Hobbies for Women Over 50 – Amazing Ideas from the Sixty and Me Community
One of the best things about life as we get older is that we finally have a little extra time to do the things we love. Having interesting hobbies keeps our minds and bodies active while we transition into our senior years. This is the time to look into what interests you and what sparks your curiosity.
Do you have a passion for certain activities that you have secretly wanted to do? Do you want to produce magic with paints, wool, or glass? Or maybe you want to create beauty with words and music?
As women, we seem to have a universal desire to express our creativity. We have an insatiable desire to shape order from chaos and to create things that never existed before.
Read HOW CRAFTING OPENS THE DOOR TO CREATIVITY – NO IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO BEGIN AT 60!
What Are Hobbies?
Hobbies are activities you do that are not work-related and that typically are not remunerated. They can take up as little or as much of your time as you wish. You can do them alone, with a loved one, or in a group.
Hobbies shape our personalities, energize, inspire, and sometimes connect us with other like-minded people. They often end up bringing meaning to our lives. Doing something creative or maybe sports-related can relax us and help us unwind.
It can be anything from knitting to paddleboarding. Find the things that interest you and give them a try. You can try several different things and stick with the ones that you are the most passionate about.
So Many Hobbies to Choose From
When I asked the Sixty and Me Community to tell me about their favorite hobbies, the answers were as diverse and fabulous as the thousands upon thousands of women from around the world who shared their passions with me.
Some had eclectic hobbies, others were more traditional. If you are looking for a new hobby, I hope that you find their suggestions intriguing and valuable.
Have a hobby of your own to suggest? Please don’t forget to add it in the comments at the end of this article.
Let’s explore the types of hobbies that women over 50 wrap their hearts around – some of them may surprise you!
Arts and Crafts
Arts and Crafts were a popular response from our Sixty and Me community. Does one of the below take your fancy but you don’t know where to start? Why not look for a local class to get started, not only will you get a new hobby, but you might meet some new friends too!
Cooking / Cake Decorating
Cooking and baking are immersive hobbies that blend creativity with precision. Cooking, a canvas for culinary exploration, lets you experiment with flavors, making it a personalized journey through diverse cuisines. Baking lets you produce sweet and beautifully decorated cakes.
The joy of continuous learning keeps you engaged, as you navigate challenges, from intricate cake decorating to mastering new recipes.
Sewing / Embroidery / Knitting / Quilting / Crocheting / Traditional Felting / Rug Hooking / Beading / Needlepoint / Hand Spinning
With a needle and thread in hand, sewing transforms fabric into wearable art, allowing you to stitch together pieces that mirror your personal style. Embroidery adds an exquisite touch, turning plain fabric into a canvas for intricate designs, each stitch a testament to your patience and artistic flair. Knitting and crocheting weave warmth and comfort, as your hands create intricate patterns, producing cozy garments and accessories. Quilting blends functionality and artistic expression, with carefully pieced fabrics forming a quilt that narrates stories and memories.
Traditional felting, rug hooking, and hand spinning delve into heritage crafts, connecting you to age-old techniques. The process of felting transforms wool into sturdy textiles, while rug hooking produces vibrant, textured pieces for the home. Hand spinning, an ancient art, turns raw fibers into yarn, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary creativity.
Beading, needlepoint, and other intricate crafts involve meticulous attention to detail, as you adorn fabrics with tiny, colorful embellishments, creating visually stunning pieces. These hobbies are not just creative outlets; they are immersive experiences, allowing you to intertwine tradition with personal expression, one stitch at a time.
Gardening / Flower Arranging
Getting into gardening and flower arranging is like stepping into a magical natural world. Gardening is a calming adventure where you plant seeds, watch them grow into colorful flowers and green plants, and feel the soil in your hands. Taking care of your garden becomes a peaceful routine, making you feel connected to the earth.
Then there’s flower arranging, where you become an artist with nature’s colors and shapes. Picking flowers and leaves, you create beautiful bouquets, bringing the outdoor freshness inside. It’s not just arranging flowers; it’s a way to show off the garden’s beauty in your home, making your space lively and happy. Both gardening and flower arranging are not just hobbies; they’re like having your own slice of nature that brings joy and calmness to your everyday life.
Scrapbooking / Making Cards / Making Jewellery
Scrapbooking is like telling stories with pictures, letting you arrange memories in colorful pages, creating a visual journey that captures moments in time. It’s a hands-on adventure where you cut, paste, and design, turning simple materials into cherished keepsakes.
Making cards is a personalized way to spread joy. Crafting heartfelt messages and decorating cards with your unique touch adds a special warmth to your greetings. Each card becomes a small, handmade treasure, conveying your sentiments in a way that words alone cannot.
Then there’s jewelry making, a fusion of art and adornment. Selecting beads, wires, and charms, you string together your vision, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your style. Crafting jewelry isn’t just about fashion; it’s about expressing your individuality through wearable art. These creative pursuits are more than hobbies; they’re gateways to expressing yourself, turning ordinary materials into extraordinary expressions of your personality.
