26 Activities and Hobbies for Men & Seniors in Retirement

Over the age of 60 many men tend to have more spare time than in previous years. They may be retired (or close to retirement) and children have often flown the nest, leaving time to get involved in a new hobby or activity.

Whether you just want to relax, meet new people, or try physical pursuits, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of fun hobbies that are popular with men over 60.  For that matter, this is a great list of resources for any older person, men or women, who have some extra time on their hands.

26 Hobbies Perfect for Older Men & Women

Retirement can be a big adjustment so it’s a good choice to get started on developing hobbies before you retire. Get started while you’re young and fit enough to try some new ideas and fun hobbies and you might be surprised at what you end up enjoying!

Check out the following ideas for activities you can enjoy on a regular basis (and make friends in the process!). Good luck!

This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is sort of boring, but you can find it here.

Golf

Golf is one of the most popular outdoor hobbies and has often been stereotypically associated with older, professional men, but actually, it’s a sport for anyone and even the younger generation can get involved.

It CAN be an expensive hobby if you want to invest in all the top gear, but it’s a great way to get some fresh air as well as some physical activity while being low-impact and suitable for all levels and abilities. It’s also useful for practicing hand-eye coordination and can help keep older men mentally sharp and engaged. 

Golf is especially popular in states where the climate is nice year round. Retirees can golf all year in places in Florida, where the temperature is moderate all year.

Join a book club

There’s nothing like a good book to get the brain going, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep spending to a minimum. A book only costs a little money, can be bought second hand or you can just get one from the local library.

A book club is a fun way to get together with other like-minded people to discuss your passion for reading and the latest book choice, and it’s particularly good for elderly people with limited mobility who struggle with physical activity.

Book clubs are usually joined by people of all ages so it’s also a good way to meet people from different generations.

Board games and card games

If you’re looking for a good hobby that you can do indoors, card games and board games are a fun way to while away some time. You might be staying indoors because of the weather, or maybe you just aren’t an outdoorsy person.

Or maybe as an older adult, your mobility isn’t what it once was. Whatever the reason, a good card game or board game is a way to get competitive and enjoy some time with friends and family. 

Group activities like this are a great way to meet people, and if you don’t have someone at home to play with, try your local senior center or community centers in your area.

They often have organized times where you can get together with others to play, enjoy some banter, and win a few games in the process! 

Board games and card games are also great ways to interact with family members of all ages during family get-togethers. Show your kids and grandkids that grandad’s still got it!

Learn a musical instrument

People often tend to believe that once you get to a certain age, it’s too late to learn something like a new instrument. True, the younger you start, the further you can progress with your skill.

However, it’s never too late to learn, and at 60 you may have another 30-40 years of piano or guitar playing ahead of you! 

There are a huge number of instruments to choose from, but the piano is the most common instrument that people learn at all ages. Lessons are easy to find, both online and offline, and there are even apps that help you to learn the piano if you use a smartphone or tablet.

It does take time and effort in the beginning, but once you learn how to play some simple songs you’ll find it a great and relaxing way to spend your leisure time.

Learn a foreign language

For older people who love to travel, learning a second language is the perfect way to spend your free time. Pick a country you’ve always wanted to visit, get a language book, video series, or language learning app (Babbel and Duolingo are particularly popular), and get started. 

Learning a new language has so many benefits, including helping to improve brain function, delaying the onset of dementia, and of course, enhancing your travel and social experiences.

Traveling while being able to communicate effectively by speaking the local language also makes it a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

Bird watching

If you’re looking for good hobbies that you can do outdoors, but that aren’t something physical like a sport, why not give birdwatching a go! It’s the perfect way for someone to enjoy a bit of adventure, tranquillity, and a passion for nature.

Where can you go birdwatching? You can start as near as your own backyard or go as far as exploring wetlands or forests – basically wherever you can find birds! 

You might want to start by studying a birdwatching book to know what you’re looking for in a particular area, then grab a pair of binoculars and start exploring.

