Are you looking forward to retirement, but wondering what in the world you’re going to do with all that free time? Finding a hobby you love is one way to feel fulfilled after your working years. Hobbies can help you stay physically active, keep your mind sharp and connect you to new friends.
There are so many possibilities to choose from. You can finally get into the hobby you’ve been itching to do for years but never had time for, or check out an exciting activity that’s totally new to you.
Not sure where to start? Get your wheels turning with these eight hobbies to do in retirement.
Writing
Have you always dreamed of writing a book? There are tons of how-to guides that can help you finally get started on that novel, memoir, cookbook or children’s book idea you’ve been procrastinating on for years. You could even try blogging about interests or experiences.
And one of the great things about writing is that it’s portable. From the comfort of a cozy chair, your favorite coffee shop, your neighborhood park or even a hammock at the beach, you can take your hobby with you wherever you go and gather inspiration from your surroundings.
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Download NowGardening
Whether growing fresh veggies, transforming your backyard into a tranquil Zen garden or vying for a blue ribbon with your gorgeous roses, gardening is one of the hobbies to do in retirement that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s creative and inexpensive, promotes relaxation, physical exercise and connection with nature, and you can do it alone or with others. Plus, your friends will be more than happy to share your summertime bounty of tomatoes and zucchini.
The internet is full of resources and kits for first-time gardeners, like mini herb gardens, beginner tool kits, unique vegetable kits and bonsai starters.
Fitness or Sports
When deciding on hobbies to do in retirement that could help your overall wellness, the answer could lie in your morning workout or favorite sport.
If you love golf, basketball, softball or tennis, you could join a club or community league to make friends and have fun playing your favorite sport.
When it comes to staying physically active, there’s so much to choose from, from yoga to tai chi, to swimming or Zumba. Just remember to always ease into any new physical activity and consult with your physician to reduce the risk of injury.
Crafting
There’s something so satisfying – and therapeutic – about making things with your hands, especially after a career that involves sitting at a desk.
Whether you’re interested in woodworking, pottery, knitting, scrapbooking, water colors or jewelry making, there are endless ways to get in touch with your creative side and make items that are useful, beautiful or both. Design tiles for your new garden, knit scarves for your grandkids, sew blankets for people in need or build the perfect dining table.
You can also try learning something new with a kit that comes with instructions and all the materials you need, like this crochet kit.
Learn To Play an Instrument
Maybe you played piano when you were young but had to give it up, or you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar but never had time.
It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, and studies have found the process can improve your memory, boost concentration and reduce stress.
Sign up for one-on-one lessons, tune in to instructors on YouTube or check out a how-to guide for your instrument of choice. For a fun way to practice, make music with friends at a weekly jam session or join a community orchestra.
Dancing
Dancing is a wonderful way to meet new friends and stay active in your retirement. You can try swing dancing, waltz, contra, salsa or country line dancing; there are so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your physical ability and musical taste.
Look for free community dance lessons offered by your local civic association or recreation center, or build your confidence with formal lessons at a dance studio (spangly costumes not required!).
Travel
Whether you’re planning the ultimate cross-country road trip in an RV or want to sip wine at a Parisian cafe, with your newly flexible schedule, retirement is the perfect time to travel.
Let a AAA travel agent help you plan your next trip.
Photography
If you’ve always dreamed of getting into photography, there are plenty of affordable, entry-level digital cameras to start with. Try an online tutorial or enroll in a photography class to learn about all those funky manual camera settings and hone your craft.
Through taking photos, you can explore your city, engage with nature, document your travels and capture moments with your family. You’ll gain technical skills, develop your artistic side and create something special to share with others.
What are your favorite hobbies to do in retirement? Tell us in the comments below!
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70 Thoughts on “Fulfilling Hobbies To Do in Retirement”
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Cooking is a great thing to do in retirement. I have tons of recipes and my friend and I plan to make a lot of them. Being in the kitchen is good therapy.
After reading all these wonderful replies, I decided to make a list of all the hobbies I just read. Excellent ideas and so many I never considered. Thank you everyone!
I have expanded on a newish hobby to me – rug braiding. I purchased a supply of wool, was gifted with quite a bit, and purchased another quantity from a church. Result: an obsession with researching braiding to hone my skills and have made three 5×7 rugs and numerous smaller ones during our Covid isolation. I feel so rewarded and thankful for being able to produce something useful. My children and grandchildren will have rugs made just for them for years to come.
I love to walk n hike. I also enjoy gardening, travel, jigsaw puzzles, reading. Sometimes I still help out at my old job and I volunteer with the local St Vincent de Paul Society group in my town.
