8 Fun Creative Activities for Older Adults

Quick! What’s the biggest benefit to retirement? If you answered “more time to do the things I love,” then you’d be 100 percent correct. More free time means more opportunity to enjoy your passions, and also to explore new ones. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve compiled a list of eight fun and creative activities for older adults.

1. Write Your Story

Maybe you have an idea for the next great American novel, or perhaps you’ve been looking to start writing your memoirs. Creative writing classes are typically easy to find — in the community or online — and are a great way to meet new people while indulging in a creative outlet.

2. Take Up an Instrument

Learning a new instrument isn’t just a great way to stimulate your brain — it can also be fun! With enough practice, you may even become experienced enough to start or join a local band. Or perhaps you always played an instrument, but never performed. Now is your chance to share your talent.

3. Get Involved in Local Theater

Love to act? Local theaters often have plenty of opportunities for everyone from novice actors to experienced entertainers. Even if hopping onstage isn’t your thing, there are tons of ways to get involved with your local theater company — such as helping with set design, stage management, lights and costumes.

4. Take Professional-Style Photos

Learning a new technology has never been more accessible, and photography is no exception. Even if you don’t have a fancy camera, you can take a class to learn about angles, lighting and editing software to help make your pictures better than ever.

5. Learn a Craft

Whether it’s knitting, embroidery, woodworking or pottery, learning a new craft can help you find a passion or talent you never even knew you had — and also can be an excellent stress reliever. Choose something that excites you so it won’t feel like a chore.

6. Study a Language

Taking on a new challenge can be mentally stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. Try studying a new language you’ve always wanted to learn — and as a bonus, you could even plan a vacation to a location where you can practice your skills.

7. Take a Cooking Class

“Studying” has never been more delicious. Sign up for a cooking class to learn new skills in the kitchen, try out different recipes or get creative with cake decorating. Or, if you can’t find a class in your area, challenge yourself with new recipes and techniques through online tutorials, like Salted.

8. Embrace Your Inner Artist

You don’t have to be an exceptionally talented painter to enjoy the process of making art. Consider taking a drawing class or, if you aren’t ready to commit to a new pastime, attend a “wine and design” or “paint and sip” event where an instructor will lead you through the process step by step — wine optional.

Finding new ways to be creative is good for your mind, your body and your soul. You may try something once and realize it isn’t for you, or you may discover a hidden talent you never knew existed.

Your retirement is your chance to enjoy the things you love, with a plan in place for the future. Our resource center is full of tools you can use to enjoy the best possible retirement.