Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Phyllis McGinley once said, “A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” Anyone who’s experienced a favorite, engaging pastime can relate to the accuracy of this profound statement. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) includes hobbies as a feature on its website in order to promote the health and well-being of older adults. NIA notes how hobbies improve cognitive skills, help to deal with stress, and lessen rates of disease. There’s the joy and satisfaction of hobbies that ultimately lead to a longer life span, too. 

There is no shortage of hobby ideas. They range from learning a musical instrument to joining a book club to gardening. Hobbies are wonderful distractions from daily stress while enhancing personal time and the sense of accomplishment that comes from a “job well done.” 

They also promote the idea of being in one’s “flow state,” or losing one’s self in an invigorating activity. Retirement is a great phase for exploring interests that were once limited by the hectic pace of careers and tending to family needs. 

Residents of Friendship Village are in the flow of hobbies every day. The community has generous space available so lifelong interests may continue and flourish. That’s the case with the Model Train Club, which provides opportunities for building picturesque displays and the camaraderie of membership. Other residents enjoy pursuits such as gardening, music, exercise, arts and crafts, as well as activities like karaoke and even Wii bowling. 

Retirement doesn’t mean the end of expanding one’s horizons. Over time, the enjoyment of hobbies leads to greater happiness, and what’s more important in one’s retirement years? Hobbies instill a sense of purpose while being amusing and bringing people together, qualities that everyone can appreciate.