If you don’t fancy going alone, there are plenty of local birdwatching groups that you can join which will give you an opportunity to go on birdwatching expeditions with others. 

Martial arts

Despite what people often think, martial arts are not just for the young and agile. In fact, for an older person, they may just help to KEEP you young and agile! In case you’re thinking maybe you’re too old, just look at Grandmaster Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, who continued training and teaching until his passing at the age of 88.

And martial arts movie star and icon Jackie Chan continues to perform impressive stunts and showcase his skills at the age of nearly 70. Even if you haven’t practiced martial arts all your life, you can be inspired by older men like these who show that age is not a barrier! 

You can start at any time and any age and there are lots of martial arts styles e.g. karate, tai chi, ju jitsu, judo, etc. and programs out there tailored specifically to older adults. Look for classes at your local gym, community center, or martial arts school.

Don’t worry if your mobility and balance aren’t great – they will improve a lot once you start training!

Pickleball

Pickleball is rapidly becoming a popular sport among retirees. It’s easy to play on a small court, and it’s a great social outlet.

Try signing up for a pickleball class at your local community center to see how you like it. You just may become a pickleball fanatic!

Video games

When you think of video games you normally think of young people – they’re often most popular among those in elementary and high school. People often stop when they get to university age and older as although it can be great fun, it can be very addictive and time-consuming.

According to AARP, 45% of Americans over 50 play games at least once a month.

However, with a bit more time on your hands in retirement, gaming could be a fun way to spend some of that extra time! Anyone of any age can play video games, and there are so many different games available there’s literally something for every interest. 

While playing completely sedentary games for long periods of time isn’t a good idea, there are plenty of games available that are good to help older adults stay mentally and physically active.

Brain games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, memory games, etc.) are designed to challenge memory, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking, and can help to keep the mind sharp. 

Fitness games use motion-tracking technology to encourage physical activity and can be a fun way to stay in shape while experiencing the health benefits that come with it. Some examples of fitness games include Wii Fit, Just Dance, and Kinect Sports.

Social media

People of all ages can use the internet, and there are many people even in their eighties and nineties using it to communicate, learn and have fun.

Social media can be a bit of a challenge for members of the older generation who have yet to embrace technology, but these days people of all ages have access to smartphones, tablets, and laptops so it’s a good idea to make the effort to learn.

Whether you like it or not, social media is an integral part of modern culture and if you want to stay in touch with friends and family members near and far, it’s worth taking the time to dive in and learn how to use it.

Whether you use it to share life updates and experiences with family or to participate in online communities for your hobbies or interests, social media can be a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. 

There are plenty of upsides to using social media, but there are downsides to be aware of too. It’s important to remember that excessive use of social media can actually end up being quite isolating if you never get out and meet people in person.

There are also privacy concerns and the risk of online scams and misinformation which if you’re new to the online world can be scary. 

If you’re not comfortable with using a computer or laptop yet you could try taking a course – there are lots of beginner courses available to get you up to speed on how to use a computer and social media.

You’ll probably find your kids or maybe even your grandkids too are a wealth of information about how to use the internet properly! Most will have grown up with technology from a young age and are very confident using it. 

Classic cars

Classic cars are a timeless hobby beloved by men and women of all ages who enjoy the craftmanship and nostalgia of these historic vehicles.

If you own one of your own, restoring and maintaining these automotive treasures becomes a labor of love, and the satisfaction of reviving a piece of automotive history and driving your vintage ride is an experience to remember.

Of course, it’s not just about the car! If you’re a fan of classic cars you’ll find that the community of fellow car enthusiasts are avid attendees of car shows, club events, and more, making this a great way to make friends. 

Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a great hobby for all ages, and they can really boost your focus, concentration, and observation skills! Plus, it’s a cheap hobby and one that you can sit down to do any time you have a spare minute.

If you’re new to making puzzles you might want to start with a relatively easy number of pieces. 500 is a good number to start with to see if this is the hobby for you! If you enjoy it then progress to 1000 and beyond. 

