Fascinating and Fun Outdoor Hobbies to Consider After Retirement

As of 2023, there are an estimated 66.9 million Americans in their 50s, representing 18.8% of the total population of the United States. Americans in their 50s are expected to grow in the coming years, reaching 70.6 million by 2030.

If you are one of these people, retirement is probably on your mind. 

The 50s are a time of significant life changes for many people. They are facing retirement, caring for aging parents, or raising young children, sometimes all simultaneously. 

This is a time of great opportunity, as people have the chance to pursue new interests and careers. Once you are retired, you will have more time on your hand, and to enjoy this newfound time, hobbies can play an important role.

Hobbies are essential for retired people because they provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, help individuals maintain social connections and prevent isolation, and can contribute to overall physical and mental health. 

Do you have any hobbies now? Do you know what might interest you in the future? Engaging in hobbies allows you to explore new interests, learn new skills, and stay mentally active, which can help prevent cognitive decline. 

Hobbies can also provide a way to stay active and physically fit. They can even provide opportunities to give back to the community through volunteering or other forms of service. Additionally, hobbies can provide a sense of enjoyment and relaxation, which is especially important for those who are no longer working and may be dealing with the stress of aging or other life changes.

You can start thinking now about ways to explore all your passions and hobbies. For others, they need to find those hobbies that bring them joy. The world is full of hobbies, and there are even some great outdoor hobbies to start after retirement that will keep you active and loving the retired life.

Bird-Watching

For those in their 50s and 60s looking for a new hobby, bird-watching, also known as birding, is an excellent choice. Not only is it a fun and engaging activity, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Birding involves going outside and observing birds in their natural habitat, which can require patience and skill. As you develop your birding skills, you'll find yourself identifying more and more bird species, adding to the excitement and sense of achievement.

In addition to the mental stimulation and enjoyment that birding provides, it's also a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Being outdoors and active has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and cognitive function, and boosting overall physical fitness. 

Plus, birding can be done just about anywhere, making it a great way to explore new areas and get to know your local ecosystem. 

The best locations for bird watching can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, the specific bird species you are interested in observing, and your geographic location. That being said, some of the most popular and renowned birding destinations around the world include:

1. Costa Rica: Known for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to more than 900 species of birds, including toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds.
2. The Galapagos Islands: These islands off the coast of Ecuador are famous for their unique and abundant wildlife, including many bird species found nowhere else in the world.
3. Kenya: With its diverse habitats and large numbers of migratory birds, Kenya is a must-visit destination for birders looking to spot species such as ostriches, eagles, and flamingos.
4. The Pantanal: This wetland region in Brazil is home to hundreds of bird species, including the iconic hyacinth macaw and the Jabiru stork.
5. Alaska: With its vast wilderness areas and unique ecosystem, Alaska is a top destination for birding enthusiasts looking to spot species such as bald eagles, puffins, and sandhill cranes.
6. The Great Barrier Reef: This world-famous coral reef system in Australia is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including terns, gulls, and boobies.
7. The British Isles: These islands off the coast of Europe are a prime destination for birding, with species such as puffins, gannets, and terns among the many that can be observed in their natural habitats.

Of course, there are many other excellent birding destinations worldwide, and even in your local area, you may find great birding spots. 

Online resources such as eBird and the American Birding Association can provide additional information and recommendations for birding locations.

So whether you're a seasoned bird-watching pro or just starting out, this hobby can provide endless entertainment, learning opportunities, and health benefits for years to come.

Gold Prospecting

Gold prospecting is the activity of searching for gold in various places, such as rivers, streams, and mines, using specialized tools such as metal detectors and sluice boxes. This hobby can be traced back to the Gold Rush era of the 1800s, but it remains a popular pastime today for individuals seeking adventure and the thrill of the hunt.

Gold prospecting can be a physically demanding hobby, involving hiking and climbing in search of promising spots to dig. Many retirees start this hobby for fun, excitement, and to keep physically active. 

It requires patience, persistence, and knowledge of the geological conditions that are likely to contain gold deposits. Some people enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of gold prospecting, while others form social connections through clubs and events.

Retirees are among the many groups of people who have taken up gold prospecting as a hobby. With more free time and a desire to stay active and engaged, retirees are drawn to the challenge and excitement of gold prospecting. It's a great way to stay physically active, learn new skills, and explore the outdoors. Additionally, the potential for finding valuable nuggets or flakes of gold can add an extra level of excitement and purpose to the activity.

