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Finding A Hobby
Finding a hobby (a new one?) just right for you
Your hobbies will give you a lifetime of enjoyment, far into your retirement years. The main thing to consider is what do you really like? Not what your family tree or best friend thinks you should like. Your hobbies are for you.
Do you think you’re not very good at anything? If that sounds like you, ask yourself what you’ve always wanted to do. If you’re still working, now is the time for finding a hobby and to plan for future senior activity ideas. Working with our hands at any age is particularly valuable. It promotes brain and physical coordination. First Ask Yourself Some Questions: To get started, here are some questions to first ask yourself. Take some notes and let yourself brainstorm. - Make a list of the top 5 hobbies or activities you like to do now.
- Now make a list of the top 5 new activities you would like to learn. This is brainstorming -- don’t limit yourself, financially or otherwise.
Idea List: Here’s a list of hobby ideas to help get your imagination moving. Finding a hobby can be a really fun exercise and will give you ideas on how you can expand the list. Jot your ideas down. Some can be done solo or with groups.
- photography – including nature, weddings, babies, children
- home renovation
- do-it-yourself activities such as a tile backsplash, creative cement work, etc.
- interior decorating
- woodworking
- build and decorate a dollhouse – perhaps elaborate
- furniture making
- painting on furniture
- furniture restoration
- scrapbooking
- going to or participating in flea markets
- metal detecting – you can find amazing treasures!
- making trash to treasure projects
- starting a collection – perhaps heirloom quality
- studying antiques and antiquing
- join a theater group and be in a play
- or work with costumes and props
- learn a new sport – biking, tennis, golf, swimming
- take up chess; join a group
- painting – on canvas, glass or wood
- murals
- candle making
- hand-painted ceramic sinks
- hand-painted ceramic tiles
- pottery and ceramics
- mosaics (including tables, chairs, trays)
- making crafts – there are many crafts for seniors to explore
- scale modeling (see link at the bottom of this page)
- small appliance or mechanical repair
- rug making (easy rug hooking, braided rugs, etc.)
- learning or enhancing computer skills
- making a web site regarding your hobby or interest (you can make money too – really)
- needlework such as cross-stitching or embroidery
- knitting or crocheting
- quilting – start small like a pillow or wallhanging
- making puppets and puppeteering
- be a volunteer or professional clown
- clock and watch repair
- crossword puzzles
- jewelry making
- stained glass
- specialized cooking
- cake decorating
- gardening – perhaps a specialty such as roses or exotic plants
- flower pressing
- sewing
- upholstery
- decorative pillows
- journalism – articles for newspapers, magazines, organizations
- creative writing – perhaps memoirs or a novel
- write and illustrate a children’s book
- record your memoirs and transfer to a CD
- making videos and movies
- dancing – salsa, tap, ballroom, jazz, square dancing, contemporary; don’t limit yourself
- singing
- play musical instruments
- floral arrangement
- bird watching
- sailing and boating
- fishing
- card games
- crafts – there are tons of easy craft ideas and crafts for seniors
- make or study wines
- beer making
- getting a pet
- public speaking
- wedding officient
- learn another language – and take a trip!
When finding a hobby, remember, there may be a craft store, home improvement store, community resources or a senior center that can teach many of these activities. And don’t forget the library – most of them have or can get videos and books on a favorite topic. Or do you have a friend or family member who can teach you? Groups are always fun.
Do you have limitations?
If you have physical elderly issues or other challenges and are unable to do your activity of choice now, finding a hobby can be modified. (For instance, did you know there are special easy-to-grip garden tools, and even wheelchair accessible elevated gardens for the elderly, window gardens, and more). Consider reading books, watching movies or TV programs, attending seminars or conferences on the subject, or helping others. Find out what other related senior activity ideas and groups are available. There are also many special crafts for elderly to consider – ask a local senior center or even a church group. After finding a hobby (or two) dedicate a room or area in your home to your special activities. Make a list of the supplies you will need, and find out how to get discounts. A special note:
If you are a writer, visit your library or bookstore and look at the current "Writer's Market." This is an excellent yearly publication that tells what book and magazine publishers are looking for in that year. There are hundreds of listings. As you may guess, topics for baby boomers and elders are popular at this time. If you are an artist, there is a similar book called "The Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market." It lists hundreds of publishing and licensing companies to submit your artwork to, and what they are looking for. Even tips to go through the process.
And don’t forget to give back, if you can – teach someone what you know. Pass it on to family members, youth, and the elderly. Check out this great hobby area!
An online guidebook to all forms of modeling
from ships to planes and from trains to race cars. It's your ultimate guide to the best in scale modeling.
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