Due to the busy schedules in their working lives, people often postpone their favourite pastimes until retirement. Yet, many of them, after retirement, could end up being idlers who like to spend most of their time on a couch watching TV—a lifestyle that could quickly become a routine and less desirable for a healthy life. So beware, if retirement is at your doorstep or you have retired and are wondering how to spend the rest of your days with all your free time, this could be the moment to revisit your long-lost hobbies and pursue them with passion and purpose.

Many people in India spend their days post-retirement doing mundane household chores. For instance, watching the television, chatting on WhatsApp, surfing the internet and Facebook, etc., or speaking with family members, relatives, and friends is a routine pastime activity. While there are many activities you can get involved in your free time, you should pick an activity or hobby that can add value to your life and is also the closest to your heart. This way, you can keep yourself engaged with your favourite pastime and continue pursuing it for the rest of your life.

According to a study by University College London (UCL), published in the esteemed journal Nature Medicine in 2023, hobbies contribute to life satisfaction and help individuals feel in control of their mind and body and find purpose in life, thereby increasing their happiness levels. So, when life feels a little monotonous, add some excitement to it. Here are some ways to make your golden years as bright as they deserve with these simple hobbies that can make a difference.

Gardening: 

Gardening will keep you engaged productively. For example, you can plant vegetables and flowers in your home garden. Some people in metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, etc., where space is an issue, grow plants on rooftops. Growing plants will not only enhance the beauty of your home but will also ensure fresh vegetable supplies. Moreover, anyone can start this hobby at a minimal cost without requiring much space. All-season plants like aloe vera, snake plants, money plants, etc., or seasonal flowering plants like marigold, alyssum, pansy, petunia, etc., can be grown in a limited space on rooftops, balconies or in the backyard of your house. You can even grow different kinds of herbs for your kitchen, such as mint, parsley, oregano, basil, and Murraya koenigii or curry leaves.To know more about starting a terrace garden, read here.

Benefits: Studies highlight many physical, mental and emotional benefits of gardening, from reducing anxiety and stress to fostering a sense of accomplishment.

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Music:

If you have been a bathroom singer or are fond of singing all your life, you might want to take it to the next level by joining a formal music class after retirement. Pursuing this hobby in old age is no longer difficult with plenty of opportunities around these days. Whether you are an enthusiast of a musical instrument or singing, there are numerous opportunities, from free online tutorial videos on YouTube to offline classes, offering personalised or group lessons with a wide range of courses, be it modern or classical music.

For example, you can pay as little as Rs 300 for an online class per hour, depending on the teacher’s experience and the institute. Well-known institutions like the Shankar Mahadevan Academy offer tailored courses for seniors. So, age is no barrier to learning music.

Benefits: A study published in the International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts states, “Music can positively affect mental health even in a short span. Music therapy is a cost-effective and easy method for bringing comfort and happiness to elderly people.” It can stimulate the brain, reduce stress, facilitate self-expression, and improve bonding.

Writing:

As the famous author Mark Twain once said, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” You can start writing as a hobby without necessarily going through formal training. Writing allows you to express yourself through prose or poetry. It can be a great pastime activity if you are passionate about writing. Take, for example, Taranisen Das, a 76-year-old retiree from Assam’s Nalbari district, who retired in 2009. He took to writing articles and poems to pass the time after retirement. Das writes about the local culture and social icons whom he admires.

Benefits: Writing is akin to meditation. It improves memory and comprehension skills, reduces the likelihood of stress and depression, and boosts self-confidence.

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Sports & Physical Activities: 

Exercise is vital for a healthy body and mind. If you are a health enthusiast and exercise is a hobby and a source of pleasure, you are most likely to have fewer health problems in old age. Staying physically fit is the key to happiness in old age. It will help you boost strength, build muscles, and reduce dependency on others for daily chores. More importantly, it costs nothing unless you get professional help at a gymnasium.

You can do a brisk walk, jog, run, or do yoga at your convenience. You can also do cycling, swimming, or join sports like golf. You may have to bear some expenses for getting a road bike, which could cost Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000, or a swimming club membership. These costs can vary depending on the club and the facilities. For instance, Sunil Kumar, 70, a retired Delhi college professor, picked up long-distance cycling as a hobby after his retirement in 2019. He joined a cycling club that took him to different places in India and abroad. He was awarded the Super Randonneur (SR) honour for completing distances above 400-600 km in cycling events.

Click here to know more about his cycling hobby.

Benefits: Research shows that physical activities can reduce cardiovascular problems, help manage diabetes, prevent bone loss, improve mental health, and lower the risk of dementia.

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Social Networking: 

Humans are social animals and derive joy from meeting one another. However, as people age, they may find themselves alone or have few people to hang out with because of the busy schedules of their working children or other household members. Loneliness can become a significant issue in old age. Therefore, socialising, developing friendships, building relationships, and sharing life experiences and knowledge with close friends can improve their quality of life and enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

Benefits: Social connection has numerous benefits for seniors. It can improve longevity, provide a sense of self-esteem, purpose, and belonging, help maintain a positive outlook and enhance their overall health and well-being.