10 Fun Hobbies to Try in Your Retirement Years

Retirement is not an ending—it’s an open invitation to explore, create, and flourish. Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation, artistic expression, or social connection, hobbies can be the gateway to a richer, more fulfilling life. At The Edward, our community thrives on discovery and enrichment, and your retirement years are the perfect canvas to pursue passions old and new.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your newfound freedom, we’ve curated a list of hobbies that blend sophistication, culture, and well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Discover ten enjoyable hobbies perfect for retirement

  • Book club

  • Art and painting

  • Learning languages

  • Cooking & culinary arts

  • Gardening

  • Wine appreciation

  • Musical instruments

  • Volunteering

  • Yoga and mindful movement

  • Travel and cultural exploration

• Explore activities that promote mental agility, creativity, and social connection

• Learn about local clubs in Calgary and opportunities within The Edward community

1. Join a Book Club: Feed Your Mind and Social Life

Reading is a timeless pleasure, but joining a book club elevates it into a social and intellectual pursuit. Discussing literature with like-minded peers sharpens your insights, broadens perspectives, and deepens connections.

• Participating in book clubs enhances emotional intelligence by encouraging empathy through diverse storytelling.

• Calgary’s Shelf Life Books often hosts author events and discussions for those keen to engage with the literary scene.

• Book clubs encourage members to read beyond their usual genres, introducing new authors, cultures, and themes. 

If you're looking to broaden your literary horizons further, the Calgary Public Library's Central Library is an architectural marvel and a hub for book lovers, events, and workshops.

2. Art and Painting: Unlock Your Inner Artist

Creativity has no age limit. Whether you prefer watercolours, acrylics, or pastels, painting can be both meditative and expressive.

• At The Edward, residents are encouraged to explore painting as a hobby, not only for the joy of creative expression, but also for its proven benefits 

• Residents at The Edward enjoy regular painting classes and art showcases.

• Artistic engagement stimulates memory and is effective in seniors' wellbeing.

Additionally, Calgary's Studio C, located in the cSPACE building, which is steps away from the luxury comfort of The Edward, provides inclusive art programs designed to foster creativity in adults of all skill levels, making it another wonderful local option.

3. Language Learning: Expand Your Worldview

Learning a new language stimulates the brain and opens doors to new cultures and experiences.

• Alliance Française of Calgary offers French courses for all levels.

• The Edward inspires residents to challenge themselves by exploring new skills, like learning a new language to keep their minds active, build confidence, and foster meaningful cultural connections.

Apps like Duolingo or Babbel make it easier than ever to practice daily from the comfort of home. 

4. Cooking and Culinary Arts: Satisfy Your Palate

Cooking is an art form that combines creativity with sensory pleasure. Mastering new cuisines or techniques can be an enriching experience.

• The Cookbook Co. Cooks in Calgary offers hands-on cooking classes, from French patisserie to Thai cuisine.

• At The Edward, our tasting and food events inspire residents to explore different flavours then they may usually stick with.

• Check this link out on why cooking is a beneficial hobby for your wellbeing.

For food lovers, exploring Calgary's vibrant Farmers' Markets such as the Calgary Farmers' Market South can also provide inspiration and fresh local ingredients for your culinary experiments. Additionally, cSPACE in the summer months hosts a lovely farmer’s market which happens to be right next door to The Edward. It’s the perfect opportunity to savour fresh flavours, support local growers, and spark new ideas in the kitchen.

5. Gardening: Cultivate Joy and Well-Being

Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about nurturing life. Whether you have a balcony herb garden or participate in a community plot, the physical and emotional benefits are immense.

• Calgary's Inglewood Community Garden is a vibrant space for gardening enthusiasts.

• Residents of The Edward enjoy beautifully maintained gardens. The rooftop garden offers a tranquil oasis with sweeping views of Calgary’s skyline—a perfect spot for reflection, relaxation, or a friendly chat with neighbours. 

• Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health—discover more benefits in this comprehensive guide.

For those interested in sustainable gardening, the Calgary Horticultural Society offers workshops, resources, and a community of passionate gardeners.

6. Wine Appreciation: Develop a Refined Palate

Exploring the world of wine offers a delightful blend of education, taste, and social enjoyment.

• The Edward hosts happy hours almost every day of the week as well as the occasional wine tasting, where you can socialize with your neighbours over a delightful glass of wine.

• Understanding wine enhances social gatherings and deepens cultural knowledge.

For a deeper experience, consider visiting nearby Spirit Hills Winery, known for producing some unique and Albertan wines.

7. Learn a Musical Instrument: It’s Never Too Late

Imagine playing the piano, violin, or even picking up jazz guitar. Music keeps the brain active, refines coordination, and is deeply rewarding.

• Calgary's Mount Royal Conservatory offers private lessons.

• The Edward hosts live music sessions and informal recitals almost every week on Thursday evenings, providing inspiration and a welcoming audience.

• This resource from Johns Hopkins highlights the neurological benefits of learning music.

Music also offers social opportunities: consider going to a community choir performance like the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, which offers many different types of performances throughout the year, meaning there is something for everyone. 

8. Volunteering: Give Back with Grace

Philanthropy and volunteering are profound ways to stay connected and purposeful.

• Calgary Reads invites volunteers to foster literacy among children.

• The Edward often partners with local charities for community initiatives.

• Volunteering benefits mental health and longevity while connecting with the community

For more opportunities, Volunteer Connector Calgary is an excellent resource to find roles that align with your interests and expertise.

9. Yoga and Mindful Movement: Balance Body and Mind

Yoga, tai chi, and mindful movement practices enhance balance, flexibility, and inner calm.

• The Edward offers regular yoga classes such as chair yoga or even some meditation in serene settings.

• Explore classes at Yoga Passage or Breathe Hot Yoga in Calgary for varied experiences.

• Practising Tai Chi can improve balance and reduce fall risks, particularly beneficial for seniors.

For those interested in deeper practice, Calgary Iyengar Yoga provides a structured, alignment-focused yoga experience suitable for all ages.

10. Travel and Cultural Exploration: The World Awaits

Retirement is the perfect time to satisfy your wanderlust.

• The Rocky Mountaineer train journey is a luxurious, scenic way to see the Canadian Rockies—perfect for those seeking comfort and beauty.

• Travel stimulates the brain by exposing you to new environments, cultures, and experiences.

• Short getaways to nearby gems like Banff, Lake Louise, or even the Badlands of Drumheller can offer rich experiences without the demands of long travel.

Embrace Enrichment at The Edward

Retirement should be a time of empowerment, discovery, and joy. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush, learning French, or tasting a variety of fine wines, the world is rich with possibilities. At The Edward, we curate a lifestyle that encourages continuous growth, connection, and delight.

Our events calendar is brimming with opportunities designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. For more inspiration, explore our blog on 10 Things Every Elegant Explorer Should Know, or visit The Edward events calendar to see what’s coming up.

Continue your journey here

Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:

• Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

• Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.

• Check out events at The Edward - From seasonal markets to art showings, there’s always something inspiring happening here.

• Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.

About The Edward:

Nestled in the heart of Calgary, The Edward is a luxury retirement living community where comfort, independence, and cultural enrichment come together in perfect harmony. Here, every day is thoughtfully designed to support a personalized lifestyle—one that celebrates your passions, priorities, and sense of self. With curated five-star dining, wellness-focused amenities, concierge and chauffeur services, vibrant social connections, and more, The Edward provides more than just retirement living—it offers a meaningful way of life. Experience a refined, worry-free lifestyle where your next chapter unfolds with grace, warmth, and endless possibility. Managed by Optima Living, a trusted operator with over 15 years of experience in Western Canada, The Edward is built on a legacy of warmth, respect, and purposeful living.