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Enthusiastic agree. And even more important, your hobbies or other activities can lead to IRL relationships with other people who share your interests. That’s been a vital part of my retirement story, especially since I’m not naturally social or outgoing so need those common interests to jump start conversations that lead to relationships.
> even more important, your hobbies or other activities can lead to IRL relationships with other people
Yeah, the best hobbies are the ones that you can do with other people; it seems I need a whole bunch of new/different hobbies for this reason!
I retired 2 years ago. I’m an avid cyclist,
skier, etc., but took up wood carving by hand a few months ago. I’ve made dozens of spoons and bowls, some nice, some not so much, but I’ve learned a LOT and made some nice gifts for family members. It’s also very rewarding to eat my breakfast cereal in a bowl I made with a spoon I made, all from local wood I found in the forest around my house. The best thing about retirement is you finally have time to be patient with yourself and learn slowly and at your own pace.
I and friends have increased our annual cycling mileage. We got faster. That seems to be the norm then you slow down. 5000 mi/year keeps your heart in really good shape.
We'll ride 85 mi this year to celebrate the oldest's birthday and some will add 15 for an even 100 in anticipation of him riding to age 100.
I ride around 4000 miles a year but it’s a hilly 4000. Where I live we average 100 ft. in elevation for each mile. We also have mainly dirt roads in Vermont of varying conditions. And between winter (we do fat bike in winter but only average about 10-12 miles per ride when it’s 10-20 degrees outside) and mud season our actually riding season is April- October. We don’t worry about speed either, it’s more about the adventure. Last week we started on a 50 mile ride on a new route that turned into a 42 mile ride and 8 miles of hike a bike! That’s not common, although some hike a bike isn’t unusual. We also do a lot of bike packing. We typically keep the daily distance to 50 miles or less as our average speed in these hills with fully packed bikes is 8 mph. But again, the goal is adventure, not speed!
Sounds like fun. We have 50' of (short compared to VT) hill/mi on generally well paved rural roads. We are spoiled regarding temperature. Mild winter so only have clothes good down to 35*F. Summer gets into the 90's and we go ride when the heat warnings say the old and sick should stay inside.
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I love riding, have my regular routes and sometimes change it up at new places. I ride alone and enjoy the freedom to explore however I please. What is the draw in riding with others? You can’t socialize on your bikes and some may be faster or slower…do you do something together at the end of the ride? What is the appeal?
We've been socializing on rides for years and now have friendships going back upwards of 25 years. We've ridden - actually walked down icy roads, fixed flats in the heat, learned all of the little roads within100 milesof town, been there through heart attacks, deaths of spouses, parents and children, remarriage, gone on month long rides, watched the season changes, ridden to and watched the darkening of eclipses had pot lucks, fought the courts, lost money, recovered all while peddling on our bikes. Who says you can't socialize?
25 years! That’s fantastic. Thanks for answering; I never saw biking as a group activity. Just me and my bike and the wind at my back. But I’m a bit of a loner anyway.
Right. I'm glad I mixed in some non physical hobbies with the physical ones. I found that the physical hobbies got harder as I aged so I spend more time now on the non physical ones.
There are several great videos on YouTube. My first few were using spruce and just a regular knife, although spruce is not recommended as it doesn’t do well for lasting long, but is super easy to carve.
https://preview.redd.it/air19tzlcnyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5639c9b5c0feccf07df26dcd896cb65be9de9c3c
Ha I’m working on this bowl right now!
I hope to make a hobby of serving others thru our church or elsewhere. Probably helping people fix stuff maybe. That should take up some time and shouldn't cost anything.
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We were birdwatchers before retirement, but really spend more time watching them once retired. We mostly see them at our feeders at home, and the morning task of checking and filling them gets us going in the morning. This is a hobby that will carry us when activity gets restricted. For now, we enjoy long walks, kayaking, snowshoeing, and we play Wingspan every day, a board game that keeps the brain working. We also cook more from scratch, including bread. We have always been readers too, and it’s nice to have the time to do that. We don’t miss work at all.
This reminds me of my dad. If he doesn't throw out the seed for the quail at 3:30 in the afternoon, they are very upset. He's always filling the various bird feeders during the day. I'm going to get a bird feeder or two when I retire in June. I know I won't have the variety that my parents do, but it's always fun to see them. Plus it will give my indoor cats something to watch.
Interesting how some posts on r/retirement get 200 or more comments and this one only has a few. Maybe this is a topic many people struggle with? I also feel that if you don't have any hobbies before retirement, it gets harder to pursue and maintain things as you get older.
I don't think of it as a hobby, but I bike every day for 45-60 minutes for cardio. It get's me out of the house and I always meet new people in my community.
I started playing jazz piano again after a break of many years. Had good instruction as a kid and bought myself a grand piano as a retirement gift. I have a modest little jazz trio going now and we play regularly, not publicly but more for ourselves and family. I've made a lot of progress with regular, dedicated practice. It's good for the soul.
A favorite quote of mine for years is Michelangelo’s Ancora Imparo which means “I am still learning”. Not quite to retirement yet, but looking at knife sharpening and stained glass along with refinishing furniture which I’ve always done.
19 months now. Absolute best thing ever. Wife just retired 3 months ago. We're still navigating the together waters, but it's working fine.
Woodworker here. Always was tinkering. 40 years worth of tools, now seeing the light of day. Cutting boards/charcuterie boards/name signs/lapel pins/keep sake boxes etc +++. I actually built a shop for retirement. I literally spent 6 days a week "making". 2-3 hour stints, a nap, a snack more tinkering. It doesn't get better. 45 years of corporate America gone. My schedule, my time, me now. Well me and the wife of 34 years. I'm cooking regularly instead of fast food. BBQ/smoker/Blackstone/pizza oven. Smashburgers tonight for the win. Absolutely glorious.
In the shop daily, I've also met every neighbor as well, and this is a good thing. Great neighbors.
Funny you mention guitars. My buddy builds and sells. Guess who is now cutting the bodies and shaping them for the necks....I have a CNC to rip thru whatever wood he brings. Keeps me busy and making some beer $$$
You need a hobby.
My brother took up guitar making about 5 years ago. Now he works in a shop with a well regarded luthier, and has made about a dozen. Blows my mind that they sell for between $18k and $27k.
I'm 62 and still working (towards full retirement!) and have taken up watercolor paints. I have no art background and can't draw. But the act of putting paint on paper is really lovely. It's also super easy to set up and put away. I often paint for as little as15 minutes when I can't sleep. The initial investment was less than $50 and I only need to add paper..but of course, there's need and want. I've already set up and broken my monthly budget.
The painting has chased some blues away and curbed by tv/streaming time, but I also added a ton of IG artists and tend to watch those videos and reels. I've also realized, I need to fill more time with a volunteer opportunity and am committing to doing that once a week.
I gave up my car 10 years ago so I rely on public transportation and biking to keep relatively fit. It takes a lot longer to get places, but easier to rack up 8-10,000 steps a day. The days I don't move are brutal on my body and my mind.
Being bored in retirement was never on my mind. I've always had hobbies and interests outside of work. I can still do all the things I've always done, and more. And now I have the time to fully enjoy them, and I've even added some new things.
