purposeful activities such as volunteering with better mood
- Improve cognitive function: Studies have found that mentally and physically stimulating activities can benefit memory, and there’s also emerging research connecting music, dance, and creative activities with better memory.
- Strengthen resilience: Our ability to cope increases when we feel fulfilled, optimistic, and happier – all possible outcomes of engaging in an enjoyable hobby
Active & Outdoor Hobbies
Physical activity in the great outdoors can be beneficial, but this doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Gentle but active outdoors hobbies are often perfect for older men.
Walking and Hiking
Walking around your neighborhood or exploring nature trails offers a fantastic way to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors. Pairing this with scenic hikes can add variety and adventure to everyday exercise. See if there’s a trail nearby you can explore. Even better, organize or join a walking group and make new friends!
Birdwatching
Birdwatching combines the calm of nature with the thrill of discovery. All you need is a bird guide and binoculars, and you’ll unlock a passion that takes you outdoors and encourages mindful observation. Photography enthusiasts can go on a quest to capture the perfect wildlife photo, too.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a slow, meditative form of exercise and an ancient Chinese martial art. There is some evidence that it may reduce the risk of falls in older adults and those with Parkinson’s disease. Many senior living communities and fitness centers offer beginner classes tailored to older adults.
Artistic & Crafty Hobbies
Prefer to stay in? Creative activities like model making and painting can unlock emotional expression and provide a sense of pride in creating something tangible.
Model Making
Building models—be it airplanes, trains, or ships—is an immersive and rewarding hobby. You can derive a great sense of accomplishment, and because many models come in the form of a kit, you don’t need to invest in many tools to get started. People who enjoy crafts, woodworking, and working with their hands may enjoy this hobby in particular.
Cooking
What better way to showcase creativity than in the kitchen? From mastering a classic dish to experimenting with new cuisines, cooking is both a practical and fulfilling artistic pursuit. Plus, it’s a great way to share joy by hosting meals for friends or family.
Painting
Painting allows you to express yourself through vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, and imaginative scenes. Whether you prefer watercolor, acrylics, or oils, picking up a paintbrush offers relaxation and a chance to create something uniquely yours. If you’re new to painting, sign up for a class at a senior or community center. Equipment will be provided, and you can meet other aspiring artists.
Other Hobbies
Not all hobbies have to be physically or artistically involved. If you prefer socializing or expanding your knowledge, the following can be great choices:
Board Games
Rediscover classics like chess, dominoes, or Scrabble with friends for hours of entertainment. Board games also stimulate strategic thinking, and they may even help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
Take a Class
Universities, community colleges, and libraries often offer classes for older adults at little-to-no cost. Whether it’s a language, history, music, or technology class, it’s never too late to learn something new. Dive deep into that topic you’ve always wanted to explore.
Volunteer
As we mentioned before, a sense of purpose can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. So, consider sharing your life experiences to make a difference. From mentoring younger generations to working at local charities, volunteering provides purpose and is an opportunity to give back to your community.
Take Space to Explore New Hobbies
Discovering new hobbies is the first step toward a more fulfilling chapter of life. At Inspired Living, we recognize how important it is for our residents to fill their days with events and pastimes. Take a peek at what we offer by exploring our programs and activities at our communities..
Want to see how Inspire Living can help you stay active, creative, and engaged? Find a community near you today – we look forward to meeting you!
