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Five tips to help you start new hobbies in retirement

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-bishop-1522973">Alison Bishop</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-east-london-924">University of East London</a></em></p> <p>Retirement can be an exciting but also scary prospect for many. How you fill your time is totally up to you, but with so many choices it can be a bit daunting. But it’s important to make sure you keep active, physically and mentally.</p> <p>Hobbies can <a href="https://www.careuk.com/help-advice/why-are-long-lost-hobbies-important-for-older-people">increase wellbeing</a> by boosting brain function, enhancing social skills and improving fine motor skills. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366160647_Psychological_benefits_of_hobby_engagement_in_older_age_a_longitudinal_cross-country_analysis_of_93263_older_adults_in_16_countries">A study carried out in 2022</a> found that spending time on hobbies was associated with lower symptoms of depression and a perceived increase in a person’s sense of health, happiness and overall life satisfaction.</p> <p>However, many older people don’t take up hobbies for all sorts of reasons. This might include fears that they are not as good at something in their older age as they were when they were younger. This fear of trying new things can lead to increased feelings of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338142/">loneliness and isolation</a>.</p> <p>Here are five tips using <a href="https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/ppintroarticle.pdf">positive psychology</a> that could help you or someone in your life if they are scared or nervous about picking up a hobby.</p> <h2>1. Broaden your strengths</h2> <p>Our idea of what we are good at is formed at a very young age and often reflects subjects that we were good at in our school days. Positive psychology’s “<a href="https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-and-virtues">theory of strengths</a>” encourages us to think more broadly about what constitutes a strength. For instance, it considers curiosity, kindness and bravery as strengths. When applied to choosing a hobby, it means that if you believe one of your strengths is kindness, you could consider working in outreach or charity as a hobby or spending time speaking with people who are housebound.</p> <h2>2. Find activities you already enjoy</h2> <p>The “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693418/pdf/15347528.pdf?inf_contact_key=9944754ba1372fa9ce5ee1421d8427bc">broaden and build theory”</a> suggests that when we feel positive emotions such joy or love, we are more likely to engage in new activities, thoughts and behaviours. It follows then, that if you look at times in your life when you experience these emotions this could help you start a new hobby. So, if you enjoy walking in the countryside, then the theory suggests that those feelings would enable you to join a rambling club.</p> <h2>3. Remember moments you’ve lost track of time</h2> <p>Another way to identify an activity that would be good to do is by using “<a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/flow-state#what-it-is">flow theory”</a>. This suggests that when we are doing something that we become completely absorbed in, that our brainwave patterns change and we can lose track of time. For this to happen, we need an activity that is meaningful to us to complete, with just the right amount of challenge so that it is not too easy or too hard.</p> <p>An exercise that reveals your personal flow template involves looking back on your life to find as many times as possible when you’ve been doing something and completely lost track of time. Write these down and see if these moments have anything in common. For example, are they all creative activities or all outdoors and physical? This will reveal something about yourself and the type of activity that is aligned with who you are, and could suggest new hobbies.</p> <h2>4. Be kind to yourself</h2> <p>“<a href="https://self-compassion.org/">Self-compassion theory</a>” teaches us the importance of being as kind to ourselves as we would be to a friend. When we are thinking about what we are good at, we can be unkind to ourselves by comparing ourselves unfavourably to others or to an imagined high standard.</p> <p>Self-compassion theory states that our imperfections make us human, and it is our shared knowledge of this that connects us to others. Where a goal in an activity is kindness with ourselves and those doing the activity with us rather than performance, we can access a new more meaningful reason to take part in something.</p> <h2>5. Imagine your perfect day</h2> <p>The last tip from positive psychology involves creating <a href="https://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/reflections-on-a-beautiful-day/">a story of the perfect average day</a> and then planning to actually live it. How do your hobbies fit into this? How does this day tap into your broadened idea of your strengths? How does it include kindness to yourself and others?</p> <p>It also helps to identify goals either for retirement more generally or for participating in a hobby. By picturing the perfect average day you can create more meaning and purpose in life by seeing how all the parts of your life fit together. It also reveals short term goals for example, if you plan to go to an art club but can’t get there, then a goal could be asking for a lift from another club member. When these pieces are in place, hope is ignited, and a vision created of how life can go forward so that you really can live your best retired life.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alison-bishop-1522973">Alison Bishop</a>, Lecturer in Positive Psychology Coaching, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-east-london-924">University of East London</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-tips-to-help-you-start-new-hobbies-in-retirement-226764">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Retirement Life

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Expert advice for finding the hobby that’s best for your body, mind, and soul

