Five hobbies to try in retirement

Woman holding a tennis racket and smiling on a tennis court

Retirement can be the start of a whole new chapter, where you find new things you love about life. With hopefully more time and fewer responsibilities, this is the perfect chance to explore and uncover what brings you joy.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore your creativity or stay active, these must-try hobbies can help you stay healthy and engaged throughout this next chapter.

The best hobbies to take up during retirement

The right hobby can be more than just a way to pass the time. It can keep your body moving, improve your mental health, and spark new relationships and passions into your life. If you’re wondering how to maximize your retirement, here are five hobbies to try.

1. Join a local service club

One of the most fulfilling things you can do in retirement is to give back to your community. There are plenty of local clubs to start or continue your volunteering journey, such as:

  • Lions of Canada - Expect personal growth, networking, and opportunities to serve locally and globally.
  • The Rotary Foundation - Volunteering work and a chance to build new friendships.
  • The Royal Canadian Legion - Opportunities for veterans to volunteer or have a space to gather together.
  • Kiwanis - A global organization of volunteers dedicated to helping those in need.

Joining a local service club gives you the chance to organize charity events, support youth in your area, and give back to causes you feel aligned with. Plus, you can meet all kinds of people and come together to make your community a more welcoming place.

2. Participate in your local 55+ Games Society

If you want to stay active (with a dash of competitive spirit) the 55+ Games Society is an excellent way to make your retirement fun, social and refreshing. These events bring together seniors in provinces across the country for activities like:

  • Swimming
  • Track events
  • Card games
  • Darts
  • Curling

Don’t worry if you haven’t played sports before, as these games are built around inclusion and the spirit of togetherness. They’re a chance to try something new, reach goals, and meet people who are just as passionate about an active retirement as you are. Training for these activities and attending games can give structure to your time and ensure there’s always an event to look forward to on your social calendar.

3. Take part in a Seniors Active Living Centre program

Seniors Active Living Centres provide a space where you can find activities and events specifically for you across Canada. Designed to keep you active, connected, and motivated with fitness classes, creative workshops, and even day trips to somewhere new or educational, these centres can truly be the highlight of your week.

Expected engaging programs of events, delivered by helpful experienced staff that are on-hand to help you have the best experience possible. These hubs are inclusive spaces where you can pick up new hobbies and form friendships aligned with your values. A lot of centres also offer volunteer opportunities, which gives you a chance to give back to your community while finding new things that drive you.

Seniors Active Living Centres are a great way to structure your weekly routine while trying out new hobbies, revisiting old hobbies, and staying social.

4. Unleash your creativity at an art or craft club

Painting, drawing, knitting, and other creative hobbies are all science-backed ways to boost your cognitive function, meet new people, and reduce stress in a fun and mindful way.

Lots of communities in Canada offer beginners’ art classes or craft clubs for seniors, and community centres (like Seniors Active Living Centres) often host free creative sessions and workshops. If you’re interested in joining an art class nearby, you can check the Seniors Art Link directory for a range of options.

Whether you’re rediscovering old passions or finding your creative spark for the first time, joining craft clubs and art groups offers an excellent way to connect with other like-minded people and celebrate your creativity together.

5. Start (or join) a book club at your local library

Reading is a way to get lost in other worlds and challenge your brain. But there’s no need to reserve reading as a solo activity.

Joining a book club is a great way to spark conversation and make connections through reading your favourite books (or new ones!). Hearing fresh perspectives and opinions you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of makes reading more enjoyable and keeps your brain firing.

There are a number of local libraries across Canada that run book clubs specifically for seniors, which can range from casual catch-ups to larger regular reading clubs. If you can’t find one nearby, your local librarian will usually be happy to help you set one up. If in-person attendance isn’t possible, they also work just as well virtually.

Talking about the characters, themes, and how a story made you feel really adds another layer to the experience of reading and helps you to build friendships built on shared interests.

Find the right coverage for you

While you’re finding new hobbies and investing in this new chapter of your life, don’t forget to protect your peace of mind as well. Having final expenses insurance means knowing your family is protected and you can focus on the new stage of life ahead.

Get a free quote today

FiftyUp Final Expenses Insurance provides simplicity and flexibility to find coverage that works for you. Get a free quote today, and take one more thing off your plate so you can live life on your own terms.