Hobbies Women Over 50 Are Enjoying Right Now
I took a short break over the holidays, and the change of pace gave me some perspective. Stepping out of routine tends to do that, especially when you finally have enough quiet to notice what’s been sitting in the background.
A few years ago, I wrote about hobbies, and the response stayed with me. The comments made it clear that what women enjoy and how they make space for it shifts over time. Lately, I’ve found myself noticing those shifts again, both in reader conversations and in my own life.
Many women over 50 look for hobbies that offer connection, creativity, or gentle movement without feeling like another obligation. The most popular hobbies tend to be social, creative, or low-pressure activities that fit real life rather than demanding schedules or perfection.
That’s what this post explores. The hobbies women are actually enjoying now, based on years of reader feedback and lived experience, and why these tend to work so well at this stage of life.
Social Hobbies That Get You Out of the House
If I had to sum up the comments from the last hobby post in one phrase, it would be this: hobbies are better with other people. Ideally, people who show up regularly and don’t mind if you occasionally forget the rules.
Card games came up again and again. Bridge, Rummikub, Mahjong, Canasta, and Hand and Foot. Not because they’re trendy, but because they create routine and connection. Many of you meet weekly or even multiple times a week, which says a lot. The cards are almost beside the point. It’s the standing date and familiar faces that matter.
Book clubs remain a favorite, especially the low-pressure kind. Read the book if you want. Skim if you don’t. Show up anyway. One reader mentioned her group rotates houses and always includes good food, which feels like an important detail. Conversation tends to matter more than page counts.
Volunteering also works best as a social hobby when it’s consistent. Library programs, food banks, school support, and community events give you the chance to see the same people regularly while doing something useful. That combination tends to turn “I should do this” into “I’m glad I came.”
Supper clubs came up, too, but not the elaborate, table-setting-for-twelve version. Smaller groups rotate hosting or pick a restaurant. One night you host, the next time you just show up and eat. A very sensible arrangement.
If you want some reading ideas to spark curiosity or wanderlust, you might enjoy these posts next: Motivating and Inspirational Books for the New Year, The Best New Books to Read on a Winter Vacation, and Travel Books That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust.
Creative Hobbies That Are Easy To Start Later In Life
Creative hobbies came up often, especially the ones people like to call “grandma hobbies,” which I’m choosing to interpret as a compliment.
Knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint were mentioned repeatedly. Some of you returned to these after decades away, while others picked them up for the first time with the help of YouTube. These hobbies work because they’re portable, forgiving, and easy to fit into everyday life. You can make progress without needing large blocks of uninterrupted time, which feels important at this stage.
Jewelry making surprised me in the best way. Several readers mentioned starting because they couldn’t find exactly what they wanted to wear. Creating something yourself can be more satisfying than settling, even if the first few attempts don’t look quite like the inspiration photo you had in mind.
Quilting and weaving are more involved, but deeply meaningful for those who enjoy them. One reader mentioned learning table loom weaving alongside her spouse, turning the hobby into shared time rather than something done alone. That detail stood out. Sometimes the hobby itself matters less than how it fits into your life.
What these creative hobbies have in common is focus without pressure. There’s something calming about making something with your hands, especially when no one is grading the results.
Gentle Movement That’s Easy to Stick With
Movement came up in nearly every comment, but rarely framed as exercise. That felt telling.
Instead, you mentioned walking groups, yoga classes, Tai Chi in the park, and other forms of gentle movement that support balance and mental clarity without feeling punishing. These are activities people return to because they feel supportive, not because they’re checking a box.
Walking, in particular, showed up again and again. Some of you walk daily. Others meet friends. Some use it as quiet thinking time. It’s flexible, accessible, and doesn’t require special equipment or a matching outfit. And no one gives you a hard time if today’s walk is shorter than yesterday’s.
Classes like yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and line dancing also came up often. Many of you appreciate the structure of a class and the social element, along with the gentle accountability of knowing someone might notice if you don’t show up. That alone can be motivating.
What stood out most was how movement was described. Not as something to conquer or improve, but as a way to feel better in your body and clearer in your head. That distinction matters.
