Once you reach retirement age, many elderly people might feel a little lost. After leaving their jobs, there is so much time to fill, but what to do? There are many options to choose from, but it all depends on what you prefer. Some like to fish, others like to knit, but here are some of the best hobbies for retirees, and why.

Volunteering

Having a lot of free time to give back to the community is a bonus because of the rewards. In ways that you were unable to do so when you were younger and working all the time, you might find that you want to find ways to be productive. Whether it is the soup kitchen or reading to kids at the local library, there are many options for people who want to be involved in the community and continue to work on something meaningful.

Walking or Hiking

Even if you are not the athletic type, making sure to get exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. Walking and hiking help you get out of the house and see parts of the world you probably have never explored. It also helps keep you in shape! Being active and enjoying it is incredibly important, even more so when you get older.

Genealogy

With more free time, you might want to do some digging into your family history. People who want to learn more about their families should check out genealogy sites like Ancestry.com. Using resources from these sites and investing time into searching old records can uncover some crucial new information. Best of all: the research that you complete now can be passed down to your children and their children. Creating the family history will help preserve your family’s legacy and create memories with your existing family members. It can also help you engage with your friends at the assisted living center or even if you’re in hospice.  

Writing

By the time you have retired or entered an assisted living home, you have lived a full life with many lessons and experiences. Chronicling your life story or even writing fiction is a great way to spend your free time. If you choose to write your life story, it is something that you can share and even publish if you feel comfortable. It also helps keep your brain active and healthy, which is especially important for you. These stories can also be something you share with friends in hospice or with other elderly individuals.

Arts and Crafts

This is mainly popular amongst women, but this is an excellent option for people who want to learn something new potentially. Whether it is knitting, sewing, pottery, or anything else, creating arts and crafts in your newfound free time is a great way to stay active. It can also help you join clubs, connect with others, and have something homemade to give your children and grandchildren the holidays.  

Whatever you choose, there are many ways to fill your free time and have fun. Many of these hobbies can be done by anyone who is elderly, in assisted living, or even in hospice. However, you have more time than before to pursue them! The best part of many of these hobbies is that you have the chance to teach your family how to do them. Then, these hobbies can stay in your family for generations to come.  

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Bibliography

Spiers, Peter. “Ideas for Seniors Over 60: Best Retirement Hobbies.” Blog – Road Scholar Community – Road Scholar Community, 20 Feb. 2020, discussion.roadscholar.org/b/blog/posts/top-12-hobbies-for-retirement.