2022 is shaping up to be a record year for people starting new hobbies and boosting their sense of satisfaction with their lives. Many people have often failed to include elderly people in these types of social and hobby-centric booms, but 2022 is aiming to change that preconception as well. In fact, despite what you might have heard, elderly people are chomping at the bits to find a fun, life-changing new hobby to dive into.

Challenges for Elderly People Forming New Hobbies

Elderly people face specific challenges when trying to start new hobbies and activities. From budget to physical capabilities, there are many obstacles that some old folk have in the way of a satisfying new hobby. Thankfully, the world is becoming more accessible than it’s ever been before, and this is leading to a surge in older Americans seeking out new hobbies to fill their golden years with. Even those living in nursing homes are jumping into exciting hobbies that are benefiting their lives, but for those that live in nursing homes, some hobbies must be approved to avoid injuries from falls.

With this newfound spark in many elderly Americans’ minds, their happiness levels are proving to often be higher than younger citizens are. In fact, many amazing hobbies are ripe for elderly Americans, despite any obstacles they might face in the process of starting them up…

Seven Perfect Hobbies for Elderly People:

1. Writing

Writing is a great way to keep the mind active and to ensure mental health remains in a stable state. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry or simply journaling, the benefits of consistent, frequent writing are difficult to overstate. The accessibility of writing makes it even more tailor-fit for elderly people who are trying to develop (or just rekindle) a hobby to keep them busy and satisfied.

2. Gaming

Gaming encompasses a wide variety of possibilities. Gamebooks of Sudoku, video gaming, board games, and more traditional chess nights or card game nights are all fantastic ways to develop a hobby (and to make new friends). The mind benefits massively from the critical thinking and problem solving that you’re forced to confront when gaming, and this will prove attractive to elderly people developing a new hobby.

3. Model Building

Many model builders describe the process as being zen-like and highly satisfying. For elderly folk with plenty of time to meticulously put together detailed models of their favorite objects, the model-building experience can provide a great way to invigorate their daily activities. Thankfully, the hobby is seeing a renaissance of sorts over the last decade, so it’s become more accessible and rewarding than ever before.

4. Painting

Creative endeavors are a key area of the hobby world, and for another zen-like creative outlet, painting is perfect. Older people tend to love more traditional forms of art, and the art of painting’s classical, classy feel often proves attractive to them. Painting can become a bit expensive as a hobby, but for those with the means, it’s a perfect way to let the mind let loose on a beautiful canvas.

5. Photography

Photography is one of the most accessible artistic hobbies in the world. Especially with the massively affordable nature of high-resolution cameras these days, there’s never been a better time to jump into the hobby. Elderly people will love the experience of showing their friends and family how the world looks through their lens. In terms of bringing a nostalgic new flair to your elder years, photography is difficult to beat.

6. Birdwatching

While it can be a bit cliche, elderly people could often care less how “original” their hobbies and interests are. The mixture of relaxation, wonder, and nature-attunement that can be gained from birdwatching has made it a favorite hobby amongst elderly people for many, many decades. The cheap, accessible nature of the hobby makes it that much more attractive to many elderly people looking for a fun new way to pass their golden years.

7. Genealogy

As old people reach their golden years, they often begin to wonder more about their pasts, and the nature of where they came from. Genealogy provides a satisfying, awe-filled way to explore these questions, and diving into the hobby has become more affordable than ever before thanks to advances in genetic technologies. Additionally, it provides a stellar way to build up new stories to tell to friends and family members, which makes the hobby that much more appealing to many elderly people.

Finding a New Hobby Increases Happiness and Heart Health

The boost to mental and physical health that a satisfying new hobby can bring is highly beneficial. For elderly people, these benefits become that much more valuable. With more information accessible through the internet than ever before, many elderly Americans are seeking out new hobbies and lifestyle changes than they have before, so never keep yourself from starting a hobby just because you feel “too old” to do it successfully. You’ll regret having passed up the opportunity if you do.