7 interesting hobbies you could take up in retirement

Why your retirement years are the perfect time to take up a hobby

There is an amazing array of possibilities available for retirees with a little time on their hands. A new hobby can stretch you mentally or physically (or both) and if it’s a hobby to experience with others, then you’ll gain much from the social interaction.

Think about the kinds of things you’re interested in or are curious about. Perhaps there’s an idea that’s been with you from your younger years that you’d love to explore, or one you used to enjoy and now have the time to again.

Here are a few of the more interesting hobbies that seniors and retirees are taking up.

1) Ancestry

Tracing your family history is a hobby that has become popular, especially with online resources now making it so much easier. It’s also a hobby that can include input from your family. Learning about your ancestry can be quite the adventure!

If you’ve already created your family tree, it may be something you could reach out and support others with. What a fulfilling hobby that would be – helping others unravel their family story!

2) Camping

Camping can be a perfect way to take time out, relax and connect with yourself, others, and nature. If you don’t have friends or family to go camping with, there are many camping groups online who welcome new members. Some are specifically for seniors or retirees, while others offer solo campers, such as women over 60 a safe and fun way to enjoy the outdoors together.

You may want to start by asking people you know. Put a notice up on a community board or pop onto Facebook and see what you can find. Being in nature on a regular basis is good for you in so many ways.

3) Rock balancing

If climbing rocks yourself doesn’t appeal now that you’ve retired, then a lower-to-the-ground option is rock balancing. You may have even seen balanced rocks on a walk to the beach or up a river. The concept might sound simple, but the benefits are wonderful and it’s easy to begin. It’s just a matter of finding some rocks, (even in your garden) and placing them, one by one, on top of each other so they balance.

It’s not as easy as it sounds and may take a bit of practice. There are many calming benefits to balancing rocks, and it’s often used as a form of meditation. For others, it’s a way to stay present, focussed and calm. You can also invite friends and family to help balance rocks with you. The better you get at balancing, the more stunning structures you can create.

4) Community theatre

If there’s a community or amateur theatre group in your area, and the idea of getting involved appeals, call them up! Most local theatre groups welcome people with a wide range of skills. Not just actors, but for backstage roles such as props, scenery, sound and lighting and supporting the actors.

You may like to get involved in costume design, help on the door at performances, work in the kiosk, or assist with a wide range of administration or management roles. Playing a part in creating wonderful theatre can be a very fulfilling hobby.

5) Decluttering – for others

If you love to have a clutter-free home where there is a place for everything and everything is in its place, you might like to assist others to declutter their spaces as well. For people moving from their family home into retirement living, it can be quite overwhelming to downsize their belongings. If you love the idea of helping others clear their clutter, then it could be a worthwhile hobby to pursue.

6) Tutor, teach or mentor

If you have skill, talent, or experience in a particular area, consider sharing your expertise with others as a tutor, teacher, or mentor. There are groups such as U3A who would value your input or contact your local neighbourhood centre or community centre and see if you can assist by running lessons, a workshop or ongoing program.

It may be something home-based such as dressmaking, cake icing, or wood turning, life skills like budgeting, clothes mending or car maintenance, artistic pursuits like singing or music lessons, or perhaps general interest topics like aromatherapy, growing herbs or basic computer skills.

7) Start your own group

If you’re looking to join a local group with a shared interest and can’t find one… start one! You can create and manage a group on Facebook on just about any topic. Do you like antiques? Start a local antique collectors’ group. Love bush walking? Set up a group and invite others to join you for regular bush walks. Through Facebook groups you are also able to screen people to ensure they are legitimate and live in your local area.

Managing a Facebook group will keep you busy and provide you with plenty of online social interaction. It’s even better if it’s a local group that meets in person, helping you build real-life connections outside your usual community.

A place where hobbies are welcomed and encouraged

At Renaissance Retirement Living, we recognise that staying active and keeping your mind engaged as you get older is an important part of having a longer and healthier life. At our resort style community, hobbies are a terrific way to build connections which often lead to meaningful relationships.

We invite you to come and explore our community and meet some of our diverse and interesting residents. You’ll discover why Renaissance Retirement Living is a community like no other.

Call today on (07) 3820 7700 or contact us to book a spot at our next information session and morning tea. We would love to meet you!