How to Resume Former Hobbies As You Age

When you were younger, you probably had a hobby or two you really enjoyed. As you’ve aged, however, you may have lost touch with those hobbies that used to bring you such joy. After all, life gets busy, responsibilities increase, and schedules become packed with things you need to take care of. But, if you are ready to reconnect with your hobbies in retirement, then hopefully this article can assist!

Getting Back into Hobbies in Retirement

Returning to a long-abandoned hobby can be a challenge. Lack of practice may have diminished your skills, and age may have affected your abilities.

Have patience. Remember, you didn’t become proficient in your former hobby in a day. It’s OK if you cannot achieve the same level of physical performance as you did when you were younger.. Hobbies are to be pursued because they bring you joy, and because they are fun. As long as you are enjoying yourself, you don’t have to be the best!

If you don’t reach your goal as quickly as you want, you may become frustrated and want to quit. But don’t let that stop you! Look for small improvements along the way. Try your best to maintain reasonable expectations. You should expect that you will be rusty after a long period away from a hobby, but don’t worry, it should come back to you in time.

Don’t compare yourself to others. If your hobby is painting, for example, don’t become intimidated or discouraged when you see someone whose mastery seems to be better than your own. As stated before, a hobby is about finding joy and self-development; working at improving and enjoying what you are able to accomplish. And persistence is the key to improving your abilities. Again, look for incremental gains, and take satisfaction with your efforts each day.

Do it regularly. Real satisfaction comes from consistent pursuit. Set aside time each day to practice. For example, if your hobby is photography, take at least 10 photos a day.

Find someone with similar interests. Engaging with someone who enjoys the same activity will encourage you to continue. If your hobby was gardening, for example, find someone else who likes to garden. Maybe join a club of like-minded gardening enthusiasts. Hobbies can help you create long-lasting bonds with other people sharing the same passion.

Remember why you loved your hobby. As you take up an old hobby, the reasons you enjoyed it will come back to you. Use this as a motivation to continue.

Feel free to pick a new hobby. Interests change. Perhaps your old hobby is not as fulfilling as it used to be. Maybe something new has caught your attention. Take advantage of this new interest and give it a try.

Finding Hobbies in Retirement that Fit You

Gardening. This is a great hobby. You not only get some exercise, but you can watch your plants and flowers grow and bloom. Gardening can be physically demanding, but there are ways to make it less so:

• A riding lawn mower can be used to tow garden carts.
• Give yourself extra space in your garden to maneuver if you are in a wheelchair or use a walker.
• Wheelchairs can be adapted with attachments for garden tools and supplies.
• Garden seat kneelers eliminate squatting or kneeling while tending your garden.
• Rolling garden benches increase your mobility. They also have places to store tools and plants.
• Garden in raised beds to reduce or eliminate having to work at ground level.
• Try plants that thrive in small containers and don’t require heavy lifting.

Cooking. If you love cooking, but find it painful to open jars, peel vegetables, or grasp and use cooking utensils, there are devices you can use to make this easier including:

• Automatic can openers
• Rubber-grip bottle openers
• Peelers with soft, comfortable cushioned handles
• Lightweight kettles
• Kettle tippers (which help make pouring easier)
• Utensil holders
• Easy-grip kitchen knives

Resuming a sport. Do you still have a competitive spirit to participate in sports? Tips for Families lists the 16 best sports for seniors. A few examples include:

• Swimming. This is a terrific full-body exercise that you can pursue at your own pace.
• Badminton. Can be played indoors or outdoors.
• Basketball. There are basketball leagues with participants in their 90s.
• Golf. Another sport that offers great exercise. Play as many holes as you like, and feel free to bring a friend.
• Pickleball. This has become one of the most popular sports among seniors. The game uses paddles, a small plastic ball, and a net, and is very similar to tennis and ping pong.

Please consult with your physician before resuming athletic activities. 

Find more articles about living life in retirement to the fullest on Bethesda’s Senior Living blog.