Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down or sticking to the same old routine.
In fact, your 50s and beyond can be a brilliant time to try something completely new. You might have more freedom, more confidence in yourself and, perhaps most importantly, a better idea of what you actually enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, something to fill your weekends, a way to meet new people or simply an excuse to get out of the house, there are plenty of hobbies for over 50s to choose from.
And you don’t have to be naturally talented, particularly sporty or experienced. The whole point of a hobby is to enjoy yourself.
Here are 20 hobbies for adults over 50 that are worth trying.
1. Walking
Walking is one of the easiest hobbies to start because you don’t need lots of expensive equipment or previous experience.
You could explore local countryside, discover new routes, join a walking group or simply make a regular weekend walk part of your routine.
It’s also a great way to combine a hobby with socialising, particularly if you join a local walking group.
2. Photography
You don’t need a professional camera to enjoy photography.
Your phone is more than enough to get started.
Try photographing local architecture, wildlife, landscapes, gardens or interesting places when you’re out and about.
You could even join a photography group and learn from other people while exploring somewhere new.
3. Gardening
Gardening can be as simple or as ambitious as you want it to be.
Growing flowers, vegetables or herbs can give you something to look after and something to look forward to throughout the year.
If you don’t have a garden, you could try container gardening, an allotment or even growing herbs on a windowsill.
4. Dancing
Dancing isn’t just for people who already know what they’re doing.
From ballroom and salsa to line dancing and swing, there are classes for complete beginners.
It’s also one of the best hobbies for over 50s if you’re looking for something that combines learning, music, exercise and meeting other people.
And there’s nothing wrong with having a laugh while you’re learning.
5. Travelling
Travel doesn’t have to mean booking a two-week holiday and flying to the other side of the world.
You could start by exploring places closer to home, taking day trips or booking a weekend away.
Group travel can be particularly enjoyable if you want to see somewhere new without having to organise everything yourself — and it’s a great way to meet people along the way.
6. Cooking
If you enjoy food, why not turn it into a hobby?
Try learning a new cuisine, experiment with recipes you’ve never attempted or take a cookery class.
You could even make it a social activity by inviting friends over for dinner and cooking something you’ve never made before.
7. Learning a language
Always wanted to speak another language?
There’s no reason you can’t start now.
Learning a language can be a great mental challenge and can make travelling even more enjoyable.
Look for local classes or online groups where you can practise with other learners.
8. Art and painting
You don’t have to consider yourself artistic to enjoy painting or drawing.
Try watercolours, acrylics, sketching, pottery or even life drawing.
The important thing isn’t creating a masterpiece. It’s having something enjoyable to concentrate on and learning as you go.
9. Volunteering
If you want a hobby that gives something back, volunteering could be perfect.
There are opportunities with charities, community groups, animal organisations, local events and many other causes.
It’s also a brilliant way to meet people and become more involved in your local community.
10. Golf
Golf can be a great long-term hobby because there’s always something new to learn.
You can play casually, join a club, have lessons or make it part of a social weekend.
And if you’re already a keen golfer, joining a new group or playing different courses can be a great way to expand your social circle.
11. Live music
If you love music, start looking at what’s happening locally.
You could go to concerts, tribute acts, festivals, smaller live music venues or outdoor performances.
You don’t necessarily need to wait for someone else to come with you either. Music is often an easy environment in which to meet people.
12. Reading
Sometimes the best hobbies are the simplest.
Joining a book club can make reading a much more social experience, giving you the chance to discuss books with other people and discover authors you might never have picked up yourself.
And if you prefer reading alone, that’s fine too.
13. Joining a quiz team
If you enjoy general knowledge and a bit of friendly competition, find a local quiz night.
You don’t need to know everything. In fact, the best teams usually have people with completely different areas of knowledge.
It’s also an easy way to meet people because you’ve immediately got something to talk about.
14. Crafting
There are hundreds of crafts you could try, including knitting, sewing, crochet, woodworking, jewellery making and ceramics.
Craft groups can also be a lovely way to turn an individual hobby into a social activity.
15. Cycling
If you’re looking for a more active hobby, cycling could be worth exploring.
You can start at your own pace and gradually build up your distances.
There are also plenty of cycling groups and organised rides where you can meet other people who enjoy getting out on two wheels.
16. Theatre and performing arts
You don’t have to be on stage to enjoy theatre.
You could join an amateur dramatics group, help backstage, take part in a local production or simply become a regular theatre-goer.
Trying something that pushes you slightly outside your comfort zone can be surprisingly rewarding.
17. Exploring your local area
You might be surprised by how much there is to discover close to home.
Visit historic buildings, museums, gardens, markets and villages you’ve never properly explored.
Make a list of places you’ve always meant to visit and start ticking them off.
You could even turn it into a regular monthly day out.
18. Joining a social club
A social club can be a great option if your main goal isn’t necessarily to find one particular hobby, but to get out more and meet people.
The benefit is that you can try lots of different activities rather than committing yourself to one.
Spice Social, for example, brings people together through a wide range of social events, including meals, walks, days out, parties, weekends away and holidays.
It’s about friendship, getting out and having fun — not dating.
19. Trying something completely new
Sometimes the best hobby is the one you’ve never considered.
Try skiing.
Learn to play an instrument.
Take up paddleboarding.
Join a choir.
Try your hand at photography.
Learn to cook something completely different.
You might discover something you absolutely love.
And even if you don’t, you’ve still tried something new.
20. Making your hobby more social
Whatever hobby you choose, think about whether you can make it more social.
Instead of walking alone, join a walking group.
Instead of reading alone, join a book club.
Instead of travelling alone, look at group holidays.
Instead of taking photographs by yourself, find a photography group.
A hobby can be about enjoying your own interests, but it can also be a fantastic way to meet people who have something in common with you.
Why hobbies become even more important as we get older
Our routines can change considerably as we get older.
Work might become less demanding or eventually disappear altogether. Children may leave home. Friendships can change. Relationships can end. We might move to a new area.
That can leave us with more free time — but sometimes fewer opportunities to naturally meet people.
Having hobbies and interests gives you something to look forward to and a reason to get out and about.
More importantly, hobbies can introduce you to people you might never have met otherwise.
Looking for more ways to get out and meet people?
If you’re looking for hobbies for over 50s because you’d like to get out more, meet people and have more things to look forward to, a social group could be a great place to start.
At Spice Social, our members take part in all sorts of activities and events across the UK. From walks and meals to parties, days out, weekends away and holidays, there’s plenty of opportunity to try something different and meet new people.
You don’t need to arrive knowing everyone.
You don’t need to be particularly outgoing.
And you certainly don’t need to be looking for a relationship.
Sometimes, all you need is the willingness to try something new.
Find your local spice group and see what’s happening near you
