8 Low-Cost Hobbies for Boomers

Whoever coined the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was wrong. Boomers can learn new skills and enjoy new hobbies with as much enthusiasm as the younger generations. Maybe you’ve been on the hunt for a new hobby. Or maybe your current hobby is getting a little stale—or expensive. The good news is, there are fun hobbies that won’t break the bank! Here are 8 low-cost hobbies for Boomers.

1. Creative Writing

C.S. Lewis, British scholar and author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, once said: “You can make anything by writing.” Creative writing is a form of magic like no other: plucking thoughts from your head and ordering them on paper until they flow in beautiful prose. Best of all, you don’t have to pay a dime to write! All you need is a pen and some paper. You can also use a free word processer, like Google Docs or LibreOffice.

Related: How Reading And Writing Can Inspire Boomers

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2. Listen to Podcasts

Did you know that over 95% of Boomers don’t listen to podcasts? That means 95 percent of Boomers are missing out! As a matter, many podcasts are made specifically for the older demographic. Consider The Retirement Answer Man or Retirement for Real. They break down complex topics like preparing for retirement into easy, bite-sized nuggets of information. You can discover even more podcasts on Senior Resource by clicking HERE.

3. Geocaching

Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity that hobbyists of all ages can enjoy. Invented in 2000 in a tiny Oregon town, it involves using a GPS system to locate containers. Caches are usually filled with items, known in the geocaching community as “SWAG.” The golden rule of geocaching is: “If you take something, leave something of equal or higher value.” Make sure you buy a few items, so you can follow this rule! They can be something as simple as a bouncy ball or a cute pen. Additionally, the geocaching app is FREE to download!

4. Blogging

Do you have a passion for baking? Do you like photography? Or do you really want to discuss that new show you just finished Then you should start a blog! Whether you have one loyal reader or thousands, blogging is a fun way to share your thoughts with the world. You don’t even need to pay a cent! There are FREE blogging platforms that would be more than happy to be your new digital home.

5. Stargazing

Stargazing is an overlooked hobby. For those of us who live in the country, we might not even appreciate the celestial diamonds that grace the heavens every night. If you’re looking for an inexpensive hobby, try out stargazing! You don’t even need a telescope. All you need is your eyes and a comfortable spot in your backyard. To make it more educational, try to find as many constellations and stars as you can!

6. Listening to Music

Nowadays, our favorite songs are only a Google search away. Websites like Spotify allow for easy listening. Of course, you can always visit YouTube and search for your favorite music that way, too. There’s another benefit to this hobby, too. Research shows that listening to music can actually reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.

7. Photography

You don’t need an amazing camera to take beautiful photos. You just need a phone and a little creativity! If you end up wanting a better camera, you don’t have to take a loan to afford it. Best Buy sells discounted digital cameras. You can also find them on Amazon. If you’d prefer to shop in-person, check out your local Goodwill. Some stores offer secondhand digital cameras.

8. Baking

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker with several tiered cakes under your belt, baking is a fun skill! Plus, it’s useful! If you’re new to the pastry world, start small. Try to make some simple banana bread or brownies. For the more health-conscious among us, have no fear. You can still enjoy baking, too! Search for recipes that are healthier versions of your favorite, get out your mixer, and let loose. As famous chef and cooking teacher Julia Child once said: “The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”

Looking for more?

If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:

• 7 Simple Thrifty Tips for Retirees Decorating the Patio This Summer
• 8 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money When Eating Out
• 10 Thrifty Travel Hacks for Retirees
• 13 Fresh, Fun, & Frugal Date Night Ideas for Retirees

If you’re looking for more retirement or senior living resources, start here: