Retirement activities and hobbies

For many people, growing older is a stressful, lonely time. The body you have relied on for so long seems to suddenly have a mind of its own, and your mind and memory can feel like they are rapidly going downhill. However, it doesn't have to be like this.

Studies have shown that keeping your mind active in retirement is essential in maintaining memory function and overall mental wellbeing. Physical activity is important as you grow older, but just as important is mental and social stimulation, the kind of stimulation gained from a pastime or hobby.

Popular retirement hobbies

If your looking for something therapeutic and healthy, you can't go past gardening and this gentle form of exercise can be even more rewarding when growing an edible garden. Special tools are available for people who can no longer bend or kneel comfortably, and for those who don't have a garden, indoor plants and window boxes can also provide entertainment and satisfaction.

Always remember to consider important safety issues when working in the garden. Wearing gloves is essential. Take care with tools and store them safely. Finally, always attend to cuts, bruises, bites or stings immediately.

Another retirement hobby that shouldn't be ignored is reading. Try something new. Read a book you've always wanted to but never had time for; read a book you've never heard of or a book by an author you've never considered before; try a non-fiction book instead of fiction (or vice-versa). The list is endless.

Another excellent way to stimulate the mind is to further your education. Learn a new hobby or language; try a formal qualification such as a diploma or even a degree. Many institutions offer distance education so if attending a campus is difficult, your chosen subject could be available as home-based learning.

Other popular retirement hobbies include:

• Art and craft, such as sewing, knitting, painting, writing and woodwork;
• Dancing and singing, great for your lungs;
• Genealogy;
• Computers and the internet;
• Music. Don't just listen to it, exercise to it, make it, write it, perform it, the choice is endless;
• Sport and recreation;
• Food and cooking. Don't forget to put enjoyment of your favourite wine in this category;
• Collecting;
• Pets;
• Travel - make sure you get seniors travel insurance with appropriate cover.

Benefits of hobbies in retirement

Apart from the obvious satisfaction you can get from trying or doing something new and stimulating your mind, there are many benefits retirees can get from a hobby. These include:

• a reduction in stress levels and increased relaxation;
• improvement in wellbeing due to increased social contact and friendship;
• improvement in flexibility, mobility or motor skills;
• increased independence;
• improved mental and emotional health.