As life turns from work to leisure retirement hobbies are more than just therapeutic as they also relieve stress and keep the mind active.
They play an important role keeping us out of a day-to-day rut and suffering from boredom, which is a familiar accompaniment to our automated, precooked lifestyles.
Looking at the definition of a hobby as "an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation" I suppose that if you don't have a main occupation most retirement living is a hobby!
That being said here are a few hobby ideas for all types of people, from the physically impaired to the physically active, from the home-maker to the intellectual.
Hobby enthusiasts say that spare time is not to be "spent" but savored.
Outdoor Active Hobbies
If you're bored, and a little out of condition, through inactivity, you might like to take up a sports hobby. Have you ever tried lawn bowls? How about golf, or fishing or simply active walking?
Taking up any of the sports hobbies will get you out of the house and often are a good way to make new friends.
Cycling can easily become a favorite hobby … getting out along lesser travelled highways and seeing the countryside. This can be expanded into doing cycling trips throughout the world … or simply taking fun rides with your family.
There are many other retirement hobbies to get you out in the fresh air. Hiking and canoeing? How about getting involved with an environmental group? Green is "in" and in many places, you can join groups cleaning riverbanks or monitoring water quality.
Or maybe you'd like to join an outdoor group to study the flora and fauna of your region. It can be great fun to stroll through the woods and fields with a field guide, learning to identify the flowers, insects, trees, and birds.
For people who would like gardening but live in a short growing season area or have limited space, a hobby greenhouse is the answer. It will give you a place to grow a few tomatoes and some fresh greens and herbs.
Indoor Hobbies
Dancing is one of the fun indoor retirement hobbies. With its many forms it is a great source of both enjoyment and exercise. Square dancing is fun for people who like to get together in groups, while ballroom dancing will appeal to the more contemplative souls.
And while on contemplation, you might consider doing yoga or tai chi.
Other active hobbies that can be enjoyed in our own homes are table tennis, fitness exercises or simply stretching.
Maybe you'd enjoy decorating your house with antiques, or learning to bake specialty breads from around the world. Maybe you'd like to take part in a little theatre production, or learn to play guitar?
What about the fine skills of weaving tapestries or painting with oils? Candle making, soap making, and many other old-time crafts which are being enjoyed again.
Most craft ideas are geared to individuals but it is also enjoyable to find a group project where people can work together.
Many people enjoy listening to music. There are lots of options if you are interested in learning about different styles of music. You can learn about composers, famous melodies, and all about performers past and present. You can develop sophisticated tastes in jazz or classical music or collect a large assortment of vinyl.
Truly, with all the options for retirement hobbies there is no reason to stay bored for long!
Collecting Hobbies
Collecting whatever interests you can create a fun and time consuming hobby. From the cheapest novelty to the most expensive art, collecting has always captivated people's interest.
Ever thought about art collectibles. Any items with artwork can become an art collectible. People collect designer rugs as art. Other art collectibles are limited edition plates, thimbles, Christmas ornaments, and figurines.
And of course, the fortunate few who can collect original fine art paintings.
Stamp collecting, also known as philately, was a popular and educational past time. Stamp collections vary from themes to countries. Collectors notebooks and glassine envelopes filled with stamps are always fascinating to look through … especially if they tell a story. Some collections may include very valuable stamps.
Pets as a Hobby
Many people love animals and pets of all sorts can be your hobby.
Dogs and cats are a good example. Walking and enjoying a pet dog is one thing, but breeding and raising show animals is something else entirely. Dogs and cats give a lot of love back to their owners, so you will never be lonely. However, animals require some work and attention, so keeping them is not for everyone.
Perhaps you enjoy bird watching. If getting out is a problem, maybe you'd like a pair of canaries, a budgie, or a cockatiel. Or if space permits raise ornamental chickens, pigeons, or pheasants. Perhaps you can even raise some prize winners!
Don't do Nothing!
The world is so full of interesting things to learn and do. Don't merely sit back and watch TV. Search for interesting retirement hobbies.
Retirement hobbies are good for your mind. They may even delay senility. And it's a good example to our children and grandchildren if we spend our time doing something meaningful.
Retirement Lifestyle: You're never too old to outlive enthusiasm and enjoyment
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