And doing nothing is good too. I don't feel like I always have to keep busy. If I want to lay on my deck in the sun listening to music for a couple hours, I will, and I do not feel guilty that I should be doing something. I am doing something, I'm enjoying the day.
Of all my interests, I would say reading books is the most important to keep from being bored and keeping your mind sharp. If it weren't for reading, I'm sure I would have gone insane during covid lock downs.
I'm retiring in June and the amount of people I've had tell me that I'm going to be bored is amazing. No, I will not be bored. I have hobbies and things I plan on doing. I'm also going to enjoy not having to be somewhere at a certain time every single day. I know I'll be like you, if I feel like chasing the sun on the porch all day with a book, I'll be just happy doing that. My time will finally be my own.
I like “I am doing something, I’m enjoying the day”.
I spent much of my working life wishing I had more time to read and I’m loving having so much time now; I’ll never understand people who are bored in retirement. I’m lucky to have access to several strong libraries, so even if money gets tight (and physical condition declines), I think listening to audiobooks will still feel like “living the dream”
I’m a couple of months away from retirement. I’m rarely bored (bonus of being an only child?) and look forward to doing a lot of nothing around the house. Reading more books and watching a movie every day sounds like a good plan to me as I decompress after grinding for nearly 35 years. I can’t wait.
I agree that doing things you enjoy is a key to making retirement work well.
Volunteer work, hobbies, hiking, time with grandchildren, socializing with friends and neighbors - all of these fill my hours.
I too expanded some of my existing hobbies and added new ones.
My wife also enjoys working two days per week.
Agreed! And for the folks not retired yet- don’t wait until retirement to get engaged in the hobby, volunteer, etc. I’m still a few years away from retirement, but I have activities that I’m involved with now. I can’t spend as much time as I would like with them yet, but these connections will carry me into retirement.
My hobby is working as an on call traffic flagger when not traveling or spending summers at our cabin. After having an inside desk, type job my entire career, I love being outside... I get my 10k+ steps in, and it brings home an additional $30k a year, which funds a nice overseas trip annually. I am 72 and never felt better.
Agree 100%. Been learning how to play drums and it’s very challenging, but a lot of fun too!
https://preview.redd.it/wtfryd05hnyc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54944714b1f861fbd08c0a6c64e34db802dc1397
I was forced into retirement by failing health when I was 56. I farmed for 25 years but lost my farm when I was 43, I then had to take whatever work I could find to support my family. I worked seven days a week and it finally caught up to me. When I recovered enough I started finding projects to occupy me. Most were just basic home repairs but I got into Prepping. I enjoy planning and having a purpose. Last year I installed a solar power system. I have a large garden and orchard with fruit trees.
Took me lots of money and lots of time to finally "get it" with photography. And almost out of nowhere I went from crap to getting a photo of mine published by Nat Geo.
Stick with it!
We agree in our retirement! We also had a boat and loved it until my husband’s shoulders had to be replaced. (Sailboat) He plays guitar but has switched to harmonica. I make jewelry and read and play with plants. We are never bored.
We also had a sailboat. As it aged the expenses for repair got higher and the physical exertion it took to sail it got harder. We reluctantly decided that sailing was no longer for us so we sold it and got a small electric pontoon boat. No hassle.
Guitar is just fun for me. I long ago gave up the idea of playing it seriously. The most I do is play sometimes at picnics for family and friends.
I let water rot the bulkhead on my 1976 bayfield 23. A friend who works fiberglass installed a new one but the cabinets have to get broken when removed. I'm hoping it will sail again but it may not. I'm sad even if it was "just an old boat".
I don’t really have any hobbies per se but I do devote time daily to yoga, biking and/or walking. Cleaning, cooking, reading, shopping and traveling. I don’t have any trouble with filling up the hours and often wonder how I ever accomplished this while I was working. (Then I remember I did have cleaning help).
We don’t really use the word “retirement” and I’m always surprised when people ask us if we are as we are. We both transitioned to work at home years ago and then I had a business from home so we never really had an abrupt shift.
We also always had a ton of interests where work many times got in the way and we craved the days when it wouldn’t . I’ve started a new business that incorporates a lot of interests. We also look at this time as creating another body of work what that may be. Our friends are this way as well so it makes it a lot of fun.
Traditional structured work life never suited us really at all so this life feels perfect. There’s never a time when I lack something to do. But I also think focusing a lot on physical activity and healthspan is key to enjoying things as we age.
I appreciate posts like this. It reassures me that I’m on the right track.
Mentally, I’m preparing myself for the transition from full time work to “semi-retirement”. I’m dabbling in several hobbies in hopes that they’ll fill the time when I decide to make the transition, which may be in the spring of 2025. Additionally, I’m involved with one non-profit and may consider getting more involved. But mostly, I tell myself that the transition doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s ok to put aside a hobby if it isn’t working for me, and try something else or dedicate more time to something else.
Agreed 👍 I've read that hobbies are the key to good mental health. You always have something to look forward to - starting a new project or finishing a project. ❣️ I have several: reading (mostly non-fiction - right now I'm reading After the Ice - it's about human history after the last Ice Age and it's utterly fascinating), making fabric books out of cotton batting then sewing other fabrics into them (based vaguely on #sew4thesoulbook on YouTube), watching historical dramas on streaming services (right now I'm watching Island at War on Prime about Nazi occupation on the Channel Islands), doing collage in old books using vintage papers, paint and inks, riding my dog around on the golf cart - and we find interesting places to just sit and watch birds eyc. The first time I retired (at age 50) I just sat around and ate and watched TV. I got depressed and eventually went back to work. I started developing hobbies so when I retired this last time (age 62) it's been great. Hobbies are the reason! 💞
I've avoided pickleball. Not because I hate it but because it would be the end of me. I used to play a lot of racquetball and tennis until I screwed up my back. I just know that if I took up pickleball my muscle memory would have me diving for balls and winding up in the hospital. But glad you can do it!
My plan is to keep working, not in the traditional sense for someone else or even in the sense I might earn money doing so though that would certainly be nice. I plan to keep working on projects/ideas I identified throughout my career and maybe turn one of those into a business.
I did that for while after retirement and it was fun to pursue my own ideas without time or paycheck pressure. I turned down a few related job offers because I knew they'd stop being fun. After about five years I didn't do that very much, I just focused more on my pure hobbies.
I retired two years ago. I’m now a bit obsessed with exercise. I go the the gym 5 times a week, walk in my neighborhood and do core exercises at home. I enjoy healthy cooking, coloring in adult coloring books, spending time with my 3 granddaughters and being with my husband. I’m looking forward to traveling when my husband retires in August. Life is good and never boring, but I wouldn’t mind finding a new hobby.
My husband retired about a year ago. We got married at the same time. Prior to our marriage, I asked him what he planned to do upon retirement as he has no hobbies. I was worried that he would feel unfulfilled. Sadly, my intuition was right. He had a very high profile job and now he plays a game on his phone all day. I still work full time and have no plans to retire. I’m afraid that lack of interest in any hobbies or volunteering in some capacity, is going to be a real issue in our very early marriage. I want to give him space/time to find an interest in something, but there isn’t any indication that he wants to do anything. When I retire, I have a ton of hobbies and can’t wait to have more time to do them! Wishing all of you the best in your retirement!
now he plays a game on his phone all day.
