Hobbies to Pick Up in Retirement

Retirement is a wonderful phase of life that offers the freedom to explore new interests and hobbies. With more time on your hands, it's the perfect opportunity to dive into activities you’ve always wanted to try—or rediscover old passions. Here are 15 ideas for hobbies to pick up in retirement that can bring joy, fulfillment, and even health benefits.

Gardening

A relaxing and rewarding hobby, gardening lets you connect with nature. Whether you have a spacious yard or a cozy patio, you can grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs. It promotes physical activity, fresh air, and the satisfaction of nurturing life.

Painting and Drawing

Unleash your creativity with art. These pursuits are therapeutic and can provide a deep sense of accomplishment. Local community centers, including retirement communities like Brookridge, often offer beginner art classes.

Cooking and Baking

Explore new recipes and cuisines, or perfect a family favorite. Cooking and baking not only engage the senses, but they also provide a way to delight family and friends with homemade creations.

Travel

Without work constraints, retirement is perfect for travel—whether it’s cross-country road trips, exploring national parks, or visiting far-off destinations. Brookridge residents often enjoy organized group trips and outings coordinated by the community.

Volunteering

Giving back can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether mentoring youth, helping at shelters, or participating in environmental clean-ups, volunteering offers purpose and connection.

Reading and Writing

Whether it’s diving into novels or journaling, these activities stimulate the mind. Book clubs and creative writing groups are common offerings in senior communities like Brookridge.

Learning a Musical Instrument

Always wanted to play piano, guitar, or violin? Now’s the time. Learning music stimulates the brain and can be an enjoyable solo or group pursuit.

Exercise and Fitness

Maintaining health is vital. From yoga and swimming to walking groups and senior-friendly aerobics, Brookridge Retirement Community offers many wellness programs designed to keep residents active and energized.

Crafting

Knitting, quilting, woodworking, or paper crafts—these hands-on hobbies provide relaxation and a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Bird Watching

A peaceful pastime that encourages you to observe and appreciate nature. Brookridge’s beautifully landscaped campus makes it a perfect spot for bird watchers.

Photography

Capture life through a lens. Photography encourages exploration and creativity, and today’s digital tools make it easy to learn and share.

Learning New Skills

From learning a new language to mastering basic tech skills, it’s never too late to grow. Many retirement communities offer continuing education programs onsite or virtually.

Genealogy

Explore your family roots through genealogy. Retirement offers the time to delve into ancestry databases and trace your heritage—a truly rewarding journey.

Playing Games

Puzzles, chess, cards, and board games provide mental stimulation and social interaction. Brookridge frequently hosts game nights and friendly competitions.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Reduce stress and boost well-being through mindful practices. These can be easily integrated into daily life and are often included in wellness programs.

Brookridge Retirement Community, located in the heart of Winston-Salem, NC, offers a welcoming, full-service lifestyle. With a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, you’ll have the freedom to explore these hobbies—and more—at your own pace.

Call us today to schedule a tour and discover the vibrant lifestyle waiting for you at Brookridge,