This post delves into 27 inspiring hobbies for women over 40 to rediscover their passions. From creative projects to physical pursuits, weâve got you covered with a wide variety of hobby ideas to help you find purpose and meaning in your everyday life.
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 â the ones that fill our cups, make us excited for the day, and keep us learning and growing.
Whether youâre looking to start something brand new or rekindle an old passion, youâve come to the right place.
This post will cover all kinds of inspiring 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.
Letâs get into the list of hobbies for women over 40!
27 Inspiring Hobbies for Women Over 40
Creative Hobbies for Women
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, youâll be rivaling 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 by 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, youâll have next yearâs Christmas gifts covered.
4. Pottery
If youâre 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, but it also requires you to relax into the mess. Youâll be covered in clay, glaze, and slip â 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 so let’s dive into these outdoor hobbies for women.
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 youâre 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 itâs 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, youâll have a great excuse to travel the world in search of the best golf courses. That’s why this remains a classic on any list of outdoor hobbies for women.
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. Doesnât a nice Sunday trail ride sound pretty nice?
Learning & Skill Development Hobbies for Women over 40
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 youâve 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. Itâs 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 a class, the dance world is your oyster.
14. Musical Instrument Classes
How many of us have learning to play an instrument on our bucket lists? From piano to guitar to ukulele, there are so many options available. You can take in-person classes or follow free tutorials online, thereâs something for everyone.
15. Historical Interest
Itâs been a long time since high school history class. Whether you consider yourself a total history buff or whether youâve forgotten it all, thereâs 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 â or even start â a book club. Nowadays, itâs 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. Itâs easy to start and most places have many options available from local womenâs centers, to soup kitchens, and even animal shelters.
18. Join Local Clubs & Groups
Facebook opens up a world of local clubs and groups. There are 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
Hereâs a hobby you wouldnât always think of first! Try getting involved with the local government to make your home a better, safer, more engaged place.
Relaxation & Mindfulness Hobbies for Women over 40
Did you end up here by typing “hobbies for women in their 40s” and hoping some good ideas would show up? Or maybe you’re just looking for some relaxing activities to fill your day?
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, youâll be a total potions master in no time, mixing and matching essential oils to make your custom blends.
If youâre 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 â 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 this hobby 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. While this may not be the first idea your think of when you think of hobbies for 40 year old women, it’s a creative idea that has potential to all kinds of joy and discovery to your life.
23. Meditation
Thereâs 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 youâre 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.
Mind & Soul Hobbies
You might not immediately think of hobbies as ways to nourish the mind and soul but they can help stimulate your brain and bring inner peace, fostering feelings of groundedness and purpose. So here are some of our best hobbies for women over 40.
24. Puzzles
Puzzles are great ways to challenge your brain and practice focusing and being in the present moment. From jigsaw puzzles to Sudoku and crosswords, these brain games keep your mind sharp and offer a relaxing break from daily life.
If you love jigsaw puzzles, you have to try these extra special puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company. They do a magic trick upon completion!
25. Learn a New Language
You’re never too old to learn something new! Learning to speak a new language is a great way to enhance your cognitive performance and experience a new culture through their dialect. You can try out apps like Duolingo or Babbel for an easy introduction. Another one of our favorite hobbies for women in their 40s!
26. Tarot Reading
How fun would it be to become your friend group’s resident tarot reader? Explore your inner thoughts and emotions through learning the art of this ancient practice. If you’re a beginner, check out this tarot card deck complete with a guidebook.
27. Journaling
Have you tapped into the power of journaling? It’s an incredible tool for self-discovery and reflection and takes very little equipment or training to get started. Whether you prefer stream of consciousness, gratitude, or bullet journaling, there are so many options available that will help you reflect on your personal growth journey. This is one of our favorite hobbies for 40 year old women — or women on any age!
Final Thoughts
No matter your age, starting a new hobby can be an exciting undertaking. Not only can it fill your free time with something enriching, but it can also help you rediscover passions, connect with your deeper purpose, and encourage personal growth.
Whether you’re looking for something creative, active, or spiritual, there are plenty of hobbies for women in their 40s out there to enrich your life and fill your free time with something purposeful.
The possibilities really are endless and the benefits of trying new things, particularly as we get older, are profound. From stress relief to building community and boosting confidence, these small life-enriching activities can have a big impact on your overall life satisfaction.
We hope that something on this list of hobbies for 40 year old women sparks your interest and leads you on a new adventure.
With love,
A small note for my readers â Over here at VLHhealth, we occasionally include affiliate links in our posts. This means that if you purchase using our links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Hobbies can mean so many things to so many people and there’s no reason to put your passions and pursuits into a box. This list of hobbies for women in their 40s has 27 different hobbies ideas from creative projects to physical pursuits and spiritual practices.
There are so many options available when it comes to developing hobbies. From classic hobbies like painting and golfing to more unconventional options like astronomy or tarot reading, this list has all kinds of hobbies and we hope that at least one of them sparks your interest. You never know, it could become you’re next passion project.
While we like to think there are no “good” and “bad” hobbies, we want to give you all the inspo. In our opinion, if it makes you happy and fills your life with richness then it sounds like a pretty good hobby. One of the best ways to find a new hobby is to embrace your interests and just run with it. It’s best not to think too hard about if it’s the “best” hobby.
Women are doing all kinds of cool things all over the world but some of the most popular hobbies for women include cooking, painting or drawing, yoga, and gardening.
We hope you enjoyed this list of 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
- 63 Screen-Free Activities for Adults: Fun Things To Do without Your Phone
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