The Best Hobbies for Women Over 50 and Beyond!

Welcome to The Best Hobbies for Women Over 50 (and beyond!) I am so glad you are here!

Age is just a number, and it’s never too late to pick up a new hobby or rediscover an old passion.

For women over 50, there’s a plethora of activities that can bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.

If you are looking for creative hobby ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Let’s dive into some of the best hobbies for older women over 50.

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So, What is a Hobby, Exactly?

So, what’s a hobby, you ask?

Well, from where I stand, a hobby is that thing you do when you have some free time and get a moment to yourself.

It can be writing poetry, cooking up some delicious food, or playing board games.

For others, it can mean spending time outdoors playing golf, bird watching, or getting your hands dirty in the garden.

It’s all about what makes your heart sing and gives you that “me-time” we all need.

And there is also a social aspect to having hobbies in our golden years.

Many hobbies (joining a book club or taking a local class) can connect us with like-minded people with similar interests, which is a great way to stay active in your community.

Trust me when I say having hobbies is a game-changer for me – I’m never bored! 🙂

The Importance of Hobbies in our “Senior Years”

Hobbies for seniors are particularly important because they offer numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling life.

Older adults often undergo significant changes as we age, such as retirement, children leaving home, shifts in social circles, and even age-related ailments.

Having a diverse set of hobbies benefits mental health and physical health and increases social connections. 

Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies for Seniors

Significant scientific research shows that hobbies play a significant role in maintaining mental health.

They help with mental focus, reduce stress, provide a sense of accomplishment, and boost self-esteem.

Engaging in enjoyable activities can cultivate a positive attitude and even help stave off feelings of depression and anxiety.

Hobbies can provide older adults with numerous mental health benefits:

Stress relief

Engaging in enjoyable activities is a good way to take our minds off daily stressors, providing an essential mental break.

Sense of accomplishment

Hobbies allow us to set and achieve personal goals, boosting our self-esteem and giving us a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Improves Cognitive function

 Participating in hobbies that challenge our minds, such as learning a new language or solving puzzles, can improve cognitive function.

Social Connections

Hobbies play a hug role in the social aspect of our lives as they often involve group activities or clubs, providing opportunities to meet new people and maintain social connections, which is crucial for mental health as we age.

Creative expression

Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or photography can help us healthily express our emotions and thoughts, promoting emotional well-being and self-discovery.

Mindfulness and Mental focus

Hobbies that require concentration, such as knitting or woodworking, can help us develop mindfulness and focus, reducing anxiety and promoting mental relaxation.

Structured routine

Having hobbies can provide structure and routine, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals adjusting to retirement or an empty nest.

New experiences and personal growth

Pursuing new hobbies can lead to new experiences, fostering a sense of excitement and curiosity about life.

Physical Health Benefits of Hobbies for Older Adults

Many hobbies offer a long list of physical health benefits.

Staying physically active improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance, blood pressure, heart health, and hand-eye coordination, essential components of a healthy lifestyle as you age.

Having hobbies after 50 can provide numerous physical health benefits, contributing to a more active and healthy lifestyle during this stage of life. 

Physical health benefits of having hobbies after 50:

Improved cardiovascular health

Engaging in hobbies involving physical activity, such as hiking or dancing, can help enhance cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.

Better balance and coordination

When we stay active with hobbies like yoga, tai chi, or dancing, we can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries as we age.

Increased strength and flexibility

Participating in hobbies like gardening, swimming, or Pilates can help to maintain and improve muscle strength and flexibility, which are crucial for overall health and mobility.

Weight management

Active hobbies can help maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and increasing your metabolism, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.

Improved bone density

Weight-bearing hobbies like walking, jogging, or dancing can help reduce bone loss and improve bone density, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Boosted immune system

 Regular physical activity through hobbies can help strengthen your immune system, making you more resistant to illnesses and infections.

And if you enjoy spending time outdoors, you will soak up some extra vitamin D which is always a health benefit! (source)

Reduced risk of chronic diseases

Staying physically active through hobbies can lower the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Better sleep quality

 Physical activity from hobbies can help improve sleep quality and duration, which is essential for overall health and vitality.

Increased energy levels

Regular physical activity through hobbies can boost your energy levels and help combat feelings of fatigue or sluggishness.

The Social Benefits of Hobbies in Our Older Years

Hobbies can play a significant role in the social aspect of our lives as we grown older by keeping us socially active and connected with others in our communtiy.

