When you think of retirement hobbies, knitting and gardening probably come to mind. However, if those activities do not inspire or excite you, you do not have to limit yourself to whatever everyone else is doing. You have tons of other options out there that will perfectly suit your personality.
If you are looking for a new hobby in retirement, here are a few of your options:
Hunting
Hunting is not just a young person’s game. In fact, there are plenty of people in your age group that regularly go out to track and shoot prey in the wild. That is because hunting provides a lot of benefits, especially to older folks.
For one, hunting keeps you healthy and happy because it keeps you moving. It provides you with enough exercise (you walk around carrying gear and through a wooded terrain) to prevent diseases that come with aging. It also makes you commune with nature which has been proven to reduce stress.
There are many hunting stores in Michigan where you can get your gear, so that will not be a problem. However, if you are a beginner, you need to enroll in a hunters’ education program that will teach you everything you need to learn, including gun and hunter safety.
Running
Many people think that they are too old to pick up running as a hobby. That is not true. Anyone, at any age, can do it, but the key is to start slowly.
If you have spent your youth attached to a desk and with little exercise, you need to walk a couple of miles every morning. Then, gradually increase the distance that you walk and your pace as you improve your fitness. Eventually, you will be ready to run marathons.
Running is a great hobby for everyone, especially older adults. A study from 2014 found that people aged 65 and above who ran for at least 30 minutes three times a week had walking economy (amount of energy used while walking) comparable to that of sedentary young adults in their 20s.
Running also makes you live a longer and happier life by lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, building muscle strength, reducing body fat, improving sleep, and increasing your energy. Of course, there are risks that come with running for seniors. Before you start, talk to your doctor.
Yoga
Yoga is one activity that anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. To older adults, practicing yoga regularly may help you age better as it keeps you flexible and strong.
Although there are many resources on the internet for those who want to practice yoga at home, for seniors, it is best to go to classes where an instructor can monitor your form and take into consideration your fitness level. This way, you can prevent any injury. Go check your local senior centers and health clubs for yoga classes specifically geared toward older adults. If there is none available in your city, a beginner’s class will do.
Woodworking
If you enjoy building things, then maybe woodworking is the right hobby for you. Woodworking is a great hobby for older adults because it will keep you moving but, unlike running, it is a low-impact exercise. It is also fulfilling to take a block of wood and turn it into a toy or furniture you can use. If you have no experience in carpentry, start with easy projects like a coffee table or a small stool.
In retirement, you have the freedom to do whatever you want. Whether you dream of running a marathon or simply spend more time with your family, choose the activity you will enjoy because you deserve it.