<p>While some activities can seem more appealing - and some time periods more convenient - than others, there is never any shortage of evidence highlighting the benefits - both physical and mental - of picking up a brand new hobby. From reducing stress to improving social connections, assisting with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhancing wellbeing, there has never been a better time than now to start. </p> <p>Choosing a hobby - and sticking to it - can be hard work, but thankfully, experts have chimed in with their tips and tricks for finding something you’ll love, and that you’ll want to keep coming back to. </p> <p><strong>Find like-minded souls </strong></p> <p>David Helmers, Executive Officer of the community-based not-for-profit organisation Men’s Shed, believes in the value of hobbies bringing people together, saying that “hobbies are very closely related to social interaction. It can be the most bizarre hobby in the world, but through them you generally form an affiliation with like-minded people.”  </p> <p><strong>Enjoy it - then and now </strong></p> <p>While finding a hobby can be a surefire way to connect with people with similar interests, it can also be something that’s just for you. And commonly, the hobbies we turn to can be something we enjoyed earlier in our lives, but couldn’t keep up with for one reason or another. </p> <p>For example, parenthood can see many adults letting their usual activities fall to the wayside due to time constraints and other commitments - or, in a lot of cases, exhaustion. </p> <p>“I can speak from my own experience here,” Helmers said, “since I became a father, I don't think I ever went surfing again.” </p> <p>MindStep’s senior mental health coach Inouk Mackay believes that “going back to an old hobby you previously enjoyed” can be a great way to break back into the cycle, adding that “experimenting with how it feels” can help with the task of re-engaging. </p> <p>“If it’s right for you then your brain will kick into gear and remind you ‘yes, this was something I used to enjoy and will do again’,” she said. </p> <p>And for those who’d prefer to start over, “different is good, challenging yourself is good. But make sure you experiment with a few ideas before you make up your mind. If you don’t try, how can you possibly know if it’s a good fit for you?”</p> <p><strong>Shaking off the nerves </strong></p> <p>Starting something new can feel daunting at the best of times, but coupled with doing it alongside a brand new group of people, it can be downright frightening. </p> <p>However, David Helmers had some good news for those feeling the intimidation factor, speaking on behalf of his group, and those all across Australia, by declaring them to be “very open”, and agreeing that the hardest part of the process can be - and more often than not is - step one. </p> <p>“The hardest thing we have with Men's Sheds is getting the men to walk in the door in the first instance,” he explained. “Sometimes, people need a bit of pushing.” </p> <p>Inouk Mackay was in agreement, sharing in David’s advice that initial butterflies shouldn’t keep you from something worthwhile. </p> <p>“It might involve taking a bite of that ‘courage pill’,” she said, “especially if you’re joining a group-based activity. But we know that if anxiety or fear is present, it will dissipate over time if you just allow yourself to stay there and do your best to engage.”</p> <p><strong>Commit to what matters </strong></p> <p>Mackay made a point to stress the importance of committing to any new activity, and how scheduling it in a “diary as you would an important appointment” can help guide you towards maintaining your participation. After all, as Mackay said, “we know that if we commit to something on paper, we are much more likely to follow through.” </p> <p>“We all need to make some time for ourselves,” David agreed, before adding, “personally, I'm terrible at it, I know. But I’ve learned that it’s very important, and that if you want to have healthy, productive time for all the other significant things in your life, then you also need to make healthy time for yourself too.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Retirement Life

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Get two for the price of one with top ways to have fun and keep active

<p dir="ltr">Physical activity is a key factor in a person’s health at any age, and experts have long preached the physical benefits of keeping fit. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, as good things often come in pairs, it’s always important to note that while exercise can mean excellent things physically - from preventing certain health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to benefiting mental health - it comes with the additional bonus of introducing people to like-minded souls. This socialisation is especially important towards tackling boredom and the loneliness that comes along with isolation. </p> <p dir="ltr">As life goes on, it may become harder to take part in the activities of youth - sports, for example, are not so kind to older joints. This by no means limits what someone can and cannot try out, with plenty of options still available for those who dream of keeping active and having some fun along the way. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Community centres </strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Community/leisure centres and senior clubs feature a whole host of activities on their calendars, and a quick Google search will reveal the closest ones on offer. With many covering everything from sports to hiking, dancing, art classes, and new learning opportunities, these can prove a great way to gain a new skill and make some new friends in the process. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>New hobbies</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">On a similar note, picking up a new hobby can introduce you to a whole host of people with the same interests, especially if you find a group or community page to share your newfound enthusiasm. You’ll pick up new tips and tricks faster, and with your new social circle, may even find a second or third hobby to dabble in. A local walking group could even introduce you to new spots in your area that you’d never even heard of - or perhaps even a post-trek coffee shop to enjoy a well-deserved pastry. And, of course, bowling never goes amiss, nor a little competitive spirit when it comes to forging new bonds and a drive to improve.</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Gardening </strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Not only does gardening provide fresh air and exercise, but if you play your cards right (or water your crops right) you could find yourself with a garden that’s the envy of the whole neighbourhood, or one that’s fully self-sufficient to save you a few dollars on your next trip to the supermarket. Weeding, watering, mowing, and planting are just some of the productive tasks to leave you feeling proud of your hard work that also have the added benefit of counting towards your exercise goal for the day - you probably just won’t realise it at the time. </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr"><strong>Play</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Grandchildren and pets provide the perfect opportunity for some free and entertaining physical activity, even if sometimes they might move a little too quickly for comfort. From pushing the youngest in strollers, to taking a dog on a leisurely walk around the block, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get some steps in the process. And if all else fails, a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard or living room can’t steer you wrong. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Body

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The science behind why hobbies can improve our mental health