If you’re looking for a class to join, many readers suggested checking whether there is a Silver Sneakers class nearby! You can also find my favorite athleisure clothing here and walking shoes here.
Low-Pressure Hobbies to Try Something New
Pottery or Ceramics: This one keeps popping up for a reason. It’s tactile. Slightly messy. And incredibly grounding.
You don’t have to be artistic. You just have to be willing to make something imperfect. Many women love the built-in structure of a weekly class and the quiet focus it requires.
Watercolor or Loose Sketching: Watercolor is forgiving and portable. A small kit, a pad of paper, and 20 minutes is enough. Several women have told me they do this while traveling or in the evenings instead of scrolling. That alone feels like a win. My sister-in-law goes nowhere without her small watercolor kit.
Learn How to Use Your Phone to Take Better Photos: Several women have mentioned wanting better photos of themselves that don’t feel stiff or unflattering. And if you have grandkids, this matters even more. You’re the one capturing real moments, not just posed ones.
Taking a short class or even watching a few tutorials on phone photography can completely change how your photos turn out. Lighting. Angles. Simple editing. Where to stand instead of crouching awkwardly. All things no one tells you.
Floral Arranging: Local florists and garden centers offer short workshops on seasonal arrangements. It’s creative, social, and tactile without requiring a big time commitment. You leave with something pretty for your house and a skill you can use for holidays, dinners, or just because you bought flowers at the grocery store and want them to look intentional.
Language Learning: If the idea of learning a new language sounds exhausting, hear me out. This isn’t about becoming fluent or doing homework every night. It’s about keeping your brain engaged in small, manageable ways.
A few easy options many women like:
- Duolingo for short, game-style daily lessons that feel low pressure.
- Babbel if you want something a little more structured and conversational.
- Pimsleur for audio lessons you can listen to while walking or driving.
- Conversation groups through local libraries, community centers, or travel clubs if you want the social piece.
Rediscover an Instrument or Take Up a New One: This one surprised me when it came up in the comments, but I loved it. Several women mentioned picking up an instrument later in life, sometimes after decades away. One reader even took up the oboe, which is not exactly the obvious choice. And yet, it worked for her.
Learning an instrument uses a different part of your brain. It requires focus, patience, and a willingness to be a beginner again.
If You’re Thinking, “I Don’t Have a Hobby”
If none of this quite sounds like you, that’s okay.
Many hobbies start accidentally. Through a friend, a class, or a random decision to say yes when you might normally say no. They don’t usually begin as lifelong passions or clear identities.
The goal isn’t to suddenly become interesting. You already are. The goal is simply to make a little room for enjoyment without asking it to prove its worth.
That’s often where things begin.
The Question I’m Still Sitting With
That short break did what time away often does. It offered perspective.
I don’t need to become someone else, and I don’t need to fill every hour. But I do want to be more intentional about how I spend my time, especially the parts of the day that are finally my own.
In that spirit, I recently sent an email to ask about Tai Chi classes and left a voicemail to see if I could join a Mahjong group.
So I’ll ask you what I’m asking myself.
What do you genuinely enjoy doing right now? Not what sounds productive or impressive, or what you’d mention if the conversation stalled, but what you’d still choose if no one asked.
You don’t need a neat answer. Or a five-year plan. Just something that doesn’t feel like homework.
I joined an all women’s choir with the matriarch being 92 years young. It is thoroughly enjoyable and I’m sure we chatter as much as we sing! I don’t read music so I have learned to follow others and we have sung in various different languages so it keeps the brain active. We do two concerts a year for friends and family and also sing at a couple of retirement villages plus a few clubs’ end of year dinners. Nobody minds if you hit a wrong note or get your breathing wrong. We are very lucky to have a professional singing teacher as our conductor. I also do quite a lot of knitting for our seven grandchildren and manage a bit of tapestry at times. Reading is still one of my great loves and I can get thoroughly engrossed in a book.
That sounds joyous Kate! What fun. I sang in a choir many, many years ago but I can’t seem to hit any of the right notes now 😉
Baking is fun, can done anytime, and is appreciated by family. And gifting is popular!
