Nearly half of UK adults over 50 say they garden regularly, yet the same research shows that one in four retirees have no regular hobby at all. For someone retiring at 66, the difference between having a structured hobby and not can mean years of lost social contact, reduced physical activity, and a measurable decline in mental wellbeing. The data from a Saga survey of over 50s makes this clear: 97% of gardeners say the activity benefits their mental health, and 99% of over-50s who take part in team sports or fitness say the same. These aren’t small numbers — they’re the difference between a retirement that feels full and one that feels empty.
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This article is general information only and does not constitute professional advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.
The picture changes depending on where you live and whether you’re male or female. Men aged 50-plus are most likely to say that keeping their brain active is the best activity for their mental health (50%), while women favour spending time in nature (57%). That split matters when you’re choosing what to do with your time — what works for one person might feel like a chore to another. The Reassured survey of retirees confirms that gardening, country walks, and reading dominate the list, but the real question is whether you’re picking something that fits your specific circumstances. Here’s what you actually need to know.
What makes a retirement hobby different from a casual interest? The term active retirement describes a phase where structured hobbies become a core part of daily life — not just something to fill time, but something that provides routine, social contact, and measurable health benefits. The research shows that people who treat their hobbies as a regular commitment report better mental health outcomes than those who dip in and out. What I tend to notice is that the retirees who do best are the ones who started before they stopped working. If you’re still a few years out from retirement, the link between hobbies and social connection is worth reading early.
The most reliable data on retirement hobbies comes from two UK surveys. The Saga study focused on over-50s and measured hobby participation alongside mental health benefits. The Reassured survey asked retirees specifically which hobbies they pursue. Together, they paint a clear picture of what people actually do — and what they get out of it.
Here are the top ten hobbies among UK retirees, based on the Reassured survey:
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| Hobby | Percentage of Retirees | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Gardening | 35% | Outdoor activity, low-impact exercise |
| Country walks / hiking | 30% | Nature exposure, cardiovascular health |
| Reading | 25.6% | Mental stimulation, cognitive engagement |
| Travelling | 25% | Exploration, social connection |
| Cooking | 22.4% | Creativity, practical skill maintenance |
| Painting | 10.6% | Creative expression, fine motor skills |
| Watching movies / cinema | 10.2% | Relaxation, shared cultural experience |
| Volunteering | 8.6% | Purpose, social connection |
| Playing an instrument | 8.4% | Brain training, coordination |
| Swimming | 7% | Full-body exercise, joint-friendly |
The Saga survey adds a layer that the table doesn’t show: the mental health connection. Among over-50s who garden, 97% say it benefits their mental health. For swimmers it’s 95%. For birdwatchers it’s 93%. The pattern is consistent — outdoor hobbies produce the highest wellbeing scores. But the gender split matters too. Men over 50 rate brain-active hobbies highest (50%), while women rate nature time highest (57%). That means a couple retiring together might need very different hobby plans.
Region also plays a role. The North East leads with 61% of over-50s gardening, compared to 52% in the North West and 45% in Yorkshire & Humber. If you live in a region with strong outdoor culture, your options for group activities like walking clubs or community gardening are likely better. That’s worth factoring in when you’re planning your retirement lifestyle — local availability can make or break a new hobby.
Three Ways Retirees Miss Out on Hobby Benefits
Waiting until retirement to start
The most common mistake is treating hobbies as something to figure out after you stop working. The Saga data shows that people who already have established hobbies by age 50 are far more likely to maintain them into retirement. Starting from scratch at 66 means you’re learning a new skill, finding your community, and building a routine all at once — which is harder than continuing something you already enjoy. The cost of delay is lost time: every year you wait is a year of missed mental health benefits, social connection, and physical activity.
Picking the wrong hobby for your priorities
Men and women value different things in their hobbies, but many retirees pick activities based on what a partner or friend wants rather than what they actually need. The research shows that men over 50 get the most mental health benefit from brain-active hobbies (50%), while women get it from nature-based activities (57%). If you’re a man who joins a walking group because your partner wants to, but you’d rather be doing puzzles or learning an instrument, the mismatch will show up in your wellbeing. What I tend to notice is that the retirees who stick with a hobby are the ones who chose it for themselves, not for someone else.
