Compiled by staff with input from ArchWell Health
It seems these days there are a lot of special days and special months. March is an awareness month for many things but one you probably didn’t know is March is National Crocheting month. Crocheting is something our mothers or grandmothers used to do, but did you know it is making a comeback? Crocheting, knitting, and even rug making are becoming popular again.
According to a website called Big Issue, “Crafting, crochet and knitting have made a comeback and Gen Z are firmly on board, creating old and new designs, debating types of yarn, providing tutorial videos and showing off their creations of the month.”
It was very popular in the 1970’s and with some of the 70’s styles coming back crocheting is becoming popular again– and largely due to Tik Tok. You can learn anything on Tik Tok or YouTube and maybe it’s time to broaden your horizons and try something new. We’re not trying to needle you into crocheting, there are many other hobbies but it takes some effort to figure out what you want to do and then take the time to do it.
Having a hobby is good for your health, but how do you decide what to take on as a hobby?
How to Start a New Hobby or Adapt an Old One
Hobbies aren’t just for fun — though they can certainly spark joy! Among older adults across 16 countries, having a hobby is associated with better health, more happiness and higher life satisfaction.
Wondering how to get started with a new hobby or adapt an old one to your current needs? Keep reading for practical tips.
How Older Adults Can Start a Hobby
First, think about what interests you. Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve never tried, or something you used to enjoy but haven’t done in a while. Consider these categories of hobbies:
- A childhood passion (like painting or swimming)
- A forgotten skill or talent (like playing an instrument or dancing)
- A brand-new activity (like soap carving or Zentangle art making)
Then, focus your attention. Explore one activity at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed or end up with a handful of half-attempted hobbies.
Get connected
While some hobbies can be solo pursuits, others require an instructor, partner or group. Check with your local library, senior center, place of worship or recreation center to find activities and events near you. Your local ArchWell Health center is a great resource, offering fitness classes, arts and crafts, game days and more.
If you can’t find an interest group in your community, join one online. You can also look for online courses, tutorials or forums to help you get up to speed and stay motivated.
Remember: Even hobbies that don’t require group participation can be more enriching with other people. After all, old and new friends can help us stay engaged in our hobbies and encourage us to pick up new ones.
Set realistic goals
Don’t expect to take award-winning photos the moment you get your camera out of storage, or to remember all your favorite ballroom steps when your dancing shoes have been dusty for decades.
In other words, start small. Set aside a few minutes each day or week to practice your hobby. As you get comfortable with the basics, gradually increase the time commitment or complexity. With regular, consistent practice — and patience — you’ll make progress and find greater fulfillment in your chosen hobbies.
How to Adapt Activities for Aging
Do some hobbies seem off-limits at this point in life? Don’t abandon an activity because of your age or health limits (perceived or actual). Instead, adapt it!
Consider these simple adaptations:
- Arts/crafts: Try tools like ergonomic knitting needles or crochet hooks, soft-grip paintbrushes or a memory foam mouse pad with a wrist rest for graphic design.
- Gardening: Use raised garden beds and containers so you don’t have to reach all the way down into the ground. Get tools with long handles and soft grips, and choose low-maintenance, high-yield plants.
- High-impact sports: Try your hand at low-impact badminton, basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball and even swordplay with sports-simulation video games like Nintendo Switch Sports.
- Pickleball: Play doubles, choose a lightweight paddle with smaller grips, use a softer ball, play closer to the net or play shorter games.
- Reading: Get an e-reader that lets you adjust the text size and brightness. If it’s hard to sit for long periods, listen to audiobooks with headphones while you walk in the park or move around the house.
- Writing: Use talk-to-text software that lets you speak your ideas into a phone, tablet or computer.
- Yoga: Try a gentle, senior-friendly style like hatha, Iyengar, yin or restorative yoga. If getting on and off the floor isn’t working, consider chair yoga for simple yet effective movement.
Need help adapting an activity to your lifestyle? Talk with your ArchWell Health provider to find ways to tailor hobbies to your specific needs.
A Word from ArchWell Health
It’s never too late to pursue something new — you can enjoy meaningful hobbies well into your 80s and 90s! As long as you’re alive, there’s time to discover new passions and rekindle old ones. Who knows? You might surprise yourself with unexpected talents.
Remember, ArchWell Health is here for you as you seek improved health and well-being through hobbies. Whatever your age or ability, there are so many great ways to stay active and engaged. Just be sure to check in with your ArchWell Health provider before reviving an old hobby or starting something new.