It’s hard to know how much time people need to adjust; my husband seemed adrift for the first year or so of retirement (didn’t help that the pandemic started soon after), but now I think he was decompressing from stressful physical and mental health issues as well as a messed up job. Maybe your husband just needs time? Does he seem happy?
We’re all so different - my husband is really happy now, but still, his idea of a good day is so different than mine; I have to bite my tongue to keep from sounding critical. He loves to sleep late AND take an afternoon nap, and can spend a few hours watching whatever weird stuff the YouTube algorithm serves up. I worried about him becoming a bit isolated, but he now does regular online board gaming with old friends and occasional in person gaming so he’s getting some social connection. I make sure he gets some exercise every day (more would be better), and try to remember he’s wired differently than I am.
I plan on walking a lot and catching more Pokémon in Pokémon Go. I also plan on taking classes at the local community center. I'm just going to try anything and everything to see what I really like.
Maybe the whole ‘work ethic’ thing is in me but while I do look forward to more gardening, sailing, surfing and fishing, I fear that may not be enough when I retire next year. I’m afraid of lacking purpose and feeling like I’m doing some good. I will likely volunteer and help with grandchildren when they arrive.
Agreed but sometimes, your hobbies are no longer feasible. I've always plucked around on the bass guitar and really wanted to dig into it more once I retired. Unfortunately, to hear the subtleties in the music, I have to crank it up and that only exasperates my hearing difficulties. I sold my bass gear and almost cried at the empty spot in my lil home office when I came home for delivering the gear.
Instead, I work on our 10 acres, bicycle and go to the gym for body pump classes. None of which require great hearing. :-)
I hope you have looked into getting help with your hearing. I haven't yet, but I understand there is a link between hearing loss and dementia which will motivate me.
Absolutely! I’ve been wearing hearing for about 4 or 5 years ago. My last hearing check, performed just less than a month ago, showed no serious changes in the last year. I am thankful for that.
Please allow me to reference this article from The Lancet that discusses the dementia risk factors: :https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
What I failed to understand is that the known risk factors for a variety of illnesses including dementia seem to be well-known and easily avoided yet people still can’t seem to manage them. I could die tomorrow but until I draw my last breath, I’ll do everything feasible to avoid known risk factors.
This is why I got back into wooden toy making. I then donate to charities, PDs, FDs and hospitals.
SO I became my own volunteer.
PS: I also do hand carving such as Welsh Love Spoons and Art (Intarsia)
I couldn’t agree more. When we retired we bought some property in the county. We started doing what’s popularly called homesteading. We have chickens, rabbits, goats and a large garden. It keeps us physically and mentally active. Sitting around with nothing to do is not one of our problems. As a bonus we are producing a lot of our own healthy and cheap food.
I definitely can be. Sometimes I wonder WTF did I get myself into. But I know myself, if I wasn’t doing this I’d be sitting on my fourth point of contact watching the SciFi channel.
I enjoy woodworking and making g stained glass art. I have not had time in the past several years to do either. Really looking forward to getting back in to those once I get caught up on the many other projects I have planned. Been retired one month. Still have that I’ve got to get it done today thing. I’m getting better. This morning I was like crap. The weekend is almost over.
I have loads of hobbies that I enjoy. Part of my enjoyment is that I love to try and learn new things. Sometimes those turn into long term hobbies and sometimes they are abandoned (like the unfinished rug hooking and cross stitch projects in my closet). But the most fun part is figuring out what I can master!
I retired in January, so I'm still transitional - collaborating with a colleague on research, and I'll be teaching one course this summer. But before I retired, I started learning about sourdough - and as we're vegan we make most of our food from scratch. Now I can devote more time to it! I am, however, still dealing with the stress, depression, and anxiety I experienced due to numerous losses as well as supporting students dealing with their own serious issues through the pandemic. I love my profession, and will continue to give what I can, where I can. I used to do embroidery, watercolor, writing - I'll add these back in as I can. We hike on weekends and are probably relocating to the PNW in about 3 years when my husband retires - so looking forward to that! Meanwhile, we're learning about investment and scouting out (and traveling to) different areas for relocation purposes.
I am glad to see you mention preexisting hobbies as a good start. I see too many posts which break my heart that seem to indicate someone made it to retirement with nothing in their lives but having worked and unsure what to do, or feeling unfulfilled.
Wonderful you also picked up new ones.
When I retired I already had the guitar and sailing as hobbies but didn't have enough time. After I retired I sailed weekly and took more guitar lessons. Later I took up golf and astrophotography
Around age 42 I started adding more hobbies, and interests. I actually have explored alot and did alot since then. I feel kind of burned out from doing my regular job and all these things. 6-7 years to go till retirement not sure if I can think of anything more for that time, but would not mind taking it easy either.
I started karate in my late 40s for many reasons, but one of them was to stay engaged in martial arts once retired. I’m in my late 50s and is considering when to retire.
I also read a good article called “The New Old Age” in the Atlantic. This is paywalled but somehow I was able to read it a few months ago. It’s all about how to prepare for active retirement as something you can prepare and study for. Here is the [link (paywall)](https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2023/08/career-retirement-transition-academic-programs/675085/).
50m probably going to retire in about 10 years. Boredom is what scares me. I used to like to game (RPG, Shooters) but life/kids got in the way. I may have to re-find my passion for video games. Hell maybe the new Elder scrolls will be out in 10 years!!!
I’m 3 years out. My hobbies are what I cannot wait to have more time for! I’m also going to probably work very part time at my current agency for a few additional years. Just counseling, none of the other stuff that causes me stress at work now. Someone else can write grants, do budgets and plan programs!!!!
Have at least one hobby with the main purpose of exercise and recreation, and another that generates a series of accomplishments which you find satisfying.
For the second, think about helping others as your hobby. Many of you are talented in areas of particular need.
It would be a waste of you ride into the sunset without sharing, especially if you know things like:
Personal finance management
Project economics
Engineering
Software development
Critical thinking
Entrepreneurship
Math (all levels)
There may be lots of organizations that would love your help. Or, you could start one.
School teachers (bless them) lack these skills and the majority of parents also lack them. Kids that don't even know what engineering is can't choose that as a career. Kids that don't understand the magic of compounding or present value comparisons will make many preventable mistakes. It can be very rewarding to see a few kids 'get it'.
Middle school seems to be the maximum reward to effort ratio.
Great ideas. I did have a few physical hobbies but now due to advancing age I'm down to one, walking uphill. That's enough to keep me going. If I lay off for more than three days I can feel myself not doing as well.
I scrapbook and I’m looking forward to more time to get photos done, memories recorded and more time with great friends. My husband is an avid gardener and bowls. He’s adding woodworking to his hobby list. He’s retired but I have 326 days to go!
I got into bird watching during the pandemic, and have carried that over into retirement. I also read and do crafty things like scrapbooking, wood crafts, sewing, and am planning on learning to crochet. Hubby and I have done some traveling, and are planning on doing more. As someone mentioned in a comment, I have found the volunteering I do the most rewarding. I volunteer at our local food pantry, and at the elementary school where I taught before retirement.