Having a jigsaw sitting on the table is a great way to get family members of all ages and friends to interact when they come around to visit. Everyone can sit for a while and try to put a few pieces together!

When working on a jigsaw puzzle on your own, you’ll find that it can be a lovely calming, and therapeutic activity that can help you to forget the stresses of everyday life.

When your puzzle is finished, you’ll have a wonderful sense of achievement – putting together 1000+ pieces is no mean feat! 

If you really want to challenge yourself, try one of the impossible jigsaw puzzles like a picture of grass, water, or coffee beans (you can find them on Amazon). You’ll have to dig deep to find the patience to complete one of these!

Ballroom dancing

Ballroom dancing is a fun hobby that is also a great way to get some exercise (in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re exercising!) and meet new people. You can go with your partner (if they’re willing to join you!) or you can make some friends at your ballroom dancing class that share your passion for music and dance.

Learning different dance moves and sequences is a good way to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and cardio health while doing something you enjoy, rather than slogging at the gym. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never danced in your life – everyone has to begin somewhere! Keep up the classes and you might find that one day you’re good enough to compete in a ballroom dancing competition! The best way to find ballroom dancing classes near you is to hop on Google if you have a computer and internet access and do a search.

You could also ask for information about classes at your local library or community center.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for adults over 60 years! But whether you’re a person who has been climbing all his life, or you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to try something new and exciting, rock climbing can be a great hobby with a wide range of physical benefits. 

It can be pretty challenging and does require strength, endurance, and mental focus but climbing is a great full-body workout (both cardio and resistance) that can also help you to overcome fears and provide an amazing sense of accomplishment. 

Visit a library

No matter what your age, you should visit a library if you have one in your local area, and avail of some of the amazing resources they provide.

Books, comic books, audiobooks, and newspapers are available, but they usually offer things like computers with online access, book clubs, and reading-related social events too, so there is always something to do.

If you want to stay mentally sharp, expand your knowledge and improve your memory, get down to your local library if you’re not already a member! It can also be a great place to meet up with people if there are events on. 

Model building

Model building is a great activity for any age and is perfect for practicing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

You can build and customize miniature replicas of everything from airplanes, cars, and military vehicles to historic buildings and ships, things that you can keep and display.

Model building also provides relaxation and stress relief by engaging in a calming, meditative activity – perfect for those times when you’re on your own and you need something to do. It’s not just a solo activity though, it can be made more social by joining a model building club where you can meet like-minded people who also enjoy this activity. 

Walking or running

Working on your physical fitness is always one of the best ways to spend your free time. Depending on what physical activity you choose, there can be a huge number of benefits, from meeting new people to boosting cognitive function and mental health to reducing the incidence of heart disease and improving mobility.

The best hobbies are those that work the body and the mind, and any kind of physical activity will do just that. You can join a gym if you want to try different cardio and exercise machines and use the equipment, but if you prefer something simple you can get a great workout just from going on a long walk (or a run if you’re fit enough).

A simple evening walk for 40 minutes to an hour a few days a week is a great way to keep mobile and fit.

If you want to start running but you’ve neglected your physical health over the years the Couch to 5k program is a great way to start (you can find details of this program online, and if you have a smartphone there are a few different Couch to 5k apps you can try.)

You train in intervals, starting off with lots of walking and very short runs, eventually progressing to running for 30 minutes at a time. Slowly in the beginning of course, but if you follow the program you will get there!

If you’re already a seasoned runner why not challenge yourself by signing up for a half marathon (or even a marathon?) Having a goal is a very good way to motivate yourself to train hard and achieve something exciting and extraordinary while you’re still young and fit enough to do it.

Learn about the stock market

You’re never too old to learn new things, and especially for those who have worked in the financial sector, learning the stock market might be an interesting new skill to add to your arsenal.

If you’re already a stock market whiz, then keep it up and learn some new trading skills – you can never know enough when it comes to the financial markets as they are constantly growing and evolving. 