<p>The pandemic has taken its toll on many peoples’ <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020764020915212">mental health</a>. Given the fear of the virus and the government restrictions on movement many may understandably be feeling more lonely, anxious, and depressed than usual. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even issued guidance on how people can <a href="https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---mental-health">look after their mental health</a> during this difficult time. Key advice includes trying to keep a regular pattern of eating, sleeping, hygiene and exercise. </p> <p>But a less obvious recommendation is to make sure you’re still finding time to do the things you enjoy. In fact, research shows that <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/503571">having a hobby</a> is linked to lower levels of depression – and may even prevent depression for some. </p> <p>Losing interest and joy in things you normally like doing is one symptom of poor mental health. Known as anhedonia, this is a common symptom of depression and is something patients say they would most like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25545606/">relief from</a> – possibly because the drugs used to treat depression target other symptoms and don’t seem to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684742/">alleviate it</a>. </p> <p>For some people, anhedonia is one of the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1991.tb01410.x">first symptoms of depression</a>, and can even be used to predict the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4403015/">severity of depression</a> a person might experience. </p> <p>So, finding time for your interests and pleasures – such as a hobby – during lockdown could be one way of avoiding anhedonia and depression. In fact <a href="https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/social-prescribing">social prescribing</a> is a treatment method where doctors can ask patients with mild to moderate depression to take up a non-medical intervention (such as a hobby) to improve their mental health. As antidepressants can be <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/185157">less effective</a> in those with mild depression, this treatment strategy may still help patients with depression find relief from their symptoms.</p> <p>So far, some studies have shown that social prescribing programmes that ask patients to take up hobbies such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/anxiety-and-depression-why-doctors-are-prescribing-gardening-rather-than-drugs-121841">gardening</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-creativity-on-prescription-can-improve-mental-and-physical-health-93818">art</a> are beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. </p> <p>Evidence also shows that even for those with clinical depression, certain psychological treatments – like behavioural activation, which requires patients to schedule in time to do things that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061095/">bring them pleasure and joy</a> – improve symptoms of depression. A <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17533015.2017.1334002">wide range of activities</a> and hobbies may play a role in social prescribing and behavioural activation, such as exercising, playing an instrument, drawing, reading or handicrafts. </p> <h2>Reward system</h2> <p>The reason that finding time for hobbies can work has to do with how they affect the reward system in the brain. When we take part in a hobby that we enjoy, chemical messengers in the brain (known as neurotransmitters) are released – such as dopamine, a chemical which helps us feel pleasure. These feel-good chemicals can then make us want to do the hobby again, and feel more motivated to do so. </p> <p>So even though we may not feel motivated in the beginning to spend time on a hobby, once we start it and feel the associated pleasure, this will <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756052/">kick-start our reward system</a> and subsequently our motivation to do it again. This is something we’re researching in greater depth <a href="https://www.mccabe-nrg-lab.com/">in our lab</a>.</p> <p>Alongside pleasure and motivation, hobbies can also bring other benefits. Physical hobbies can, of course, improve your fitness, and others can even improve your brain function. Research suggests that some hobbies – like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21463047/">playing a musical instrument</a> – can improve your memory, while artistic hobbies (such as reading or board games puzzles) are reported to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20660517/">prevent dementia</a> later in life. </p> <p>So if you’re feeling lower than normal during the pandemic, perhaps try to find time to re-engage with some hobbies that you may have enjoyed in the past – or try new ones. You can also seek help or guidance from your GP or a therapist to find the best treatment for you.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-behind-why-hobbies-can-improve-our-mental-health-153828" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Art

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How to find a hobby you love

<p>Having hobbies is a great boredom buster, and they can also lead to new friendships or even new business opportunities.</p> <p>If you’re interested in taking up a new hobby but are not sure where to start, we can help.</p> <p>1. Ask your inner child whether there were hobbies that you enjoyed when you were young that you could get back into? Whether it’s baking, knitting, bike riding or painting – any of these could be great options for the grown-up you to try again. </p> <p>2. If nothing is coming to mind in terms of what you might enjoy, just have a look around. Visit a sports store, the library, a sewing store, or an arts supply store and just see if anything reaches out to you. </p> <p>3. There’s nothing wrong with trying a few things on for size. You don’t need to go out and buy a brand new fishing rod and all the equipment when you could just hire a rod for a day and see what you think. Try your hand at a few ideas and see which take your fancy.</p> <p> 4. Find a friend to start a new hobby with. Sharing the experience with someone else can often make the activity even more enjoyable. </p> <p>5. Make the hobby fit with your lifestyle. If you are home a lot, collecting something like records or art could be a good option. But if you spend a lot of time travelling, a hobby like Sudoku that fits in your bag might be a better option.</p> <p>6. Consider “borrowing” a hobby from a friend. Ask your relatives or neighbours what they are into and see if it strikes a chord with you. Maybe you could borrow a digital camera for the weekend and see if you might be interested in photography.</p> <p>7. Make the hobby a social one by joining a group. It could be a wine tasters club or a flower-arranging course. Meeting a group of like-minded people will be great for expanding your social circle too.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Tips for studying later in life

<p>Studying when you’re 60 and beyond is beneficial for many reasons, not only for improving the skills needed in today’s workplace. Learning in your older years keeps your brain active and is an effective way to tackle isolation, loneliness and depression, which can accompany old age. By making the decision to study during this stage in life is a positive thing in itself and is something that you should be proud of. Rather than putting too much pressure on yourself to be the top of your class, just have fun! Here are some tips and things to consider if you’ve decided to keep your mind active with study.</p> <p><strong>Make a commitment</strong></p> <p>As it is with any major life decision or change, deciding to study requires an investment of your time, energy and resources. Sit down and have a think about your priorities, weekly schedule and how studying will fit into your life. Work out what you can and cannot manage and set yourself a new schedule including your study commitments. This way you will know from the outset what is achievable within your current lifestyle so you’ll be better able to make a commitment to study.</p> <p><strong>Time management</strong></p> <p>Just as you would with food shopping, exercise and any childcare responsibilities you have looking after your grandchildren, you'll need to schedule class time and study time. Be firm with yourself and others in your life about making sure you don’t get distracted.</p> <p><strong>Get social</strong></p> <p>Studying later in life might be a daunting experience for some, especially if this is your first time doing any form of tertiary education. Seeking support is always a good idea. Many institutions have both online and virtual spaces where you can interact with other students. Otherwise there is always Facebook, online forums or meet up groups in your local area. Seek out like-minded people in similar situations and see if they want to be study partners or even just catch up for coffee once in a while to swap study stories.</p> <p><strong>Tech savvy</strong></p> <p>There’s no doubt technology has come a long in recent times with a number of new tools and clever devices now available. Find out what’s required in terms of technology skills and tools for any study you wish to undertake. If you are a little technology shy, consider brushing up on your skills. Some local councils or state governments offer free technology courses for seniors. For example, the New South Wales government runs the very popular Tech Savvy Seniors program.</p> <p><strong>Stay positive</strong></p> <p>Don’t get discouraged if you feel a little shy or out of your depth when returning to study. This is a sentiment mirrored by many students of all ages. Just focus on the fact that keeping your mind active is so good for you and anything after that is a bonus.</p> <p><strong>Have fun</strong></p> <p>Don’t pressure yourself to achieve a long list of goals. Take each day as it comes, enjoy the experience and just have fun with it.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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How to learn a new language as an adult