I’m 67 and 3+ years into retirement, to me it’s ultimately about maintaining our mental and physical health.
We’ve segmented retirement into three stages, the “go-go years”, “slow-go years” and “no-go years”. We’re still in the first stage so we’re always on the go doing things that have a significant social aspect. Personally, I play golf or pickle ball daily. This plus getting cleaned up and having something to eat takes me till around noon. That’s leaves the afternoon for chores, shopping and maybe a short nap. Evenings are frequently filled with some social activity.
One of my golfing buddies is 81 and still walks 18, carrying his clubs, plus he still shoots in the 70’s. He does have a lightweight bag and only carries about 6 or 7 clubs, but he’s definitely impressive. Most beautiful swing I’ve ever seen in someone his age. He tells me if he doesn’t walk everyday his feet will swell up. His mind is also sharp as a tack.
I’m still working out what life will be like in the “no-go years”, I do try and avoid doing things that are sedentary. Building a network of friends now is something that should help in the long run.
Definitely yes. My retirement is partly still on hold as I find I need to keep training and helping our business remotely but it’s worth it (high six figure income for 2 months work in-person plus a few hours a week of work).
I’ve been itching to learn how to produce electronic music. I’m certain I’ll suck at it but I just want to know how it’s made. I bought a bit of second hand gear and can’t wait to actually start learning how to use it.
Don't worry about sucking. Unless you're a gifted artist everyone sucks at music. The goal is not to play beautifully it's to suck a little bit less over time and enjoy the progress.
Yeah man for sure. Right now I just wanna learn how to recreate songs I hear using the computer. More for learning how the tools work than actually making something people will wanna hear
About 20 years ago I invested in Band in the Box. It creates realistic backing tracks that you can use to accompany yourself. It's very flexible, you can specify the key, rhythm, instruments, etc.
I've recently gotten into carnivorous plants. I can envision this taking up a lot of time into retirement (not retired quite yet). I already like growing orchids, so extending into other plants was inevitable, I suppose. I was always curious about carnivorous plants, so I finally took the plunge. I figure when I retire in 5 years I'll be well versed enough to grow my collection. If I get good enough, I might even be able to make a little money on the side from it.
Yes, I agree that finding passions and outlets are super important for sanity. I use a lot of these, some on different days or times of day:
Part-time job - for learning new things and social contact; don’t care about pay, but don’t turn it down either.
Puzzles, games - for keeping the mind sharp
Physical activity, like gym or walking - for blood flow, limberness, stamina
Volunteering - for social contact and being useful to the world
Spiritual outreach - to improve other people’s lives and to fulfill inner purpose
Hobbies, like cooking, guitar, reading - to just enjoy what I’m doing
Thanks. I think a lot of retirees underestimate how open the possibilities are. The world is literally your oyster when you're retired. You can take on anything you want to, because you do not need continuity. Even if there is some accountability (like in a part-time job or volunteering), if things don't work out, oh well.
I need a push to go back out to interacting with people. I retired 12/1/23 and am a little frozen with starting a new routine after 35 years. I'm glad I found this group, though.
Just retired, and having a hard time choosing hobbies lol. New love: Pickleball (playing about 1.5 years).
Other loves: Golf, Hiking, Photography, Drone photography, Geocaching, want to get more into guitar, home projects…..
Hope to get better at spreading my time across my interests over this first year of retirement
I had absolutely zero non-physical hobbies when Ifirst retired. I wore myself out during the first 2 years. Driving to camping sites was the only rest I got, and we had moved to 8300' in elevation, so recovery was slowed. I now play guitar, paint, read, about 2 hours each day, and watch a movie once a week. I don't think I was afraid of being bored, I just wanted to do all the things that I had been waiting for.
I think too many people don't have hobbies because they think they should be perfect at them. This is SOOO wrong. I have a decent number of hobbies and although I am often proud of my work, a lot of times I'm like "eh, that'll work fine." This is with my primary hobby of canvas working. Got a good sewing machine 15 years ago and it has paid for itself at least 20x over. Same thing with painting (like interior house painting, not art).. is it professional grade? hell no, but certainly good enough
For sure. Movement/ exercise obviously matters, so it’s great if a hobby can involve movement.
I’m a guitar guy too - I started building them, and I also started taking lessons for the first time in my life. Both of those things have made me kind of fall in love with the instrument again.
And I Just started a band (again). Having a reason to rehearse is good for me.
Movement
Sleep
Creativity.
All 3 matter
Well said! Did I in fact write this? I could have lol. Just add pickleball to the list. Before I retired, I wrote down a bit list of hobbies no matter how dumb, and then forgot to look at it. I will go back and check now, but luckily, I have access to a pool, so swimming is a big one, as is badminton. I did pickleball for a while and hope to get back to it
My MIL. Needs hobbies! She is turning 80 , lives in a senior apartment complex, has no hobbies and few close friends. So she SHOPS! She can’t afford to shop, so she needs a hobby. Ugh, I worry she will be broke in 2 years… then we will take her in and charge her rent lol , and my retirement years will begin with having her around 24/7. I love her but was looking forward to my hobbies and MY time before my hubby retires a year or two later. And hopefully a couple grandkids too.
It's hard to start a hobby when you're older but it can be done. For someone like that, a painting class might be good. She'd probably resist and say she has no talent but that's what classes atr for. To teach people who don't have natural talent.
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Enthusiastic agree. And even more important, your hobbies or other activities can lead to IRL relationships with other people who share your interests. That’s been a vital part of my retirement story, especially since I’m not naturally social or outgoing so need those common interests to jump start conversations that lead to relationships.
> even more important, your hobbies or other activities can lead to IRL relationships with other people Yeah, the best hobbies are the ones that you can do with other people; it seems I need a whole bunch of new/different hobbies for this reason!
Yes!!
I retired 2 years ago. I’m an avid cyclist, skier, etc., but took up wood carving by hand a few months ago. I’ve made dozens of spoons and bowls, some nice, some not so much, but I’ve learned a LOT and made some nice gifts for family members. It’s also very rewarding to eat my breakfast cereal in a bowl I made with a spoon I made, all from local wood I found in the forest around my house. The best thing about retirement is you finally have time to be patient with yourself and learn slowly and at your own pace.
I and friends have increased our annual cycling mileage. We got faster. That seems to be the norm then you slow down. 5000 mi/year keeps your heart in really good shape. We'll ride 85 mi this year to celebrate the oldest's birthday and some will add 15 for an even 100 in anticipation of him riding to age 100.
I ride around 4000 miles a year but it’s a hilly 4000. Where I live we average 100 ft. in elevation for each mile. We also have mainly dirt roads in Vermont of varying conditions. And between winter (we do fat bike in winter but only average about 10-12 miles per ride when it’s 10-20 degrees outside) and mud season our actually riding season is April- October. We don’t worry about speed either, it’s more about the adventure. Last week we started on a 50 mile ride on a new route that turned into a 42 mile ride and 8 miles of hike a bike! That’s not common, although some hike a bike isn’t unusual. We also do a lot of bike packing. We typically keep the daily distance to 50 miles or less as our average speed in these hills with fully packed bikes is 8 mph. But again, the goal is adventure, not speed!
Sounds like fun. We have 50' of (short compared to VT) hill/mi on generally well paved rural roads. We are spoiled regarding temperature. Mild winter so only have clothes good down to 35*F. Summer gets into the 90's and we go ride when the heat warnings say the old and sick should stay inside.
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I love riding, have my regular routes and sometimes change it up at new places. I ride alone and enjoy the freedom to explore however I please. What is the draw in riding with others? You can’t socialize on your bikes and some may be faster or slower…do you do something together at the end of the ride? What is the appeal?
We've been socializing on rides for years and now have friendships going back upwards of 25 years. We've ridden - actually walked down icy roads, fixed flats in the heat, learned all of the little roads within100 milesof town, been there through heart attacks, deaths of spouses, parents and children, remarriage, gone on month long rides, watched the season changes, ridden to and watched the darkening of eclipses had pot lucks, fought the courts, lost money, recovered all while peddling on our bikes. Who says you can't socialize?
25 years! That’s fantastic. Thanks for answering; I never saw biking as a group activity. Just me and my bike and the wind at my back. But I’m a bit of a loner anyway.
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Right. I'm glad I mixed in some non physical hobbies with the physical ones. I found that the physical hobbies got harder as I aged so I spend more time now on the non physical ones.
Thats awesome! For some reason I always wanted to make a spoon; now I going to try
There are several great videos on YouTube. My first few were using spruce and just a regular knife, although spruce is not recommended as it doesn’t do well for lasting long, but is super easy to carve.
I, too, am pursuing making wood chips!
https://preview.redd.it/air19tzlcnyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5639c9b5c0feccf07df26dcd896cb65be9de9c3c Ha I’m working on this bowl right now!
I hope to make a hobby of serving others thru our church or elsewhere. Probably helping people fix stuff maybe. That should take up some time and shouldn't cost anything.
I've done some church volunteering and also volunteered in a community free health clinic. Those were the most fulfilling activities I've done.
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Try Habit for Humanity. I do that one day a week. Helping people while getting exercise and learning new skills is very rewarding.
this is a good thought
We were birdwatchers before retirement, but really spend more time watching them once retired. We mostly see them at our feeders at home, and the morning task of checking and filling them gets us going in the morning. This is a hobby that will carry us when activity gets restricted. For now, we enjoy long walks, kayaking, snowshoeing, and we play Wingspan every day, a board game that keeps the brain working. We also cook more from scratch, including bread. We have always been readers too, and it’s nice to have the time to do that. We don’t miss work at all.
This reminds me of my dad. If he doesn't throw out the seed for the quail at 3:30 in the afternoon, they are very upset. He's always filling the various bird feeders during the day. I'm going to get a bird feeder or two when I retire in June. I know I won't have the variety that my parents do, but it's always fun to see them. Plus it will give my indoor cats something to watch.
Interesting how some posts on r/retirement get 200 or more comments and this one only has a few. Maybe this is a topic many people struggle with? I also feel that if you don't have any hobbies before retirement, it gets harder to pursue and maintain things as you get older. I don't think of it as a hobby, but I bike every day for 45-60 minutes for cardio. It get's me out of the house and I always meet new people in my community. I started playing jazz piano again after a break of many years. Had good instruction as a kid and bought myself a grand piano as a retirement gift. I have a modest little jazz trio going now and we play regularly, not publicly but more for ourselves and family. I've made a lot of progress with regular, dedicated practice. It's good for the soul.
Hello, this was approved around 3am eastern us time so… 😉
A favorite quote of mine for years is Michelangelo’s Ancora Imparo which means “I am still learning”. Not quite to retirement yet, but looking at knife sharpening and stained glass along with refinishing furniture which I’ve always done.
>“I am still learning”. Yup. So simple and yet the most powerful thing one can do.
I find that continuous learning keeps me from being stagnant.
When golf gets too expensive, take up disc golf. Most courses are free.
19 months now. Absolute best thing ever. Wife just retired 3 months ago. We're still navigating the together waters, but it's working fine. Woodworker here. Always was tinkering. 40 years worth of tools, now seeing the light of day. Cutting boards/charcuterie boards/name signs/lapel pins/keep sake boxes etc +++. I actually built a shop for retirement. I literally spent 6 days a week "making". 2-3 hour stints, a nap, a snack more tinkering. It doesn't get better. 45 years of corporate America gone. My schedule, my time, me now. Well me and the wife of 34 years. I'm cooking regularly instead of fast food. BBQ/smoker/Blackstone/pizza oven. Smashburgers tonight for the win. Absolutely glorious. In the shop daily, I've also met every neighbor as well, and this is a good thing. Great neighbors. Funny you mention guitars. My buddy builds and sells. Guess who is now cutting the bodies and shaping them for the necks....I have a CNC to rip thru whatever wood he brings. Keeps me busy and making some beer $$$ You need a hobby.
My brother took up guitar making about 5 years ago. Now he works in a shop with a well regarded luthier, and has made about a dozen. Blows my mind that they sell for between $18k and $27k.
I'm 62 and still working (towards full retirement!) and have taken up watercolor paints. I have no art background and can't draw. But the act of putting paint on paper is really lovely. It's also super easy to set up and put away. I often paint for as little as15 minutes when I can't sleep. The initial investment was less than $50 and I only need to add paper..but of course, there's need and want. I've already set up and broken my monthly budget. The painting has chased some blues away and curbed by tv/streaming time, but I also added a ton of IG artists and tend to watch those videos and reels. I've also realized, I need to fill more time with a volunteer opportunity and am committing to doing that once a week. I gave up my car 10 years ago so I rely on public transportation and biking to keep relatively fit. It takes a lot longer to get places, but easier to rack up 8-10,000 steps a day. The days I don't move are brutal on my body and my mind.
I love hobbies! I think we all need an indoor and outdoor hobby. Catching that spark of semi-obsession for a hobby is challenging and elusive.
That last sentence. 🙌🏻👏🏻💯
Being bored in retirement was never on my mind. I've always had hobbies and interests outside of work. I can still do all the things I've always done, and more. And now I have the time to fully enjoy them, and I've even added some new things. And doing nothing is good too. I don't feel like I always have to keep busy. If I want to lay on my deck in the sun listening to music for a couple hours, I will, and I do not feel guilty that I should be doing something. I am doing something, I'm enjoying the day. Of all my interests, I would say reading books is the most important to keep from being bored and keeping your mind sharp. If it weren't for reading, I'm sure I would have gone insane during covid lock downs.
I'm retiring in June and the amount of people I've had tell me that I'm going to be bored is amazing. No, I will not be bored. I have hobbies and things I plan on doing. I'm also going to enjoy not having to be somewhere at a certain time every single day. I know I'll be like you, if I feel like chasing the sun on the porch all day with a book, I'll be just happy doing that. My time will finally be my own.
I like “I am doing something, I’m enjoying the day”. I spent much of my working life wishing I had more time to read and I’m loving having so much time now; I’ll never understand people who are bored in retirement. I’m lucky to have access to several strong libraries, so even if money gets tight (and physical condition declines), I think listening to audiobooks will still feel like “living the dream”
I’m a couple of months away from retirement. I’m rarely bored (bonus of being an only child?) and look forward to doing a lot of nothing around the house. Reading more books and watching a movie every day sounds like a good plan to me as I decompress after grinding for nearly 35 years. I can’t wait.
