25 Great Ways to Fill Your Retirement Days

These hobbies can help you keep a sharp mind, a fit body and a strong sense of purpose

Bruce Horovitz,

AARP

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Published October 10, 2024

Gif of person tapping his feet, staring at fishing pole, guitar, puzzle piece, masks, painting, surf board and chef hat

Sam Island

One of the great gifts of retirement is the time to pursue pastimes old and new. For some of us, though, it’s a challenge to find the right hobby. Sure, you can take up a standby — pickleball, for example, or gardening or golf. But what if you want to explore something more unique? We consulted people with in-depth knowledge of how older adults can fill their days and achieve meaningful goals.

1. Conquer stage fright

You’ve got a lifetime of stories, and the kids think you’re funny. What’s stopping you from sharing your wit and wisdom with the world — or at least with a local audience? Many of us carry stage fright all our lives, but Juliet Simone, chief program officer at the Oasis Institute, a nonprofit organization that helps keep older adults engaged with their communities, says it can be gratifying to find comfort on a stage. Comedy clubs and cafes often host open mic nights where anyone can perform. If just you and a microphone seems a bridge too far, try improv or acting classes to hone your stage chops in a supportive group setting. Many community theaters encourage older adults to audition for plays.

2. Get cooking

Few things bring folks together like cooking. Sharing special recipes inherited from your family, your community or your travels can be a compelling way to connect with fellow retirees, says Ravina Chandra, a lifestyle coach and the author of 101 Ways to Enjoy Retirement and other books on health and hobbies for older adults. Check with culinary schools and specialty stores to find chef-led classes in your area, or search events sites such as Cozymeal, CocuSocial or Classpop. You’ll also find a wide selection of online cooking classes and food events in the AARP Virtual Community Center. For something more intimate, create a cooking club with friends and neighbors. You can take turns hosting gatherings to share recipes and show off kitchen skills.

3. Wax artistic with encaustic painting

Encaustic painters mix pigments with liquid wax and use a heating mechanism, such as a special iron or heat gun, to apply it to a wood panel, canvas or other surface. “It’s really painting with wax instead of using oil or watercolor,” says Cynthia Ross Tustin, a former firefighter who writes about unconventional hobbies for older adults in her blog, “I’m Thinking of Retiring.” It’s one of the oldest forms of painting, dating to the ancient Greeks. Tustin recommends seeking out video tutorials — there are plenty on YouTube — that explain the basics of how to paint with wax.

4. Cultivate a flower-arranging hobby

Arranging flowers is a great way to bring a little more beauty into your life. It’s also an inexpensive one if you use wildflowers plucked from the great outdoors instead of pricey, store-bought flora, Chandra says. She adds that flower arranging is less about how big and bright your arrangement looks and more about the creativity you put into it. Many local community centers and senior centers offer regular flower-arranging classes, some of them online. They’re common in retirement communities too.

Illustration of someone standing in water fishing

Fly-fishing might look like an expensive hobby, but sports-equipment resellers often have deals on gear. Local stores that sell fly-fishing equipment can also steer you toward classes.

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5. Drop a line for fly-fishing

Fans of the 1992 movie A River Runs Through It know how lovely and relaxing fly-fishing can be. Tustin gave it a shot, hiring a guide for her first time, and loved it. And while those sleek rods, colorful artificial lures and waterproof boots look (and often are) expensive, cost need not be a deterrent: Tustin spent just $40 for a used rod from a sports-equipment reseller and next to nothing for a pair of used rubber boots to slosh through streams. Look online for classes in your area. And if there’s a local store selling fly-fishing gear, there’s a good chance they’ll know where you can take a class, Tustin says.

6. Dig into your family roots

If you love browsing through old family photo albums, genealogy might be for you. “It’s a lot like being a sleuth,” says Chandra, except what you’re snooping into is your own family history. Chandra attended a class in her community and was hooked, so she continued her digging via a genealogy website. Popular sites such as Ancestry, MyHeritage and Findmypast provide extensive access to resources such as Census data, newspaper archives, records for births, marriages and deaths, and more, but they typically charge subscription fees. (One exception is FamilySearch, a free service operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) The National Archives has online tutorials and other free resources for beginner genealogists.

