Expanding your hobbies is like unlocking new levels in the great game of life—it's an exploration of your inner strengths, developing new skills and a deep-dive into what fires you up.
When it comes to hobbies, don't think of age as an obstacle. Rather, it's your advantage, offering the perfect chance to refine old passions or carve out new ones.
Each of the 75 hobbies we explore in this article offers you a path to mastering something that enhances the quality of your life and connects you to fellow enthusiasts on a similar quest.
Table of Contents
How Can Hobbies for Older Men Improve Health and Well-Being?
Hobbies for older men are about more than just killing time. They're a toolkit for sharpening our minds, raising our emotional intelligence, strengthening our bodies and enhancing our overall "zest" for life.
Active hobbies keep our bodies moving and can significantly improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscle strength. As we grow older, staying active is not just about fitness or our physical appearance; it's essential for keeping us mobile and independent.
From a cognitive standpoint, engaging in activities such as tackling a new language, cracking puzzles, or outmaneuvering an opponent in chess isn't just fun; it’s a way to challenge yourself, boost creativity, and potentially even to stave off cognitive decline.
On an emotional level, hobbies act as a significant stress reliever. For example, the precision required in woodworking, the discipline of martial arts, and the focus needed to play a musical instrument, all offer profound means for expression and personal accomplishment. The satisfaction derived from activities such as these uplift mood, combat stress, and instill a strong sense of personal pride and achievement.
Socially, engaging in clubs or groups that align with your hobbies paves the way to building worthwhile friendships, creating an invaluable support network of like-minded individuals and greatly enhancing your social life.
75 Best Hobbies for Older Males: By Activity Level
Recognizing that physical activity is one of the only factors separating ideal hobbies for older men with hobbies for males of any age, I've broken the below hobby ideas for older men into activity level groups.
37 Hobbies for Older Men that Require Minimal Activity
Antiquing
Art collecting
Astronomy
Birdhouse building
Billiards
Blogging
Bonsai tree cultivation
Bowling
Candle making
Chess
Chocolate making
Coffee roasting
Cooking
Creative writing
Drawing and sketching
Genealogy research
Kite building and flying
Knifemaking
Leather crafting
Magic and illusion
Mixology
Model building
Movie appreciation
Music appreciation
Origami
Painting and drawing
Playing musical instruments
Podcasting
Public speaking
Reading and audiobooks
Real estate investing
Sculpture and pottery
Stock market trading
Various card games
Various puzzle games
Wine tasting
Writing
17 Hobbies for Older Men that Require Moderate Activity
Aquascaping
Beekeeping
Biking
Bocce ball
Camping
Classic car restoration
Cross-country skiing
Historical reenactment
Homebrewing beer
Hydroponics
Ice fishing
Metal detecting
Road biking
Snowshoeing
Urban exploration
Wine making
Woodworking
9 Hobbies for Older Men that Require High Levels of Activity
Archery
Drone flying and/or racing
Marathoning
Martial Arts
Rock climbing
Rowing
Sailing
Scuba diving
Triathlon competing
12 Hobbies for Older Men that Are Activity Level Adaptable
Bird watching
Canoeing and kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Gardening
Geocaching
Golfing
Hiking
Photography
Swimming
Tai Chi
Yoga
75 Best Hobbies for Older Men: Alphabetically with Descriptions
Antiquing
Antiquing isn't just about dusting off old treasures. It's about uncovering stories and the perfect excuse to roam, negotiate like a boss, and occasionally bring home something you definitely don't need but absolutely want.
Aquascaping
Aquascaping isn't just for those with a green thumb; it's an ideal hobby for older males who want to play supreme leader over a tiny, underwater Eden. It's the art of meticulously arranging aquatic plants, rocks, and driftwood, all while unsuccessfully convincing yourself that you don't need yet another tank.
Archery
Archery is the kind of hobby that lets you channel your inner Robin Hood, minus the tights. It's all about skill, focus, and the satisfying thwack of hitting the bullseye, proving age is just a number when it comes to precision and patience.
Art collecting
Collecting art isn't just about slapping some fancy paint on your walls; it's about investing in pieces that make you feel more "cultured" and the ideal way to show you're classy, with a side of "I know what I'm talking about"...even if you don't.
Astronomy
Astronomy is not just for star-gazers; it's the perfect hobby for an older man who wants to prove he can still stay up past his bedtime. Astronomy's blend of science and existential wondering allows us to boldly explore the universe from the comfort of your backyard.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is for the older man who's sweet enough to handle thousands of women at once and still keep them buzzing. It’s the ultimate way to show you’re still the king of your castle, even if it's a castle made of beeswax.