Yes!
My hobby has been genealogy for years. I still enjoy the hunt. (And since someone always asks, the earliest I have gotten is 1540 England on my mother’s maiden name.)
Wow, that sounds fascinating Kay. I think I would enjoy that. 1540 is a staggering way back.
Our local community college offers classes for seniors that include interests from art lessons to current events to water aerobics. They offer beginner and advanced Bridge and Mahjong, both of which I’ve learned recently to play. Our Bridge instructor, aged 80, related the other day that as soon as line dancing is available, she plans to sign up because Bridge doesn’t have a physical activity component.
Senior and adult education programs are available nationwide, offering a wide range of classes and programs specifically designed for learners over the age of 55. Check with your local college. It’s never too late to learn something new!
Really enjoyed today’s post. I turned 75 this past year and have been slowly reevaluating my life and how I’d like to spend the rest of it. Hobbies are definitely a part of that! On another note, in a past post you mentioned a personal carry on bag that fits over the handle of your luggage and stows under the seat that you really like. I can’t find the post but wondered if you could share that again with me. Thanks for all you do! I so enjoy your posts!
Hi Ann. I use this Away bag. It’s great!
For the past ten years I have been playing dominos one afternoon a week with three neighbor ladies. We rotate between our four homes—have a rule that the hostess only provides coffee/water, chocolates and nuts because we want to make everything easy. We started keeping track of who wins each week and at the end of the year awarded a “traveling trophy” grand prize to the top winner of the year. We had her write her name on the base and the rest of us enjoy teasing her that we’re going to capture it next year. Because we live in a townhouse community, if one of us can’t play one week we have easy access to substitutes who enjoy playing but can’t commit to every week. Best afternoon of the week!
That sounds so fun!
Great article Jennifer! I think you covered ALL the bases! Good on you! What’s the saying: “The world is so full of a number of things, we all should be as happy as kings!”.
Regards
Nancy
I loved your observation that maybe hobbies aren’t about the result, but about the mood. I had quit my 55 hour/week corporate role in 1998 and took up many interests that had to stay on the back burner until that point. The two that are still with me: I take painting classes and play golf. Both involve being with others. For golf, because I had sciatica in 2022 I switched from 18 holes to 9……but will be working my way back up to 18 in 2026. Interested in MahJong, Tai Chi, but haven’t found the right group/instructor. Loved yoga, but loved 2 instructors who moved on……..tried at least 6 other instructors and it didn’t work, basically either the routines were not varied enough, or the classes were too competitive: “my yoga clothes are cooler than yours” and/or “I can go deeper into the poise than you can”. Even went to one class that was described to me as a beginner class, and during warm up as attendees were arriving, there were several people doing handstands! Book club didn’t work for me…….too many books chosen were things I would never read, while I had a stack of books at home awaiting attention. Tried it for several years. Maybe need to try again.
I walk 4K five mornings a week in the woods. It is peaceful, my dog loves the intersection with other pups, I get my exercise in and enjoy being with my hubby. The other two mornings, I volunteer at the Salvation Army. It’s giving back to a charity and a great group of women to chat and work alongside. Reading is my biggest hobby. I’m never without a book on the go. Book club is important to me. I love to discuss a book with others and get their perspective. I used to do watercolour and have been trying to get motivated to start again. Perhaps, I should find a group and have the social aspect, as well,
A group may help it be easier to stick with.
As a hyperactive older ( than you Jennifer,lol) adult, Im always encouraging others.to be active and get involved.
I’m happiest when there’s lots going on. Ive got a large family so that means plenty of activities and travel.
Im a fitness fanatic, attending classes at my small town rec center M-F. I attend craft and cooking classes there too. These activities involve people of various ages, which is great. I’m on the board of our town’s small museum and chair of the town Board of Adjustments. These activities have proven to be so interesting. I love gardening and, because I’m in zone 5b, growing houseplants. I’m in a book group. I like to draw, sew and crochet though should spend more time doing those things. I write stories but am horrible at self-marketing. I’m a serious hobby photographer using both real cameras and the phone. I lead guided hikes in the summer and fall. I llike to cook and love to bake. There aren’t enough hours in the day for me. I don’t like hot weather or DST, both of which zap my energy. I thank God every day.