Hobbies can encourage social interactions and connectionsthat can offer numerous benefits for women over 50

The social benefits of having a hobby over 50:

Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation

 Engaging in hobbies that involve social interactions can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common as we age.

Expanded social circle

 Participating in group activities, clubs, or workshops or taking a local class allows us to meet new people and expand our social circle, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

*Consider an arts or craft class off through a local craft store or community collage. It’s a great way to learn new skills and make friends!

Emotional support

 Social connections built through hobbies can provide emotional support, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on during challenging times.

*I know I find great emotional support in my art groups on Facebook!

Increased self-confidence

Interacting with others through shared hobbies can boost self-confidence and improve social skills, making building and maintaining relationships easier.

Accountability and motivation

 Having a social network of individuals who share your hobbies can provide motivation and accountability, helping you stay committed to your passions.

Enhanced mental health

Social interactions have been linked to better mental health, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

*Joining a book club or taking a writing workshop could be something to think about)

New experiences and personal growth

 Social connections through hobbies can open doors to new experiences, adventures, and personal development, enriching your life and broadening your horizons.

Consider a hobby that gets you out of your comfort zone! 🙂

Promotes physical wellbeing

Engaging in social activities related to your hobbies can promote a more active lifestyle, boosting physical well-being.

*Think swimming classes, a self-defense class, or an exercise class at a local gym.

The Best Hobbies for Women over 50+

Practice meditation

Meditation has significantly improved my life. I have found it a great way to step away from the chaos of life and check in with myself. 

The best part about meditation is that you can do it anywhere, and it’s free! 

Related article: The benefits of daily mediation for women

The Benefits of Yoga for Women over 50:

• Improved flexibility
• Enhanced balance and stability
• Increased strength
• Stress relief
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced chronic pain
• Improved posture
• Enhanced mental clarity
• Increased energy levels
• Encourages Social connections

My two favorite online yogis are The Yoga Girl and Yoga with Adriene

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking has existed for centuries and became more popular in the ’80s and ’90s. 

Scrapbooking was so popular that I bet the odds are pretty good that many of you already have a ton of scrapbooking stuff stashed somewhere in your house. So maybe it’s time to go dig it out and start again?!

Scrapbooking is the perfect hobby for people who like to be creative and record their memories with photos. 

It is easy to get started scrapbooking with the many accessories and decorative tools available. The possibilities are endless!

Here are some resources about scrapbooking to get you started:

The ultimate guide to scrapbooking for beginners

How to scrapbook: For Beginners

Photography

Photography is another hobby that is near and dear to my heart.

I fell in love with photography at a young age. I feel at home with a camera and love to document life. 

Whether you have an expensive DSLR camera or a smartphone- You can take amazing photographs. If you’re using your DSLR on “auto” mode, your pictures might be OK, but you’re not using your camera to its fullest potential.

You can learn so much about photography basics online and on YouTube. And like anything else, there are workshops and courses available online. 

I highly recommend Creative Live for photography classes. They have many fantastic photography classes, many of which I have taken myself.

There are a ton of Photography classes available on Skillshare

Painting as a hobby

Many famous artists didn’t pick up a brush until much later. Safe to say, it’s never too late to start.

I have always been in awe of abstract art and recently started my painting journey. I have no idea where it’s going, but I’m having fun. There is a wealth of information available online to help you start painting.

Here are some of my favorite online art/painting resources:

Art2life.com Learn to make the art you’ve always dreamed of
SkillShare With thousands of creative classes available, there is something for everyone!
Artify I love the painting classes on Artify.

I have taken several painting classes on Skillshare and have learned so much!

Do Jigsaw Puzzles 

Yes! Doing jigsaw puzzles can be a hobby! Why not?!

Puzzles are not only a fun way to spend time, but they are also great self-care tools.

Just look at the many benefits of doing puzzles: 

• Exercises both the logical and creative sides of your brain, giving you a mental workout. 
• Improves short-term memory 
• Improving visual-spatial reasoning 
• Relieves stress 
• Doing a jigsaw puzzle with a friend or two is an excellent way to have a casual conversation.

Adult Coloring

Coloring is still so much fun! And I’m pretty sure it helps with stress, too.

I color a ton with my Granddaughter these days, and I love to color in my adult coloring books while watching TV (Especially when the hubby is watching something that I’m just not that into..).