Biking
Biking is the perfect excuse for older males to don spandex and pretend they're in the Tour de France. It’s not just about the ride; it’s about proving that your knees still have some good miles left in them.
Billiards
Billiards is the perfect hobby for the older man who likes to strategize and show off, all while claiming it's just a lucky shot. It's also an ideal way to give those younger guys a run for their money, proving experience always trumps youth at the pool table.
Bird watching
Bird watching is the gentleman's spy game, trading in the thrill of the chase for the pleasure of patience. It's an ideal hobby for older men who want to prove they still have an eagle eye for detail, while enjoying the great outdoors without the risk of pulling a muscle.
Birdhouse building
Birdhouse building is the dignified older man's way of saying he's still handy, without the risk of another "incident" with the power tools. It's carpentry with a purpose, providing a home for the birds and an opportunity for unspoken competition with the neighbors.
Blogging
Blogging is an ideal hobby for the older man who's realized that his wealth of experience is worth its weight in blog page views. It's for the silver foxes ready to prove that the pen (or keyboard) is mightier than the sword.
Bocce Ball
Bocce Ball is for those who prefer their competition - like their whiskey – to be aged and with plenty of character. It's the perfect mix of strategy, skill, and the occasional "accidental" hip nudge, proving that you've still got it.
Bonsai tree cultivation
Bonsai tree cultivation is for the older man who appreciates that patience truly is a virtue, especially when it rewards you with a miniature tree masterpiece. It's a testament to the fact that good things come to those who wait, and occasionally, to those who don't mind getting a little dirt under their nails.
Bowling
Bowling is the quintessential hobby for older males who believe in the power of a good roll, but now prefer their sports to come with a side of air conditioning, beer and nachos.
Camping
Camping is the perfect hobby for the older man who wants to prove he can still "rough it" with the best of them and doesn't mind trading in his comfy bed for a night under the stars, occasionally questioning his life choices as he wrestles with a tent in the dark.
Candle making
Candle making is a good hobby for the older man who understands that ambiance is everything, especially when it involves the sweet victory of creating it with his own hands.
Canoeing and kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are ideal hobbies for the older man who likes his adventures like his coffee—strong and with the risk of getting a little wet. It's perfect for those who've reached an age where wisdom dictates contact sports avoidance, yet still crave the thrill of a paddle in hand.
Chess
Chess is the ultimate strategy hobby for the older man who prefers battles of wits over brawn, offering a perfect excuse to say, "age before beauty" when outsmarting younger opponents. It's like the gym for your brain, with less sweating and more smirking.
Chocolate making
Chocolate making is for the gentleman who knows that a little bit of sweetness can go a long way, especially if it's in the form of a chocolate bar crafted to his exact liking. It's the perfect hobby for an older man who knows that the phrase "finer things in life" doesn't just refer to whiskey and cigars.
Classic car restoration
Classic car restoration is the ideal hobby for the older man who appreciates a blend of history, horsepower, and hands-on work.
Coffee roasting
Coffee roasting is a good hobby for the older man who understands that patience and precision lead to the perfect brew. It's the hobby that proves "aged to perfection" isn't just for steaks and vintage wines.
Cooking
Cooking is the ultimate demonstration that a man’s place can indeed be in the kitchen. It’s a great hobby for older men who’ve learned that the quickest way to a person's heart is through their stomach.
Creative writing
Creative writing is the go-to hobby for the older man whose life stories are richer than his bank account, offering a chance to finally put those "back in my day" tales to good use.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is the ultimate declaration that a man's sense of adventure doesn't fade with age; it just requires more layers of clothing.
Cycling
Cycling is the perfect hobby for the older man who likes to say, "I'm in better shape than most of the mailboxes I pass," combining the joy of fresh air with the satisfaction of overtaking objects significantly younger than he is.
Drawing and sketching
Drawing and sketching is an artful way for an older gentleman to prove that, while his hair might be greying, his sense of perspective and proportion only gets sharper with age.
Drone flying and/or racing
Drone flying and/or racing are excellent hobbies for older men who are convinced that while they might have to give up running with the bulls, there's no rule against flying with the birds. It's a also hobby that proves tech-savviness isn't solely reserved for teenagers.
Fishing
Fishing is a serene hobby for an older man looking to prove that patience truly is a virtue. It's also the perfect blend of relaxation and strategy, showing that wisdom really does come with age – and so does a knack for telling the tallest tales.
Gardening
Gardening is the ultimate test of patience and persistence, proving that an older man can indeed nurture growth, not just in plants, but perhaps also in his own character.
Genealogy research
Genealogy research is the hobby for older man who wants to show that while he may not remember where he left his glasses, he certainly can trace his ancestry back to the 16th century.