<p>Learning a new language can be a tough challenge at any age, however it seems to be exceptionally difficult to get the hang of a foreign tongue as we age.</p> <p>This is because the human brain becomes less adept at soaking up new information straight away and takes a bit more processing and practice before it’s able to hit its stride.</p> <p>To help us on this path, teacher, Esteban Touma shares his insight on getting to grips with learning another language as an adult and make language learning a fun part of your routine…</p> <p><strong>1. Open your mind</strong></p> <p>As humans age, unfortunately adults become a bit less adaptable than kids – and we don’t just mean physically!</p> <p>We’ve spent years developing a mind system that’s great at organising information. This makes us really effective at learning new things, except for languages.</p> <p>It’s hard to break with the rules of that system, and that’s exactly what you need to do, because you’re literally learning another system.</p> <p>This is why it can seem easier for kids to learn a new language. Children are open-minded and their cognitive function is wide open, meaning it’s less work for them to pick up new things.</p> <p>The good news is that learning a language isn’t really that hard if you’re open to opening your mind! But it does take dedication and motivation to achieve your goals.</p> <p><strong>2. It's about the connection</strong></p> <p>Firstly, it’s important to remember that learning a language is not really about learning a language.</p> <p>What you’re actually learning is how to communicate in a new way with other human beings, so keeping that in mind throughout the language learning process can really help you achieve your goals.</p> <p>Try to connect with people you may know, or listen to podcasts and music in your target language, or read about the country’s history.</p> <p>Also remember that you have to be ready to share your own unique human experience with others in that language, so make sure what you’re learning is related to you.</p> <p>If I’m learning, say, Italian, I would never remember how to say “dove è la biblioteca?” or “where is the library?” but I will always remember how to say “Dov’è la pizza e il vino? Subito!”. Priorities.</p> <p><strong>3. Make it entertaining</strong></p> <p>Watching TV shows in another language is an excellent way to get used to hearing a foreign tongue spoken in real-time.</p> <p>Anything that exposes you to the language is great, so I would recommend engaging with entertainment in the language learning, so long as you find it enjoyable.</p> <p>TV shows, films, podcasts and even video games are all great forms of entertainment for learning a new language.</p> <p>Not only will these forms of entertainment lend added cultural and regional insights, but they’ll help you have fun while doing it, which will help you see your goal through until the end.</p> <p><strong>4. Patience is key</strong></p> <p>While you are learning, be patient with yourself. Learn to love your progress and celebrate your successes. Did you know the word ‘piano’ means ‘piano’, ‘slow’ and ‘quiet’ in Italian?</p> <p>Adding a single new word to your vocabulary can be so beautiful and rewarding. The road to fluency can be hard, but the view along the way is really amazing, so it’s OK if you are driving slow.</p> <p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/how-to-learn-a-new-language-as-an-adult" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest.</a></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; line-height: 26px; color: #444444; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial !important;"> </p>

Retirement Life

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Everything you need to know about starting your own garden

<p><strong>No yard, No problem</strong></p> <p>If you don’t have a yard or your soil is inhospitable, you can still do some fruitful urban gardening in containers. The bigger the pots, the better, says Trail. “The soil will stay wet longer in a large container,” she explains.</p> <p><strong>Gardening has priceless benefits </strong></p> <p>In a 2011 Dutch study, two groups of people were asked to complete a stressful task, then assigned 30 minutes of either gardening or reading. The gardeners’ stress hormones were found to be significantly lower.</p> <p><strong>Starting a garden is expensive</strong></p> <p>Build a thrifty patio garden with containers you find on the kerb – just drill drainage holes. “The only thing you should splurge on is good quality potting soil and seeds,” says gardening writer Gayla Trail. You’ll save later on produce.</p> <p><strong>Dirt has surprising benefits</strong></p> <p>What makes digging in the dirt so satisfying? It might be the dirt itself. M. vaccae, a healthy bacterium that lives in soil, has been found to increase serotonin and provide anxiety relief when inhaled.</p> <p><strong>Gardening has psychical benefits </strong></p> <p>Digging, pulling weeds and planting help strengthen your hands, which is especially important for seniors, whose loss of grip strength worsens arthritis pain and leads to difficulty performing tasks.</p> <p><strong>Maintenance may take as little as five minutes per day</strong></p> <p>“As much time as it takes to walk around your garden and put your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle,” says gardening columnist and broadcaster Mark Cullen. “If it feels moist and cool, there’s no need to water.”</p> <p><strong>Learning your soil type is key</strong></p> <p>Understanding your soil type – sand, silt, clay or loam – is crucial when starting a garden. Your soil type can tell you which plants will do best and which amendments you’ll need to add, such as peat moss for better drainage. “Grab some earth and squeeze it,” Trail says. “Sand feels gritty, clay will stick together in a ball, and loam feels light and fluffy, like cake.”</p> <p><strong>Don't ignore weeds</strong></p> <p>Weeding several times a week provides the best return on your time invested. “Weeds are competition for desirable plants, so you need to get rid of them to maximise the productivity of your food plants and flowers,” says Cullen.</p> <p><strong>Mulch is a gardeners best friend</strong></p> <p>A five- to 10-centimetre layer of straw or shredded leaves around the base of your plants will do double duty holding moisture in and preventing weeds.</p> <p><strong>Don't ignore yellow limp leaves</strong></p> <p>If you’re starting a garden, you might be killing your garden with too much love. “Nine out of 10 plant problems are caused by overwatering,” says Cullen. “If the soil feels cool and damp, don’t water.”</p> <p><strong>Experienced gardeners swear by the soaker hose</strong></p> <p>Keeping water off the foliage will prevent mildew and cut costs on your water bill by delivering the moisture directly to the roots.</p> <p><strong>Fast track your compost</strong></p> <p>A compost pile can be a great source of free fertiliser, but it takes time to brew. Cheat by dropping lettuce leaves, eggshells, banana peels and coffee grounds in a pot, filling with soil and placing plants on top, giving the roots steady access to nutrients.</p> <p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/what-you-should-know-before-starting-a-garden?pages=1">Reader's Digest</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home & Garden

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What is art therapy and how can it help you

