The 5 Easiest Hobbies You Can Pick Up in Your 60s

As we age, it's easy to fall into a pattern: We have a firm understanding of our likes and dislikes—and how we want to spend our time. But in your 60s, you might be yearning for something new to stimulate your mind, so why not try picking up a new hobby?

It doesn't have to be anything too stressful, and it could actually help you find more direction. "Hobbies picked up later in life have a more intentional purpose," Randi Levin, transitional life strategist and founder of Randi Levin Coaching, tells Best Life. "The sixth decade of life often affords an uptick in time, shifting business and parenting roles, downsizing, and the economic ability to make things happen."

Levin explains that your new hobbies tend to be "offshoots of existing interests," as it's "easier to expand upon what you already love." For example, travel lovers might want to learn a new language, while avid writers might finally sit down and write that novel.

No matter your needs or interests (or your reasoning for trying something new), there's an option for you on this list. Read on for the five easiest hobbies you can pick up in your 60s.

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Community is crucial in your 60s, Levin says, especially in terms of fighting those feelings of isolation.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

"Change is a constant for people in their 60s and beyond as they parent adult children, downsize and move, step away from their corporate roles, and often have a different circle of people in their day-to-day. As roles shift, so does identity," Levin explains. "Group activities that have the potential for them to form new friendships, learn new skills, and have intelligent conversations are often critical ingredients to happiness and longevity."

If you're looking for an option, Samantha Hoff, DIY lifestyle expert, yoga instructor, and founder of Pottery with a Purpose, suggests a tried and true group activity: Book club.

"Joining a book club and reading is a wonderful hobby that supports mental health and wellbeing," Hoff tells Best Life. "Reading allows you to relax and unwind while learning something new or diving into a new story."

If book club isn't your jam, consider starting your own group, per Levin's recommendation. It doesn't have to be overly complicated—and if you're doing what you love, chances are it'll naturally feel pretty simple to start.

"Often, the appeal of teaching or mentoring becomes a meaningful diversion that expands upon existing experiences while impacting the lives of others," Levin says. "Many in their 60s build upon a hobby that they love such as photography or cooking and start their own meetup or community-based event to share this pastime with others."

Hoff also recommends pottery for this age group, especially if you're looking for a creative outlet.

"Today's world is filled with a crazy amount of distractions, chaos, and noise. Finding a purposeful escape and discovering (or rediscovering!) your creative inspiration is a great place to find a new hobby," Hoff says. "Creating pottery or tapping into your creative side by making something from scratch is a great way to encourage slower, more mindful living [amid] a fast-paced lifestyle."

Lyn Christian, author, TEDx speaker, and master certified business and life coach at SoulSalt, also suggests pottery, which is a great option if your energy levels are a bit lower these days. In addition, Christian recommends painting or another hobby you may have wanted to take up as a kid.

"Your 60s [offer] the perfect opportunity to try it and see if it sparks joy in your life," Christian says.

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Some of us may slow down in our 60s, but others want to use their free time or retirement to get active. So, when you're deciding what you'll try next, consider how much time and energy you have to devote to your new activity.

"The key is discovering hobbies that you can stick to," Christian says. "If you have a lot of energy, you may enjoy running, pickleball, or weightlifting."

Pickleball is a "current trending hobby," Hoff adds, and it's particularly popular with older adults looking to take it easy on their joints.

"Pickleball is great because it gets your body moving and is social," Hoff says. "This is a great way to meet people and participate in a team activity. No need to be a pro in this sport as it is enjoyable for many skill levels and ages."

Another hobby that you can pick up pretty easily is gardening.

"Most people imagine seniors knitting for fun at their age but, the truth is, many of them experience impaired vision that hinders their sewing abilities," Nancy Mitchell, RN, contributing writer for Assisted Living Center, says. "I've noticed more of them taking up gardening as an enjoyable alternative."

Mitchell notes that later in life, many people experience the loss of family, friends, or experiences. They might not have children nearby and experience a resultant "sense of idleness and lack of control."

"Gardening is their way of getting closure and turning new leaves (no pun intended)," Michell explains. "Being able to nurture a plant into growing helps them cope with the losses that come with aging and focus on bringing life to new things."

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If you've felt restless post-retirement, or are just ready to be done with a profession you've devoted many years to, Levin also suggests going out on your own.

"A renewed sense of adventure tends to make itself known as bucket list possibilities spring to life to make good on life-long promises made to oneself," Levin says. "Surprisingly, not all of those hobbies are purely recreational. Businesses often spring to life."

It might not seem that "easy" to launch a business, but with a bit of research and determination, you can develop a new sense of purpose. According to Levin, a new business can be something as simple as tapping into your artsy side and selling your creations on Etsy or getting certified in home organizing and launching a company where you can work on your own terms.

"At this stage of life…success is measured differently and is more about the joy it brings rather than the income it produces," she says. "While not a traditional 'hobby' it is a valid and popular way for people to jump-start their next chapters."