Coloring is relaxing, and there is zero learning curve or a lot of new equipment.

There are also a ton of free printable adult coloring pages online

Cake Decorating 

Have you ever gone down the cake-decorating rabbit hole?

I sure have! I can watch cake-decorating videos for hours! It’s just so inspiring!

Cake decorating is a great way to be creative and share what you have made with friends and family. And I’ve said it once, and I will repeat it: This hobby could also become a nice little side hustle.

There are tons of books and, of course, YouTube Videos available to learn cake decorating.

Skillshare is one of the best resources for online classes.

Pottery

Pottery is a good hobby for individuals of all ages, offering numerous benefits that contribute to overall well-being. 

Delving into the world of pottery allows you to tap into your creativity and self-expression as you mold and shape clay into unique and beautiful pieces. 

The tactile nature of working with clay can be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. 

You’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and personal growth as you develop your skills and techniques. 

Pottery classes or workshops also offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends.

I found an excellent article about how to start pottery as a hobby that I think will be super helpful if you are interested in pottery as a hobby.

Flower Arranging

Flowers can strongly impact one’s mental well-being and immediate happiness. I know this!

Flower arranging can be a wonderful hobby and very easy to get started.

Flower arrangements are a perfect way to enhance your home and lift your spirits.

You can arrange fresh and silk florals, from holiday wreaths to wedding bouquets.  

Make Greeting Cards

If you are artsy-crafty, making your greeting cards may be right up your alley! And have you noticed how expensive cards have gotten over the years?! It’s just crazy!

Making your cards for your friends and family can be an enjoyable hobby. However, when you create your greeting cards, you have control over the look and sentiment so that your card delivers just the right message to the right person.

Skillshare offers online greeting card-making classes to get you well on your way!

Learn Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a beautiful art form.

This lettering style is both eye-catching and beautiful. You don’t need much to get started.

All you need is some paper and a calligraphy pen. In addition, some great books are available on Amazon and courses online.

If you love calligraphy and get good at it, you could start a little side hustle addressing wedding invitations; I’m just saying.

Skillshare has a lot of calligraphy courses available online.

Travel!

As I said, a hobby is something we do when we are not working. That said, traveling sounds like the perfect hobby to me!

Traveling away from home gets us out of our normal day-to-day, helps us understand other cultures, acquire new experiences, and meet new people worldwide.

And get this: when you become a world traveler, there are even more hobbies to enjoy, like snorkeling, tasting different cuisines, and more!

Become a Grilling Guru: BBQ Hobby

Yes! That’s right! A BBQ hobby! Again, why not?!

You can become a BBQ master in no time! Of course, if you like me, you can start the BBQ and do a basic chicken or maybe burgers and hotdogs, but listen!

There is a lot more to BBQ’ing than meets the eye.

Check out this beginner’s guide to BBQ.  

Sing!

We all sing in the shower; I love to sing at the top of my lungs in the care of my current favorite tune. (it’s a joyful noise!)

But if you have a nice singing voice, you should sing out there!

Where to start? If you are part of a church community, you can jump right in and join the choir. You can also take singing classes online or locally.

Another fun thing about singing is going to Karaoke!

Karaoke is so much fun (even if you don’t sing well), and it’s a great way to spend time with friends or meet new people.   

Gardening 

Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby and is great exercise too!

In addition, tending to a garden can provide a sense of accomplishment when you see your plants flourish. 

Having a Vegetable garden is so rewarding.  There’s nothing like making a salad or homemade salsa from fresh produce grown in your garden.

So whether you try your hand at vegetable gardening, flower gardening or try container gardening to start- Gardening is a fun way to spend free time and enjoy the outdoors.   I find that being outside in nature enjoying the fresh air and sunshine is good for my soul!

Related article: How to Start a Raised Garden Bed

Wine Tasting Hobby

Raise your hand if you love wine! If you do, you’re going to love this idea! Wine tasting is an excellent option for those who already love wine and want to learn more about it.

You can have wine-tasting parties at home, wine-tasting groups, and clubs and visit beautiful wineries worldwide!

Check out this article about how to become a wine expert. It’s fascinating!

SkillShare offers online classes for gardening (get 30% off!)

Volunteer

The opportunities to volunteer our time are limitless.

For example, you can volunteer with children, homeless shelters, environmental organizations, food pantries, church organizations, or at an animal shelter etc.