Geocaching
Geocaching is like the grown-up version of treasure hunting for the savvy older man who's convinced his prime for adventure is now. It combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the satisfaction of proving to the grandkids that Grandpa's still got it.
Golfing
Golfing is the sport where an older man can finally wear those outrageous pants without judgment, and where a lower score makes you a winner – kind of like in your younger years, but with less running and more strategy.
Hiking
Hiking proves that age is just a number, and the number of trails you conquer adds to your rugged charm. It's the one activity where using a walking stick makes you look more adventurous than old.
Historical reenactment
Historical reenactment is a hobby that offers the rare chance to put on armor over your beer belly and turn it into a shield of honor, proving that chivalry - and older dad bods - can coexist.
Homebrewing beer
Homebrewing beer is the hobby for older males that gives you the perfect chance to turn your garage into a kingdom of hops and barley, where you're not just aging, you're fermenting like the fine ale you're crafting.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is the ultimate hobby for the older men looking to blend technology with agriculture, proving you can still cultivate a green thumb without the mess. It's perfect for those who appreciate efficiency and innovation.
Ice fishing
Ice fishing is the ultimate test of patience and resilience, proving to the younger generation that real men can indeed sit in the cold, silent and hopeful, for hours on end.
Knifemaking
Knifemaking is the ultimate way for an older man to show he's still sharp in more ways than one, turning a block of metal into a masterpiece through fire, force, and finesse.
Kite building and flying
Kite building and flying transcends age. Far from just child's play, it's an activity for older men that brings more joy and laughter than discomfort. Kite flying is more than a hobby; it's a declaration of your right to harness the wind.
Leather crafting
Leather crafting is the ultimate hobby for the older man who appreciates the finer things in life - like the satisfaction of making something both rugged and refined with his own two hands. It's a subtle nod to the days of yore when being a craftsman was the essence of being a man.
Magic and illusion
Magic and illusion offer the unique opportunity to convince your grandchildren you're actually a wizard. It’s the ideal mix of mischievousness and mastery, perfect for the older man who never lost his love for a good prank.
Marathoning
Marathoning is for the older man who measures his age not by years, but by the number of miles he's conquered and the younger competitors he has overtaken.
Martial Arts
Martial arts isn’t just about learning to chop blocks in half or rocking a gi; it's about fine-tuning the mind while giving the dad bod a run for its money. It’s the perfect way for the older man to prove that wisdom really does come with age—and possibly a side of nifty self-defense moves.
Metal detecting
Metal detecting is the quintessential hobby for the man who’s convinced there’s treasure lurking beneath every step, offering a compelling blend of adventure and the hope of unearthing hidden riches.
Mixology
Mixology turns the art of cocktail crafting into a personal quest for the perfect blend of flavors, proving that sophistication and a good drink truly age like fine wine.
Model building
Model building isn't just sticking bits together; it's the ultimate patience test, perfect for the older man who enjoys a challenge that's as intricate as his life's stories.
Movie appreciation
For the older man who knows that "classic" means "timelessly awesome," movie appreciation offers a front-row seat to history's greatest hits, minus the popcorn mess. It's the ultimate way to argue that the films of your youth beat today's special effects-laden spectacles, hands down.
Music appreciation
Music appreciation isn't just for the young or the restless; it's the soundtrack to a lifetime of memories, ready to be replayed with every note.
Origami
Origami, the art of paper folding, is the ideal hobby for the older man man who appreciates the finer things in life and wants to impress the grandkids without having to learn any newfangled technology.
Painting and drawing
Painting and drawing are ideal hobbies for older males, providing a calm yet powerful means to channel a lifetime's worth of stories and experiences into creativity.
Photography
Photography is the excuse every older man needs to finally declare, "I'm not lost, I'm on a photo adventure," as he wanders off the beaten path. It's also the perfect alibi for buying more gadgets.
Playing musical instruments
Learning to play a musical instrument offers the perfect chance to show that, contrary to popular belief, old dogs can indeed learn new tricks—and maybe even play "Stairway to Heaven" while they're at it.
Podcasting
Podcasting is the modern man's soapbox, allowing older men the opportunity to share tales of yesteryears, wisdom, or just why classic rock trumps everything on the radio today. It's an ideal hobby for those who believe that their voice, quite literally, needs to be heard.
Public speaking
Public speaking offers the stage every man deserves to finally prove that, yes, his stories do have a point and, more importantly, an audience that's not just the family cat.
It's the perfect hobby for proving that a wealth of experience and a good joke are timeless, especially when delivered with the confidence of someone who has seen it all and then some.