Stained Glass / Painting / Drawing / Calligraphy / Making Mosaics / Pottery
With stained glass, you piece together colorful fragments, creating beautiful works of art. Painting and drawing are like putting your imagination on paper, expressing feelings and ideas through colors and lines. Calligraphy turns writing into an art form, where each stroke tells a story with elegance. Making mosaics lets you play with small pieces, arranging them into intricate patterns that become stunning artworks. Pottery is a hands-on adventure, shaping clay into bowls, cups, and sculptures, turning earthy materials into functional or decorative pieces.
Decorating
Taking on interior decorating as a hobby is like being your own home stylist. It’s about transforming spaces into personal havens that reflect your taste and personality. You play with colors, furniture, and decor, turning rooms into beautiful spaces.
Selecting curtains, rugs, and cushions is an expression of your style, adding warmth and character to each corner. It’s a creative puzzle where you arrange pieces to create an atmosphere that feels uniquely yours.
Interior decorating isn’t just about arranging furniture; it’s about curating a living space that resonates with you, making every room a canvas for your aesthetic vision. It’s a hands-on way to turn a house into a home, infusing each space with comfort, style, and a touch of your own design flair.
Sports and Movement
Keeping moving as we age is really great for our health. We loved some of the adventurous hobbies you have such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP as you will often see it called) right through to the less strenuous (but just as good for you) suggestions of Tai Chi and walking on the beach. Not lucky enough to live by the sea? Why don’t you get a group of friends together and explore your local area?
Swimming / Yoga / Jazzercise / Tai Chi / Cycling /Aqua Aerobics
Each activity is a dynamic way to stay active, healthy, and energized. Whether gliding in water or moving to music, these active hobbies offer diverse paths to fitness and well-being.
Read 5 WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR YOGA ROUTINE IN YOUR 60S OR BETTER.
Read WHAT IS TAI CHI AND WHY IT’S GOOD FOR SENIORS.
Playing Golf
Golf is a calm and focused game played on well-kept courses. It combines precision and relaxation, offering a timeless way to enjoy the outdoors while honing your skills.
Read 7 BEST GOLF CLUBS FOR SENIOR LADIES
Dancing
Dancing is pure joy in motion. Whether moving to a beat or expressing yourself through graceful steps, it’s a vibrant way to stay active and have fun. With every sway and twirl, dancing becomes a delightful fusion of rhythm, self-expression, and fitness.
Stand Up Paddling
SUP is a peaceful adventure on the water. Balancing on a board, you glide across the surface, enjoying the tranquility. It’s a simple yet invigorating activity, merging relaxation with a touch of adventure as you paddle.
Horseback Riding / Dressage
Riding a horse, especially in dressage, is like dancing with a majestic partner. Sitting tall on the saddle, you and the horse move together in a graceful performance. It’s a peaceful yet powerful experience, where communication between rider and horse forms a beautiful harmony of movement and connection.
Walking on the Beach
Feeling the sand beneath your feet and listening to the waves is a simple yet soothing activity. The sound of the ocean, the fresh breeze, and the rhythm of your steps create a peaceful moment of relaxation
Read BEST WALKING SHOES FOR SENIOR WOMEN
Dog Walking / Dog Training / Pets
Dog walking and training are joyful interactions with furry friends. Whether strolling through the neighborhood or teaching new tricks, it’s a simple and rewarding bonding experience. The wagging tail and eager eyes reflect the pure joy of companionship, turning each moment with the animal into a source of happiness and connection.
Martial Arts / Krav Maga / Self Defense
Taking up martial arts, Krav Maga, or self-defense is about mastering techniques that blend discipline and empowerment. Through focused training, you enhance your physical and mental strength. It’s a practical and dynamic way to build confidence while acquiring skills that prioritize personal safety. These practices offer a unique combination of fitness, self-control, and the ability to protect oneself.
Traveling and Exploring
People always say they wish they could take better photos, particularly whilst traveling. If you want to improve your travel snaps why not sign up to MasterClass and learn from some of the best?
Shopping / Flea Markets / Garage Sales
Shopping, whether at flea markets or garage sales, is a treasure hunt for unique finds. Roaming through stalls or perusing items in someone’s driveway, it’s a simple yet exciting way to discover hidden gems. From vintage treasures to everyday bargains, each purchase becomes a small celebration of finding something special.
Visiting Libraries and Museums
Going to libraries and museums is like stepping into worlds of knowledge and creativity. Whether you’re surrounded by books or exploring exhibits, it’s a simple but enriching way to learn and discover. The quiet in a library or the interesting displays in a museum make it a calm and mind-opening experience, encouraging a love for learning and an appreciation for culture.
Traveling / Exploring Parks
Whether discovering new cities or wandering through green spaces, it’s a simple yet exhilarating way to experience the world. From the thrill of discovering different cultures to the tranquility of nature, each trip becomes an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment, creating lasting memories along the way.