This is a wonderful post and very timely. I just ordered a beginner’s embroidery kit. It is something I’ve wanted to try for a while. I’m still working but plan to retire at the end of this year. I can’t wait to spend my day doing things I don’t always have time for now!
Well I have a good one for you. I have a friend in her late 70s who took up learning to play the bagpipes! She enjoys the group that meets once a week. Her daughter thinks she’s crazy!
I think she sounds fabulous
Jennifer-
I am surprised that you don’t mention pickleball! There are many women who are over 60 who play and enjoy the social aspect of the game and it’s great exercise! Personally, I enjoy playing pickleball but also continue to play tennis on a team and I am 74.
Great timing, Jennifer! I live in the Northeast and will be 75 this month. Cold weather can be isolating here but my husband & I do play games with our neighbors(cards,Mexican train dominoes). I’ve taken some wet felting classes at our library and hope to to learn Mahjong soon. I love drawing& painting-need to start again. I play golf in a ladies league but have cut back some due to foot issues. My husband is more content to be home but I”m more social-I want to make memories! I don’t feel so old most of the time but a lot of my close friends have physical /medical issues now or have passed. It’s a stark reminder that we’re all aging. Being social is so uplifting for me!
Happy Birthday Pat!
I play mahjongg weekly with a group, and I also play bunco once a month. I spend time quilting and gardening.
Socializing as we age is important, fun and you meet so many nice people with similar interests. I take a drawing class, play the ukulele in a large group of 90 musicians (singing is good for us) and volunteer at our local museum. All of these activities and walking bring me so much joy.
The Ukulele sounds so fun!
Jennifer
I wanted to express my appreciation for your wonderful communication skills. You truly have a gift. From someone who often has difficulty putting words on thoughts and feelings, I find myself reading your blog and nodding my head yes. That’s exactly it! So thank you very much!
Thank you Jeanne!
Clearly out of fashion now, but I still do scrapbooking. I meet with my 89yo mother and my sister-in-law once a month & we work on whatever paper/memorabilia projects we have. I guess it’s a return to kindergarten, scissors and glue and paper. I’ve also returned to actual reading of books as opposed to always listening to audiobooks as I commute or walk. I need to find a new book group. My challenge is to give myself permission to do something that isn’t “productive”. Chores are not a hobby 🙂
Yes!! I’d love to join a book club too.
Very thoughtful post. I enjoy golfing so much. It’s definitely a passion for my husband and I. We have a wonderful group of golf friends and even go on golf vacations. The winter is tough so we try to do the simulators or just meet up with everybody for a drink. I read constantly do I guess that might be considered a hobby. I like the idea of making jewelry. My sister and I used to do that. We walk everyday and I really enjoy doing that.
I took up golf several years ago. It’s a great way to be outdoors and spend time with friends. We recently retired and moved to a warm climate so now we can golf year round. I love that it’s something my husband and I can do together. I also play with the women in our neighborhood. Love it!
I’ve discovered that Tai Chi has been a wonderful experience and the simple 19 movements improve balance. No special clothes and easy to do at home or in a practice class with a leader and other students.
I’m looking forward to trying it.
When I learned of the upcoming birth of my first (and only) grandaughter I taught myself simple crochet to make her an afghan and a cute outfit with sweater and bonnet. I then went on to make afghans for myself, my sister, and friends. Unfortunately arthritis set in and I’ve put that away at least for now. I miss it because it’s easy to do while watching TV in the evening with husband and a very calming activity when I’m just vegging for myself.
I also made a scrapbook for my granddaughter’s first birthday and it was such a hit that I’ve now made 9 of them. They take me 4-5 months to do and include about 300-400 pictures. The family is very active and takes lots of pictures. The books are large and heavy so two years ago my granddaughter asked me if she could have a little scrapbook of her own so she could sit and look through the pictures by herself. So now I’ve also made three books for her with about 200 pictures each. This coming year she will be ten and there will be a big party. I’ve decided to do a “Through the Years” book with one larger portrait picture of her for each year with perhaps 20-25 pictures of each year’s activities. Think I’d better start now …
And a cozy chair and throw and with a good book and a cup of tea always fits the bill.