7. Try geocaching: Grown-up hide-and-seek

Geocaching is an outdoor activity akin to a technology-aided, global game of hide-and-seek. Players use the GPS on their cellphones to follow clues and find small treasures, or “geocaches,” hidden all over the world. “Think of it as a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt,” Chandra says. Go to Geocaching.com to create an account, either online or through the free app. That will take you to a map of geocaches in your area. The site also has lots of resources to help you hone your skills. (Similar sites include OpenCaching North America and EarthCache.) Chandra says the biggest benefit of geocaching is walking outside and interacting with nature. Other benefits include the sense of accomplishment you feel when you find the cache and sign your name into the logbook typically hidden with the treasure.

8. Make glass beads

There are few hobbies more dazzling than making glass beads, says Tustin. Sure, “lampworking” (that’s the technical term) requires some equipment, including a propane torch and a couple of clamps. Beyond that, about all you need is a foot-long glass rod, which you can pick up at any craft store, typically for a few dollars. “It’s much easier than you might think,” Tustin says. She recommends starting with a video lesson; many craft-focused YouTube channels have tutorials for beginners. Search online to see if local art centers and studios offer hands-on classes.

9. Fall under hula dancing’s sway

You might get hooked on hula for relaxing fitness and balance training. Chandra discovered hula dancing on a cruise in the North Pacific. It was love at first sway — she attended every class she could throughout the 25-day trip. If you’re a cruiser, see if hula classes are among the onboard offerings, Chandra says. But anyone can learn the basics from online videos, and senior centers and dance studios may have hula classes and workout groups.

Illustrations of bottom half of person's legs, wearing boots, music notes around legs and feet

Line dancing is a great way to get in some exercise and socialize at the same time.

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10. Step up to line dancing

Typically associated with country music, line dancing is just what the name suggests: People form lines and scoot boots in a choreographed pattern to toe-tapping tunes. “What’s really nice is you can go by yourself if you don’t have a partner,” Chandra says. Search online for line-dancing clubs and drop-in classes and events in your community. Chandra first learned her steps on GetSetUp, a virtual community for people to learn new skills; you can also find free classes at the AARP Virtual Community Center. (SilverSneakers is another site that offers line dancing lessons.) “It’s great exercise, particularly good for balance, and very social,” Chandra says. Her father, who is 91, took up line dancing after his wife died and credits it for his longevity. He learned how to do it from YouTube and now regularly goes dancing with a group that he discovered with the help of his grandkids.

11. Puzzle over jigsaw puzzles

At the height of the pandemic, Chandra got involved in an online jigsaw puzzling competition with some friends. The goal: See how many puzzles they could complete in three months. “It gave us something fun to do through the winter,” she says. Puzzling is a calming yet cognitively stimulating pastime that can be done solo or in a group. It’s as easy as buying a puzzle (or getting one for free from a friend who’s already done it) and getting to work. To make puzzling communal, try local community and senior centers or look online for Facebook jigsaw groups, Chandra suggests. The USA Jigsaw Association connects puzzlers and facilitates competitions and other events. So does the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation. Find even more resources at Puzzle Parade.

12. Become fluent in a new language

Really learning a language is one of the most mentally engaging hobbies a retiree can take up, Simone says, and one of the most useful. For example, study Spanish for that trip to Latin America you’ve always wanted to take, or learn sign language to serve in your community as an interpreter. Apps like Rosetta Stone, Babbel and Duolingo put language lessons just a click away, but Simone says in-person classes are the most effective way to learn. Community colleges are good bets for affordable beginner classes, she says.

