Unusual and Interesting Things to do in Retirement

This content was reviewed and approved by Marc Perry.

The information on this page should not be considered as financial advice. If you are unsure what’s right for you, please make sure you speak to a financial adviser.

Remaining active has proven benefits for older adults, especially if you’re the adventurous type. However, finding unusual things to do in retirement is not always easy.

Perhaps you’re considering early retirement? Or you’re reaching State Pension age? If you’re looking for unique hobbies and activities for seniors, the following ideas will help you discover new ways to fill your valuable spare time.

7 unusual things to do in retirement

Are you emotionally prepared for retirement? There are few better ways to enjoy the next stage of your life than with new experiences and interests. Whether it’s a global adventure, a new sport, or a first gardening project, the time could be right to try something different.

Retirement offers endless possibilities, with opportunities to explore fresh hobbies and interests. As you get older, it’s a good idea to make pension and retirement planning part of your goals to give you financial security to chase your dreams or simply help others. 

Whether you’re looking to make friends and bring structure back to your day, or just throw yourself into something new, you may find inspiration from these unusual hobbies and unique activities for seniors.

1. Go travelling

With all that new freedom, retirement is often the ideal time to travel. Whether it’s a long-awaited cruise or a trip of a lifetime, you can tick off your bucket list while enjoying the wonders of the world.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to tackle Route 66? Or dive with turtles off the Great Barrier Reef? All this could be possible when you’re retired. If you plan to visit a far-flung destination, or even something closer to home, travel insurance also provides financial and medical security when you’re away and offers peace of mind.

2. Try a new sports

We’ve already mentioned how being active in retirement can benefit both physical and mental health and help reduce isolation and loneliness. Finding a new sport or activity is a great way to exercise, meet people and remain socially active when you’re no longer working. 

Most pensioners have access to sports clubs that support senior teams, whether walking rugby or senior netball. You could try moderate intensity activities such as hiking, cycling, golf, bowling, water aerobics, or swimming. Or, if you’re feeling more daring, you could give skydiving, rock climbing or scuba diving a go. Whatever you choose, you don’t have to be a young person at their physical prime to enjoy a new sport.

3. Learn to play a musical instrument

At some point in our lives, most of us yearn to play a musical instrument. Yet how many take the time to learn? Retirement could be the perfect opportunity to fulfil your musical goals, now that you’re free of the daily grind.

From guitars and drums to violins and saxophones, there’s a vast range of instruments to choose from, each providing a stimulating challenge while keeping your mind active. Not only that, but the skill and technique needed to play certain instruments could involve specific breathing exercises and improve your hand-eye coordination. It may not be the most unique activity for seniors, but there are many advantages to playing an instrument, and you could end up making a new circle of friends.

4. Get gaming

The gaming phenomenon isn’t limited to younger generations. More older people are gaming than ever before, making it not so much an unusual thing to do in retirement, but more a growing trend.

Whether it’s war games, sports, or adventure, according to Statista 41% of 55–64-year-olds in the UK and one-in-four over 65s play video games (2024). The boom in ‘silver gamers’ is due to the entertainment it offers, the chance to play against others online, and the opportunity to chat to people from other countries. You could even interact with grandchildren living on the other side of the world, and it’s a great way to keep mentally active and create new friendships.

5. Work with wildlife

Working with wildlife could be considered an unusual thing to do in retirement. But there are countless opportunities available for those who love nature, conservation and the surrounding wildlife.

From livestock spotters in the English countryside to protecting butterfly communities in rural Wales, The Wildlife Trusts welcomes volunteers of all ages from all over the UK. Duties could include raking hay, recording wildlife, or taking part in bird counts. As well as keeping you physically and mentally active, working with wildlife is one of the most rewarding and unusual hobbies for seniors. 

6. Take dancing lessons

Learning to dance is an effective way to keep fit and healthy in retirement. It helps you exercise your body and brain while having fun, regardless of your prowess on the dance floor.

You’ll find dancing lessons for a variety of styles, from ballroom and salsa to tap or line dancing. As well as meeting new people, regular dance lessons will keep you physically and socially active as you get older. It may be seen as an unusual thing to do in retirement, but dancing is great for both body and soul. Organisations such as Silver Swans even offer online dance classes for those who may struggle to leave home. 

7. Mentor others

You may have acquired a variety of skills during your career. Now that you’re no longer working, you could use all that vast experience and give something back by helping to mentor others.

What was once an unusual hobby for seniors is becoming increasingly common as older people become personal coaches and use their skills to train others. As well as keeping you mentally active, it can also build relations with those in your community while helping others achieve their personal goals and ambitions.

Unique activities for adventurous seniors

If putting your feet up isn’t for you, you’re probably searching for unusual things you can do in retirement. Maybe you crave the rush of adrenaline or the thrill of trying something new.

These unique hobbies for seniors show that age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying retirement.

Skydiving

It might seem like an extreme hobby, but many people try skydiving well into retirement, and even into their 100s. There’s no age limit to skydiving and most people can do it with the right training and support, and head for heights. Jumping out of a plane is also a great way to raise money for charity. 

Skateboarding

You’re never too old for skateboarding, with athletes competing at the Olympics Games well into their 50s. Now, even retirees are giving skateboarding a go – not only does it keep you active, but it’s a great way to socialise. Just make sure you get the right kneepads and protective equipment to avoid injuries.

DJ-ing

DJ-ing is a hobby that any retiree can pick up and enjoy. You can practice at home or with friends, with in-person and online classes widely available. DJ-ing allows you to enjoy the beat of the music and party atmosphere — you can also work on your unique mixing style. DJ-ing is so accessible that even retired UK grandmothers have become world-famous at it.

Getting financial advice can help you enjoy the retirement you deserve

If retirement is on your horizon, our expert advisers can guide you through what your pension could provide and how to make the most of your savings. Request a call back today to explore your retirement options.