10 Unusual Hobbies for Seniors (2021)

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Finding a hobby as a senior can help pass the large amounts of free time after entering retirement. Even strange hobbies can promote good mental and physical health in seniors. So, what are some of the unusual hobbies for seniors?

Some of the unusual hobbies for seniors include learning martial arts, beekeeping, hot air ballooning, or even learning Irish dancing. Other hobbies include woodworking, trainspotting, geocaching, live-action role-playing, collecting different items, or even rock balancing.

Let’s take a closer look at these ten unusual hobbies for seniors.

Learning Martial Arts

While it isn’t unusual for younger generations to take up martial arts as a form of defense or to compete, more seniors have started taking up the sport as well. It’s an activity that involves a full-body workout but also keeps their minds sharp.

Many martial arts involve a form of meditation that works to relieve stress and calms the mind. This can make martial arts a fulfilling hobby for seniors to take up after retirement. It’s always important to consult a doctor before starting a new physical activity, no matter your age.

Beekeeping

For those who enjoy gardening, beekeeping could be a hobby you’d enjoy. They often go hand in hand due to the nature of one of the bees’ primary functions: to pollinate plants. Beekeeping can be great for seniors because the hobby doesn’t require excessive amounts of strength or endurance. The best part is that you can keep a small hive that wouldn’t demand such things.

It’s important to keep in mind that there could be laws in place for your area that would prevent keeping bees on your property, or you may need to have a special license. It’s best to do a little research on your city or town’s requirements to ensure you can pursue your interests in beekeeping.

Hot Air Ballooning

If you have the time and aren’t afraid of heights, hot air ballooning is a hobby, unlike any other. It may not be something you can do every day, but it’s a hobby you could quickly get addicted to. Between the weightlessness of flying through the sky and the gorgeous views, hot air ballooning is a perfect balance of thrills and serenity.

There is a calmness that settles in on those in the balloon as it drifts high above the ground. The only sounds heard are when the hot air is filling the balloon. There’s also an intense silence that envelops the riders and is sure to relax you immediately.

When starting, it’s important to remember to have someone more advanced taking the controls. If you’re a beginner, don’t simply run out and buy an old hot air balloon. Hire someone to take you up, or maybe take some lessons.

Taking Irish Dancing Lessons

Now, many people start dancing lessons when they have a bit of free time. It’s usually one of those things people say, “I wish I’d done that sooner.” Well, as a senior, you have the time to learn!

Most people go with classical dance lessons in ballroom dancing. However, you can spice things up a bit and learn how to do some of those famous Irish jigs. They are typically fast-paced and will really get your heart rate pumping. Plus, the music isn’t bad, either.

Dance lessons of any kind will introduce you to groups of wonderful people who have the same interests as you do. This is just another reason to give it a shot.

Woodworking

Woodworking is a popular hobby among seniors. It’s a physical hobby that also engages their minds so they can keep a healthy lifestyle well into retirement. It can also be a group activity that can help prevent feelings of loneliness.

As mentioned, woodworking is a rather physical activity. Wood is heavy, and if you’re building or fixing a large piece, it may be difficult if your strength isn’t there. Make sure you take it easy and don’t push yourself if you can’t lift something. If working with large and extremely heavy items, ask someone for help.

Woodworking can be a fun project to do with younger generations as a way to bond and build memories. The project’s result will always be a reminder of the good times you have with each other.

Trainspotting

Trainspotting is a hobby that means exactly what the name suggests. Those who trainspot are simply looking for trains that come into their area. Some will travel to other areas to find similar trains to their favorites.

The main goal of this hobby is to get out of the house and into the fresh air. Trainspotters will walk along the railways and seek out the trains. They’ll take pictures, log trail information, and just learn everything they can about them.

Usually, trainspotters have a book that keeps track of the different types of trains one could see. You’ll use this guide as you go out and check off any of the train types you happen to find.

Geocaching

Geocaching is one of the weirder hobbies to get into, but it’s an adventure every time you step out to find a cache. The general concept is that you download the geocaching app onto your phone and follow the GPS directions to find the cache.

The cache is going to be an item of a certain value. You don’t keep the cache once you find it. Unless the rules for that item state you’re meant to replace it with something similar. If you’re not meant to replace the item, you might be asked to sign a “guest book,” or you can just take a picture with the item.

It’s a fun and unique way to get out of the house and go on an adventure. You’ll get the opportunity to see more of the area that you live in. It also involves quite a bit of walking around, so you’ll have your blood pumping in no time.

Live-Action Role Playing

Another unusual hobby to get into is live-action role-playing, also known as LARPing. This strange phenomenon was born out of similar games like Dungeons and Dragons. There are over 30 groups in the United States that are dedicated to the hobby.

If you love improvisation and fantasy, you’ll love LARPing. Those who participate in the activity often meet in a designated place such as a park, and they must fulfill the plot’s goals. It’s typically done in the fantasy genre.

LARPing is a great way to stimulate the mind. You never know what the other person will say or do, and you have to remain in character while you react to them. It opens up your imagination and inspires a new level of creativity.

Collecting

If you have a love for a particular thing, you can collect it as a hobby. For example, if you love cows, you can start a cow collection by buying or finding cow-related items. If you love classic novels, you can collect them and display them in your home.

This is a great hobby to consider because whenever you go out, you have something fun to keep your eyes peeled for. You can also have fun displaying your collection in new and creative ways.

Rock Balancing

Rock balancing is an unusual hobby with many calming benefits. You have to focus on what you’re doing, or the rocks will fall. It’s a creative hobby that can yield stunning structures.

It doesn’t require any money to get started, and you can do it anywhere. You can use the rocks from your garden or your yard. You can go down to a river or balance rocks on your dining room table. It’s entirely up to you.

Summary

Staying active and keeping your mind engaged as you get older is key to living a longer and healthier life. No matter what your interests are, there is a hobby out there that will keep you moving and alert regardless of your age. Hopefully, this article has given you more information about ten of the more unusual hobbies for senior citizens.

10 Unusual Hobbies for Seniors