Love babies? Volunteer at your local hospital to hold and rock babies in the NICU. 

By volunteering your time, you will be positively impacting the world. How cool is that?

Click here to find volunteering opportunities in your area

Become a Tutor

Are you a math whiz? Or maybe you are a retired teacher? Perhaps you always wanted to teach but went down a different path?  

Then maybe tutoring is a perfect fit for you!

Tutors help people of all ages advance their education, refine their skills, and be more successful in a subject of their choice. Tutoring can be a gratifying hobby. But, positively impacting a student’s life is good work. 

And as a bonus, you can make a nice chunk of change tutoring if you want to save up for that trip worldwide!

Biking or Cycling

Biking is so much fun!

Biking or Cycling is a great way to exercise, explore the great outdoors, and get some rays and fresh air simultaneously!

Riding a bike builds stamina and muscle mass and is a fantastic cardio workout! It’s been great for me, even with my bad knees. Ah, getting old is so much fun! 🙂

I am seriously thinking about investing in an electric bike! Of course, they are a bit pricey, but I love the idea of being able to switch over to electric when I get pooped!

I am still on the fence about buying a Peleton.

I don’t want it to become a very expensive coat rack. Does anyone out there have a Peleton? Let me know what you think about it in the comments below.

Check out: How to brew your own beer in 4-easy steps

Take up hiking

Hiking is good, clean fun!

Hiking is a great way to get in light cardio, vitamin D, and fresh air! Hiking can also be social and is a great way to spend time with family and friends.

There are hiking groups and clubs you can join as well!

How to start hiking as a hobby

• Invest in some good hiking shoes
• Pack sunscreen, water, and a high-protein snack
• Tell someone where you are going
• Research the trial ahead of time

Check out these resources: The American Hiking Society

Cultivate a green thumb.

I’ve always had a bit of a green thumb. To date, I’ve got 37 plants. I know, maybe I’m a bit obsessed, but who cares! #crazyplantlady

Plants add warmth and color to the house and even help clean the air!  

If you would like to cultivate a green thumb, it’s easy! Start with plants that are easy to grow, and take a little time to learn some essential houseplant tips & tricks. You’ll be a houseplant pro in no time!

Candle Making

Candle-making is a creative and practical hobby that adds warmth to your space.

Customize colors and scents, create personalized gifts, and enjoy the therapeutic process. It’s eco-friendly, enhances home decor, and offers continuous learning, not to mention you could start a side hustle by selling candles on Etsy!

While there is a slight learning curve, candling-making is pretty straightforward and rewarding!

Start a Hobby Blog

I couldn’t leave this one out now, could I? I love blogging! Blogging is a perfect hobby for many reasons.

Blogging is fun, rewarding, and even profitable! You can essentially blog about anything and everything. The sky is the limit!

Starting costs for blogging are minimal, and there is a bit of a learning curve, but it’s nothing you can’t tackle! I believe in you.

If you are interested in starting a blog, you may want to read How to Start a Blog in 10 Easy Steps.

Check out my blogging resources Pinterest Board filled to the brim with blogging resources to help you get started.

Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast is one of my favorite hobby ideas for mature women, and here’s why starting a podcast is a great idea:

Life Experience: By the time you hit 50, you’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and have a wealth of experiences to share. A podcast can be the perfect platform to share those stories, insights, and wisdom that younger generations can benefit from.

Connect with Like-minded Individuals: Podcasting can help you connect with people with similar interests or experiences. Whether it’s about travel, books, family life, or career changes, there’s an audience out there eager to connect and relate.

Tech-Savvy Upskilling: Contrary to the stereotype, many women over 50 are tech-savvy. But even if you’re not, starting a podcast can be a great way to learn new digital skills and keep your mind active!

Platforms like Anchor or Podbean make it easier than ever to get started.

Flexibility: One of the beauties of podcasting is that you can do it anywhere and anytime. It’s a hobby that can be molded around your schedule, whether you’re still working, semi-retired, or fully retired.

Build a Community: Podcasting can help you build a community of listeners who resonate with your content. Over time, this can lead to meaningful interactions, feedback, and even friendships.

Voice and Representation: Let’s face it, mainstream media doesn’t always represent the perspectives of women over 50. Starting a podcast can be a way to ensure that your voice, and the voices of others like you, are heard.

