The 10 Best Hobbies for Adults Over 50

When you’re younger, hobbies often fall in your lap. However, hobbies for adults are things you have to actively seek out. 

Back in the day, it was normal to sign up at the local swim club and take it up as a hobby, but this rarely happens when you’re older. 

As people age, it often becomes more daunting for them to try their hand at something new. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

The point of engaging in hobbies for adults isn’t to be the best or to win prizes. It’s about enjoying yourself and making new friends. 

Here are 10 of the best pastimes for adults over 50. Feel free to try a few of them out!

Hobbies for Adults: 10 Favorite

1. Woodworking

Did you study woodwork at school? If so, why not try to pick it up again? Alternatively, you could try it out for the first time.

Woodworking is a fantastic solo hobby that you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

It’s also a way for you to fashion thoughtful gifts for your family and friends. 

2. Crocheting

Crocheting is another great hobby that can help you create a bunch of fun and colorful presents. 

Unlike woodworking, crocheting is a hobby that allows you to multitask. You can crochet while catching up on your favorite show or calling your kids on Facetime. 

3. Playing Chess 

Your 50s are a great time to take up chess or to improve your game if you dabbled with it as a child.

Chess is a game of skill. This makes it one of the most fantastic hobbies for adults. 

Better yet? It’s great for your brain too. Studies show that chess can improve your cognitive function. 

4. Gardening 

With Summer coming up, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your garden. 

Being outside is a great way to boost your mood and destress. So why not purchase seeds of your favorite plants, fruit, or veg and try your hand at growing them? 

Sometimes, gardening doesn’t yield the results you want, but that’s part of the fun. Plus, nothing can ever beat a garden-fresh tomato salad.

If you’re a total gardening newbie, join a local gardening group to learn the basics.

5. Writing

Writing is one of the most therapeutic hobbies for adults out there. 

Whether you try your hand at short stories, poetry, or journaling, writing is a rewarding pastime that requires little to no experience and money. 

You don’t have to think hard about it — just bring a pen to paper, or fingertips to keyboard, and start writing how you feel. 

6. Walking

Why drive when you can walk? Walking may seem like an odd hobby, but it’s quite a rewarding one. 

Whether you opt to walk the Camino or a group hiking trip, walking is an easy hobby that can take you around the world. 

Alternatively, you could just ditch your car and walk to the grocery store. 

When you walk everywhere, you learn new things about your neighborhood you would’ve otherwise missed.

7. Volunteering

Volunteering isn’t just one of the best hobbies for adults out there, it’s also a great way to make friends and give back. 

Begin by researching nearby nonprofits that are close to your heart and then ask if they are looking for new volunteers. Chances are they’d be happy to have you help out.

If you choose an organization you love, you already know you have one major thing in common with the other people who work there. This puts you in a wonderful position to meet new friends.

8. Origami 

Origami is a simple yet fascinating pastime. It’s also a great crowd pleaser if you’re at a dinner party.

Sure, this craft may seem like a peculiar pastime, but it can be pretty enjoyable and as far as hobbies for adults go, it’s also very inexpensive to get started.

Start by researching beginner origami tutorials online and then give it a go.

9. Letter writing

When was the last time you got a thoughtful, hand-written letter in the mail? 

Letter-writing may have gone out of fashion, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less rewarding. So quit sending letters exclusively on Christmas and birthdays and instead, make it a year-round activity. 

Writing a letter to a friend or loved one will make their day. Plus, it’ll spice up the kind of mail that you receive. Say goodbye to only receiving boring bills and notices! 

Painting

Painting can be incredibly relaxing, no matter your artistic talents! It can also be a fantastic way to forge platonic friendships. 

So avoid skipping painting simply because you’re not a Picasso. Instead, leave behind your ego and give it a go! 

Simply research a nearby still art or live painting class online and you can learn amongst other art fanatics.

Hobbies for adults aren’t just fun, they’re beneficial too. So why not try your hand at one? 

Simply take a look at our favorites, choose the pastime that interests you the most, and enjoy yourself!

Remember you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!