How to Start a New Hobby or Adapt an Old One

Hobbies aren’t just for fun — though they can certainly spark joy! Among older adults across 16 countries, having a hobby is associated with better health, more happiness and higher life satisfaction.

Wondering how to get started with a new hobby or adapt an old one to your current needs? Keep reading for practical tips.

How Older Adults Can Start a Hobby

Dare to dream

First, think about what interests you. Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve never tried, or something you used to enjoy but haven’t done in a while. Consider these categories of hobbies:

• A childhood passion (like painting or swimming)
• A forgotten skill or talent (like playing an instrument or dancing)
• A brand-new activity (like soap carving or Zentangle art making)

Then, focus your attention. Explore one activity at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed or end up with a handful of half-attempted hobbies.

Get connected

While some hobbies can be solo pursuits, others require an instructor, partner or group. Check with your local library, senior center, place of worship or recreation center to find activities and events near you. Your local ArchWell Health center is a great resource, offering fitness classes, arts and crafts, game days and more.

If you can’t find an interest group in your community, join one online. You can also look for online courses, tutorials or forums to help you get up to speed and stay motivated.

Remember: Even hobbies that don’t require group participation can be more enriching with other people. After all, old and new friends can help us stay engaged in our hobbies and encourage us to pick up new ones.

Set realistic goals

Don’t expect to take award-winning photos the moment you get your camera out of storage, or to remember all your favorite ballroom steps when your dancing shoes have been dusty for decades.

In other words, start small. Set aside a few minutes each day or week to practice your hobby. As you get comfortable with the basics, gradually increase the time commitment or complexity. With regular, consistent practice — and patience — you’ll make progress and find greater fulfillment in your chosen hobbies.

How to Adapt Activities for Aging

Do some hobbies seem off-limits at this point in life? Don’t abandon an activity because of your age or health limits (perceived or actual). Instead, adapt it!

Consider these simple adaptations:

• Arts/crafts: Try tools like ergonomic knitting needles or crochet hooks, soft-grip paintbrushes or a memory foam mouse pad with a wrist rest for graphic design.
• Gardening: Use raised garden beds and containers so you don’t have to reach all the way down into the ground. Get tools with long handles and soft grips, and choose low-maintenance, high-yield plants.
• High-impact sports: Try your hand at low-impact badminton, basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball and even swordplay with sports-simulation video games like Nintendo Switch Sports.
• Pickleball: Play doubles, choose a lightweight paddle with smaller grips, use a softer ball, play closer to the net or play shorter games.
• Reading: Get an e-reader that lets you adjust the text size and brightness. If it’s hard to sit for long periods, listen to audiobooks with headphones while you walk in the park or move around the house.
• Writing: Use talk-to-text software that lets you speak your ideas into a phone, tablet or computer
• Yoga: Try a gentle, senior-friendly style like hatha, Iyengar, yin or restorative yoga. If getting on and off the floor isn’t working, consider chair yoga for simple yet effective movement.

Need help adapting an activity to your lifestyle? Talk with your ArchWell Health provider to find ways to tailor hobbies to your specific needs.

A Word from ArchWell Health
It’s never too late to pursue something new — you can enjoy meaningful hobbies well into your 80s and 90s! As long as you’re alive, there’s time to discover new passions and rekindle old ones. Who knows? You might surprise yourself with unexpected talents.

Remember, ArchWell Health is here for you as you seek improved health and well-being through hobbies. Whatever your age or ability, there are so many great ways to stay active and engaged. Just be sure to check in with your ArchWell Health provider before reviving an old hobby or starting something new.