28 Hobby Ideas for Seniors

According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors who maintain an active lifestyle live longer, think better, are more resilient and, most importantly, they’re happier. Whether you do it alone or with others, taking part in a hobby is a fun and rewarding way to stay active. Hobbies allows you to express yourself creatively, expand your mind, move your body or make new friends. Check out our list of hobby ideas and activities to try in 2025. 

Try One of These Hobby Ideas for Seniors

1. Learn a new language
Seniors who take on a second language improve cognitive function and may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. You don’t even need a teacher. Try apps like Duolingo or Babbel to start practicing right away. 

2. Play a musical instrument

Whether you choose guitar or ukulele, violin or piano, oboe or harmonica, learning any instrument boosts memory and coordination. And creating a melody is a most satisfying accomplishment. Start small with online tutorials or local classes. 

3. Tend a garden
Gardening helps you soak up vitamin D, get light exercise and stay socially active when you join local gardening groups. Indoor gardening options also abound during cooler months. 

4. Volunteer your time
Contributing time to a cause you believe in improves emotional well-being. Programs like AmeriCorps Seniors connect adults 55+ to opportunities in tutoring, caregiving and community work. 

5. Join a club
From book clubs to walking or biking groups, joining a club builds social connections. Don’t see a group you love? Start one in your community. 

6. Find your fit
Whether it’s a dance class or a water aerobics group, staying fit becomes easier – and more fun – when you find an activity you enjoy. 

7. Swimming
This full-body workout is gentle on joints, making it ideal for seniors with arthritis or osteoporosis. It’s a powerful mix of fun, relaxation and low-impact exercise. 

8. Pilates
More challenging than yoga but equally low-impact, Pilates strengthens your core and enhances balance. These benefits help reduce the risk of falls. 

9. Travel the state, country or world
Whether you crave national parks or Mediterranean cruises, travel reinvigorates your spirit. Women Traveling Together® and Road Scholar are great options for senior travelers. 

10. Leatherworking
Crafting leather goods like belts, wallets or handbags helps improve fine motor skills and mental focus. It’s a great blend of practicality and creativity – with beautiful results that can be great gifts or your next side hustle. 

11. Pottery
Creating ceramic pieces helps with hand–eye coordination and stress reduction. Take a class, join a studio or work from home with a beginner’s kit. 

12. Pick up a paintbrush
Explore acrylics, oils or watercolors – painting enhances creativity and reduces anxiety. Local workshops and YouTube tutorials can help you get started. 

13. Make your own greeting cards
Crafting cards allows you to personalize your messages for friends and family, all while giving your creative muscles a stretch. 

14. Play a board game
Games like Mexican Train Dominoes or Catan offer mental stimulation and social interaction – a great way to spend time with family and friends. 

15. Put together a jigsaw puzzle
This simple yet rewarding activity improves memory, attention span and spatial reasoning. 

16. Video games
Games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing offer a fun way to keep your mind sharp and stay socially connected. They promote strategic thinking and emotional satisfaction. With popular Wii Sports, you’ll put your body in motion too. 

17. Build your family tree
Researching genealogy gives you a deeper understanding of your roots. Use FamilySearch.org or Ancestry.com to get started. 

18. Write it down
Whether it’s journaling, poetry or writing a family memoir, writing exercises your brain and gives voice to your experiences. 

19. Get on stage
Open mic nights and karaoke are a fun way to share poetry, comedy or music. They also help boost confidence and build community connections. 

20. Try modeling
Senior modeling is on the rise. Contact a local talent agency and find out how to audition for ads, catalogs or commercial work. 

21. Drone flying
Flying drones is easy to learn and offers rewarding experiences. Film scenic views, track wildlife or explore your neighborhood from new heights – it’s a cool way to connect with grandkids. Plus, selling stock footage can be a great way to earn a little extra income. 

22. Exercise your mind
Lifelong learning is vital to keep cognitive activity and memory sharp. Sites like MasterClass, Khan Academy or Udemy let you master new subjects at your own pace. 

23. Become an instructor
Have a skill you’d love to teach? Use platforms like Udemy or Skillshare to build a course and share your knowledge with the world. You can also find local tutoring companies and help students with subjects like English Language Arts, math and even standardized test preparation. 

24. Join a book club
Stay mentally sharp and socially engaged by discussing new reads with fellow bookworms. Not sure what to read? Barnes and Noble offers recommendations on best-sellers and staff favorites. 

25. Take a hike
Hiking offers cardiovascular benefits and mental clarity. Look up nearby trails using American Hiking Society. 

26. Go birding
All you need is a good field guide and a pair of binoculars. Birdwatching can be peaceful, exciting and a way to stay attuned to your environment. Check out Audubon for tips on getting started. 

27. Become a Citizen Scientist
Join ongoing scientific projects by observing nature, measuring weather or collecting data. The Federal Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Catalog lists many ways to get involved. 

28. Ride a bicycle
Cycling boosts heart health and helps maintain mobility. Choose a cruiser or electric bike to make riding more accessible and fun. 

Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

Come live in a retirement community that values creativity and activity. With so much to do and plenty of amenities, you’ll have endless opportunities to boost your quality of life. Explore our fully stocked arts and crafts studio, pick up a new fitness routine with our wellness programs, find a partner for a round of cards in our game room or go off on your own adventure. To learn more, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us today!