<p dir="ltr">According to studies done in collaboration with Scalabrini, here are the benefits of art therapy for seniors:</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Improved Memory</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Going to museums, painting, sculpting, and many other types of art therapy are hugely helpful, and can actually help people with memory loss. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Disease Center in the United States believes that art therapy gets through to people with Alzheimer’s by exploiting parts of the brain with the least impairment. This can have a profound impact on their ability to access their memories.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reduced Pain</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Art therapy is naturally relaxing and can help reduce stiffness and inflammation. Seniors are using their arms and fingers for art, and while this is light physical activity, it’s consistent, and can help promote better dexterity and blood flow.</p> <p dir="ltr">By using small, purposeful movements, they benefit from increased coordination and can more easily ignore their pain since they’re focused on their art.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reduced Stress</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Art therapy can reduce stress for people of all ages, but it’s particularly helpful for seniors and people with the early stages of memory loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">We have around 60,000 thoughts a day and many of these can be negative for people dealing with aging, so art therapy is particularly helpful. That’s because when seniors are engaged with an art therapy activity, they’re often ‘in the zone’ and can enjoy an almost meditative experience.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reduced Depression</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Seniors struggling with health implications, memory loss, or mobility problems will commonly experience depression. When they create art, the symptoms of depression are often reduced due to mood and cognitive stimulation. Even seniors who have problems communicating verbally can still express their thoughts and feelings through their art.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Increased Communication and Socialisation</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">By getting involved in art projects, seniors can find it easier to connect with others, reducing the feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common in the twilight years. Many people who have dementia / Alzheimer’s can find it difficult to express themselves and communicate with others, and art therapy can help them do this by providing a visual means of communication.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Relief from Chronic Conditions</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Growing older can be very difficult for some people, particularly people living with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, dementia, or are currently recovering from a stroke.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dealing with these conditions and the limited mobility that can occur can sometimes be overwhelming. But art activities and crafts projects can provide some relief for these conditions. This can range from painting to pottery, games to puzzles. Coloring projects, scrapbooking, and other activiites give seniors something to look forward to, while taking their minds off their condition.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Improved Brain Function</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">As we age, so do our brains. This can make it difficult to carry out some tasks- particularly when living with dementia / Alzheimer’s. Art therapy for adults can help boost these cognitive functions, improving senior’s abilities to use logic and reasoning, problem solve, focus on tasks for a sustained period of time, and improve working memory.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ad9ad06e-7fff-68de-abb0-eb6f847eb608"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Art therapy can make a massive difference when it comes to both the mental and physical health of seniors. To learn more about why we love art therapy, get in touch today.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Art

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Want to start a book club? Here’s how

<p><strong>Finding fellow readers</strong></p> <p>Ask around your existing personal networks, including neighbours, friends, social media, or a community noticeboard.</p> <p>Once you mention you want to start a club, you’ll be surprised how many people may want to come along.</p> <p>Ask at your local bookshop and library for ideas – many run regular reading groups and can point you in the right direction for good books.</p> <p>Identify what common interests you and your group have and use these to help draw like-minded people.</p> <p>Once you start looking, you’ll find book clubs for men or women, seniors, sci-fi lovers, teenagers or cookery buffs.</p> <p><strong>The time, the place</strong></p> <p>Once you have a group, agree on how often you want to meet – typically clubs meet monthly, though the time-poor may want to make it bi-monthly.</p> <p>For many clubs, meeting at home works best as you don’t have to get dressed up, and noisy public venues can make talking hard.</p> <p>If members bring a plate of food or a bottle, it takes the pressure off the host.</p> <p>But try rotating your meeting location as this will help to stimulate fresh thoughts.</p> <p><strong>Be inspired</strong></p> <p><span>Tailor your venue according to the book’s subject matter. </span>The Light Between the Oceans<span> by M.L. Stedman was discussed over fish’n’chips by one club, while </span>The Red Tent<span> by Anita Diamant was chewed over at a Middle Eastern restaurant.</span></p> <p><span>Here’s how to get your book club off to a flying start.</span></p> <p><strong>Size</strong><strong> matters</strong></p> <p><span>According to Christine Callen, a book club veteran of 15 years, you need a minimum number of people per meeting to make it interesting. “Seven is the magic number – fewer and there’s not enough for healthy debate,” she says. “You can have ten people in the club – not everyone will be able to make it every time – seven provides enough opinions.”</span></p> <p><strong>Choosing the books</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>If you’re the club instigator, it’s easier if you pick the first book.</p> <p>Seek out book reviews in good magazines and newspapers and at bookshops.</p> <p>The flavour of the books you choose will be largely dictated by the personalities attending – you might like to have a wide range of genres from sci-fi to romance to travel epics.</p> <p>Or stick to one genre, such as history books.</p> <p>Decide on a strategy and a time frame – say five to 12 books across the year – then review how everything appeals to the majority.</p> <p>Take turns to come up with a list of four or five titles, then circulate the list via email shortly after your last discussion.</p> <p>Members can then vote on their preferred next book and meeting time.</p> <p>The member scheduled to host the next meeting coordinates the responses to decide the title and date most voted for.</p> <p><strong>Starting discussion</strong></p> <p>Callen recommends beginning by asking all members to briefly give their opinion on the book.</p> <p>“Everyone arrives and has a drink to loosen up,” she explains.</p> <p>“Then we take it in turns to go around the room and each give the book a mark out of ten, saying in a few sentences what we liked or disliked about it. This gives everyone a chance to speak early in the night and stops one person dominating the conversation from the start.”</p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by <span>Jenny Byrne</span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This article first appeared in </span><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/articles/book-club/want-to-start-a-book-club-heres-how"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reader’s Digest</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </span><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA93V"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here’s our best subscription offer.</span></a></em></p>

Books

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Prince William and Kate reveal Charlotte and Louis' latest obsession