Learning the stock market also stimulates your analytical skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities, fostering mental agility and providing a stimulating intellectual challenge.

Investing in stocks allows you to take control of your financial future, potentially generating some extra income (if you know what you’re doing) and boosting your retirement pot. 

Although learning trading is an excellent way to enhance cognitive skills and prevent memory loss it’s also a great way to lose money, so make sure you start small and learn how to trade and invest properly before you start investing your life savings!

Genealogy

Creating a family tree is a great opportunity to learn about your family history and heritage, and it is an important way to connect with the past and to leave valuable information for future generations.

It may require you to connect with relatives and family members that you haven’t seen for a long time and those that you haven’t yet met, which can be a lot of fun. It’s also a great way to build family connections and cement your sense of identity in the world.

Volunteering

For someone who loves to spend time with people and get involved with the local community volunteering is a great way to do both. Whether you’re retired or not, you may be able to spend a few hours a week volunteering for a local charity or organization, helping out where you can.

If you’re not sure what you’d like to do, have a look online to see some of the work being done in your area. 

Many nonprofit organizations in your community work on various causes such as education, healthcare, homelessness, animal welfare, and environmental conservation – reach out and see if they have any opportunities to get involved.

Community centers, food banks and soup kitchens, libraries, hospitals, healthcare facilities, animal shelters, and environmental organizations are just a few places that might need help from volunteers. 

Cooking

Although there are plenty of men who love to cook and bake (some of the top chefs in the world are men after all!) it’s fair to say that there are plenty more who reach the age of 60 and beyond and have barely set foot in a kitchen!

It’s never too late to learn, and if you are ever in the position where you are living alone, it is a vital skill to have if you want to live a long and healthy life. You’ve got to eat after all, and no point living on cereal and toast when you could be making something delicious! 

So, what if you’ve never cooked before? Look for a local cooking class, or if you prefer to learn from home there are lots of great Youtube videos demonstrating all the skills you need. Find easy recipes that you will enjoy online or buy a recipe book for your favorite type of food. The best way to learn is by doing, so try it out for yourself!

Your first few attempts might not be gourmet masterpieces but you’ll pick up the skills quickly and before you know it you might even enjoy cooking!

What if you’re already an accomplished cook? Maybe now that you’re a bit older you’ll have more time to do it and expand your repertoire! Try different styles of cooking or foods from different countries that you might not have tried before.

You could take a cookery class to learn some new, more advanced skills, or invite family and friends around and host a dinner party!

Fishing

Fishing is a common hobby for men over 60 and with good reason – it’s a relaxing, fun activity that can help to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing by being out in nature. It’s a sport that requires good hand-eye coordination, focus, and patience, and perfect for helping to keep the mind sharp.

You can fish alone, but many people choose to join fishing clubs or go fishing with family and friends. No matter what your skill level, even if you’re a total beginner you can try fishing and see if it’s the hobby for you.

It’s not the most expensive hobby but you do need some basic equipment to start fishing (or you can hire equipment) – rods, reels and tackle at the minimum. 

When deciding to start fishing you will need to research the fishing spots in your area or places you’d like to visit. Look for information on the types of fish found there, the best time of year to fish, and any regulations or permits required. 

You will need to learn some basic fishing techniques such as casting, reeling, and baiting – check out online resources such as fishing websites, Youtube, and fishing books or you may even be able to find a fishing class.

Knowing the basics will help you get started quickly and have some success catching fish while you get experience! 

Woodworking

If you’ve got the spark of creativity and like the idea of making something functional and beautiful with your hands then you may enjoy woodworking. 

Whether you’re a beginner or have already dabbled in some woodworking, here are some tips and ideas for men over 60 who want to get started:

Invest in a few basic tools such as a workbench, handsaw, chisel set, mallet, measuring tape, and a set of screwdrivers. These are just the essentials – once you’ve had a bit of practice and got some experience you can move on to more specialized tools. 

