You may not realize it, but being over 50 is the perfect time to find a new hobby. As we near or pass the age of 50, we go through a period of great transformation. For many of us, we are empty nesters. It is the time that many of us begin thinking about retirement. Or we have retired. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is a good chance that after 50 we have more time on our hands. What better time to discover a new hobby to pick up and run with? 

More time is a wonderful thing but when you are first adjusting, it may not feel that way. If you’ve had the same routine for years. Or you’ve spent so many years focused on your career and/or raising children. It is difficult to convince yourself that it’s alright to focus on yourself. To build a new routine. Not only is it okay, but it is also encouraged. It is good for you.

To convince you further, I’ve created this list of five new hobbies that are good for you. Not only do they proven to have benefits to your physical health, but also mental and spiritual. Go ahead and focus on yourself, sweet reader. Your brain and heart will thank you. 

The Best New Hobbies to Pick Up After 50

#1 Learn to Cook or Bake

Learning to cook, at any age, has many benefits. For one, you’re completely in control of what goes into your food. This is wonderful if you are trying to transform your diet in a healthy way. Say you have a goal of eating less processed carbs. If much of your diet has revolved around takeout or easy pasta dishes, this will be difficult. Learning to cook a new recipe can be a fun, and tasty, way to expand your taste buds’ horizons. 

If you’re over 50 you may already know how to cook. But as you’ve been focused on feeding your family, perhaps you’ve stuck to a few tried and true recipes. Simple meals that you know everyone would enjoy. Why not take this opportunity to step up your culinary game? 

Or if you’re already a “seasoned” chef, it might be time to learn to bake. Why not learn an impressive new technique? Wow your partner or friends with this gorgeous recipe for lemon coconut mousse.

Not sure where to start? There are lots of cooking how-tos on Youtube from the most basic beginner level to expert. This video by Gordon Ramsey breaks down 5 basic kitchen skills. If you’re ready to learn something more expert, this video walks you through a Michelin star recipe for salmon. 

Other ways to learn cooking or baking:

• How-To Books 
• Recipe Books 
• Local Cooking Classes
• Online Cooking Schools 

#2 Join a Book Club

Reading is a great hobby! You probably know, at least in the general sense, that reading is good for you. If you already enjoy reading, joining a book club is a great hobby to pick up!

Research shows, without a doubt, that reading reduces stress, and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. It also has proven beneficial to the brain. When you read, your brain processes in several different ways. All of that activity is like a workout for the brain. Your auditory, phonetic, and comprehension brain muscles are all being flexed. Basically, reading is an entertaining hobby that keeps your brain active and sharp!

The great news is that this does not only apply to reading textbooks on astrophysics. Narrative reading has been proven to make positive changes in the brain. 

If you’re a social creature like me, you love getting together with your friends to discuss your latest read. Especially those who share your taste in books. This is why I formed Honey’s Book Club!  It’s led by a book expert and she and I choose books that resonate with women. Once monthly, we meet virtually on Zoom and would love for you to join us! You can sign up here. 

#3 Write Something

Writing has many of the benefits that reading does. Expressive writing is proven to have a number of health benefits. Improved mood and lower blood pressure might be more obvious, but what if I told you that it could also improve lung and even liver function? Sounds like a great reason to turn writing into your new hobby. 

Another thing I love about writing is that you can do it from anywhere. You don’t need any special equipment. For instance, you can write on an impressive, high-tech computer or with pen and paper. You can find a lovely notebook and sit in a crowded cafe. Or you can dictate to your phone as you walk in the park. 

Types of writing, too, are limitless. At this very moment, you could start journaling or writing poetry. You could write that novel that you’ve always dreamed of. Need a little motivation? It just so happens that next month, November, is National Novel Writing Month! You can join a challenge to write 50,000 words in the month of November along with thousands of others across the globe. What better time to start writing as a hobby?

Or you could do what I did and start a blog! I have a free ebook here on how to start a blog after 50. I cannot tell you how much blogging has enriched my life. 

If you’re not sure what type of writing you might enjoy, try taking a writing class or joining a writing group. You’ll never be short on motivation or inspiration. 

#4 Create Visual Art

The next hobby you might want to try is creating art. Visual art doesn’t just enrich our lives when we view it, the act of creation is nothing short of cathartic. Creating visual art can be relaxing and meditative. Another great stress reliever and therefore a great new hobby to pick up. 

There’s no reason to keep to the usual mediums such as painting or drawing, though they would be wonderful. Many art forms have dedicated followings, and for good reason. If you need instruction there are many sources online or in person. 

Just a few mediums to explore:

• Needlepoint
• Watercolor
• Sculpture
• Pottery
• Origami
• Quilting
• Knitting
• Caligraphy

#5 Physical Activities

Have you ever thought of physical activity as a potential hobby? I’m willing to bet there are some methods you’ve never considered. You might just love them and what better way to show your body and mind love than to get moving? 

Ask yourself what you’re innately drawn to and there’s probably a corresponding activity. Love the mountains? Join a hiking club. If you love the water, why not try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. 

A few activities to consider:

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Walking
• Sailing
• Biking
• Dancing

There are many things you could try when contemplating a new hobby to pick up after 50. Trying different things may even be your hobby. The point is, dear reader, is that making the most of your time does not mean you have to stay busy in the way you may have in the past. Give yourself permission to devote time to yourself for the sole purpose of making yourself happy. You are worth it.

Have you recently discovered a new hobby? Let me know in the comments if you’d be willing to try any of these hobbies. I love hearing from you!

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