Table of contents

→ Group exercise classes

→ Create a community garden

→ Join a cycling or walking group

→ Start or join a book club

→ Try Wii sports

→ How about scrapbooking

→ Attend a continuing education class

→ Play some pickleball

→ Learn to draw or paint

→ Write

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Youth has its privileges, and so does growing older. The active retiree today has more recreation choices than ever before!

So, where do you begin?

Are you artistic? Maybe you’d like to learn a new skill or language? Would you like to spend more time outside?

Here are 10 ideas for new hobbies and activities you could try out today!

1. Group exercise classes

Group exercise classes are becoming more and more popular for people of all ages. Yoga and Tai Chi are fun and socially engaging ways to improve balance and flexibility at the same time. Group spinning classes are available everywhere these days, and are a great way to break a healthy sweat! Aquatic fitness classes are a great option, as the resistance of water strengthens the muscles, while the low-impact exercise reduces stress on the joints.

2. Create a community garden

You might think about creating a community garden, a great way to get outside, socialize and enjoy nature! Digging up some dirt can be cathartic and offers a great way to unwind and relax. Plus, you can invite your gardening peers over for a dinner featuring some of the veggies you've grown together. Or, perhaps you can create some beautiful floral creations from your shared garden space.

3. Join a cycling or walking group

The social encouragement that comes from organized exercise groups is the best way to keep up with your New Years exercise resolutions! Most bike shops these days sell Electric Bikes, which give you the option to give yourself an extra boost to get up those tough hills. This has democratized bike riding – making it possible for you to join any cycling group and not worry about being left behind.

4. Start or join a book club

Do you love to read? If so, starting or joining a book club brings an endless supply of reading ideas, and great weekly social gatherings!

5. Try Wii sports

The Nintendo Wii combines the indoor convenience of video games, with bona fide exercise! Using the Wii Remote, you can “swing” a simulated racket to play a game of tennis, put on your boxing gloves for a digital sparring match, or hurl a bowling ball down a virtual alley. This is fun activity for people of all ages!

6. How about scrapbooking

Scrapbooking allows you to preserve a slice of history or a chance to reflect on life's experiences, and it can be done with others! Why not share a little together time with others and get involved in scrapbooking, either online or form a group off-line once a week?

7. Attend a continuing education class

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise! Most local colleges or community centres offer continuing education classes online or in person. Learn a new language, brush up on your knowledge of history, or practice the fine art of origami. You can always learn something fun and new. Sign up for a class that will engage you mentally and expand your horizons!

8. Play some pickleball

Pickleball is taking off! Much like tennis, pickleball is a great way to stay fit. This fun game is played with a wiffleball, over a tennis-type net, on a court sized for badminton. The main difference between tennis and pickleball is that pickleball players serve the ball underhanded and the ball is less bouncy. It is a bit less rigorous than tennis, which makes it a great social outing!

9. Learn to draw or paint

A great way to enhance your creative skills is to learn how to paint with watercolors or acrylics. Also, classes in drawing and sketching are interesting ways to expand your artistic expression.

10. Write

You have a lifetime worth of knowledge and experiences. Why not put some of them down on paper? Whether that expression takes the form of memoirs, poetry, or creative fiction – give writing a try!

What’s Next for You?

There is an endless supply of new activities and hobbies for you to pursue. The internet has made it such that almost nothing is beyond your grasp. Break out of your routine and try something new today!

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