This post delves into 23 fun hobbies for women over 40. From creative projects to physical pursuits, we’ve got you covered with a wide variety of hobby ideas to inspire your next passion project.
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Life has many chapters, and as someone over 40, you might find yourself at the beginning of a new chapter, looking for ways to enrich and revitalize your life.
Life takes us through many changes and one of the most exciting parts, is filling our free time with the things we really love to do – the ones that fill our cups, make us excited for the day, and keep us learning and growing.
Whether you’re looking to start something brand new or rekindle an old passion, you’ve come to the right place.
This post will cover all kinds of fun activities for women over 40 from creative arts to outdoor activities, and community engagement with a comprehensive list that includes unexpected ideas like horseback riding, astronomy, and aromatherapy.
Let’s get into the list of fun hobbies for women over 40!
23 Fun Hobbies for Women Over 40
Creative Arts
Reconnect with the artist within through a variety of creative pursuits from the classics like painting and drawing to more unexpected options like floral design.
1. Painting and Drawing
Picking up the pencil or paintbrush can feel overwhelming at first so try keeping it easy with an adult coloring book or paint-by-numbers set. In no time, you’ll be rivalling Picasso with your one-of-a-kind works.
There are so many great paint-by-numbers sets available these days and they really take it to another level with beautiful scenes that make a wonderful gift as well.
2. Photography
This world is a beautiful place. Capture the moments that you find particularly special through your lens. Tell your story through developing a photographic style unique to you.
If you’re looking for an easy place to start, we love this simple film camera. It’s super cute and is a great first timer camera to practice shooting on film.
3. Knitting & Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting have a lovely meditative effect that leaves you feeling relaxed like nothing else. They make great hobbies because you can combine them with other things you love like listening to audiobooks or watching movies. Plus, you’ll have next year’s Christmas gifts covered.
4. Pottery
If you’re someone who struggles with perfectionism, you need to try pottery. Not only does the imperfectness of ceramics test your ability to let go and go with the flow, it also requires you to relax into the mess. You’ll be covered in clay, glaze, and slip – but only if you do it right!
5. Floral Design
Take your love for flowers to a new level by investing in your ability to make unique floral designs. We love this hobby for women over 40 because it combines creativity with the beauty of nature, offering a therapeutic and satisfying experience.
Physical & Outdoor Activities
Physical hobbies are a great way to stay active, move your body, and get outside. There are so many options to match whatever you’re into.
6. Gardening
Whether you have a yard or not, gardening can be a great hobby for women of all ages. If you have the space, try planting a small kitchen garden in the yard. Imagine how rewarding it will be to harvest and cook your own veggies in just a couple of months. If you’re working with indoor space, turn your space into a jungle with all kinds of indoor plants.
7. Hiking
If you live in an area with access to natural areas for hiking, why not discover some new trails? Hiking can be catered to almost any level and can be a great way to socialize as well. Getting outside always does a world of good.
8. Cycling
Hiking not your thing? Cycling has become a really popular hobby because it’s a fun way to explore the area around you and get some fresh air. You can even join a cycling group to meet new people and turn it into a social affair.
9. Golf
Golf is loved by many for a reason. It combines three great aspects of any hobby, getting outside, socializing and meeting new people, and learning a new skill. Plus, if you get really into it, you’ll have a great excuse to travel the world in search of the best golf courses.
10. Horseback Riding
When you first hear horseback riding, do you think about yourself as a child wishing for a pony for your birthday? Horses can be super gentle and loving animals and are known to form one of the deepest bonds with people compared to any other animal. Doesn’t a nice Sunday trail ride sound pretty nice?
Learning & Skill Development
Hobbies are a great opportunity for mental stimulation and growth. As we age, we need to continue to nourish our minds just as much as our bodies. Finding a hobby that does this is a great way to make it a habit.
11. Cooking
Maybe you’ve been cooking for decades or maybe you’re a total newbie. Cooking is a fun and efficient hobby that has all kinds of benefits, like eating super tasty food, hosting dinner parties, and sharing delicious food with loved ones.