Last June of 2020 I took up the task of refinishing my double sash windows on our Colonial home. I have set up the process by reading lots of articles and watching lots of videos on Youtube. So, with the proper tools and precautions I set about working on a small bathroom window to see how the routine would go. It is like producing a flowchart, like you would do when working on a computer program. So far I am now working on our 5th window and experiencing lots of satisfaction with my new found hobby. You also must understand your limitations when choosing a new hobby but so far I am completely satisfied with my choice. P.S. The original windows add a lot of character to our home.
As a hobby, use your free time and lifetime of experience with consumer goods to post product reviews on Amazon. Working folks appreciate the recommendations and may not have the free time to post their own reviews. I have been writing reviews for years.
I already have a number of hobbies that I hardly ever pay attention to anymore because I haven’t retired yet, but plan to in another month or so, and the computer takes up more time than it should. But I’m looking forward to knitting again, writing again, playing guitar again, costuming for the medieval club again, and starting to cook again which I left off with years ago because my husband’s better at it. I’d like to join a chorus again, take belly dance lessons again, and take art lessons because after a childhood full of drawing, I gave it up at age 15 and have regretted it most of my adulthood. And my husband has his own idea: we go to science fiction conventions and sell used books, but he wants to expand it into a home business online. I will not be bored!
Trapshooting is a wonderful activity. It is done outside, which is especially important during covid. On top of that, you will meet a wonderful group of caring and informative people. It is open to women and men alike.
Yes, I have enjoyed ham radio very much over the years – started well before retirement. The opportunities for public service and the challenge of creating and setting up portable systems are my favourite aspects. 73, KB1HAD
I enjoy riding a motorcycle. There are many clubs and places to go.
I do too, Steve. It is difficult for folks who never have to understand. I suppose it is counterintuitive that exhilaration and relaxation of the mind come from it, but there it is. I’m not much for a club (occasional poker run will do), but finding friends that ride is really special. Alone or together, there is always something something sweet to see or smell out there. Plus, I got AAA towing for my bike once I upgraded my membership: I hope to never need it.
Genealogy keeps me very busy! Also organizing photos, videos, important papers (Wills, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy).
Play Pickleball!!!!
How could you possibly leave off reading?
What can my husband do when he is on oxygen 24/7?
That is a challenge! How about things online? Covid has forced many museums, botanical gardens, zoos, etc to offer lectures, concerts, and classes online for low/no fees. I’ve done a NY Botanical Garden with a botanist who does research in South America, and am signed up for a Sea Chantey workshop at Mystic Seaport CT. Neither place is local to me, and these are not existing interests but sounded like fun!
That is hard, but possible things might be painting (watercolors don’t have odor), drawing, puzzles (there are some very fine ones available), birdwatching, audio books, regular reading, genealogy online, etc. One of my relatives has a portable oxygen concentrator that lets her be outdoors or getting around for a few hours without worrying about running out of oxygen; if he doesn’t have one, you might look into it for your husband.
My vote goes to nature in general—and birding in particular!
https://blog.ioaging.org/activities-wellness/birdwatching-helps-older-adults-reconnect-nature-health/amp/
I volunteer for Soldier’s Angels and get so much from it. I support deployed military by sending a package a month and a weekly letter. I also belong to the Letter Writing Team and write as many or as few letters a month that I want to. The requirement is only one letter per month. A great organization with the nicest people. By doing this I feel that I am still contributing
Many people now are getting pets; if you have a dog, why not take it to training classes, maybe investigate the many dog sports that are available? You’ll end up with a well-trained dog, new friends, and a new hobby, all while keeping your mind active, learning new things!? You’d be surprised at the people who do dog sports, from moms and dads, to physicians, attorneys, and CEOs!
some great ideas to look into thanks
Chess is one of the best to stimulate your mind and keep it active. lichess.org
Hit the gym or workout at home for the physical side of things.
Collecting, restoring and rebuilding vintage electronics (radio, stereo, etc) as well as the amateur radio hobby.
What about suggestions for hobbies / activities for the visually impaired?
I have too many hobbies. Working on antique cars. Photography, I’ve been taking photos since 1950 have over 28,000 filed B&W negatives.Working on our house. Photographing
& recording trad jazz, both current & past (Born in ’35 and prefer music of the ’20’s-’30’s)
Plus a number of other things.