I recently started making Lego flower arrangements. My grandsons had to help me get started, but after the first Thanksgiving arrangement, I was hooked. It is one of those things that I can work on for a few hours at a time, or until my fingers start cramping a little from the small pieces. Warning: I accidentally purchased one of the micro legos at a national park and those are far more difficult due to the very tiny pieces. It was complete with the help of tweezers, but buyer beware of those.
This is the time of year to start watching for sales on lego sets that might interest you, after holiday sales, etc. I watch for them whenever I am having a shopping urge and know I don’t need anymore clothes, shoes, handbags, or stuff around the house, which thanks to your helpful posts have encouraged the mindful purchases. Thank you Jennifer for that.
Those sound fascinating! I’d need my grandsons help to get started.
I started playing Mahjongg when I retired. I have joined several groups and really enjoy playing.
I am a little surprised that learning to play a musical instrument surprised you. It is a great hobby for adults! I am a private piano and violin teacher who has been in business for over 46 years. Currently, half of my students are adults. All of them are 60+. Some are returning to music study after many years away. Others are learning to play for the first time. What they all have in common is the desire to make music. It truly never is too late to learn.
My favorite hobby is gardening. It gives me the flowers for flower arrangements, physical exercise, stimulates my creativity, and allows connection with my neighbours who enjoy my beautiful yard and garden.
Beautiful! I hope to try it again. Maybe I can overcome my black thumb.
I am 70. One of my favorite friends is an 83 year old widow. She told me that last Sunday afternoon she turned off her phone and all other distractions and just sat with a paper and pen making a list of things she can do in her everyday life that make her happy. She said “I’m 83. If I’m not doing these things now, then when?” She’s done with the busyness of life, and wants to enjoy.
She’s currently organizing a poker night for friends!
I love this Stormy! She is exactly right, if not now, when?
An excellent post today. I volunteer for my local Assistance League, it fills my cup for giving to my community. I am working on becoming a crochet/knitter. I am self-teaching through YouTube…very slowly and haven’t quite decided which i prefer or if it is relaxing😂
I don’t crochet but I do knit and know it’s both relaxing and frustrating 😂
Golf is my addiction. Oil painting is my hobby. I like to paint and I’m decent at it but it’s a solitary activity and I’m a people person. Golf is challenging while still being fun and it gets me outside in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Most of my local friend group are people I’ve met playing golf. I feel blessed every day to be healthy and financially stable enough to be able to golf frequently with my husband and/or my friends.
You are inspiring me to try golf more seriously.
Officially retiring next month. Perfect article for me as I consider new hobbies. Thank you!
Congratulations Claire
I have gotten back into embroidery after many years of quilting. I’m making Christmas ornaments for my grandchildren and hopefully they’ll have a little collection by the time they have their own homes.
That’s really fun!
Great article!
I spent a few years learning Portugese and it’s been really fun. I used pimsler and talked with Brazilians on the internet.
I’ve always loved sewing and reading and I’m doing that more and joining a sewing group at my church. I would like to try watercolor but I’ve never been very artistic, but I’ll give it a try
I actually love exercise, and do it for an hour a day. Yoga and aerobics, five days a week. This spring I am adding Nordic walking in order to do some exercise with my husband. I’m thinking of renting a keyboard-no pressure to buy the right one-and relearning piano. It might be fun to play again, even just in a small way. I have no grand aspirations! Anything is better than scrolling.
Bingo!! Anything is better than scrolling and I certainly do that too much.
Local senior center visits are just the ticket. Weekly cribbage games anyone?
Jennifer, I have lots of time on my hands because I am retired and in good health. So I do many of the things you listed in today’s post: volunteering at a clothes closet, playing MahJongg, and playing Rummikub. In addition, I belong to two book clubs. The social aspect of these activities cannot be overestimated! They bring me much joy. Since I am so lucky to have the time and space to enjoy my life, I try to give back too. At the moment, I am offering free MahJongg and Rummikub lessons at our local library. Some of my friends assist with the lessons, so it is a win-win for all of us. Life is good and I am grateful.