Some individuals even turn their gold prospecting hobby into a part-time or full-time business, selling their finds to jewelers and collectors. Whether pursued as a casual hobby or a serious pursuit, gold prospecting can offer a rewarding and fulfilling experience for those willing to put in the time and effort.

You will need to know the basics of using a suction dredge to find gold, but with that knowledge and the right equipment, you'll have your new hobby and some gold in no time!

Get Out and Garden

Gardening is an excellent pastime that can keep you active and engaged in your retirement years. Unlike when you were younger and had less time, you can now fully devote yourself to your garden and reap the rewards of your hard work. Tending to a garden can be a significant undertaking, but the benefits are worth it. Not only will you get plenty of fresh air and exercise, but you'll also enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own delicious fruits and vegetables to eat or share with family and friends.

The type of gardening that is best to start will depend on where you live in the U.S., as different regions have different climates and growing conditions. Here are some suggestions for gardening based on different parts of the United States:

1. Northeast: The Northeast region has cool, moist summers and harsh winters, making it ideal for cool-season crops such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Root vegetables like carrots and beets also grow well in this area.
2. Southeast: The Southeast has hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it perfect for warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. You can also grow leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach in the cooler months.
3. Midwest: The Midwest has a mix of climates, with hot summers and cold winters. This region is ideal for crops such as corn, beans, and squash. You can also grow cool-season crops in the spring and fall.
4. Southwest: The Southwest has hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it suitable for crops such as peppers, tomatoes, and melons. Succulents and cacti also grow well in this area.
5. West Coast: The West Coast has a mild, Mediterranean climate that is ideal for a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce are all popular choices in this region.

Ultimately, the best type of gardening to start will depend on your local climate and growing conditions. It's always a good idea to do some research and talk to local gardening experts to find out what plants and techniques will work best in your area.

Flowers or Veggies?

Flower gardens and vegetable gardens are two very different types of gardens, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. While the primary purpose of a vegetable garden is to grow fresh produce, the primary purpose of a flower garden is to create visual beauty and interest. Although both types of gardens require maintenance, vegetable gardens generally require more attention due to the need for regular watering, fertilizing, and weed control.

One of the key benefits of a vegetable garden is the ability to harvest fresh, healthy produce from your backyard. On the other hand, flower gardens offer the opportunity to create stunning displays of color and texture that can be enjoyed by anyone passing by. 

Regarding design, vegetable gardens are often laid out in a functional manner, with rows or raised beds to make tending and harvesting easier, while flower gardens can be designed to create a particular visual effect or mood.

When it comes to plant selection, vegetable gardens are chosen for their ability to produce food, while flower gardens focus on color, texture, and form. 

Whether you choose to create a flower garden, a vegetable garden, or a combination of the two, the rewards are numerous. With a little effort and care, you can create a beautiful and bountiful garden that will provide enjoyment and satisfaction for years to come.

Online Help

There are many online resources available to help new gardeners, regardless of their experience level. Here are a few good ones:

1. The Old Farmer's Almanac: The Old Farmer's Almanac has been a trusted gardening resource for over 200 years. Their website offers a wealth of information on gardening techniques, planting calendars, and more.
2. Garden.org: Garden.org is a nonprofit organization that educates gardeners and promotes gardening. Their website offers a variety of resources, including articles, forums, and a plant database.
3. Burpee: Burpee is a popular seed company that also offers a wealth of information for gardeners. Their website has articles on gardening techniques and a tool for finding the best plants for your area.
4. Garden Answer: Garden Answer is a popular YouTube channel run by horticulturist Laura LeBoutillier. Her videos offer tips and advice on a wide range of gardening topics, from planting to pruning.
5. University extension websites: Many universities have extension programs offering information and gardening resources. These websites often have information specific to your state or region, making them a valuable resource for new gardeners. Find a list here: Find Your State's Extension Office | List of all 50 Extension services (uada.edu)

These are just a few examples of the many online resources available to new gardeners. By taking advantage of these resources, you can learn the skills and techniques needed to create a beautiful and bountiful garden.

Regardless of the time of the year, you should never stay cooped up in your home, especially if you're living the new retired life. It's a great way to stay active and get some sunshine. They're also great places to invest your time and attention.

There are many different ways to plan for activities in retirement. You can create a list of things you want to do, find a group of people to do them with or take classes or workshops. You can also volunteer your time or start a new business.

No matter what you choose to do, the important thing is to plan for something that you will enjoy, and that will help you stay active and engaged.