<p><span>Prince William and Duchess Kate are both fiercely protective parents over their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis.</span><br /><br /><span>However they do tend to share a few details about their adorable clan, and most recently they have revealed that Princess Charlotte has a new obsession.</span><br /><br /><span>At 5-years-old, it may come as no surprise that little Char has developed a new love for construction equipment.</span><br /><br /><span>While the proud parents spoke to employers helping people find jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic, they met Lloyd Graham, the community engagement manager for construction company Keltbray.</span><br /><br /><span>He told the royal couple the company is hiring workers and offering apprenticeships for demolition work.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837941/royal-kids-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/623ecfffa9814dfca18e481ede0fc8c9" /><br /><br /><span>"The children — especially Louis — would love to come and watch that, to see the diggers, they love it," Prince William said.</span><br /><br /><span>Kate, then jumped in adding: "Don't forget Charlotte! She'd love it too."</span><br /><br /><span>Prince William previously revealed their two-year-old son is also a big fan of tractors.</span><br /><br /><span>"We've been lambing with the children this week," the 38-year-old admitted after the Wales vs France Six Nations Match in February.</span><br /><br /><span>"Charlotte wasn't sure at first, but George was straight in there. Louis loves the tractors. They love seeing the lambs and feeding the lambs."</span></p>

Family & Pets

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Why do I still write shorthand?

<p>I am frequently asked this question. Often it is prefixed by the statements “I thought shorthand was dead” or “It’s no longer used in business”, and it is usually said with some surprise that I may be unaware of this opinion! I am then quizzed as to my interest in shorthand – a question which I could answer in a number of ways.</p> <p>I <em>could</em> answer by explaining a brief history and the uses of shorthand. Although shorthand dates back to Roman times, it was Sir Isaac Pitman who revolutionized shorthand with the innovation of the phonographic method. Shorthand was developed for the purpose of recording words more quickly than using longhand, whether it was a person’s own thoughts or what others were saying. Pitman shorthand was originally taught to and used by men with positions of status – judges, barristers and businessmen so they could record the proceedings for their own benefit, even if not in complete verbatim form. Others, like Charles Dickens and US President Woodrow Wilson used Pitman shorthand to record their thoughts or works and prepare speeches.</p> <p>Later on, particularly in the early 1900s when many women learned shorthand, they gained employment in offices. Men still studied the skill, especially for court reporting and journalism. As the 20<sup>th</sup> century wore on stenography became known more as a female occupation, being taught in girls’ schools and with girls making up the majority of business college students. (as a stenographer I always wondered how shorthand could in any way be gender-specific!)</p> <p>Once the skill is learned thoroughly, it tends to be retained. I have read countless comments from shorthand writers who say they use it to jot down a thought, a Christmas list, or parts of an interview on TV. My use resembles that of Dickens and Wilson – in meetings I write accurate notes of important aspects and perhaps the discussions leading to decisions. I have a sense of privacy when others cannot read what I’m writing. I’m sure President Wilson felt the same.</p> <p>I <em>could</em> answer by explaining the brain benefits as to why I find shorthand so important. Writing shorthand stimulates the brain in several ways to assist neuroplasticity of the brain, which assists prevention of memory loss. Both the short-term and long-term memories are exercised as we make decisions as to the theory to apply, we store words heard, then we precisely write the outline. As well as memory we are using concentration, decision-making, motor skills and dexterity. This brain health concept lead to a German study conducted over several years on shorthand writers who regularly wrote shorthand. Results showed their memories either improved or suffered no deterioration with the regular writing of shorthand.</p> <p>Needless to say, these achieved benefits to the brain are not only applied to the writing of shorthand – the benefits of sharper thinking spreads across all their other activities. One woman in the study said she felt as if her brain ‘had been freed up’ by participating in the shorthand activities.</p> <p> I <em>could</em> answer the question by asking a range of other questions to justify other popular pastimes – Why do people ride bikes when they have a car? Why do people learn to paint when they could take a photo on their phone? Why do people learn a language when they could use Google translate or are not intending to spend a lengthy period of time in that country? Why learn music when they could just download that piece? – these questions could be applied to so many worthwhile, beneficial leisure activities in which we partake.</p> <p>The answer is that these activities are enjoyable and we do them because we love doing them. We need to stop thinking that shorthand was devised purely for the office situation and to be written by women. In Japan university students form shorthand clubs, whilst in Europe a number of stenography clubs have youth sections where they train for competitions. It is challenging and satisfying.</p> <p>I frequently read opinions online that shorthand is now useless and I generally find these opinions are from people who have not studied it, had difficulty learning it or who didn’t have a choice about learning it. I learned it because I wanted to. Parents, often unaware of the complexity of shorthand, pushed their daughters into the subject as a ‘back up’ skill for employment.</p> <p>For each of these comments, the number of positive comments is multiplied by the people who love it and gain great satisfaction from writing it. Of course, shorthand is not for everyone – no one hobby is. The people who come together at U3A in Melbourne to revise their skill are the ones who love this hobby. So do the members our Facebook group of “Pitman Shorthand Writers of Australasia” where we share history, readings, horoscopes in shorthand and a range of activities to exercise our skill. We are not seeking employment; we are seeking enjoyment. </p> <p>Yes, shorthand is very handy. Yes, shorthand has a unique brain benefit. There are other reasons I could give in my answer to the question, but my main answer is this: I write shorthand because I have a love for it, I find it challenging, and it gives me satisfaction – it is my hobby!</p> <p>Simple as that!</p> <p><em>Carmel Taylor has worked as a stenographer and personal assistant prior to teaching business. Her passion is shorthand and her hobbies are art deco, fashion and sewing. She is a member of the Commercial Education Society of Australia.</em></p>

Books

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How a hobby can enhance your life and health