Always wear safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask – woodworking can be dangerous as it involves sharp tools and machinery. If you’re using any power tools make sure to read the manuals and always follow the proper techniques to avoid accidents. 

Begin with some small, easy-to-do projects that give you a chance to develop your skills. Things like chopping boards, boxes, or shelves are good options for beginners as they don’t require many skills. Once you’ve got used to using your tools and have learned the basics you can move on to more complex projects.

Look for local woodworking classes or workshops designed for beginners. Learn the skills you need and meet fellow woodworking enthusiasts! Often senior centers have classes and the tools you’ll need to get started.

When starting out, using pre-designed woodworking plans can be helpful. These plans provide step-by-step instructions and material lists, making it easier to complete projects successfully.

Mind your health! Make sure your workspace is well-lit and set up at a height that minimizes bending and strain on your back. Use a dust collection system or wear a respirator to minimize dust inhalation.

Enjoy the process! Woodworking is a journey that offers a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Enjoy the creative process and the satisfaction of creating something for yourself or for others with your own hands.

Photography

Photography is a fantastic hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including older men. It allows you to capture and preserve special moments, express your creativity, and explore the world through a different lens. 

You will need to invest in a camera (or you could start with a high-quality smartphone until you’re ready to progress to a good camera).

Learn the fundamentals of photography including exposure, composition, lighting, and focus – you may want to join a photography club or online community, or take a class.

You can also learn a lot of skills online just by watching Youtube videos or joining an online photography group (try Facebook or Reddit) where you can ask questions and get feedback. 

Photography is an art that requires practice and patience and you will have to embrace technology if you want to get the most from your hobby. Photo editing software is particularly popular with photographers so you might want to check out Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop and learn how to use one of them. 

You can take photographs anywhere – whether you’re at home, or want to travel to new places to photograph new things.

Do take the time to document family gatherings, special events, or even everyday moments though as your photos can be a window to your family’s lives for future generations.

Gardening

Gardening is more than just a hobby for those who love it, for some, it’s a way of life! Planting flowers and growing your own fruit and vegetables is not just a way to escape from the stresses of daily life – it’s a way to connect with nature and experience the beauty and miracle of growing something from a seed.

Gardening can bring some great mental and physical benefits from improved flexibility to increased mindfulness and relaxation. If you enjoy spending time on your own out in the fresh air and nature, it’s time to find out if you’ve got green fingers!

Even if you suffer from mobility issues and have trouble bending and kneeling, there are plenty of great gardening tools for seniors.

Painting or drawing

Painting and drawing are great hobbies for all ages but it’s a particularly good option for an older person who might be lacking in mobility and finding it hard to get around as you get to sit while you create.

It does require good hand-eye coordination which might be a little bit more difficult for someone of advanced years, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get many years of enjoyment from your artistic abilities. 

Art is great for stress relief, focus and concentration, problem-solving, and cognitive health plus it can act as a form of self-therapy.

Getting involved in art classes or joining art groups are great ways to build connections and find mutual interests with other art lovers, although many people prefer just to draw or paint from the comfort of their own homes.

If you’ve always wondered what it’d be like to take up an artistic pursuit, why not give it a try? You might have a hidden talent that it’s time to let loose on the world!

You really can teach an old dog new tricks

There’s never a bad time to learn new things no matter what your age, and for men and women over the age of 60 who may have a bit more time on their hands, it’s a great time to take up some new hobbies that can be carried on into old age.

The best hobbies are those that contribute to good health, both mental and physical, and making some new friends with similar interests is a bonus. 

There’s no need to sit around in your golden years when the perfect hobby for you is just out there waiting for you to get started. It’s a much better way to spend your time than something completely sedentary like watching TV (although there’s no harm in spending some time watching your favorite shows too!). 

Even if you live in a place where the weather doesn’t always cooperate, there are plenty of great indoor activities for seniors.

Hopefully, this article has given you some good hobby ideas and maybe you’ll have an idea for a fun thing you want to try. Now is the perfect time to find out what you enjoy and spend some time doing it!