When you hear the word hobby, what does it make you think of first? Maybe something like stamp collecting, scrapbooking, reading, things that most people do that are sedentary for the most part. Hey, nothing wrong with being sedentary sometimes, I like to kick back and relax as much as the next person! But after retirement, you are already going to tend to be less active as a natural instinct (trust me on this!).

Once you stop working, the necessity of getting up early and having a place to go removes the need for you to stay active, right? Without that automatic push to do something productive, what are you going to do all day is the question many people ask. It’s also very common that especially men who have held the same career for a very long time, will sometimes identify their whole personality with that career. I hope you aren’t one of these types, as this can make it very difficult to make the transition into retirement. The type A personalities that have very successful careers, especially with little outside interests or hobbies, do not generally fair well in retirement. If you think that may be you, then make a special effort to correct the mindset you have towards your career – and make the transition by finding a really suitable hobby to pursue! It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, or expensive, and perhaps shouldn’t be after all. Just find something you can enjoy that gives you something to look forward to and make life interesting and enjoyable.

Finding a new hobby is definitely a great way to not only fill the time, but to give your life some new meaning and excitement! That is what we’re looking for after all, I think. This is the time of your life that you can do anything you want to do, within certain constraints of course, that you have always wanted to do. Have you always wanted to take dancing lessons? Now is the perfect time to do it! No need to schedule around your work time or try to muster the energy up after a long day of working and stress. Now you can jump in with both feet and get your dance on! This ties very nicely with the point of staying healthy, as dancing is great exercise as much as it is fun. Any time you have a double benefit from an activity, that is a sure winner in my book.

Another thing to think about when searching for a new hobby is what about something you can do with your spouse? This is of course considering you have one, or a partner at least. You don’t want to leave them out of your participation, do you? Of course not! And any hobby you can do together will bring you closer together, which is a great way to spend time together. Sure, there are some hobbies you can do by yourself, and maybe your spouse will also develop some hobbies that they want to pursue alone. Make a list of things you both like to do together and try to expand on that list with some new suggestions from friends or just by doing some research online. This could be the best time of your life, and sharing time with your partner will only make your relationship better.

Maybe dancing isn’t your first thought when searching for a new hobby – don’t worry! There are literally hundreds of activities that qualify as great hobbies. What is it that you are looking for in a hobby? Perhaps you want to stay mentally stimulated, or possibly find a hobby where you can meet new friends or get more physically active. Here are some great suggestions:

•  Gardening: Gardening is a rewarding hobby for many retirees. It allows them to spend time outdoors, grow their own vegetables or flowers, and create a beautiful and tranquil space.
•  Cooking and Baking: Some retirees take up cooking and baking as a hobby. They can experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques, and even take cooking classes to enhance their skills.
•  Reading: Retirement provides more time for leisurely reading. Many retirees enjoy books, magazines, newspapers, and digital content across a wide range of genres.
•  Photography: Retirement allows individuals to dedicate time to photography and capture memories of their travels and everyday life. Photography clubs and workshops can also be part of this hobby.
•  Arts and Crafts: Engaging in various arts and crafts activities, such as painting, drawing, knitting, pottery, or woodworking, is a common choice for retirees who want to express their creativity.
•  Fitness and Exercise: Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for retirees. They often participate in activities like yoga, walking, cycling, golfing, swimming, or even joining senior sports leagues.
•  Volunteering: Many retirees find fulfillment in giving back to their communities through volunteering. They can contribute their skills and expertise to various charitable organizations and causes.
•  Learning and Education: Retirement can be an excellent time to pursue further education or take up new courses of interest, such as attending workshops, lectures, or enrolling in college classes.
•  Music: Learning to play a musical instrument or joining a choir can be a delightful and enriching hobby for retirees who have a passion for music. This can lead to social events where you may want to play with a band or just for fun with friends.
•  Writing: Retirement offers time to explore writing, whether it’s journaling, blogging, or even writing fiction or memoirs. This activity satisfies the need to stay creative for many people, which is not only healthy psychologically but keeps your brain young.
•  Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a peaceful and enjoyable hobby for retirees who appreciate nature and wildlife. Look at it as an adventure and a challenge as well! Going outdoors is very important for your health too.
•  Hiking and Nature Walks: Exploring nature through hiking and nature walks can be a fulfilling pastime for retirees who enjoy the outdoors.
•  Cultural Activities: Attending theater performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and other cultural events can become a regular part of retirees’ lives.
• Model trains: Something that has been popular for a long time, there are many places to find enthusiasts of this hobby. Check online, and chances are there is a group nearby to get you started.
• Join a book club: If you like to read or simply want to read more now that you have the time, this could be just the thing you’re looking for!

This list is pretty much a run of the mill type of hobby list that people have known about for years, but I wanted to list them as a start. The world is changing all the time, with many creative people out there inventing new ways to spend their time in some very unusual ways! Here is a list of those types of hobbies, if you don’t see anything in the first list, perhaps this list might jostle your brain a little to spark some interest:!

Again, do some research and make a trip to the library to find out more possible hobbies you could become interested in. Sometimes the strangest things will suddenly become interesting to you, but if you don’t do some exploring and digging to find out more, you may never learn about them. Expand yourself, keep learning, talk to others. It’s a big, wide world out there and you have so much time to find something new that you can do.

Planning for your retirement can be tricky, and there are questions you have like everyone else. If you want to learn and explore more ideas for yourself, check out my book here for more information:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3S2V9VM

Happy retirement planning!