Late Bloomers: Why Age Is No Obstacle To Taking Up A New Hobby
Lifestyle

Late Bloomers: Why Age Is No Obstacle To Taking Up A New Hobby

The old saying dictates that an old dog can’t learn new tricks. Not only is that insulting, but it is patently untrue. Because adult dogs aren’t as active as their younger canine pals, they are usually easier to train.

Puppies are more easily distracted and can’t focus as long as older dogs. The older and wiser canine is better able to learn new routines due to their ability to concentrate.

The same applies to humans. It is never too late to pick up a guitar, a basketball or even snorkelling equipment and start a new hobby. Here are some key reasons why age should never be a barrier:

Science Has Shown That It Is Never Too Late To Learn

Successfully learning, or even mastering, a new hobby is skill is not dictated by age. Psychologist and neuroscientist studies show exceptional achievements at a later age are not the exception. Even though you may face extra difficulties at 30, 50, or even 90, your brain is still capable of learning and mastering new skills at any age.

There is no ceiling for what you can accomplish, either. Look at iconic fashion designer Vera Wang as an example. She was a journalist, editor and competitive figure skater until she embarked on a new career at age 40. She is now a household name worldwide.

Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling only took up writing to battle her depression in her 30s and was rejected multiple times before striking it rich. Harlan David Sanders didn’t create KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) until he was 65. Steve Carrell was 43 when he got his first big break in acting.

Charles Darwin was 50 when he changed science forever with his On the Origin of Species theories of evolution by natural selection, which is regarded as one of the most important works of scientific study ever published. Ian Fleming didn’t write the first James Bond book until he was 44. And the list of inspiration goes on.

Taking Up A Hobby Is Good For Your Mind

Forget crosswords and Sudoku; taking up a hobby is the real way to boost your brainpower. According to one study, pensioners put on a course teaching them something they had never done before ended up with better memories than those who attended social events or did simple mental exercises at home.

This is especially the case when it comes to taking up music later in life. It can be beneficial to your mental health to play an instrument, sing, or listen to music. Music has the power to bring happiness to any mood, and it can soothe and energise.

You may find that learning a song that expresses what you’re feeling can help you process uncomfortable emotions. Getting together with friends or community organisations to play music is also a great way to relieve stress and connect with others.

Active Hobbies Can Help Ease Your Pain And Improve Your Physical Condition

Exercise-based hobbies such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and aerobics reduce chronic pain and improve the range of motion in seniors, according to a study published in Clinical Rheumatology. These studies have found that regular movement therapy can even reduce pain in older adults while improving their nerve function. 

Playing sports, doing exercise and dancing are great ways to keep in shape and promote good health. Physical activity reduces stress, stretches and tones muscles, lowers cholesterol levels, burns fat, and balances blood sugar levels.

Crafting And Volunteering Can Ignite Your Sense Of Purpose

Retirement can be a lonely experience as friends and loved ones pass, and you are no longer in the ritual of going to work every day. Picking up a creative hobby and putting it to good use can help ease this loneliness and restore a sense of purpose.

Seniors can feel like they are contributing to their community by volunteering or donating the crafts they create to those in need, such as knitting clothing for the homeless, by volunteering or donating the crafts they make to a worthy cause. In addition to giving seniors a renewed sense of purpose, this also increases their sense of self-worth.

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