As you head into your later years, and the demands of work and family recede, how do you anticipate spending your time? Many of us will seek out part-time employment or find reward in volunteering with a favorite cause or community group. But even those activities are unlikely to fill all of your time. The question then becomes, do you have a hobby? Something to engage you during your leisure time that you take up for pleasure, learning, or enlightenment? Anything from the deeply engrossing to the silly and sublime can count as a hobby. If it gives you pleasure and engages your mind, then why not? More importantly, for our purposes, what can a hobby do to enhance and support your quality of life in your later years?

There’s a new research study that can help answer that question. Published in Nature Medicine, this new study out of University College London found a consistent link- across 3 continents and 16 different countries- between the mental health and life satisfaction of those 65 and older, and engagement in hobbies. Over 93,000 participants were followed for 4-8 years in different countries and what was consistently found was that older adults who have a hobby experience decreased depressive symptoms and increased life satisfaction and happiness, no matter where they live. As the study authors write, “Our study shows the potential of hobbies to protect older people from age-related decline in mental health and well being…Hobbies may contribute to life satisfaction in our later years through many mechanisms, including feeling in control of our minds and bodies, finding a purpose in life, and feeling competent in tackling daily issues.” Moreover, engagement in hobbies appears to be a cost-effective strategy to enhance the mental health of older adults, a wonderful and side-effect-free alternative to medications. There are also studies that report the value of hobbies that engage your mind and require your attention as a bulwark against dementia. 

So, with the perspective that “staying active in retirement isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” what kind of hobbies can be beneficial to your health and well-being? Everything from the ordinary and popular- such as gardening, music lessons or pickleball– to – juggling, language learning, or dancing– can count. One expert recommendation? Leisure time in your later years affords you the opportunity to “think outside the box.” Instead of picking up a typical option you might encounter at a local senior center, Professor Tania Wiseman of Swansea University recommends you, “Defy expectations, knock down those mental barriers and try something different.” She continues, “Think outside the box of what’s suitable for your age group (what does that even mean?)…If you’re interested, then it’s suitable.” So if you’d rather learn mountain climbing or circus skills instead of quilting or crafting, her message is go for it- if nothing else, you’re setting a great example for those behind you of what they can attempt in their later years.

In case you’re still wondering what to pursue, there is one hobby that clearly seems to take your brain to the next level and perhaps even extend your life span. Cutting-edge research shows the critical role of artistic endeavors in supporting and maintaining brain health well into your later years. According to the recently published book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, “Daily artistic practice of any kind – you don’t have to be any good, it’s the doing that matters – can have huge benefits in terms of lowering stress levels, minimizing physical and mental-health issues and help us continue to learn, even in later life.” The range of artistic options is wide open, and just devoting 30-45 minutes daily will both engage your brain, enhance your pleasure, and keep you vibrant well into your later years. Whether it’s dance, poetry, music, or visiting an art exhibit, you’ll find this is a hobby that gives you pleasure and gives back to your brain and body. To find out more, grab your crayons and click here.