True..you have to find a hobby before retiring, so life will be interesting and productive after you stop working. I retired 3 yrs ago and I joined 2 senior centers for activities to kill boredom and found new friends. I did zumba and yoga exercises 3x a week in one senior center and did free acrylic painting classes for 2.5 hours/ 2x a week in another centerAAA. But since pandemic closed all senior centers, I started doing my chair yoga in my living room and sewing mask for the frontliners and making quilts and bags on the leftover fabrics, for my grandkids and gifts for families and friends. No time wasted and I feel productive. I’m almost 70(next month) but my energy is high like a young woman. I believe, the positivity in me is what’s keeping me alive. Stay safe and get that vaccine into your arms!!!!
How about Model Railroading? Many clubs all over the country to get you started. Great camaraderie and involves multiple skills such as woodworking, wiring, model building and creating scenery. Check out one of many clubs via links such as http://www.wmrr.org.
I took up geocaching when the pandemic started. It is a great activity for exercising and exploring.
Handmade greeting cards is one of my hobbies. I make cards for nursing homes, children’s hospitals. If you’re lucky you can sell them too to cover costs at least. It’s helped me to stay busy during our stay at home orders.
Even as a child I made cards for occasions like birthdays and anniversaries for family members. Over the years I have sometimes done cards or other artsy-crafts-type things (like decorated treasure boxes), mainly for grandchildren and my husband. Could you kindly tell me more about what you do and how you do it? E.g., do you mass produce your cards in some way? Or is each one totally unique? I also like “do-good” activities, so the idea of cards for those in some way needy appeals to me. Do you send cards to such people or give or sell them to homes who then give or sell them to the actual senders? Anything you can tell me I would love to know. Thank you! Viv
I like working with my hands. Presently, I am handcaning a chair and putting an imitation rush seat into another.
I have gone back to stamp collecting and this makes me an armchair traveler. You can learn a lot of history and culture this way. There is also a lot of virtual stamp club activity. My grandkids got me into building Lego models. I favor the Architecture series which does buildings and monuments. Both of these hobbies are very suitable to pandemic restrictions.
Ham radio is a great activity. Lots to do both at home and in the field with portable operating. I’ve been licensed for 50 years and still have fun with it. To find out more see http://www.arrl.org
73s to you Bob H
I have been able to parlay my love of teaching (yes, I am a newly retired teacher) and my love of crochet and combine them. I am now a certified crochet instructor with 3, possible 4, students.
Model railroading which requires a lot of craft skills and tropical fish.
Adult coloring books
I was an economics/math major in college and worked in the finance industry for 25 years, so when I retired I decided I needed to use the “other” side of my brain and have taken up watercolor painting, ukulele lessons and joined a senior chorus. Haven’t had so much fun in years!
I have been in church choir but like the idea of a chorus
My grandmother taught me to knit and crochet when I was 10 or 12 but I never really used it until my first grandchild was on the way. I never forgot how and wanted to make my first grandchild the kind of heirloom baby sweater & afghan set that my grandmother made and I was thrilled with the result. She’s 23 now with 2 siblings and her Mom always reminds me that they’ve kept that set and how precious it is. As a lifelong professional teacher, I decided to get certified as an instructor in both knitting and crochet and I absolutely love teaching others to make memorable gifts as well. What a gift it is to pass on traditions and crafts for a lifetime of handmade treasures!
Absolutely, it’s best to cultivate some interests before retiring. I’ve been doing family research for more than twenty years, love photography, sing with two local choral groups, and enjoy reading. I’m active on the boards of two local organizations. Add in daily chores and a bit of gardening, and I don’t know how I ever found the time to work full-time.
I like the musical instrument idea and thought of that. Unfortunately, I always wanted to play the drums (been practicing on my steering wheel my whole life!). But, I’ll probably need buy-in from my wife and neighbors first.
Check out electronic drum kits! You can bang away to your heart’s content at 2:00am and no-one will hear a thing
My husband has an electric drumset, which is great. He can hear the music he is playing drums to, and it is very quiet except to him with the earphones, unless he plugs it into an amp. But even with an amp, he can control the volume.
I got into family genealogy, both my husbands and mine. 8 families. I’ve decided to stop and create albums for existing relatives with the data, stories of deceased and photos. They love it! So rewarding and an opportunity to see where we’ve come from.
I took up genealogy about 15 years ago when I was contacted by a cousin in another state who was doing it. I must admit it is very addictive, but I love doing it. These days I have some mobility issues so it is a great hobby for someone like me. I have met cousins I never knew existed both in the USA and in Scotland and Ireland. I am also researching my husband’s family (Lithuanian) and that of my Italian daughter-in-law so I can pass on all our family trees to my grandchildren.
