The Best Hobbies for Women Over 50 — And the Surprising Health Benefits of Each

Women over 50 are usually looking for something to do in their free time, like knitting, learning new board games, or even becoming a “plant mom.” But did you know that all these hobbies aren’t just fun, but beneficial, too? Read on to find out how some fun activities can improve your health.

Board Games Boost Problem-Solving Abilities

Board games may sound like an old-fashioned thing to enjoy in a world full of TVs and smartphones, but around 70% of women over 50 still enjoy playing.

Apart from bringing back childhood memories, these games also help you think of a plan or solution you’ve been stuck on. Research proves that playing board games boost creativity as they stimulate our brains and allow us to be more open to new ideas.

Pickleball Helps Fight Off Depression

Pickleball was invented in 1965 in Washington state and for the past three years, it’s been the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Women over 50 play it most regularly, which is great as it can make them significantly happier.

Due to its accessibility for beginners and lighter paddles that are easy to pick up, the sport is popular among elderly people. In addition, it improves mental health, reduces stress levels, and increases overall happiness.

Knitting Improves Memory

Another hobby that’s gained a lot of traction in recent years is knitting due to the artistic freedom that its practicers gain. One more benefit is that it improves fuzzy short-term and long-term memory as well as decision-making abilities.

When people perform a task, the part of the brain that controls the task gets stronger and more efficient. It’s the same as with physical exercises.

Reading Contributes to Better Recall

Enjoying sitting down and getting lost in a good book isn’t exclusive to any age group or gender, but for women over 50, it can be particularly beneficial as it sharpens your episodic and working memory.

It allows you to keep track of storylines and remember specific details as it challenges the memory-managing areas of the brain.