Fabulous Bea!
I learned Mah Jongg about three years ago and I absolutely love it! I also play Hand and Food in my community but that is a more mindless, social game. Mah Jongg really tests my brain in a truly entertaining way, which is why I love it. I also love to knit, but can’t do it on any kind of regular basis because of the arthritis in my thumb. I have a new grandbaby on the way, so I’m judiciously working on a baby blanket. Those things, plus golf, walking and Zumba are all hobbies that I have embraced, and hope to carry with me as I continue to age graciously (at least that’s what I’m hoping!) LOL
What a wonderful post! The hobby I enjoy most is one I have been doing for years and is a bit different than what most people would think of doing. I make dollhouse miniatures. I have attended many classes through the years to learn how to build beautiful pieces of furniture and accessories as well as complete rooms. I have a dollhouse that I finally finished after retiring and am working on completing several other single room projects. I have a small workshop with small power tools and my next thing will be to learn and get good at lathe turning.
I also enjoy knitting which I learned to do as a child and picked up again after many years away from it. A new thing for me is learning Tai Chi. I took my first class yesterday. The teacher was wonderful and I felt so much calm at the end of class which said a lot after a very stressful morning.
What a fun and fascinating hobby. Miniatures look so clever!
I recently learned to play mah jongg — my mom always played when I was growing up, so I already had a basic understanding of the game — and it’s been fun meeting new people and adding to my network. not to mention, of course, the additional brain-building advantage of learning something new!
I feel a tension from activities that bring more “stuff” into my house that I (or someone) will have to deal with later. This after clearing 50 years of stuff from my parents’ suburban house after they passed. I’m close to donating my crafty stuff but I know I’ll probably want to do some project and then buy it all again. I’m a pretty big time gardener and crazy plant lady, so I do have cuttings and starts and seeds and an aero garden going…what on my bucket list is sewing and not quilts. I’d likento make things I want and can’t find for my house and some alterations. I used to play mahj with some older ladies in my Congregation and they would just take my money! If I could just see the difference between a flower and the 1 bam…
your knitting is beautiful, doing a knit along with the blog. 😜
❤️❤️
The photo of you in the section of Athleisure clothing shows a pair of white sneakers with hot pink or red accents. What shoe is that??
It’s the Romy sneaker by Easy Spirit. They don’t make this color combo now.
I have been dabbling with French for years; however, while working I was never able to devote much time to it. When I retired I began taking classes, and since have continued with online courses and conversation groups. When my husband and I traveled to France two months ago, I was actually able to converse! That’s huge for me!
That’s fabulous!
I signed up for StoryWorth on NPR. They send me a question every week, e.g. what’s something you’ve made that you’re particularly proud of? what do you remember about your grandparents? what were your friends like in high school? I write as little or as much as I want in response to the question, include pictures if I want to, and at the end of the year, all my essays and pictures are collected in a hardcover book which I’ll give to my granddaughter. This isn’t really a hobby, but much to my surprise, I’m really enjoying it. Both my sisters have now started their StoryWorth and we’re having fun comparing memories.
My children gave me Storyworth for Christmas. It’s fun!
Thank you for this suggestion! For me, but also a gift idea.
Betty, I hadn’t heard of but am very interested. I think our daughters were love it! A great way to know more about your loved one
My hobby is a three-season one: gardening. There’s nothing fussy. I experiment with hardy, drought-resistant perennials suited for my zone. I like color and textures. I grow tomatoes, garlic, some annual flowers and a few vegetables, too. There are some flowering bulbs in the spring. My little patch is small but full of bumblebees, ladybugs and the resident squirrels, who bring nuts in exchange for tulips. It keeps me busy. The weeds sometimes win. C’est la vie.
It sounds glorious!
Hi Jennifer! From Minnesota here and this is the post that I needed to see this morning. It answers the question for me about what to do with all of this pent up energy. Creative hobbirs are the answer I’ve been looking for. Thank you
Wonderful!