13. Learn a musical instrument

Studies have shown that picking up an instrument in later life can have major benefits for brain health. Simone is a big fan of the harmonica (her organization regularly offers in-person classes). “The barrier to entry is pretty low,” she says. Chandra favors the ukulele — with only four strings to figure out, she says, “you can learn to play a song in 30 minutes.” Look for beginner harmonica or ukulele workshops at senior centers, community centers and music stores.

14. Try macramé

The great thing about macramé is that, unlike textile crafts such as knitting and crocheting, you don’t need any tools. It’s just you and your fingers, making beautiful and/or practical things out of special knots. Chandra learned macramé as a kid and now likes to focus her skills on decorating her walls with her creations. You can check out YouTube or macramé websites for beginners. But the best bet might be to seek out in-person classes via craft stores or folk schools in your area. Beyond making beautiful crafts, macramé can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

If you're feeling confident, consider taking a surfing lesson or attending a surf camp.

Sam Island

15. Go surfing

Think it’s too late to hang 10? Think again. Tustin took her first surfing lesson at 60 while on vacation in Costa Rica. A loaner surfboard is typically included in the price of a lesson, but if you want to do more than get your feet wet, you can buy a quality used board for less than $500, she says. (Longer, wider boards are recommended for beginners because they provide more stability.) Traveling to a warm waterfront clime? Look into local lessons. At beach destinations around the world, surf camps offer everything from one-day classes to vacation packages and programs geared for adults; check specialty booking sites such as BookSurfCamps, Surfholidays and Surfcamp-Online for options. For self-starters already near the water, Surfer magazine has a step-by-step beginner’s guide with links to instructional videos.

16. Take up mah-jongg

This Chinese game of matching tiles is colorful, sociable and even audible — the name, from a Chinese word for sparrow, references the clacking sound of the tiles being shuffled. Chandra, a board-game fan, says she resisted mah-jongg for years. She was afraid it involved too much intricate strategy. That changed when a friend who was writing a book on the game offered to teach her how to play in exchange for help with the book. “It’s such a fun game — and much easier than you think,” she says. I Love Mahj, a subscription service started by Texas mah-jongg enthusiasts, offers tools to find or start a group in your area. Another company, Modern Mahjong, has a state-by-state directory of mah-jongg communities. And Meetup has a global listing of mah-jongg groups. A 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found that regular mah-jongg play can improve attention and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

17. Go metal detecting

There’s nothing like a hobby with a little intrigue, Simone says. Metal detecting certainly has that: You never know what you’re going to find. It might be a rusty nail or an old tin can; it might be an antique coin or a valuable metal artifact. The fun is in the hunt. Plus, it gets you outside and exercising. Basically, all you need is a metal detector (you can get a basic one for under $100) and a decent spade for digging. You can find loads of how-to videos online, and resource sites such as FocusSpeed, TreasureNet and Metal Detecting Hobby Talk have tons of information. Anything of value you find is a bonus, Simone says.

18. Make miniatures a big-time hobby

Maybe you had a dollhouse as a kid, full of tiny bedroom sets, itty-bitty kitchen appliances, even wee animals. It’s never too late to start, or resume, pulling together that dollhouse fantasy. Collecting miniatures has evolved into a huge business, Chandra says, and it’s a terrific hobby for retirees because it encourages getting out of the house (many of the best finds are in thrift shops). If you’re concerned about costs — these little collectibles can have big price tags — take classes and learn how to make your own using everyday materials such as wood, cardboard and fabric. To learn more about the hobby, check out the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, American Miniaturist magazine or the United Federation of Doll Clubs.

19. Start folding origami shapes

If you’ve watched in amazement as an origami artist methodically folds paper into delicate objects, animals and shapes, imagine doing it yourself. Origami is mentally stimulating, challenging and low-cost, Chandra says — “all you need is paper,” widely available from craft stores and online retailers. Instructional videos are easy to find online. Many begin with a tutorial on the traditional origami swan. Once you’ve made one of those, you may find yourself hooked. The national nonprofit society OrigamiUSA has a directory of local origami groups and offers classes via Zoom. Paperfolding.com is also chock full of information, as is the Origami Resource Center.

