Hobbies Aren't Just a Way to Pass the Time

As we get older, hobbies can become more important, not less. After years when so much of our time may have revolved around careers, children, spouses, parents and everyone else's needs, having something that's simply ours matters. Something we do not because we're responsible for it, but because we're curious about it, enjoy it—or just want to see if we're any good at it.

And hobbies do more than fill an afternoon. Learning something new challenges the brain, creative activities can help reduce stress, and working toward something—even finishing a lopsided scarf or finally getting that tomato plant to cooperate—gives us that wonderful little feeling of I did that. Hobbies can also create new friendships and communities at a stage of life when our old social circles may be changing.

Best of all, you don't have to be good at your hobby. That's why it's a hobby. Paint the bad painting. Plant the garden. Learn three chords on the guitar. Pick up the pickleball paddle. The point isn't to master something. The point is to keep being interested, engaged, curious—and maybe discover a part of yourself you didn't know was waiting there.

Read more: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a64174154/grandma-hobbies/