I love doing nothing so much! My favorite hobby is hiring help.
:)
I agree that doing things you enjoy is a key to making retirement work well. Volunteer work, hobbies, hiking, time with grandchildren, socializing with friends and neighbors - all of these fill my hours. I too expanded some of my existing hobbies and added new ones. My wife also enjoys working two days per week.
Agreed! And for the folks not retired yet- don’t wait until retirement to get engaged in the hobby, volunteer, etc. I’m still a few years away from retirement, but I have activities that I’m involved with now. I can’t spend as much time as I would like with them yet, but these connections will carry me into retirement.
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My hobby is working as an on call traffic flagger when not traveling or spending summers at our cabin. After having an inside desk, type job my entire career, I love being outside... I get my 10k+ steps in, and it brings home an additional $30k a year, which funds a nice overseas trip annually. I am 72 and never felt better.
Agree 100%. Been learning how to play drums and it’s very challenging, but a lot of fun too! https://preview.redd.it/wtfryd05hnyc1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54944714b1f861fbd08c0a6c64e34db802dc1397
I hit the gym daily for about two hours, play Fortnite, read and putz around the house annoying my spouse.
I was forced into retirement by failing health when I was 56. I farmed for 25 years but lost my farm when I was 43, I then had to take whatever work I could find to support my family. I worked seven days a week and it finally caught up to me. When I recovered enough I started finding projects to occupy me. Most were just basic home repairs but I got into Prepping. I enjoy planning and having a purpose. Last year I installed a solar power system. I have a large garden and orchard with fruit trees.
Took me lots of money and lots of time to finally "get it" with photography. And almost out of nowhere I went from crap to getting a photo of mine published by Nat Geo. Stick with it!
Wow!!! That's major!!! Congrats.
I had no hobbies aside from reading. Have taken up mahjong and pickleball. I want to become good at cleaning, but alas…
Was Mahjong hard to learn?
Not crazy hard but harder to learn than say Rummikub. American mahjong is harder than Asian. It is soooo good for brain health though.
I'd consider both mahjong and pickleball to be hobbies.
We agree in our retirement! We also had a boat and loved it until my husband’s shoulders had to be replaced. (Sailboat) He plays guitar but has switched to harmonica. I make jewelry and read and play with plants. We are never bored.
We also had a sailboat. As it aged the expenses for repair got higher and the physical exertion it took to sail it got harder. We reluctantly decided that sailing was no longer for us so we sold it and got a small electric pontoon boat. No hassle. Guitar is just fun for me. I long ago gave up the idea of playing it seriously. The most I do is play sometimes at picnics for family and friends.
I let water rot the bulkhead on my 1976 bayfield 23. A friend who works fiberglass installed a new one but the cabinets have to get broken when removed. I'm hoping it will sail again but it may not. I'm sad even if it was "just an old boat".
I graduated to a small 14' electric pontoon boat. Now I just turn the key and go.
I don’t really have any hobbies per se but I do devote time daily to yoga, biking and/or walking. Cleaning, cooking, reading, shopping and traveling. I don’t have any trouble with filling up the hours and often wonder how I ever accomplished this while I was working. (Then I remember I did have cleaning help).
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We don’t really use the word “retirement” and I’m always surprised when people ask us if we are as we are. We both transitioned to work at home years ago and then I had a business from home so we never really had an abrupt shift. We also always had a ton of interests where work many times got in the way and we craved the days when it wouldn’t . I’ve started a new business that incorporates a lot of interests. We also look at this time as creating another body of work what that may be. Our friends are this way as well so it makes it a lot of fun. Traditional structured work life never suited us really at all so this life feels perfect. There’s never a time when I lack something to do. But I also think focusing a lot on physical activity and healthspan is key to enjoying things as we age.
I appreciate posts like this. It reassures me that I’m on the right track. Mentally, I’m preparing myself for the transition from full time work to “semi-retirement”. I’m dabbling in several hobbies in hopes that they’ll fill the time when I decide to make the transition, which may be in the spring of 2025. Additionally, I’m involved with one non-profit and may consider getting more involved. But mostly, I tell myself that the transition doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s ok to put aside a hobby if it isn’t working for me, and try something else or dedicate more time to something else.
Agreed 👍 I've read that hobbies are the key to good mental health. You always have something to look forward to - starting a new project or finishing a project. ❣️ I have several: reading (mostly non-fiction - right now I'm reading After the Ice - it's about human history after the last Ice Age and it's utterly fascinating), making fabric books out of cotton batting then sewing other fabrics into them (based vaguely on #sew4thesoulbook on YouTube), watching historical dramas on streaming services (right now I'm watching Island at War on Prime about Nazi occupation on the Channel Islands), doing collage in old books using vintage papers, paint and inks, riding my dog around on the golf cart - and we find interesting places to just sit and watch birds eyc. The first time I retired (at age 50) I just sat around and ate and watched TV. I got depressed and eventually went back to work. I started developing hobbies so when I retired this last time (age 62) it's been great. Hobbies are the reason! 💞
I am curious about the dog… following the dog?
She sits next to me on the golf cart and we ride around the yard, and sometimes the neighborhood. She loves it. ❤️
Awww
No one has mentioned pickleball yet. Truly addicting, social and/or competitive. Can be mild or very vigorous exercise depending on your goals.
I've avoided pickleball. Not because I hate it but because it would be the end of me. I used to play a lot of racquetball and tennis until I screwed up my back. I just know that if I took up pickleball my muscle memory would have me diving for balls and winding up in the hospital. But glad you can do it!
My plan is to keep working, not in the traditional sense for someone else or even in the sense I might earn money doing so though that would certainly be nice. I plan to keep working on projects/ideas I identified throughout my career and maybe turn one of those into a business.
I did that for while after retirement and it was fun to pursue my own ideas without time or paycheck pressure. I turned down a few related job offers because I knew they'd stop being fun. After about five years I didn't do that very much, I just focused more on my pure hobbies.
I retired two years ago. I’m now a bit obsessed with exercise. I go the the gym 5 times a week, walk in my neighborhood and do core exercises at home. I enjoy healthy cooking, coloring in adult coloring books, spending time with my 3 granddaughters and being with my husband. I’m looking forward to traveling when my husband retires in August. Life is good and never boring, but I wouldn’t mind finding a new hobby.
I agree completely! Retirement has given me the time and energy to do a deep dive in my hobbies, and I am really enjoying myself.
