The information shared below is from an article written by Age Co this last October. Age Co is a charity group from the UK but this information is definitely relevant for us here.
Later life and retirement can be one of the most enjoyable periods of our lives; we’re older and wiser, more aware of who we are, but most importantly we’ve now got the time to go out and do whatever it is we’ve always wanted to do.
‘More time for personal activities’ is often cited in polls of over 70 year olds as one of the biggest benefits of growing old, and the Office for National Statistics found that those aged 65+ spent an average of seven hours and ten minutes a day on leisure activities; the most out of all age groups.
We now know that loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and that it is a key problem for older people in the UK, 3.6 million of whom live alone. On the other hand, the Age UK Index of Wellbeing in Later Life concluded that engaging with the world around us through social, creative, physical or community activities can contribute more than 20% to our wellbeing in later life. Not only can the right hobby help people of all ages make more friends and give our lives routine, colour and achievement, but it can also help to improve our mental and physical health, and our sense of wellbeing.
If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of starting a hobby during retirement, here are some of the most popular hobbies and interests that people pick up in later life, to inspire you:
Hobbies that will help me meet people
Joining a group is such a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and to get the most out of your interests, whilst also helping us to connect with our community. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
Join a book club, Take part in historical re-enactments, Start a blog, Join a band/choir, Join a dance class, Attend gym classes (aqua fitness), Volunteer at a nursing home or animal shelter, Write to a pen pal, Join a society, Cosplay/costume-making, Attend board game nights, Go to festivals/concerts, Attend local pub quizzes, Attend conventions, Go to wine-tasting nights, Join a drama group, Join a film club, Take part in chess tournaments, Join a walking or biking group, Attend an art class, Join a sports team, Help out at an amateur radio station, Learn a new language, Start a social media group, Get an allotment, Attend karaoke nights.
Here is the link to the full article if you would like to read more! https://www.ageco.co.uk/viewpoint/health-and-lifestyle/hobbies-for-retirement/
The cool thing is is we offer most of these activities right here in Emmetsburg, IA! Look for the next journal entry cause I'm going to fill you in and help you do these very things right here!
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