LIFESTYLE

The Best Hobbies for Retirees: Stay Active and Have Fun in Your Golden Years

You have really buckled down as long as you can remember, yet presently the time has come to resign. (Congrats!) Retirement doesn’t mean you really want to dial back. All things considered, remain dynamic and have some good times in your golden years.

Here are probably the best hobbies for retirees.

Biking

Riding a bike is a great way to stay active in your golden years. Whether you hop on the trails in a local park or hit the open road for some road biking, biking is a wonderful way to work the cardiovascular system and support better heart health. If you enjoy the sights and sounds of Mother Nature, try mountain biking or look for some bike paths through nearby state or national parks that welcome bicyclists.

Bird-Watching

Bird-watching is a fun hobby that can help retirees stay active in their golden years. It is an easy way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors while keeping the mind and senses alert as you are on the watch for that next great bird-watching find.

Gardening

Gardening is a great hobby for retirees that can help keep you active and moving. Plus, you get some fresh food out of it. Gardening can be as simple as planting a few herbs and vegetables in your backyard or you could really lean into it and invest in your very own greenhouse to use all year round, no matter the climate or weather conditions. Either way, growing fresh herbs, and veggies is a wonderful way to save on groceries and ensures that you continue to eat a diet containing nutrient-dense foods as you enjoy your golden years.

Golfing

Golf is a popular hobby for retirees and for good reason. It is challenging, measurable, routine, and social, four factors that are usually part of our working years. Not having any of these elements can make it difficult to transition from working to retiring, which is why golf is a great option that allows us to continue growing, learning, and staying connected with others as we age.

Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to stay active and have fun during retirement. It provides a great way to get outside and spend time immersed in nature. That means fresh air, movement, and possibly some sunshine and Vitamin D (do not forget to wear sunscreen). Whether you head to a nearby state park or take a week-long road trip across the country to head to a national park, hiking is another great hobby for retirees to enjoy in their golden years.

Jogging or Running

Jogging or running is a high-impact activity, but if you enjoy a short jog around the block or a longer run near a body of water, and if it has been cleared by your doctor or another medical professional, then lace up those jogging or running shoes and run it out. Jogging or running is a great way to move your body every day and improve cardiovascular health.

Resistance Training

Resistance training, like weight lifting, is a great way for retirees to stay active in their golden years. Weight-bearing exercises, whether using body weight or free weights, are a wonderful way for adults, including older adults, to increase bone density and muscle strength, both of which are important as we age. Whether you have a few free weights at home, join a gym, or sign up for classes at a local studio, participating in resistance training is a good way to meet people while staying active.

Swimming is another low-impact exercise that is an active and fun hobby for retirees in their golden years. It is a great exercise that can offer a variety of benefits including better mood, boosted muscle strength and endurance, and decreased anxiety and stress levels. Not to mention enhanced cardiovascular fitness, improved flexibility, and more joint mobility. It can even lead to a better night’s sleep. Swimming can also help support weight loss or maintenance with an efficient calorie burn. It is a great exercise for those with any joint, mobility, or pain issues and has been known to even ease discomfort and pain associated with certain health conditions like arthritis, dementia, and osteoarthritis.

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Walking

Walking is one of the best and easiest hobbies for retirees to stay active and have fun in their golden years. It is completely free and super simple to start. You can also do it anywhere. Inside, outside, dealer’s choice. It is a low-impact activity and offers psychological benefits that can boost mental health. It can also present a lovely opportunity for socializing in your community or neighborhood and is a great way to meet other walkers near you.