What Do Old People Do for Fun? 9 Top Hobbies for Seniors

What Do Old People Do for Fun? Key Points

• Many seniors enjoy hobbies like gardening, reading, and creating art to stay active and mentally engaged
• Elderly individuals also enjoy cooking to share family traditions and explore new recipes
• Social activities like volunteering can also help elderly individuals foster connection and purpose

About one in four Americans aged 65 and older living in the community are socially isolated, and 43% of adults over 60 report feeling lonely.

So, what do older adults tend to do for fun, and how can those activities help?

Enjoyable pastimes like gardening, cooking, and listening to music can encourage social interaction, stimulate the mind, and bring structure to the day.

In this guide, we will:

• Explore fun activities older adults can enjoy
• Look at how staying active supports overall well-being
• Share practical ideas to match different interests and lifestyles

What Do Old People Do for Fun? 9 Popular Pastimes

While your idea of fun might shift as you get older, staying active and engaged is possible regardless of age.

Here are some enjoyable ways seniors can spend their time, based on their personal interests.

For Social Seniors

Practicing socialization even later in life helps keep the mind sharp, boosts mood, and supports overall health.

1. Spending Time With Family and Friends

Older adults often value time spent with family and friends. A day out with the grandkids, coffee with a neighbor, or joining a local event can make a big difference, especially for seniors who live alone.

If your elderly loved one lives in a care home, staying connected through visits, phone calls, or shared activities can strengthen your relationship and boost their emotional well-being.

2. Volunteering

For many active older adults, retirement isn’t about slowing down.

It’s a chance to stay engaged, give back, and find purpose through meaningful contributions to the community.

Popular volunteering activities for seniors include:

• Mentoring and tutoring: Support children in reading, math, or life skills at local schools and youth centers
• Food banks and soup kitchens: Help prepare meals, sort donations, or deliver food to those in need
• Animal shelters: Walk pets or help with adoption events

For the Intellectual Explorers

For elderly individuals who stay curious and love learning, retirement is a great opportunity to keep exploring new ideas and interests.

3. Playing Games

Just because someone’s older doesn’t mean they’ve stopped having fun. In fact, many seniors love playing games as a way to stay sharp, socialize, and simply enjoy themselves.

From card games at the kitchen table to digital puzzles on a tablet, older adults have just as much love for games as younger generations.

Some popular games among older adults include:

• Trivia games: Great for keeping the mind active and sparking conversation
• Sudoku and number puzzles: A go-to for brain exercise
• Word games: Think Scrabble, Wordle, or a good old-fashioned crossword
• Jigsaw puzzles: Relaxing and satisfying to complete

4. Reading and Listening to Audiobooks

Those who love to learn, imagine, or simply relax with a good story often find joy in books. Reading or listening to audiobooks offers enrichment and escape while fostering curiosity.

Popular choices can include:

• Historical fiction
• Memoirs
• Mysteries
• Spiritual or inspirational titles

For the Creative Minds

A 2023 study found that creativity tends to decline with age, particularly among older adults living with dementia.

However, creativity doesn’t have to fade as you get older. Elderly individuals can nurture creativity through new experiences and engaging with creative communities.

5. Creating Art

Art is a fun and fulfilling way for older adults to express themselves.

Whether it’s painting or sculpting, creative activities offer both mental stimulation and emotional release.

Elderly individuals can create the following art pieces:

• Watercolor landscapes
• Handmade greeting cards
• Collages from personal photos
• Simple sketches inspired by their daily life

6. Listening to Music

Listening to music is an easy way for older adults to relax, boost their mood, and reconnect with fond memories.

With streaming services, radios, or personal playlists, it’s easy to enjoy the right tunes anytime.

In care homes, playing familiar songs during daily routines or group activities can also help create a warm, comforting atmosphere

7. Cooking

Many older adults find joy in cooking. It’s a hands-on hobby that allows them to pass down family recipes, create meaningful moments with loved ones, and bring people together around the table.

For some, it’s also a way to stay mentally and physically active, try new and healthy dishes, and take pride in nourishing others.

For the Nature Lovers

Research shows that spending time in nature can ease stress, sharpen focus, and boost overall mental well-being.

8. Gardening

Gardening is one of the most popular pastimes among older adults, as it is a peaceful yet rewarding way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Tending potted plants on a balcony, cultivating vegetables in raised beds, or joining a community garden can offer light physical activity and a meaningful routine.

9. Bird Watching

Bird watching offers a calming way to observe wildlife while developing knowledge of species, behavior, and seasonal changes.

Whether it’s spotting a cardinal on a snowy branch or following migrating geese, bird watching is a low-impact activity that provides a sense of adventure without the need for strenuous movement.

What Do Old People Like? The Benefits of Staying Active and Engaged

Staying active and engaged later in life offers real benefits for both body and mind, including:

• Improved mental health: Fun, meaningful activities help ease loneliness, reduce stress, supports a more positive outlook.
• Better physical health: Gentle movement like walking, gardening, or dancing helps maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. These are essential to preventing falls and managing chronic conditions.
• Sharper mind: Reading, puzzles, games, and learning new things challenge the brain and support memory, focus, and mental agility.
• Improved emotional well-being: Creative outlets and activities with purpose like volunteering build self-esteem and offer a deeper sense of fulfillment.
• Stronger social ties: Joining a book club, taking a community art class, or participating in a walking group gives older adults regular chances to connect with others, build friendships, and stay socially engaged

Explore Reliable Senior Services at Always Best Care

At Always Best Care, we understand how important it is for your elderly loved one to feel safe, supported, and truly cared for.

With more than 275 locations nationwide, Always Best Care Senior Services was built on a mission of providing compassionate, dependable support tailored to everyone’s needs.

Our care services include:

• In-home care services: Our caregivers offer dependable, compassionate support right at home, whether it’s 24/7 help, fall prevention, companionship, meal preparation, or daily wellness check-ins.
• Skilled home health care services: Available at select locations, our care services are tailored to individual needs, including recovery support.
• Dementia care services: We provide tailored support for those living with dementia, focusing on consistency, comfort, and emotional well-being to help them feel safe and understood.
• Respite care services: Need a break? We offer temporary care so you can rest, recharge, or tend to other responsibilities knowing your loved one is in capable hands.
• Specialized home care services: We use advanced tools like remote health monitoring, balance tracking systems, and personal emergency response systems to support safe and effective care at home.
• Senior living referral services: Our team helps you navigate housing decisions, recommending trusted assisted living communities that offer around-the-clock care and social activities.
• Veterans assistance program: We assist eligible veterans and their families in accessing funds for their care.