Potential Income: While it’s essential to start a podcast out of passion, there’s potential for monetization down the road.

Through sponsorships, ads, or listener support, what starts as a hobby could become a source of income.

Make Jewelry

While researching hobbies, I found that making jewelry is among the most popular hobbies for women over 50! How about that?!

Jewelry making is a fun hobby and is a great way to keep your hands busy, develop a new skill, and create beautiful things to wear, gift, or even sell.

Starting a hobby making jewelry is pretty straightforward.

How to start making jewelry as a hobby:

1. Decide what type of jewelry you like. Check Pinterest for inspiration.
2. Grab a book about making jewelry (There are tons!)
3. Get your hands on some supplies and tools needed.
4. Consider buying a jewelry-making kit to get started
5. Organize a dedicated workspace and storage for supplies
6. Take a jewelry-making class or two on SkillShare.

Writing as a hobby 

Writing, for many, is more than just a means of communication; it’s a passion, a therapeutic outlet, and a way to unleash creativity.

Whether you write poetry, fiction, or children’s books, embracing writing as a creative hobby can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences. Here’s why:

Self-Expression: Writing allows you to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Therapeutic Benefits: Many find solace in writing. It can be a way to process emotions, deal with trauma, or simply reflect on life.

The act of transferring thoughts from mind to paper can be cathartic.

Enhancing Creativity: Writing pushes you to think outside the box, imagine worlds beyond your own, and create characters with depth and personality. It’s a hobby that constantly challenges and nurtures your creative side.

Continuous Learning: The world of writing is vast. From exploring different genres to understanding the nuances of language, there’s always something new to learn.

Legacy Creation: Writing allows you to leave a mark, a record of your thoughts and stories for future generations.

Whether it’s personal memoirs, family stories, or fictional tales, your writings can be a legacy.

Flexibility: One of the best things about writing as a hobby is its flexibility. You can write anywhere and anytime.

Potential Opportunities: While many write purely for the joy of it, there’s always the potential to share your work with a broader audience.

From blogging to self-publishing or even traditional publishing, there are numerous avenues to explore if you wish to take your hobby to the next level.

Building Connections: Joining writing groups, attending workshops, or participating in online forums can help you connect with fellow writers. These interactions can be enriching, providing feedback, support, and camaraderie.

Brain Teasers and Memory Games

Puzzles and games that focus on using your reasoning, memory, and other mental capacities to solve the games are so good!

Crosswords, sudoku, and cryptograms are a few examples that you could start as a hobby. 

All give a well-rounded brain workout and are fun at the same time! I like cryptograms myself. 

Become a Book Worm! Reading as a hobby.

Reading, for many, is more than just a pastime—it’s a window to different worlds, cultures, and perspectives.

Embracing reading as a hobby offers a multitude of benefits:

Mental Stimulation: Reading keeps your brain sharp and can improve cognitive function.

Knowledge and Learning: Every book offers new information, whether a historical novel, a science fiction adventure, or a non-fiction exploration of a particular topic.

Great Stress Reliever: Immersing oneself in a well-written story can be an escape, transporting the reader away from daily stresses and into another realm. It’s a form of relaxation and mental reprieve.

Vocabulary Expansion: Regular reading naturally enhances vocabulary and linguistic skills, making communication more effective and expressive.

Entertainment: Simply put, reading can be incredibly entertaining. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances, there’s a genre for every taste.

Low-Cost Hobby: While many hobbies require a significant investment, reading can be relatively inexpensive, especially with resources like libraries or discounted e-books.

Join a book club

Another one of my favorite hobby ideas for women!

Joining a book club offers an opportunity to dive into diverse literary worlds, sparking intellectual stimulation and broadening horizons.

Beyond the joy of reading, it fosters social connections, allowing members to engage in enriching discussions, share perspectives, and build friendships.

For many older women, a book club becomes a cherished community, providing both camaraderie and a sense of purpose, as they explore stories and themes together.

In essence, it’s a blend of literary adventure and meaningful social interaction.

Check out this list of nine book clubs to join online!

Camping or Glamping

Get out there! Don’t you love that tagline?! 

Camping or RVing is a great way to get out and explore.

Camping may lead to a lifelong love of swimming, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, travel, kayaking, biking, and many other enriching and worthwhile hobbies! Sounds good to me.

My husband and I discuss getting an RV when he retires so we can travel and visit our many friends throughout the country.

