Think of retirement as a new season of life. With your newfound freedom, how will you spend your time after years of raising your family and dedicating your time to work?

One of the easiest ways for older adults to stay physically and mentally active during retirement is to discover new activities and hobbies. Maybe there’s an activity you enjoyed doing during your younger years, a skill you’d like to refine or something entirely new you’re ready to explore.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you narrow down your options.

• Do I prefer solo activities or group activities?
• Do I enjoy doing things alone or with groups of people?
• Is there a particular skill I would like to develop?
• What are my natural skills and talents?
• What am I doing when I feel happiest?

Hobbies and Activities to Consider

Whether you are currently retired, or retirement is in your near future, you should begin thinking about the activities and hobbies that satisfy your interests. If you live in a senior living community, you already have the upper hand. Most communities offer residents a wide range of onsite activities and programs designed to foster social connections and enrich their lives. Some great hobbies include:

Volunteer your time.

If you’re looking to support a good cause, then volunteering is a great way to enrich your life while making a difference in the lives of the people in your community. Contact local churches, animal shelters, schools, hospitals and non-profit organizations for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Move Your Body.

Exercise is increasingly important as you age, which is why focusing on your fitness is a great way to spend your time. Consider joining a gym or fitness studio if you enjoy working out in a group setting. Alternatively, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, golf and bowling are all fun and effective ways to incorporate movement into your daily life.

Learn a new skill or rekindle an old hobby.

Retirement is the perfect time to rekindle an old hobby or try something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for in your younger years. From cooking and dance classes to learning a new language or brushing up on your woodworking skills, there are countless courses and programs you can try as you pursue new interests. Often your local community college or library will offer free or discounted classes for older adults.

Other hobbies to explore include:

• Scrapbooking
• Photography
• Painting
• Gardening

Join a Club

Embracing hobbies during retirement can help boost your physical, emotional and social well-being. Other benefits include:

• Establishes sense of purpose
• Reduces and manages stress
• Fosters new friendships and improves social connections
• Encourages continuing education
• Challenges the brain and decreases cognitive decline