When someone asked me recently what I’m into I didn’t have answers. Existential crisis aside, what are some good hobbies/interests for someone in their mid thirties to pick up?
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Play an instrument.
I had zero musical talent, I’m not coordinated, and I don’t even listen to music much to be honest. Yet one day I decided to try playing guitar and totally fell in love, it’s like a new part of my brain came online.
I’ll never be playing Wembley stadium or whatever but just practicing is so rewarding. It’s not about getting good, it’s about getting better.
I actually did this but with the ukulele! I picked it up partially because it’s small and really easy to pick up and put down when I’m bored at work, but also because it’s relatively easy.
Dude learning music is so fulfilling. I picked up the viola at 30. Am I good, no, not at all. However, it’s been super gratifying being able to hear gradual progress. I have improved enough that playing with other people is no longer a pipe dream. Learning music has given me so much happiness. I felt so anxious and stalled in my paid work because of the vagueness and lack of direction, so small achievable goals like learning a new piece has been really grounding. It’s also really peaceful to have something so completely selfish. My viola skills are not for anyone but me, so I always smile a little whenever I pick it up. I sincerely hope that the guitar brings you the same joy.
Never too old to learn a musical instrument. You can pick up an acoustic guitar for cheap at a pawn shop.
Learning how to code is a good one that can be done either free or very cheaply and doesn’t require a lot of computing power when starting out. All you need is a text editor and Google.
I’m also a mid-30s dude and I can honestly say cooking and baking has probably been the best skill I have. I bake stuff for my coworkers every now and then and it’s always a good time. And cooking a nice meal from scratch for a girl always impresses.
Disc golf. Most cities of moderate size have a course somewhere around and most are free to use. Can get started with 1 disc, about 10 to 12 dollars for a putter, all you’d need to start, or get a starter set of 3 discs for about 30 to 40 bucks at most sporting goods stores.
I’ve been addicted to disc golf for a decade, and while I’m still not very good, I still enjoy every single round so much.
There’s so much benefit to squeeze out of the sport:
- hiking
- humility
- healthy competitive spirit
- self control
- decision making
- sight seeing
Disc golf changed my life, and I hope others find their way to it too
It’s a good time to pick up a martial art or yoga. The strength and flexibility training will help stave off age very effectively, and they’re good at helping deal with stress too.
I agree with many here about finding some sort of exercise, it’s especially beneficial as we age. Cooking is another great one that was mentioned, and it goes hand in hand with staying healthy along with exercising.
One I didn’t see mentioned was Lego. Fair warning, it can get very expensive, but I found it very relaxing to build something with my hands. Plus, you can just turn off your brain for a bit and it feels great to admire a build after you’ve completed it.
I started building sets for things I was interested in, like Star Wars, and would watch the movies while building or put on an audiobook.
There are great lego alternatives which have much more reasonable pricing like bluebrixx and CaDa.
Indeed, I own several of these sets, and it still gets expensive haha.
Gardening is always a safe “goto”
Probably some of these mentioned already:
- Cooking more instead of buying pre-made
- Learning some basic home maintenance like plumbing, keeping appliances cleaned, simple electrical stuff, etc
- Growing some small veggies
- Prepping for disaster - different time frames and scenarios like: fire, no power, poor air quality, floods, data loss, having to leave in a hurry
- Simple exercise and stretching routine
“Maker” stuff is fun. I picked up woodworking/furniture making, 3d printing, and electronics.
Rock climbing. Hit up a gym or hire a guide if outdoor climbing sounds interesting
I’ve tried my hands at home brewing and lock picking. Not great at either, but I’ve learned a lot and had fun. You can get started in either for under $100. And if you enjoy them you can sink much much more into them!
If you’re looking for a physical activity, consider indoor rowing. I picked it up at 35. It was getting harder to find regular exercise that didn’t kill my joints. This one fits the bill. Gives me a great workout without leaving aches and pains.
If you have time and enjoy being active / outside - running.
If you prefer learning and/or experiencing something other than your daily life - reading.
Both can be tailored to your own availability/interest (fast or long running, solo or group, non-fiction or fiction, specific interests or genre.
Depends on whether you’d prefer outdoorsy or indoorsy, and also what things you already are into to balance things out a little, maybe? But have not seen gardening mentioned yet, whether you attack an allotment, or plant some discarded salads/spring onions on a window sill. Always rewarding to munch on something home-grown!