Ignoring the social element
Team sports and fitness activities have a 99% mental health benefit rating among over-50s who participate. That’s not just about the exercise — it’s about the people. Solo hobbies like reading or watching movies are fine, but they don’t provide the same social buffer against loneliness. The Reassured survey shows that only 8.6% of retirees volunteer, yet volunteering consistently ranks among the most socially rewarding activities. If your hobby list is entirely solo, your risk of isolation in retirement goes up. A mix of solo and social hobbies is the better bet.
Building a Hobby Routine That Works for Your Retirement
Outdoor hobbies: the highest-return option
Gardening, walking, birdwatching, and swimming all appear in the top ten retiree hobbies, and all four score above 90% for mental health benefit. If you can only commit to one hobby, make it an outdoor one. The Saga data shows that 49% of over-50s already garden, and the 61% figure in the North East suggests that local climate doesn’t have to be a barrier. If you don’t have a garden, check for community allotments or walking groups in your area. Most are free or low-cost, and the social element is built in. For retirees who want to explore nature more deeply, the practical guides available online can help you identify species and log sightings — a simple way to add structure to a walk.
Mental hobbies: for cognitive maintenance
Reading (25.6% of retirees), playing an instrument (8.4%), and painting (10.6%) all provide cognitive stimulation. For men, these are particularly important — half of men over 50 say brain-active hobbies are best for their mental health. The key is consistency. A daily 20-minute reading habit produces more benefit than a four-hour session once a month. If you’re considering learning an instrument, start with a short trial period before buying equipment. Many music shops offer rental options, which is cheaper than committing to a full purchase upfront.
Social hobbies: the loneliness buffer
Team sports, volunteering, and group walking all score at or near 100% for mental health benefit. The social element is what makes the difference. If you’re not sporty, volunteering is a strong alternative — 8.6% of retirees do it, and it provides purpose, routine, and regular contact with others. Local volunteer centres can match you with opportunities based on your skills and availability. The key is to treat it as a regular commitment, not an occasional favour. If you need help structuring your budget around hobby costs, a financial check-in can help you allocate funds without cutting into essentials.
The future of retiree hobbies: what’s changing
As more people reach retirement with digital skills, online hobbies are growing. The Reassured data already shows that watching movies and cinema trips accounts for 10.2% of retiree activities, and that number is likely to rise as streaming becomes more accessible. But the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor hobbies remain higher. The challenge for future retirees will be balancing screen-based leisure with the kind of activities that produce the highest wellbeing scores. If you’re planning your retirement now, prioritise outdoor and social hobbies while you’re still mobile enough to enjoy them fully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retirement Hobbies
What is the most popular retirement hobby in the UK? ▾
How much should I budget for retirement hobbies? ▾
What if I have physical limitations? ▾
Is it better to have one hobby or several? ▾
Can I turn a hobby into a retirement income? ▾
What hobbies are unusual but worth trying? ▾
Why What You Do Now Determines How You Retire
The data is consistent: retirees who have active hobbies report better mental health, stronger social connections, and higher daily satisfaction. The 99% figure for team sports and the 97% figure for gardening aren’t marketing — they’re the result of thousands of people reporting what actually works. The mistake is treating hobbies as optional rather than structural. A retirement without a hobby routine is a retirement that leaves your wellbeing to chance. The best time to start was ten years ago. The next best time is today. Retirement regrets: avoid these common mistakes covers the other decisions that can shape your later years.
Remember: this article is general information only. For advice on your specific situation, speak to a qualified professional.
If this was useful, you might also want to read Sustainable retirement: eco-friendly living for UK retirees.
Sources and Further Reading
Loneliness in retirement: building a strong social life — A practical guide to the social side of retirement, including how hobbies connect you with others.
Mastering your finances: a simple guide to managing your money in retirement — Covers budgeting for leisure and hobby costs without disrupting your essential spending.
Saga (2024). Healthy Hobbies Later in Life. 🔗
Reassured (2024). The Most Popular Hobbies for Retirees. 🔗