While I love camping, I think RVing or glamping is more my speed these days.

I have a close girlfriend who has the cutest little vintage camper! She goes to women’s camping rallies and has an absolute blast!

Go RVing has a ton of information and resources about camping and RVing

Dance! 

Dancing is fun, a great way to stay in shape, and a great way to meet new people. Dancing strengthens muscles; it can increase endurance and improve overall fitness levels.

Dancing teaches balance, coordination, flexibility, and agility too! 

There are many different dance styles, from country line dancing to ballroom to salsa.! 

Search: “Learn to dance near me,” and you will be off to the races

Learn Self Defense 

Knowing how to defend yourself is always a good idea, especially today.

Self-defense and Martial arts classes are a great way to stay active.

Learning self-defense techniques will also help improve your self-esteem, self-confidence, and awareness of dangers around you that you may not be aware of and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a crime.

Here’s a great article called The seven best self-defense courses online

Learn a new language

No matter how old you are, learning a foreign language has many benefits!

Learning a new language strengthens brain functions like memory, problem-solving, multi-tasking, and observation skills.

Learning a new language is not an easy hobby by any stretch of the imagination.

Several foreign language apps are also available to download to your phone and learn a new language immediately!

Play Video Games

Playing video games is a great hobby that is both fun and beneficial for many reasons. Just look at all the benefits of video games!

Cognitive Function: Video games can help improve cognitive function keeping the mind sharp and engaged as we age.

Hand-eye coordination: Can enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, essential for maintaining dexterity and performing daily tasks.

Can Reduce Stress: Getting immersed in video games can provide an escape from daily stressors and promote relaxation, contributing to better mental health.

Social connections: Online gaming and multiplayer games can help build and maintain social connections with friends and family members or provide an opportunity to make new friends within gaming communities.

Entertainment and fun: Video games offer endless entertainment and fun, providing a sense of joy and excitement that can help combat feelings of boredom or loneliness.

Stay connected with other family members:  In this digital age, the odds are pretty high that your grown kids and grandchildren may be into playing video games.

 What better way to connect with them while having fun simultaneously?!

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a wonderful hobby for women over 50, combining physical activity with mental and emotional enrichment.

It’s not just a great way to stay active; it’s about bonding with nature and the unique connection between rider and horse.

This low-impact exercise boosts balance, coordination, and core strength.

Beyond the physical, it sharpens focus offers a serene escape, and is a great de-stresser.

Plus, it’s a social activity, with group rides, clubs, and events to meet fellow enthusiasts. In short, taking up horseback riding post-50 can elevate life with adventure, growth, and newfound friendships.

Sewing

Sewing is a classic hobby that offers both practical and creative rewards. Here’s why sewing is a great hobby idea for women over 50:

It’s a Creative hobby: Sewing allows individuals to bring designs to life, whether fashioning a new dress, crafting a quilt, or making home decor.

The possibilities are endless, limited only by imagination.

Low Physical Impact: Sewing is a wonderful hobby for those suffering from age-related ailments that keep them from other hobbies that may require physical endurance.

Therapeutic Effects: Sewing can be meditative, providing a calming effect. It’s a chance to disconnect from digital distractions and focus on the task, promoting mindfulness.

Skill Development: Sewing hones fine motor skills and attention to detail. Over time, as skills advance, projects can become more intricate and rewarding.

Community and Social Interaction: Joining sewing circles or workshops can foster community. Sharing tips, collaborating on projects, or simply enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts can be fulfilling.

Here are some Sewing Resources to help you get started:

YouTube tutorials: There are countless sewing tutorials on YouTube, covering everything from basic techniques to specific projects. Some popular sewing channels include Sewing with Nancy, Made to Sew, and Professor Pincushion.

Online classes and workshops: Websites like Skillshare, Craftsy, or Udemy offer a variety of online sewing courses that cater to different skill levels and interests.

Sewing books: Check your local library or bookstore for sewing books that provide step-by-step instructions, patterns, and inspiration for your projects.

Some popular titles include The Sewing Book by Alison Smith and The Sewing Bible by Ruth Singer.

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Music is more than just a source of entertainment.

Whether through listening or playing, music is a balm for the soul, evoking cherished memories, alleviating feelings of loneliness, and uplifting the spirit.

