How are you spending your newfound retirement time? Some seniors are trying to remain busy by picking up a part-time job, are savoring the opportunity to pick up the passions they’ve put aside in their younger years, or are searching for something unique and different from the normal they’ve come to know.
If you find yourself wondering what’s next for you in your retirement, you don’t need to look too far. Simply consider what your passions are, what’s on your bucket list, and what inspires you. Better yet, if you’re feeling adventurous, try something completely out of your comfort zone.
Ready to get started? This list of unique and unusual hobbies for seniors has something for everyone to enjoy.
1 | Martial Arts
Martial arts is an activity that’s becoming increasingly popular among older adults. Partly because it helps with balance, flexibility, mobility, self-defense, and endurance. However, it also reduces stress and builds confidence.
Many seniors practice tai chi; however there are more forms of martial arts than that, including Karate, Wing Chun, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo.
If martial arts is something you’re interested in, look into classes near you. Many senior living communities also provide tai chi to help get you started.
2 | Racing
Running is a great way to stay active, enjoy fresh air, and increase your physical activity.
Consider joining a marathon. Set a goal to run in a set number of races; if you achieve it, make the number higher. Grab a friend and have them join you for an added social element. If you’re not sure how to get started, join a local running group, or perhaps you can start one.
3 | Geocaching
This unusual hobby is rising in popularity. In fact, people of all ages are enjoying geocaching. So, what exactly is Geocaching? According to Geocaching’s website, it all boils down to being the world’s largest treasure hunt.
First, download the app and search for a geocache near you. Then, set off on your journey to find it. When you find it, sign that you were there, trade any trinkets you brought along and move on to the next one. You can even hide your own.
The best part is, even if you’re on vacation, you’re still likely to find a geocache near you. The possibilities are endless.
4 | Dancing
If you’ve been called a Dancing Queen or you’ve always wanted to take dance lessons with your spouse, retirement is a great time to perfect your dance moves.
Try a salsa class. Take ballroom dancing with your spouse. Revisit your old tap routines and see if you can still complete them. Get creative and make up your own moves.
The most important thing to do is have fun as you get your groove on!
5 | Science
Become a Citizen Scientist by getting out and exploring areas you’re passionate about. You can view some of the current projects available and choose one of those, or you can embark on your own pursuits. Perhaps you’ll try to map the stars, monitor the tides, or even help determine water quality.
6 | Genealogy
Genealogy is a popular hobby for older adults. In fact, it’s one that gives them a sense of purpose while helping friends and family see where they come from. If this has always interested you, trace your family tree and see how far back you can get. You may uncover some things you didn’t know, or you can make a great resource to pass down for generations to come!
7 | Foreign Language
Learning a new language is a great way to spend your time in retirement. Not only will you gain new skills and get a feel for the culture of any language you study, but you’ll also get a better look into the English language. It might even make you understand where some of our own words come from.
8 | Music
If your goal is to learn something new, but learning a foreign language isn’t your passion, why not consider a different type of language? We’re talking about music. Consider taking classes to learn a musical instrument, get out of your comfort zone by participating in a musical, or show your singing skills in a talent competition.
Want to soak in even more benefits? Mentor a student or teach your skills to other older adults around you.
9 | Reading
If you can usually be found listening to an audiobook, cuddled up with your latest read, perusing the stacks of books at the library, or adding to your e-readers’ already full library, it might just be time to join a book club.
Even if you consider yourself fully booked, check out what they have to offer. For many, it allows them a chance to read, spend time with friends, engage with others with similar interests, and add even more titles to their never-ending TBR (to-be-read) list.
Join a local club, become part of an online book club, or begin your own with your friends and family.
10 | Jigsaw Puzzles, Board Games, and Cards
Are your retirement days full of fun and games? For some, it quite literally is. An increasing number of seniors are gathering with their friends over food and drinks to complete giant puzzles as a group. They’re even hosting game nights and enjoying the friendly competition that card games provide.
If this sounds like fun to you, see about starting your own game group. Take turns choosing a puzzle, pick a new game each week, and discover who has what it takes to remain a top competitor. One thing is for certain, fun will undoubtedly be in the cards for you and all in attendance.
Discover an Exciting and Empowering Lifestyle at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging
At Glencroft, a rental Continuing Care Retirement Community in Glendale, Arizona, we offer a range of hobbies and activities to keep seniors engaged. Whether residents are looking for an indoor hobby, or they prefer an outdoor hobby, they can find it all here.
- Take an in-person or online class at Glencroft University
- Work on the six pillars of wellness with ZoeLife™ programming
- Enjoy one of our many “Big 5” themed weeks
- Join our resident-led groups
- Try ceramics or wood carving
- Become a karaoke star
- Take aquatics classes year-round in our indoor pool
- Play games like Bingo, Mah Jongg, and games on the Wii
- Craft your own stories in our writing group
- Participate in ZoeFitness
Even better, we package all of this into one, all-inclusive monthly rate, so you don’t have to pay for additional memberships, clubs, or activities. And, if you or a loved one’s needs should ever change, you’ll never need to leave the community you know and love because we offer a continuum of care to meet changing needs.
Experience It for Yourself
Call to schedule a tour and learn how you can retire to your best life at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging.