<p>Ever heard of healing with hobbies? Here's how the hidden power of hobbies can help relieve the symptoms of stress, grief and more.</p> <p>Coping with the stresses of life or coming to terms with grief and loss can be overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. While the cliché of ‘time healing all wounds’ does hold some truth, it is important to know there are pro-active strategies for overcoming challenging times and getting your life back on track.</p> <p><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/10-steps-to-improve-your-health.aspx">Healthy diet</a>, regular exercise, <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/wellbeing/are-you-cheating-yourself-of-sleep.aspx">proper sleep</a> and stimulating social connections are all important, but another beneficial approach is to engage in a hobby. Our ancestors enjoyed the healing value of creative pursuits, because activities such as sewing, knitting and woodwork were more of a necessity than a pastime.</p> <p>Nowadays computers and televisions dominate our leisure time and their passive and sedentary nature can be a hindrance to our mental wellbeing. Taking up a craft or hobby can be a very practical and positive way to restore balance to our lives.</p> <p><strong>Can hobbies induce positive physiological changes?<br /></strong>Performing a task that engages the mind in a focused and creative way may naturally seem like it would induce a beneficial response, but is there any hard evidence for this assumption? One study quoted in the Journal of the American Medical Association analysed 30 women who sewed as a hobby.</p> <p>Their stress responses, such as blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration rate and skin temperature were measured before and after various leisure activities. The results, when they were sewing, produced measurable improvements in the stress indicators, compared with increased stress responses when they engaged in other pastimes, such as playing cards or video games.</p> <p>One theory is that hobbies and crafts – especially those which require repetitive and rhythmic activities - can actually induce a relaxation response that improves psychological and physical wellbeing.</p> <p>Perhaps this is due to the ‘grounding’ effect they have on us. Regularly performing something that engages our creativity and concentration can bring our minds into the present and reduce the tendency to project negatively into the future or dwell on painful past events.</p> <p><strong>A healing and wholesome therapy<br /></strong>While the hustle and bustle of modern life may have typecast some hobbies and crafts as simply being a last resort for boredom or an unnecessary time-waster, the reality is that they may well be a primary vehicle for reclaiming a sense of purpose, wellness and recovery from life’s traumas.</p> <p>Rather than marginalising it, why not make the time and space in your life to dedicate to a craft as a way of restoring balance and contentment. Take a course at a community centre or join a craft club can be a great way to get you kickstarted. Make sure you then have a regular time set aside at home, (daily if possible), and have a set space devoted to your craft or hobby. Open your mind to the possibilities and you too can reap the benefits of healing with hobbies. </p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/wellbeing/how-to-heal-with-hobbies.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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5 hobbies and activities for loved ones with dementia

<p>Finding activities and hobbies for people with dementia can be difficult, as it’s not always clear which days are good, and which are bad. Depending upon your loved one’s progression and abilities, there are a number of things you can try to keep them entertained and interacting with the world. Something to remember is that dementia will rob some people of their initiative, so it’s a good idea to sit down with your loved one and encourage them to get started on some of these more interactive activities.</p> <p><strong>1. Building blocks</strong></p> <p>Building blocks that snap together and apart, like Lego and Duplo are a great way to stimulate problem solving and creativity. This one is dependent upon your loved one’s fine motor skills and small-muscle coordination. The word free instruction booklets on some of the sets are easy to follow, though they might just like to build freely.</p> <p><strong>2. Listen to the radio</strong></p> <p>With so many digital radio stations now readily available, finding one that plays the music of your loved one’s youth is a great way to keep them entertained. If you don’t have a digital radio, you can create your own playlist of music on a streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or even YouTube.</p> <p><strong>3. Simple sorting projects</strong></p> <p>Sorting objects into categories, or some kind of simple order is a great way to keep your loved one thinking and problem-solving. If you have drawers full of coloured pencils, textas, and crayons, then you could try putting them into a box, and asking your loved one to separate them for you. Telling them that it’s a special task for a local preschool or kindergarten class might make the task more interesting. You could also have them sort things like picture books, magazines, or spices. Tailor this task to your loved one’s ability.</p> <p><strong>4. Safe kitchen activities</strong></p> <p>If your loved one enjoyed cooking, or you have trouble convincing them to eat, having them help out in the kitchen can be a great way for them to pass the time. You will need to supervise carefully, and ensure you have safe utensils for them to use. If cooking isn’t their thing, but they still like to help, then asking them to set the table or wash the dishes is another good way to get them involved at meal times – you might want to pick up a set of melamine dishes, though.</p> <p><strong>5. Simple activity boards</strong></p> <p>If some of the more involved activities are too complicated for your loved one, then you might want to search online for a dementia activity board. There are a variety of these available, but most consist of a board that features simple activities like zippers, buttons, and Velcro.</p> <p>Do you have any suggestions for things dementia patients can do for fun?</p>

Caring

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Prince William: The dangerous hobby he just can’t kick

<p>When you think of Prince William you probably think of a lot of things, mostly involving chinos, but it turns out the second in line to the throne has a dangerous hobby that he just can’t kick – and reports suggest it’s driving Kate absolutely mad.</p> <p>The 35-year-old has reportedly long harboured a love for motorbikes and in a visit to UK bike manufacturer Triumph, his royal highness threw caution to the wind.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Motorbike fan Prince William cant resist taking Triumph for a spin despite Kate saying… <a href="https://t.co/sZEdZtN7CO">https://t.co/sZEdZtN7CO</a> <a href="https://t.co/720K8m4yGr">pic.twitter.com/720K8m4yGr</a></p> — Zesty Europe News (@zesty_europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/zesty_europe/status/966080444562276358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The Duke of Cambridge swapped the epaulettes for a leather riding suit as he gave the latest 1200cc Triumph Tiger a spin, putting it through its paces before walking the assembly line to meet technicians and apprentices on-site.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">And to top off today's Royal updates... prince William on a motorbike 😅this legit isn't photoshopped <a href="https://t.co/9h69nGESJk">pic.twitter.com/9h69nGESJk</a></p> — Laura Stoddart (@Laura_stod) <a href="https://twitter.com/Laura_stod/status/966104623135240192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Prince William’s need for speed has been well documented, and he used to own a £20,000 ($A35,500) Ducati motorbike, which can go from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds.</p> <p>During a visit to Dundee in 2015, Kate told a local: “He's still riding it. It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it‎. I'm terrified. Hopefully, I'm going to keep George off it.”</p> <p>While the pictures might suggest otherwise, Prince William has reportedly told World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea that he’s going to put his dangerous hobby on the “back-burner”.</p> <p>After receiving an MBE last year, Rea revealed: “I know he’s a bit of a motorcycle fan himself.</p> <p>“We talked about his bikes and the fact that he has put it on the back-burner a little bit because of his children now.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Should Prince William kick the habit? Or is he well within his rights to indulge his need for speed? Let us know in the comments. </p>