That said, learning an instrument such as the guitar or piano is an wonderful hobby for older adults. Here’s why:

Cognitive Boost: Engaging with music stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions. It can help in maintaining memory, improving concentration, and even delaying age-related decline.

Physical Benefits: Playing an instrument can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. For instance, the finger movements on a piano or guitar can serve as dexterity exercises.

Emotional benefits: Music has therapeutic qualities. Playing tunes can evoke nostalgia, uplift spirits, and serve as an emotional outlet, reducing feelings of loneliness or anxiety.

Lifelong Learning: It’s never too late to learn, and picking up an instrument in later years reinforces the idea of continuous personal growth.

Social Engagement: Joining music classes or groups provides older adults with opportunities to socialize, share experiences, and collaborate, fostering a sense of community.

Routine & Structure: Regular practice gives structure to daily life, creating a routine that can be both fulfilling and grounding.

Start a Side Hustle

Starting a new side hustle can be an empowering and fulfilling hobby for women over 50.

A side hustle is a part-time venture that allows you to explore your passions, develop new skills, and potentially generate extra income. 

The beauty of a side hustle is that you can tailor it to your interests, strengths, and schedule, making it a perfect addition to your routine. 

Numerous side hustles exist, such as freelancing, interior design, selling handmade crafts at flea markets, consulting, or even starting a blog, podcast or YouTube Channel.

Related article: Awesome Side Hustles for Women

Cooking as a Hobby: Unleash Your Inner Chef

If you’re into cooking, why not step it up?

With an endless sea of cuisines and recipes, cooking constantly presents new techniques and challenges to tackle. Whether you’re cooking alone or with family or friends, whipping yummy food is rewarding!

Embracing cooking as a hobby in one’s later years is a delightful and rewarding choice. Here’s why:

Health and Nutrition: As we age, dietary needs evolve. Honing cooking skills allows for better control over ingredients, ensuring meals are tasty and tailored to nutritional requirements.

Creativity and Exploration: Cooking is an art. It offers endless opportunities to experiment with flavors, ingredients, and cuisines, keeping the creative juices flowing.

Stress Relief: The rhythmic processes of chopping, stirring, and sautéing can be meditative, providing relaxation and stress relief.

Social Engagement: Sharing dishes with family members or friends or hosting small gatherings can foster connections and create lasting memories.

Here are some ways to elevate your cooking game:

Take a Local Cooking Class: Many community centers or culinary schools offer classes ranging from basic techniques to specialized cuisines.

Online Courses: Platforms like MasterClass or Udemy have many cooking courses taught by renowned chefs.

Cookbooks: Invest in a few well-reviewed cookbooks or explore your local library.

Cooking Clubs: Join or start a cooking club where members can share recipes, techniques, and experiences.

Cooking Shows: Tune into popular cooking shows on TV or streaming platforms. They offer a wealth of inspiration, techniques, and recipes

Learn Bonsai as a Hobby: Cultivate Tranquility and Artistry

If you’re searching for a hobby that combines tranquility, artistry, and a deep connection with nature, look no further than bonsai

.Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers, creating a harmonious balance between nature and human creativity.

If you are interested in learning about Bonsai, there are books on how to learn Bonsai, Bonsai kits, and online classes available.

Play Games! (Play chess, Backgammon, Scrabble…)

Playing games is a great hobby for seniors and people of all ages because the offer mental stimulation and social interaction.

Games like chess, scrabble, and backgammon demand strategic thinking, keeping the mind agile and sharp.

If you enjoy games, hosting game nights can allow us to connect with family, friends, and neighbors in a fun way.

For those looking to explore or expand their game repertoire, consider classics and favorites such as chess, poker, Monopoly, Scrabble, and other popular board games like Risk, life, and Clue.

Each offers its unique blend of strategy, luck, and fun, ensuring hours of entertainment.

Conclusion: The Best Hobbies for Women Over 50

Hobbies can be an excellent way for women over 50 to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled.

Whether you prefer something creative, active, or social, there’s a hobby out there that’s perfect for you.

So why not take the plunge and try something new? You never know where it might lead you. Whether you want to join a book club, take up gardening, or start a side hustle, the most important thing is to follow your passions and pursue the things that make you happy.

So go ahead and explore the world of hobbies – you might discover a new passion that brings joy and fulfillment to your life.

Do you have a hobby? Are you thinking about starting a new hobby?

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Until next time, stay well and get out there and enjoy your life!

XO, Christine