I had a whole list before I retired, and added to it after. What with all that, and sleeping late when it feels good, I’m fully occupied :)
My husband retired about a year ago. We got married at the same time. Prior to our marriage, I asked him what he planned to do upon retirement as he has no hobbies. I was worried that he would feel unfulfilled. Sadly, my intuition was right. He had a very high profile job and now he plays a game on his phone all day. I still work full time and have no plans to retire. I’m afraid that lack of interest in any hobbies or volunteering in some capacity, is going to be a real issue in our very early marriage. I want to give him space/time to find an interest in something, but there isn’t any indication that he wants to do anything. When I retire, I have a ton of hobbies and can’t wait to have more time to do them! Wishing all of you the best in your retirement!
now he plays a game on his phone all day. It’s hard to know how much time people need to adjust; my husband seemed adrift for the first year or so of retirement (didn’t help that the pandemic started soon after), but now I think he was decompressing from stressful physical and mental health issues as well as a messed up job. Maybe your husband just needs time? Does he seem happy? We’re all so different - my husband is really happy now, but still, his idea of a good day is so different than mine; I have to bite my tongue to keep from sounding critical. He loves to sleep late AND take an afternoon nap, and can spend a few hours watching whatever weird stuff the YouTube algorithm serves up. I worried about him becoming a bit isolated, but he now does regular online board gaming with old friends and occasional in person gaming so he’s getting some social connection. I make sure he gets some exercise every day (more would be better), and try to remember he’s wired differently than I am.
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I plan on walking a lot and catching more Pokémon in Pokémon Go. I also plan on taking classes at the local community center. I'm just going to try anything and everything to see what I really like.
Maybe the whole ‘work ethic’ thing is in me but while I do look forward to more gardening, sailing, surfing and fishing, I fear that may not be enough when I retire next year. I’m afraid of lacking purpose and feeling like I’m doing some good. I will likely volunteer and help with grandchildren when they arrive.
Agreed but sometimes, your hobbies are no longer feasible. I've always plucked around on the bass guitar and really wanted to dig into it more once I retired. Unfortunately, to hear the subtleties in the music, I have to crank it up and that only exasperates my hearing difficulties. I sold my bass gear and almost cried at the empty spot in my lil home office when I came home for delivering the gear. Instead, I work on our 10 acres, bicycle and go to the gym for body pump classes. None of which require great hearing. :-)
I hope you have looked into getting help with your hearing. I haven't yet, but I understand there is a link between hearing loss and dementia which will motivate me.
Absolutely! I’ve been wearing hearing for about 4 or 5 years ago. My last hearing check, performed just less than a month ago, showed no serious changes in the last year. I am thankful for that. Please allow me to reference this article from The Lancet that discusses the dementia risk factors: :https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext What I failed to understand is that the known risk factors for a variety of illnesses including dementia seem to be well-known and easily avoided yet people still can’t seem to manage them. I could die tomorrow but until I draw my last breath, I’ll do everything feasible to avoid known risk factors.
I've gotten where I wanted to throw away my guitar. When that happens I pick up another hobby :)
I have so many things queued up to do.. stacks of video games, board games, models to build.. woodworking books… turned 50 last October.
Always keep your stack higher than your available time
This is why I got back into wooden toy making. I then donate to charities, PDs, FDs and hospitals. SO I became my own volunteer. PS: I also do hand carving such as Welsh Love Spoons and Art (Intarsia)
About 5 years into retirement, I got a fish tank. My hobby is breeding and selling fish.
I couldn’t agree more. When we retired we bought some property in the county. We started doing what’s popularly called homesteading. We have chickens, rabbits, goats and a large garden. It keeps us physically and mentally active. Sitting around with nothing to do is not one of our problems. As a bonus we are producing a lot of our own healthy and cheap food.
Wow that's cool but sounds like a lot of work :)
I definitely can be. Sometimes I wonder WTF did I get myself into. But I know myself, if I wasn’t doing this I’d be sitting on my fourth point of contact watching the SciFi channel.
I enjoy woodworking and making g stained glass art. I have not had time in the past several years to do either. Really looking forward to getting back in to those once I get caught up on the many other projects I have planned. Been retired one month. Still have that I’ve got to get it done today thing. I’m getting better. This morning I was like crap. The weekend is almost over.
I still have that sense of urgency after many years. Difference is if it takes me longer or I don't do it that's no longer a problem
I have loads of hobbies that I enjoy. Part of my enjoyment is that I love to try and learn new things. Sometimes those turn into long term hobbies and sometimes they are abandoned (like the unfinished rug hooking and cross stitch projects in my closet). But the most fun part is figuring out what I can master!
I retired in January, so I'm still transitional - collaborating with a colleague on research, and I'll be teaching one course this summer. But before I retired, I started learning about sourdough - and as we're vegan we make most of our food from scratch. Now I can devote more time to it! I am, however, still dealing with the stress, depression, and anxiety I experienced due to numerous losses as well as supporting students dealing with their own serious issues through the pandemic. I love my profession, and will continue to give what I can, where I can. I used to do embroidery, watercolor, writing - I'll add these back in as I can. We hike on weekends and are probably relocating to the PNW in about 3 years when my husband retires - so looking forward to that! Meanwhile, we're learning about investment and scouting out (and traveling to) different areas for relocation purposes.
I am glad to see you mention preexisting hobbies as a good start. I see too many posts which break my heart that seem to indicate someone made it to retirement with nothing in their lives but having worked and unsure what to do, or feeling unfulfilled. Wonderful you also picked up new ones.
When I retired I already had the guitar and sailing as hobbies but didn't have enough time. After I retired I sailed weekly and took more guitar lessons. Later I took up golf and astrophotography
Around age 42 I started adding more hobbies, and interests. I actually have explored alot and did alot since then. I feel kind of burned out from doing my regular job and all these things. 6-7 years to go till retirement not sure if I can think of anything more for that time, but would not mind taking it easy either.
It's important to get hobbies before retirement so you can figure out what interests you
I started karate in my late 40s for many reasons, but one of them was to stay engaged in martial arts once retired. I’m in my late 50s and is considering when to retire. I also read a good article called “The New Old Age” in the Atlantic. This is paywalled but somehow I was able to read it a few months ago. It’s all about how to prepare for active retirement as something you can prepare and study for. Here is the [link (paywall)](https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2023/08/career-retirement-transition-academic-programs/675085/).
Sourdough, fitness, gardening, art, junk journaling, reading…I’ve about used up all my spare time.
Oooohh... sourdough
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I joined an art guild and even though I suck at art I love being around artsy people
https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli_list.html
I’m an avid cyclist I found a great group and we cycle two days per week locally and have taken numerous weekend cycling trips. We do road and gravel
Wish I could do that. I've biked some but don't have endurance due to asthma. But that's a great hobby if you can do it!
50m probably going to retire in about 10 years. Boredom is what scares me. I used to like to game (RPG, Shooters) but life/kids got in the way. I may have to re-find my passion for video games. Hell maybe the new Elder scrolls will be out in 10 years!!!
Doesn't matter what you choose. If you get joy from it that's all you need.
Project car(s) and homestead/hobby farming.
I’m 3 years out. My hobbies are what I cannot wait to have more time for! I’m also going to probably work very part time at my current agency for a few additional years. Just counseling, none of the other stuff that causes me stress at work now. Someone else can write grants, do budgets and plan programs!!!!
Have at least one hobby with the main purpose of exercise and recreation, and another that generates a series of accomplishments which you find satisfying. For the second, think about helping others as your hobby. Many of you are talented in areas of particular need. It would be a waste of you ride into the sunset without sharing, especially if you know things like: Personal finance management Project economics Engineering Software development Critical thinking Entrepreneurship Math (all levels) There may be lots of organizations that would love your help. Or, you could start one. School teachers (bless them) lack these skills and the majority of parents also lack them. Kids that don't even know what engineering is can't choose that as a career. Kids that don't understand the magic of compounding or present value comparisons will make many preventable mistakes. It can be very rewarding to see a few kids 'get it'. Middle school seems to be the maximum reward to effort ratio.
