New Year, New Fun: 12 Hobbies for Seniors

The new year is upon us, and while resolutions may or may not be your thing, it’s the perfect time to explore new hobbies. And for seniors, retirement brings plenty of free time to try some of the things we’ve always wanted to do. Our Southview Senior Communities offer a diverse array of events and activities, from arts and crafts to exercise classes to live music, and in today’s blog, we’ve put together a list of additional hobbies for seniors that can be enjoyed alone or with friends. Staying active has also been shown to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, and these hobbies are easy to pick up without any prior experience. Try out one of these 12 activities every month this year or explore them at your leisure.

Painting

Looking for a way to express some creativity? Pick up some acrylic or watercolor paints at the craft store and bring your vision to life. It’s always fun to mix colors and see how many shades you can make.

Music

It’s not too late to learn a new instrument! Piano, harmonica, guitar, and ukulele are easy to learn and offer plenty of room to improve your skills. Playing music can help you relax alone or entertain friends and family.

Photography

Whether you opt for a high-quality camera or a simple smartphone, snapping some pictures is a creative way to document fun moments and capture beautiful scenes. Try experimenting with different angles and lighting to give the simplest subjects a unique appearance.

Writing

The possibilities are endless with this hobby. Recording your memoirs or retelling fond memories are easy places to start and provide a meaningful gift to pass on to younger relatives. Once the creative juices are flowing, don’t be afraid to try writing a story, poem, or song!

Book Club

Reading and discussing a book together is a fun, intellectually stimulating way to spend time with friends. You could even take turns choosing the book—you might just discover your new favorite author.

Movie Club

If books aren’t your thing, why not watch some movies instead? Many of our communities feature private theaters, making it easy for you and your friends to share your favorite films with each other.

Knitting

A growing pastime among women and men, knitting and similar hobbies such as crocheting offer an abundance of patterns and designs to choose from. It’s a nice way to unwind at the end of a day, and it makes for special gifts.

Genealogy

With online databases and DNA kits, it’s easy to uncover the details of your family history stretching back generations. Check out Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org or dig deeper into the U.S. Census Bureau, then draw up a tree to share with your friends and family!

Indoor Gardening

For those who enjoy practicing patience and watching things grow, tending to house plants is a rewarding endeavor. There’s a wide variety of species to choose from, so find the ones that best match your personality. You could even try growing vegetables.

Birdwatching

Grab a pair of binoculars, pick up a field guide, and get to know your favorite feathered friends! Birding can be done outside or at a nice window, and it’s a fun way to discover new species and identify their calls.

Pickleball

This sport has exploded in popularity over the last several years, and for good reason—it’s easy to learn, fun with friends, and can be played casually or competitively. It also provides exercise without being physically demanding.

Fishing

We may be in the middle of winter, but it’s never too early to plan for spring. And what better way to spend time outdoors than by plunking a line in the water and seeing what you catch? Even if you come up empty, fishing helps us slow down and enjoy the quiet moments.

Explore More in 2024

At Southview Senior Communities, we value active lifestyles, encourage hobbies for seniors, and provide many opportunities for our residents to stay engaged. Our caring staff is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment where people can thrive. Interested in learning more? We’d be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. Check out our locations today!