Finding New Hobbies and Interests in Retirement
Learn how active hobbies developed during retirement improve your health and reignite your passion for life.
One of the best parts of retirement is having the time to do the things you want. You have the perfect opportunity to reignite old passions and discover new activities and hobbies you’ll love. So, whether you’ve been putting off getting back into a pastime or want to learn something new, we want to help you feel inspired to get started.
The health behind hobbies
Did you know that engaging in your favorite hobbies has proven health benefits? That’s because they help you stay active, be social and feel fulfilled. Engaging in hobbies, such as a daily walk or a social dance class, can help lower your blood pressure. That’s a good thing, because having high blood pressure increases your risk for dementia, heart disease, strokes, and more.1 Check out this short article to learn more about staying active in retirement.
Even low-movement activities support your health. Hobbies provide cognitive stimulation and help increase opportunities for socialization. In a 2023 study, researchers found that people over 65 who had one or more hobbies reported better mental health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction.2 Finding something you’re passionate about not only helps you stay healthy, but it also supports your total well-being.
The best hobbies for active seniors
Having active hobbies doesn’t have to mean running a marathon. The best hobbies, activities, and exercise options are the ones you want to do. It’s all about what makes you feel energized. Many older adults enjoy team activities like tennis or pickleball for the added social element, while others opt for solo activities like chair yoga or fishing. If you’re looking for excuses to get outside, hobbies like bird watching and photography might be perfect for you. And if you want a great low-impact workout, swimming and water aerobics are fun activities you can have all year long — especially when you take advantage of the indoor pool at Summit Vista.
Other hobby ideas for seniors
Want something a little more relaxing? Don’t worry, there are still a ton of hobbies for you to choose from. Handicraft hobbies, like sewing and knitting, combine practicality and creativity for various skill levels. Scrapbooking helps preserve treasured memories for future generations. Culinary classes are also a great way to build skills with tasty rewards. It’s nearly impossible to create a full list of possible hobbies and activities, because what appeals to you is going to be unique to your individual interests. The most important thing is that your hobbies excite you and give you a sense of fulfillment, especially in your senior years!
Find your next passion at Summit Vista
Sometimes, the hardest part of finding an activity or hobby you love is discovering it exists in the first place. That’s where Summit Vista can help. We offer a wide selection of activity options, hobby spaces, and classes for you to choose from. Want to take up woodworking? We have an onsite woodshop. Is gardening more your thing? Our community garden is perfect for growing vegetables, flowers, and more. And with a daily event schedule of classes and events, you’re sure to find your next passion at Utah’s award winning senior community, Summit Vista.
1 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health/heart-health-and-aging
2 https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being