Reading and audiobooks
Diving into a good book beats asking for directions any day. It's the intellectual older man's excuse for a little quiet time. Plus, it's the only place where you can travel the world, live a thousand lives, and solve mysteries, all without changing out of your pajamas.
Real estate investing
For the older man who has spent a lifetime watching the value of things grow -whether it's his wisdom, his family, or that fine bottle of whiskey - real estate investing is a natural next step. It's a testament to the idea that you're never too old to invest in your future, or at the very least, to prove that you're still sharp enough to make a few smart deals.
Road biking
Road biking isn't just about feeling the wind in what's left of your hair; it's about proving that age is just another number, especially when you're overtaking younger riders on the uphill.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing proves that gravity is just a myth to the older man who's been defying conventions all his life. It’s the ultimate way to show you’re not just climbing the corporate ladder but can also tackle a real one, or a mountain, for that matter.
Rowing
Rowing is the perfect way for the physically active older man to demonstrate that, while he might have a bit more silver in his beard than he used to, his arms can still row against the current with the best of them.
Sailing
Sailing is the epitome of why older men prefer the ocean's call to the buzz of a lawnmower; it's about steering your way through life's choppy waters with the kind of class that can't be bottled.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is the ultimate adventure for older men, offering a chance to defy age and dive into another world. Diving is perfect for males looking for adventure, a way to stay fit, and a chance to join a community.
Sculpture and pottery
Sculpture and pottery older men to show that their hands can shape more than just business deals; they can craft art. It's a way to prove that, indeed, the only molding happening around here is of clay—not of the midsection.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing proves that the only thing better than telling stories about the uphill walk to school is actually making the uphill trek yourself, in snow, both ways. It's a fantastic way to showcase that age has only enhanced your grit and determination.
Stock market trading
Stock market trading is the older man's game of choice - not just because we love the risk, but because we've learned to enjoy the thrill of yelling "Buy!" and "Sell!" without moving from our favorite armchair.
Swimming
Swimming offers the mature man a chance to engage in a low-impact, full-body workout that keeps the heart rate up while sparing the joints, a testament to enduring strength and vitality.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi combines the ancient wisdom of cultivation with the modern older man's need to stealthily sneak up on his grandkids. It's the perfect blend of meditation and movement, ensuring you're as agile in spirit as you are in body.
Triathlon competing
Competing in triathlons proves that age is just a number, and in your case, it's one that says, "Yes, I can still outrun your excuses." It's the ultimate physical badge of honor, showing the world that not only can you still set the pace, but you're also not afraid to mix swimming, cycling, and running into one epic adventure before breakfast.
Urban exploration
Urban exploration is an older man's way of proving that not all who wander are lost; some are just mischievously seeking the thrill of discovering a city's hidden gems and forgotten tales.
Various card games
Card games are an ultimate test of strategy and bluff, where a well-aged poker face can be your greatest asset. It's the go-to hobby for older men who know that a good game involves more than just the luck of the draw - it's about outsmarting your opponents.
Various puzzle games
Puzzle games are the mental gym where you flex your problem-solving muscles and polish your wit, proving that your old brain remains as sharp as a tack. It's the kind of workout where the only heavy lifting involves moving from beginner to expert level.
Wine making
Wine making is the older man's game of patience and taste, proving that with age comes not just wisdom, but also a finer palate. It's for those who understand that the best things in life, like a well-aged wine, require time and a touch of mischief.
Wine tasting
Wine tasting, for the cultured older gentleman, is not just about sipping and savouring—it's about turning every glass into a story, a memory. It's for those who know that with age, just like wine, we only get better, developing a nose for life's finer experiences.
Woodworking
Woodworking is the hobby where patience, precision, and a bit of elbow grease turn into something magnificent, proving that older men really don't need a manual, just a toolbox and time. It’s for those who understand that the only thing better than telling a good story is crafting one with your hands.
Writing
Writing is the ultimate hobby for the older man who's seen it all and knows that filling pages with chaos, adventure, and decades of "I-know-better" stories is cheaper than therapy and less risky than starting a garage band at 60. It’s for those who appreciate that the pen is mightier than the remote control.
Final Thoughts
Hobbies for older men aren’t just about finding ways to fill extra time, they're proof you've still got skin in the game and a way to keep pushing limits. Hobbies can sharpen your thinking, boost your health, and nourish your spirit. They’re channels for unleashing creativity, connection and enriching your life.
For more hobby ideas, check out these other articles on empty nest hobbies, social hobbies and interesting hobbies for women in midlife.
About the Author
Angela Caveney, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist and Founder of The Trybe Women's Social Club. Her absolute favorite things to do are to help women find their people, rediscover themselves and thrive throughout midlife. She can be reached directly at angela@the-trybe.com.
Comments