For many folks inching toward retirement, the thought of unlimited free time can feel daunting. However, instead of fearing the inevitable, consider taking up a new hobby during your golden years and watch your free time fill up.

Taking up a hobby is a sure-fire way to keep yourself busy, make new friends, and give yourself a sense of purpose. Read on for seven rewarding hobbies to keep your mind and body active during retirement.

Model Building

A rewarding hobby for detail-oriented retirees is model building. From trains and cars to villages and castles, the options are limitless for those interested in constructing miniature prototypes. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful creation to display once finished, showing off your hard work and dedication.

When beginning your journey into model building, you’ll want to invest in the proper supplies to breeze through each creation. Though each replica will require varying equipment, a general must-have list should include paint, sandpaper, brushes, and masking tape. Additionally, it may be worth investing in a set of battery-operated lights to illuminate and display your end product.

Travel

Many travel-hungry young adults find themselves unable to explore the world due to strict work schedules and inadequate funding. Fortunately, retirement is the perfect time to put your grand travel plans into action, now that your career and personal life have slowed significantly. So, put your newfound free time to good use and jet off to your dream destinations, saving up funds on off-seasons.

Photography

Taking up photography may be the perfect solution for those looking to enrich their lives through creative pursuits during retirement. If you’re interested in nature and travel, consider photographing your adventures. Or, if you prefer something more easy-going, capturing snapshots of your family or hometown can be an excellent opportunity to cement your memories in place. Even if your photography knowledge is limited, there are local courses and online resources to help nurture your skill.

Volunteering

Unfortunately, many older folks feel unproductive or under stimulated during their retirement years. By volunteering regularly, unsatisfied retirees can improve their day-to-day lives by helping others and engaging in their community.

Whether you volunteer at local homeless shelters or animal sanctuaries, you’ll feel fulfilled at the end of each day knowing you enriched the lives of others.

Gardening

If you’re looking for activities to keep you physically active and out in the sun during your golden years, consider planting a garden. Though tending to a garden can be tedious at times, the physical exercise and baskets of fruits will be rewarding enough. If you’re looking for a less intensive option, you can also delve into flower and foliage gardens.

Hiking

Hiking is another excellent source of vitamin D and physical activity for those feeling stagnant in retirement. However, for those unaccustomed to regular exercise, remember to slow your pace and pick beginner-friendly paths. Though most cities offer local trails to explore, you can also integrate hiking into your travel plans, trekking into unknown lands.

Book club

Whether you’ve been an avid reader for years or can’t remember the last time you picked up a book, retirement is the perfect time to whip out your to-read booklist. Better yet, retirees looking for an added social aspect can join a book club to meet like-minded individuals and discuss every juicy scene.

Parting shot

Though adjusting to retirement may take time, try to take advantage of your newfound freedom with exciting, rewarding hobbies. Whether you travel the world, grow a green thumb, or volunteer in your community, committing to a hobby during your golden years will keep you young at heart.