Hobbies and Learning

Hobbies and Learning for Senior Australians

Life after 60 is not about slowing down—it's about finding the rhythm that suits you best. And for many senior Australians, that rhythm includes exploring new hobbies, developing skills, or going back to things they loved but never had time for. At Silver Lifestyle, we celebrate the joy of lifelong learning and the incredible benefits of hobbies that keep your mind sharp, your body active, and your spirit joyful.

Whether you’re looking for quiet indoor pursuits or more active group-based learning, we’ve created this ultimate guide to hobbies and learning for seniors. It's packed with ideas, inspiration, and practical tips to help you stay engaged, connected, and happy in your later years.

Why Hobbies and Lifelong Learning Matter in Later Life

• Boosts mental wellbeing: Learning something new gives you a sense of purpose and keeps the mind active.
• Improves memory and focus: Cognitive stimulation helps slow memory decline and maintain brain health.
• Reduces loneliness: Many hobbies connect you with others in clubs or online communities.
• Encourages physical activity: Hobbies like gardening, dancing, or walking groups keep the body moving.
• Creates joy and meaning: Doing something just for the fun of it is one of the healthiest things you can do.

Popular Hobbies for Senior Australians

1. Gardening

From balcony pots to full veggie patches, gardening is both therapeutic and physically rewarding. It’s gentle exercise, it gets you outdoors, and you can literally enjoy the fruits (or flowers!) of your labour.

• Start with low-maintenance plants like succulents or herbs.
• Join a local gardening group or community garden.
• Try vertical gardening or raised beds for easy access.

2. Walking and Bushwalking

Walking is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors. Combine it with nature, and it becomes a joyful hobby. Many communities have walking clubs just for over-60s.

• Explore nearby trails using apps like AllTrails or local council maps.
• Join a Heart Foundation walking group in your area.
• Make it social—walk with friends, or your dog!

3. Painting and Drawing

You don’t need to be the next Monet to enjoy painting. Art classes for seniors are popular and focus on enjoyment, not perfection. Even adult colouring books are a great creative outlet.

• Try watercolour kits or sketchpads for beginners.
• Online platforms like YouTube have free art tutorials.
• Join a local art group or senior centre class.

4. Knitting, Sewing and Crafts

Craft hobbies are wonderfully meditative and can be incredibly social. Many seniors pick up crocheting, quilting, or card-making in retirement.

• Join a knitting circle or craft market group.
• Make gifts for grandkids or donate to hospitals and charities.
• Share your projects on Facebook craft groups or Pinterest.

5. Playing a Musical Instrument

Always wanted to learn piano or strum a guitar? It’s never too late. Music lights up multiple areas of the brain and can boost memory, mood, and coordination.

• Look for lessons tailored to seniors—many teachers now specialise in adult beginners.
• Try digital pianos or ukuleles—affordable and senior-friendly.
• Group music-making, like drumming or choirs, is growing in popularity.

Learning Something New—Your Brain Will Thank You

Lifelong learning is about keeping your mind alive and your curiosity sparked. Whether formal or informal, online or in person, learning at any age has huge benefits.

Enrol in an Online Course

Websites like U3A Online (University of the Third Age), FutureLearn, or Coursera offer free or low-cost courses in subjects from history to computing to nutrition.

• Pick a topic that excites you—whether it's ancient Greece or digital photography.
• Set your own pace and study from the comfort of home.
• No exams or pressure—just learning for the love of it!

Join a Local U3A or Neighbourhood House

Australia’s U3A movement has thousands of seniors learning and teaching each other every day. You’ll find in-person classes, discussion groups, guest speakers and excursions—all senior-friendly.

• Search for your nearest U3A branch via u3a.org.au.
• Courses include languages, current affairs, tai chi, book clubs and more.

Learn a New Language

Learning a language is a powerful way to sharpen your brain and prepare for travel. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Busuu make it fun and interactive.