Read SENIORS GUIDE TO THE TOP 10 U.S. NATIONAL PARKS
Also read THE 10 SAFEST COUNTRIES TO TRAVEL AS A WOMAN OVER 50.
Sailing / Camping / Hiking
Whether gliding on the water, setting up camp, or trekking through trails, these activities offer simple yet exhilarating ways to connect with nature. The gentle sway of a boat, the crackling of a campfire, or the crunch of leaves underfoot create moments of pure enjoyment and adventure, making each experience a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors.
Photography / Bird Watching / Wildlife
Taking pictures, watching birds, and exploring wildlife offer simple but deep connections with nature. The sound of a camera click, the birds chirping, and the marvel of different creatures make each moment a snapshot of the wonders around us.
Music
What a great hobby music is – whether you write, play or listen, it can really change your mood. With a pair of headphones, you can also take it anywhere.
Read 5 MUSIC APPS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.
Singing / Writing Songs
Singing and writing songs are simple yet powerful ways to express emotions and tell stories. The melody and lyrics create a harmonious blend of self-expression, turning each musical effort into a heartfelt journey of creativity and connection.
Playing Music / Listening to Music
Playing music or listening to tunes is a simple way to express feelings. Whether making melodies or enjoying beats, these activities are sure to bring joy.
JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Home Bodies
All of these are great examples of hobbies you can have without leaving the comfort of your home. Unsurprisingly, reading was a very popular choice.
Watching TV / Watching Movies / Surfing the Internet / Playing on iPad
Whether you’re immersed in a show, enjoying a film, exploring online content, or playing games, these activities provide simple yet enjoyable ways to unwind and entertain yourself.
Read 10 GAME APPS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.
Journaling / Writing
Journaling and writing are calming ways to express thoughts and ideas. Whether jotting down personal reflections or crafting stories, these activities offer simple yet meaningful outlets for creativity and self-expression. The act of putting pen to paper or typing on a screen creates a meditative space, turning each written word into a canvas for introspection and storytelling.
Armchair Traveling
Armchair traveling is a simple and imaginative way to explore the world from the comfort of your home. Whether flipping through travel books, watching documentaries, or virtually experiencing different places online, this activity provides a pleasant escape and a chance to learn about diverse cultures without leaving your seat.
Crosswords / Sudoku
Whether filling in words or numbers, these activities provide a relaxing yet challenging way to exercise your mind. The satisfaction of completing a puzzle, the focus required for each clue or number placement, turns each session into an enjoyable mental exercise that sharpens your cognitive skills.
Reading
Reading is a simple yet enriching activity that opens the door to new worlds. Whether diving into a novel, exploring non-fiction, or enjoying a magazine, this pastime offers a quiet escape and a chance to expand your knowledge.
Book of the Month Subscription
Other
Volunteering
The act of volunteering creates a sense of fulfillment and connection, turning each effort into a valuable contribution to the community.
Read 5 EXCELLENT REASONS WHY WE SHOULD VOLUNTEER IN OUR 60S (CONSIDER #2)
Also read VOLUNTEERING ABROAD DESTINATIONS FOR ACTIVE WOMEN OVER 50.
Spiritual Activities
Engaging in spiritual activities involves simple yet profound practices that nurture your inner self. Whether through prayer, meditation, or attending religious services, these activities offer a quiet space for reflection and connection with your spiritual beliefs.
Amateur Drama / Community Radio
Whether acting in plays or contributing to radio shows, these activities offer a platform for storytelling and entertainment within a community setting. Each performance or broadcast becomes a shared experience, fostering connections and bringing people together through the joy of creative expression.
Learning a New Language
Each word learned and sentence formed becomes a small victory, turning the process into a fulfilling journey of expanding skills and cultural understanding.
Rosetta Stone Language Learning
Read WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE IN A HOMESTAY ABROAD.
Genealogy
Genealogy is a fascinating yet simple exploration of family history. Whether delving into records, talking to relatives, or using online tools, this activity unveils the stories of your ancestors. Every found link and detail is like a puzzle piece, weaving together a meaningful story of your family’s past and heritage.
And then we had Deirdre who said:
“Friends and family, dressmaking, sewing, knitting, gardening, cooking, interior design, decorating, reading, involvement in classic car club and classic cars, our motorhome and traveling, learning new skills and crafts, on-line courses, and anything that takes my fancy.”
I love the fact that Deirdre said that her hobbies were anything that took her fancy. For me, that’s what a hobby should be.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you see any hobbies for women over 50 on the list that you want to try? Are there any other hobbies that you would like to recommend to the rest of the community? Please add your comments below. Let’s have a conversation!
Just a few days ago I did my first session in Krav Maga with a fantastic female IKMF instructor here in the U.K. I don’t want to feel vulnerable as I age and Krav challenges my mind and body. Turning 60 in January, this is an empowering new hobby .. so excited.