I have dabbled in paints, i.e. canvas, mixed media, water colors it’s fun and I can get totally lost when painting. I recently discovered that I love pencil and charcoal art. I have created greeting cards, note cards and love the creations.
Paper folding known as origami is my passion. I have won many awards for my origami. At Christmas I decorate my tree with origami ornaments such as stars, animals and orbs. Origami keeps my mind active and my fingers nimble and it is only paper.
Agreed, TJB. DOTake up the card game of Duplicate Bridge. Once the pandemic ends, most local bridge clubs will re-open, and lessons offered on how to begin learning the game. Playing bridge is not only interesting, but has been medically found to enhance a senior’s mental capacities! In addition, the social interaction creates the opportunity to develop many new friendships. As an avid player, I would strongly recommend it.
You forgot amateur radio.
If someone says something slightly negative about AAA, do you censor it?
So something a little different..I’ve always been fascinated with the paranormal. Had the chance to start-up my own paranormal investigation service, and now do regular ghost hunting, crypto investigations etc. Love it; starting visiting “haunted locations” throughout the country , which makes me travel more!! Heading for Europe (when we can) to visit the old castles there
When I was looking retirement in the face last October, a friend suggested I go to watercolor painting classes with her. I joined two and at the age of 70, I found out that I actually have some artistic ability. I even sold 6 of my watercolors, which thrilled me to no end. Not only does it give me a sense of worth, but I just love painting.
I retired last August and found out how much I love acrylic painting. There are quite a few tutorials on YouTube.
Take up chess! You can learn on any number of websites or from youtube videos and when you think you’re ready, you can play chess 24/7 online. Learn with a friend, and then you can play and socialize at the same time.
Don’t forget to include square dancing and Pickleball! They provide endless opportunities for social fun and travel.
I am also a square dancer. My husband and I were fortunate enough to have danced in thirteen states. I belong to a square dance club in Newtown, CT called the Rocking Roosters.
I use to go there with a boyfriend years ago, didn’t know they were still operating.
Model Railroading is an wonderful, life-long, all-weather hobby!
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been in the hobby for more than 60 years and since I retired, I’m making real progress on my newest layout. Just adding to the 8 already occupying my office and basement. I’ve also done presentations in the past, bringing a few of the smaller layouts to libraries, church groups, elementary and preschools. After all these years, it nice to know that many people still enjoy seeing model trains.
I have a friend whose dad designed and built extensive model railroad layouts. When he died, my friend took his extensive layout apart. Email me at fnm51@verizon.net if you think you want to see what he has left, for possible purchase.
Volunteering is a great retirement activity.
Don’t forget the classic….learn to play duplicate bridge! I took it up in an adult ed class 6 years ago and now I am playing every day, even during the pandemic! It’s very challenging and a great way to keep the mind sharp, and to make new friends.
I found a Public Access TV training course. I learned to use professional equipment for recording, editing and production. I now produce my own shows which are broadcast at regular times. I interview and have conversations about any topic of my choosing. I have interviewed many folk about Spirituality in their endeavors: yoga, music, running. I have had discussions with a local chaplain about our thoughts about Spirituality and some of the ways it works in our lives; I have interviewed a Humanist and a Metaphysician and have learned a great deal. The training at the TV studio was free and open to any resident in the broadcast area. I wish I hadn’t waited until I was 78 years old to find this wonderful creative outlet for myself.
Congratulations for your achievements. Your story is truly inspiring to me. While reading I did experience your energy and excitement for doing all that. That is believing in self. Wishing you greater success. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I think the key is to start developing other activities before retiring. If you don’t already have a hobby or other interest outside your work and family you should start exploring now. I plan on retiring in about 5 years but I will still need a supplement income so my sister and I have started a small farm. Now it doesn’t take much energy and time and all we sell is eggs on a very small scale but we are planning on the future of the farm. I look forward to spending time with the animals, being my own boss and being as one with nature.
Like your ideas. I belong to a gym, garden, travel, and build dollshouse’s with furnishings. I also have lunch w/girls 1-2 x a month, when we’re all in same county. I’m still trying to find a volunteer thing that fits me. I am thinking of going back to work p/t too.
Hi Linda!
Thanks so much for reading. It certainly sounds like you’re having a wonderful retirement. Good luck in your search!
-Dana
Do you like animals? Shelters are always looking for volunteers. Is there a Zoo near you? Try being a Docent, which is an educational volunteer.
I volunteer one day a week for Meals on Wheels. It has been very fulfilling. I know people who do it 3 times a week.
Hi Linda, I can suggest two volunteer possibilities, American Red Cross and local Food Bank. You may already have expertise needed at these organizations. Best of luck to you!