• Start with just 10 minutes a day to build the habit.
• Try conversation meetups or language cafés if you want to practise socially.

Social Hobbies that Build Community

1. Book Clubs

Join a book club through your local library or start your own. It’s a lovely way to discover new authors and enjoy meaningful discussions with others.

2. Volunteering

Giving back is one of the most fulfilling “hobbies” of all. Seniors are valued volunteers in everything from op shops to reading programs to wildlife rescue.

• Volunteer Victoria and GoVolunteer are great directories.
• Look for roles that suit your time, interests and mobility.

3. Card and Board Games

From bridge and mah-jong to Scrabble and puzzles, games are great brain boosters and bonding tools.

• Join a local seniors club with regular game afternoons.
• Play online with others using websites like Chess.com or Words with Friends.

4. Choirs and Community Theatre

If you love to sing or act, local amateur groups can be a joyful part of your weekly rhythm.

• Senior choirs welcome all levels—no auditions needed!
• Performing is great for memory, breath control and confidence.

Digital and Technology-Based Hobbies

1. Photography

Modern smartphones make photography accessible and fun. Many seniors enjoy documenting their travels, family moments, or natural surroundings.

• Join photo challenges or groups online (like Flickr or Instagram).
• Edit photos with apps like Snapseed or Lightroom.
• Consider short online courses to sharpen your skills.

2. Blogging or Memoir Writing

Writing is therapeutic and a wonderful way to share your life story. Create a blog or memoir to preserve your legacy.

• Use platforms like WordPress or Substack to start your blog.
• Attend writing workshops at libraries or senior learning centres.

3. Genealogy and Family History

Discovering your ancestry can be fascinating. Sites like Ancestry.com.au or MyHeritage let you explore your roots and create family trees.

• Record oral histories with family members before they’re lost.
• Use photos and documents to build a personal archive.

Staying Safe and Supported in New Hobbies

• Check with your GP before starting new physical activities.
• Look for programs that accommodate your mobility or energy levels.
• Set a weekly goal to avoid overcommitting or burning out.
• Choose hobbies that give you energy—not ones that drain it.

And remember: it’s okay to try something and then decide it’s not for you. The joy is in the discovery.

Adapting Hobbies for Changing Needs

Vision loss, hearing changes or reduced mobility doesn’t mean giving up hobbies—it means adapting:

• Use large-print books or audiobooks via Vision Australia or libraries.
• Look for subtitles, hearing loops, or captioning in digital learning.
• Choose seated versions of exercises like tai chi or dancing.

There are also many assistive technologies and modifications available to keep you engaged and supported.

Finding the Right Hobby for You

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:

• What did I love doing as a child?
• What skills or passions have I always admired in others?
• Do I want a hobby that’s social or solo? Indoors or outdoors?
• Am I looking to relax, be creative, give back, or be active?

Then—just try something. Borrow books from the library, sign up for a local class, ask friends what they do, or browse community noticeboards.

Make It Part of Your Routine

It’s easy to let the weeks slip by without doing something fun or new. So pencil your hobby into your calendar. Better yet—make a date with a friend to do it together.

• Schedule a “hobby hour” each day or week.
• Share your progress on social media or in a WhatsApp group.
• Reward yourself for sticking to your hobby—even if it’s just a cuppa and a pat on the back.

Inspiration from Other Seniors

Here are some real stories from older Australians who embraced hobbies after 60:

• George, 73: Learned digital photography and now runs a local nature photo blog.
• Rita, 68: Took up ukulele through a seniors’ class and now leads a local jam group at the RSL.
• Maureen, 80: Started painting during COVID lockdowns and now exhibits her work at a local café.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush, signing into a new class, or digging in the soil, hobbies and learning are vital ingredients to a full and happy life in your senior years. At Silver Lifestyle, we’re here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

So go ahead—try something new. Share your talents. Feed your curiosity. Your next chapter is waiting.