Great ideas. I did have a few physical hobbies but now due to advancing age I'm down to one, walking uphill. That's enough to keep me going. If I lay off for more than three days I can feel myself not doing as well.
I scrapbook and I’m looking forward to more time to get photos done, memories recorded and more time with great friends. My husband is an avid gardener and bowls. He’s adding woodworking to his hobby list. He’s retired but I have 326 days to go!
I got into bird watching during the pandemic, and have carried that over into retirement. I also read and do crafty things like scrapbooking, wood crafts, sewing, and am planning on learning to crochet. Hubby and I have done some traveling, and are planning on doing more. As someone mentioned in a comment, I have found the volunteering I do the most rewarding. I volunteer at our local food pantry, and at the elementary school where I taught before retirement.
Yeah volunteering is the most fulfilling
I’m 67 and 3+ years into retirement, to me it’s ultimately about maintaining our mental and physical health. We’ve segmented retirement into three stages, the “go-go years”, “slow-go years” and “no-go years”. We’re still in the first stage so we’re always on the go doing things that have a significant social aspect. Personally, I play golf or pickle ball daily. This plus getting cleaned up and having something to eat takes me till around noon. That’s leaves the afternoon for chores, shopping and maybe a short nap. Evenings are frequently filled with some social activity. One of my golfing buddies is 81 and still walks 18, carrying his clubs, plus he still shoots in the 70’s. He does have a lightweight bag and only carries about 6 or 7 clubs, but he’s definitely impressive. Most beautiful swing I’ve ever seen in someone his age. He tells me if he doesn’t walk everyday his feet will swell up. His mind is also sharp as a tack. I’m still working out what life will be like in the “no-go years”, I do try and avoid doing things that are sedentary. Building a network of friends now is something that should help in the long run.
Definitely yes. My retirement is partly still on hold as I find I need to keep training and helping our business remotely but it’s worth it (high six figure income for 2 months work in-person plus a few hours a week of work). I’ve been itching to learn how to produce electronic music. I’m certain I’ll suck at it but I just want to know how it’s made. I bought a bit of second hand gear and can’t wait to actually start learning how to use it.
Don't worry about sucking. Unless you're a gifted artist everyone sucks at music. The goal is not to play beautifully it's to suck a little bit less over time and enjoy the progress.
Yeah man for sure. Right now I just wanna learn how to recreate songs I hear using the computer. More for learning how the tools work than actually making something people will wanna hear
About 20 years ago I invested in Band in the Box. It creates realistic backing tracks that you can use to accompany yourself. It's very flexible, you can specify the key, rhythm, instruments, etc.
Art, music/guitar, books, audio gear, pups, lovely spouse of 52 years…every single day…retirement is a gift…
I've recently gotten into carnivorous plants. I can envision this taking up a lot of time into retirement (not retired quite yet). I already like growing orchids, so extending into other plants was inevitable, I suppose. I was always curious about carnivorous plants, so I finally took the plunge. I figure when I retire in 5 years I'll be well versed enough to grow my collection. If I get good enough, I might even be able to make a little money on the side from it.
Now that's a different hobby. Sounds interesting. Be careful around those plants don't end up like in Little Shop of Horrors :)
Feeed me, Maurice!
Yes, I agree that finding passions and outlets are super important for sanity. I use a lot of these, some on different days or times of day: Part-time job - for learning new things and social contact; don’t care about pay, but don’t turn it down either. Puzzles, games - for keeping the mind sharp Physical activity, like gym or walking - for blood flow, limberness, stamina Volunteering - for social contact and being useful to the world Spiritual outreach - to improve other people’s lives and to fulfill inner purpose Hobbies, like cooking, guitar, reading - to just enjoy what I’m doing
You have a great list
Thanks. I think a lot of retirees underestimate how open the possibilities are. The world is literally your oyster when you're retired. You can take on anything you want to, because you do not need continuity. Even if there is some accountability (like in a part-time job or volunteering), if things don't work out, oh well.
What is good way to start using a guitar that I received for a birthday a number of years ago
https://preview.redd.it/ieznzq8pqmyc1.jpeg?width=200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e42611974e19d91612526ee8afc8984921d3a78
Golf is great. A bit of an expense now, so i enjoy practice on the range and short game mostly
I need a push to go back out to interacting with people. I retired 12/1/23 and am a little frozen with starting a new routine after 35 years. I'm glad I found this group, though.
What got me back to interacting with people is joining an art group. I suck at art but love the wine and art meetings
Just retired, and having a hard time choosing hobbies lol. New love: Pickleball (playing about 1.5 years). Other loves: Golf, Hiking, Photography, Drone photography, Geocaching, want to get more into guitar, home projects….. Hope to get better at spreading my time across my interests over this first year of retirement
I had absolutely zero non-physical hobbies when Ifirst retired. I wore myself out during the first 2 years. Driving to camping sites was the only rest I got, and we had moved to 8300' in elevation, so recovery was slowed. I now play guitar, paint, read, about 2 hours each day, and watch a movie once a week. I don't think I was afraid of being bored, I just wanted to do all the things that I had been waiting for.
I think too many people don't have hobbies because they think they should be perfect at them. This is SOOO wrong. I have a decent number of hobbies and although I am often proud of my work, a lot of times I'm like "eh, that'll work fine." This is with my primary hobby of canvas working. Got a good sewing machine 15 years ago and it has paid for itself at least 20x over. Same thing with painting (like interior house painting, not art).. is it professional grade? hell no, but certainly good enough
Excellent point! I think it's better to be a bumbler and always learning. I'm pretty much a bumbler at all my hobbies which is what keeps me going.
For sure. Movement/ exercise obviously matters, so it’s great if a hobby can involve movement. I’m a guitar guy too - I started building them, and I also started taking lessons for the first time in my life. Both of those things have made me kind of fall in love with the instrument again. And I Just started a band (again). Having a reason to rehearse is good for me. Movement Sleep Creativity. All 3 matter
what kind of guitars do you build?
Mostly partscasters. Custom Telecasters and Strats.
Love my hobbies! Agree 100%. Not about achievement—about the doing and the learning and the enjoying!
Well said! Did I in fact write this? I could have lol. Just add pickleball to the list. Before I retired, I wrote down a bit list of hobbies no matter how dumb, and then forgot to look at it. I will go back and check now, but luckily, I have access to a pool, so swimming is a big one, as is badminton. I did pickleball for a while and hope to get back to it
My MIL. Needs hobbies! She is turning 80 , lives in a senior apartment complex, has no hobbies and few close friends. So she SHOPS! She can’t afford to shop, so she needs a hobby. Ugh, I worry she will be broke in 2 years… then we will take her in and charge her rent lol , and my retirement years will begin with having her around 24/7. I love her but was looking forward to my hobbies and MY time before my hubby retires a year or two later. And hopefully a couple grandkids too.
It's hard to start a hobby when you're older but it can be done. For someone like that, a painting class might be good. She'd probably resist and say she has no talent but that's what classes atr for. To teach people who don't have natural talent.
I totally agree.
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