Travel Insurance

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Picking a new hobby is the key to a happy retirement

<p>Part of what’s so great about retirement is all the extra time you have. Rather than spending your time behind a desk, at a counter or bumper to bumper on a nightmare commute, you’ve got time to smell the roses and enjoy activities you’re interested in. We did a callout to Over60 community members who’ve picked up a hobby in retirement, and we were overwhelmed by the response. Here are some of the best.</p> <p><em><strong>John Fowler is hitting the greens</strong></em><br /> “For me, it’s lawn bowls. I had intended to get back to my single-figure golf handicap but the back had other ideas – so for me it is travel, including the research and organisation, volunteer work, reading, bowling club secretary and IT functions and as little gardening and home reno stuff as I can get away with. Oh, and I am in a community choir and spend a bit of time the 'putter.”</p> <p><em><strong>Rob Windred’s getting into model building – and his grandkids love it</strong></em><br /> “I got into craft and model building like model kits, cars, boats, aeroplanes and woodcraft. Even model trains and model villages.”</p> <p><em><strong>Rene Rees is finally taking time her herself, and understanding how valuable it is</strong> </em><br />“Took me three years to settle down and learn how to be there for me. No more guilt when I have done absolutely nothing. Ignored my hobbies too. Now, I’m slowly exercising and writing my memoirs. Life is good and I have signed up to teach English to refugees. I no longer watch the news and remain aware that here is still so much good out there and good caring people.”</p> <p><em><strong>Helen Eldridge is using her retirement to travel, and explore parts of the world she’s never seen</strong></em><br />“I had travelled a bit in Australia but never overseas. Retired in 2005. Purchased a passport and travelled overseas for five years. Loved every minute of it and have wonderful memories. Petra, Holy Lands, France. Spain, Portugal, Yugoslavia. I’ve also visited different parts of Italy including Pompeii and Assisi. Amazing times and met amazing people.”</p> <p><em><strong>Toni Sands is taking up bird watching and loving every second of it</strong></em><br />“At dawn I sit on the verandah with my partner, sipping chai and quibbling over which bird species we're looking at in the bird bath and the native trees along the nearby creek. I thought we'd sleep in once we retired six weeks ago but we're getting up at 5am and lounging there until it heats up a couple of hours later. We're definitely going to have to get a second set of binoculars, though, or we won't make it to the 40-year mark next year.”</p> <p>THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/322598344;152383569;r" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">AUSTRALIANSUPER</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><em><span style="font-size: smaller;">This article has been sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.  The views expressed are those of Over60 and not AustralianSuper. For more information about AustralianSuper, please visit </span><strong><a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/clk/322598344;152383569;r" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">australiansuper.com.</span></a></strong></em></p>

Retirement Life

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5 hobby ideas from famous entrepreneurs

<p>Looking for a new way to pass the time? You don’t need to be a billionaire to have fun like one. Here are some great ideas for hobbies from some of the world’s richest and most famous entrepreneurs.</p> <p><strong>Warren Buffet – playing the ukulele</strong></p> <p>The legendary businessman and expert investor has a net worth of almost US$75 billion, but forget yachting and gardening – Buffett’s hobby of choice is the humble ukulele. The 86-year-old has even performed live with his Emmy award-winning composer son Peter Buffett. In fact, Peter claims it was his father’s ukulele skills, which won over his mother!</p> <p><strong>Bill Gates – collecting old books</strong></p> <p>You might think the man behind Microsoft would be strictly digital, but the 61-year-old entrepreneur has a real soft spot for the written word, owning a large in-home library with a Great Gatsby quote engraved on the ceiling. Not only does he love tracking down old books (he once paid over US$30 million for a collection of writings by Leonardo da Vinci), but Gates also loves a bit of tennis, golf and bridge.</p> <p><strong>Mark Zuckerberg – hunting and preparing food</strong></p> <p>The 32-year-old founder of Facebook has enough cash to buy the most exquisite cuts of meat without needing to get his hands dirty, but Zuckerberg prefers to do the work himself. Whether you’re pro- or anti-hunting, you can’t fault the reasoning behind his favourite pastime – “I feel like if you’re going to eat meat, then you should be a part of getting, you should get to know where it comes from”.</p> <p><strong>Elon Musk – collecting James Bond memorabilia</strong></p> <p>Musk, who founded Tesla Motors and has a net worth of around US$13 million, is a huge Bond fan. He loves 007 so much, he even owns the famous Lotus Esprit from 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me and is rumoured to be converting it into a car/submarine hybrid like in the film. But you don’t have to be rolling in cash to start your own collection. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/collect-these-things-now-to-make-money-later/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to find out how you can turn your love of pop culture (or anything, really) into a valuable collection.</p> <p><strong>Walt Disney – model trains</strong></p> <p>If you’ve ever visited Disneyland, this fact mightn’t surprise you, but the man behind the Disney empire absolutely loved trains. The creative genius kept a massive model train set in his office as well as one in his backyard. In fact, if it weren’t for trains, Disney and all its films, toys, theme parks and more might not have existed today – the idea for Mickey Mouse only came to him while riding a train.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, what’s your hobby of choice?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2017/01/hobbies-that-boost-brainpower/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>3 fun hobbies that can boost your brainpower</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/12/5-benefits-of-knitting/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 benefits of knitting</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/05/collect-these-things-now-to-make-money-later/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Start collecting these things now and make a fortune later</strong></em></span></a></p>

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