Illustration of a person behind terrarium looking at it

Craft sites like Etsy, Kraft Stories or ClassBento frequently list classes on terrarium building.

Sam Island

20. Create a terrarium

Terrariums are miniature gardens tucked inside sealable glass containers. An empty terrarium is like a blank canvas. All you have to do is add the pieces, such as rocks, sticks, soil, plants and moss. Chandra says her husband, a terrarium aficionado, spends next to nothing on the hobby — most of what he uses, he finds in nature. All you really need is a big glass container, perhaps even an old, unused aquarium (although you can also use fishbowls, vases, even large mason jars, according to a DIY guide from the makers collective Terrarium Tribe). Lay down some rocks at the bottom (for drainage), then a layer of soil (for plants to grow in). The rest is up to you. Some garden and plant stores offer terrarium workshops. You can also search for classes on craft sites like Etsy, Kraft Stories or ClassBento.

21. Sashiko your clothing

If, like Tustin, you have a passion for fashion, this traditional Japanese embroidery technique might be the hobby for you. In sashiko, or “little stabs,” you use a sort of running stitch to create geometric patterns that can be functional (mending torn fabric) or purely decorative. Or both. Tustin uses it to detail old jeans she picks up at thrift stores and create baby clothes for her granddaughter. “It’s the rage in fashion now to have sashiko clothing,” she says. As with other crafty hobbies, YouTube is a good place to find starter lessons. Sewing-focused retailers and organizations such as Sashiko.lab, Upcycle Stitches and the American Quilter’s Society offer online and in-person courses. You will need specialty needles and threads, which you can buy at craft stores and sites.

22. Gaze at the stars: A heavenly hobby

No, we don’t mean hanging out in Beverly Hills hoping to catch a glimpse of Tom Cruise. This is about studying the heavens, either solo or with a group. Simone says stargazing has gained traction with older hobbyists since NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope started transmitting stunning images of the cosmos back to Earth in 2022. You don’t have to buy an expensive telescope to see the stars: Hundreds of public libraries across the U.S. loan out telescopes through their participation in the International Library Telescope Program. Another option is to link up with a local astronomy club; the American Astronomical Society’s Sky & Telescope magazine has a searchable directory.

23. Take up tai chi

Derived from an ancient Chinese martial art, tai chi can look like exercise in slo-mo — an ultra-low-impact workout involving deep breathing and deliberate, graceful movements that geriatricians increasingly recommend for older adults. The nonprofit Tai Chi Foundation produces demonstration videos, hosts online classes (some free, some with a fee) and holds in-person courses at affiliated centers in several states. Check with local senior and community centers too; many offer classes. Tai chi enhances balance and stability without the joint stress that can come with jogging and is often recommended for people with arthritis.

24. Tutor children

Not every hobby has to be about you. Many elementary schools work with nonprofit groups like the Oasis Institute and the AARP Foundation to connect students who struggle to read with retirees looking to give back to their communities. Few things in life are as deeply satisfying as helping a kid become a confident reader, Simone says. Check with a local elementary school or ask a librarian about tutoring programs in your area, Simone suggests.

25. Write a book (or books)

There aren’t many hobbies more ego-gratifying than publishing a book. And few understand this better than Chandra, who has self-published three books about hobbies for retired folks and is working on a series of children’s books. The latter genre can be especially fulfilling for older folks, she says, because it offers a creative path to self-expression and lets you share your life’s wisdom with others. Come up with an idea for a book that will interest both you and your intended audience. Platforms such as Shopify, BookBaby and Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing offer guides and tools for self-publishing.

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Bruce Horovitz is a contributing writer who covers personal finance and caregiving. He previously wrote for The Los Angeles Times and USA Today. Horovitz regularly writes for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Investor’s Business Daily, AARP The Magazine, AARP Bulletin, Kaiser Health News and PBS’s Next Avenue.