You have to believe us when we say every single recipe in Cook This Book is absolutely insanely delicious. Our favorites are the pastrami roast chicken and the wedge salad with garlic bread crumbs.
12. Writing
Writing can take so many forms from journaling, to short stories, and screenplays. It’s a fun and easy hobby that almost anyone can do, anywhere. All you need is a notebook and pen to get started.
13. Dance Classes
Dancing is an absolute trifecta of fun, good for you, and easily accessible. Whether you want to follow some Youtube choreography videos or take class, the dance world is your oyster.
14. Musical Instrument Classes
How many of us have learning to play an instrument as a bucket list item? From piano to guitar to ukulele, there are so many options available. You can take in-person classes or follow free tutorials online, there’s something for everyone.
15. Historical Interest
It’s been a long time since highschool history class. Whether you consider yourself a total history buff or whether you’ve forgotten it all, there’s so much to learn. Start with an engaging historical nonfiction and see where it takes you.
The Radium Girls has been at the top of our Goodreads recently. It tells the harrowing account of young female factory workers who suffered devastating health issues from radium paint exposure, leading to a groundbreaking battle for workers’ rights and safety standards in the early 20th century.
Social & Community Engagement
One of the well-known secrets of living a healthy life is staying active in your community and creating a supportive network of family, friends, and acquaintances. Hobbies are a great opportunity to make new social connections and get out into your community.
16. Book Club
Are you a reader looking for some new inspiration or some friends to discuss with? Join – or even start – a book club. Nowadays, it’s super easy with the help of Zoom and Facebook. There truly is something for everyone.
17. Volunteering
Perhaps the most gratifying hobby on the list, volunteering is a great way to give back and connect with your local community. It’s easy to start and most places have many options available from local women’s centers, to soup kitchens, and even animal shelters.
18. Join Local Clubs & Groups
Facebook opens up a world of local clubs and groups. There’s all kinds of groups based on interests, affinities, and much much more. Just a little digging will turn up all kinds of opportunities.
19. Get Involved in Local Government
Here’s a hobby you wouldn’t always think of first! Try getting involved with the local government to make your home a better, safer, more engaged place.
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Hobbies can be a great way to wind down and relax from the everyday stressors of life. Use these opportunities to work on your inner world and cultivate a mindset of inner peace.
20. Aromatherapy
If you struggle with relaxation, try turning it into a hobby. Aromatherapy is a great way to unwind and release stress. Plus, you’ll be a total potions master in no time, mixing and matching essential oils to make your custom blends.
If you’re keen to get started right away, pick up a set of essential oils that covers all your bases. Learn about the benefits of each oil and starting concocting and testing out all kinds of different blends.
21. Tea Preparation & Tasting
Tea preparation and tasting is an art that opens up a world of delicate flavors and aromas, blending tradition with personal discovery. Although it might appear intricate at first, beginning with the basics of brewing and tasting different types of tea can be both simple and delightful. Start by experimenting with brewing times and temperatures for various teas, and observe the subtle changes in flavor and aroma – this journey into the nuances of tea can be a soothing and enlightening experience.
22. Astronomy
Astronomy has a magical way of expanding our perspective and deepening our understanding of the universe. While the vastness of space may seem overwhelming at first, getting into astronomy can be both easy and captivating. Begin by simply stargazing, identifying constellations, or following the moon’s phases, and let your curiosity guide you through the wonders of the cosmos.
23. Meditation
There’s a reason why meditation is praised for being so transformative. Although it can be a little intimidating to start, meditation can be easy and simple. Start with a simple breathing exercise like box breathing and see where it takes you.
If you’re new to meditation, try this Breathing Buddha. It offers daily guided breathing to help you calm and focus your mind. It uses light cues to make breathing techniques easy to learn.
This post was about all things hobbies for women over 40.
Curious to learn more?
- 23 Fun Hobbies For Women In Their 20s
- 19 Fun Hobbies For Women In Their 30s
- 13 Powerful Daily Habits to Improve Your Life Now
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