The Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies for Older Adults

Engaging in hobbies is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher levels of happiness, self-reported health, and life satisfaction among individuals aged 65 and over across 16 countries. The benefits of hobbies remained consistent after adjusting for other factors and were most strongly linked to life satisfaction. The study suggests that hobbies may protect older people from age-related decline in mental health and wellbeing, and policymakers should promote access to hobbies as a means to enhance older adults' wellbeing and health.