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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Fun and Unusual Hobbies to Try in Retirement

Christine Lasser

You finally have the time to do what you love or to try something new that you always imagined doing, things that you might have postponed for years. Perhaps you have taken up golf or gardening, but what if you’re interested in something a little out of the ordinary that keeps you active and even adds a bit of adventure to your daily life? If you’re up for mixing things up, here are some interesting hobbies that aren’t just enjoyable but will also keep your brain sharp and your heart full.

Source

Geocaching

The World’s largest hidden treasure hunt. Imagine walking out your door and knowing that thousands of hidden treasures are scattered throughout your city and waiting for you to discover them. That’s geocaching in a nutshell. All you need is a GPS-enabled device and a sense of direction. Individuals from all across the globe hide small containers, known as caches, in public locations and leave the GPS coordinates online for others to find. It’s like being a modern-day treasure hunter, minus the pirates. Some caches have small trinkets inside, while others have just a logbook where you can leave your name.

Drone Photography

A new view on the world. If you’ve ever been captivated by aerial footage of landscapes, cityscapes, or even wildlife, you might enjoy operating a drone. These miniature flying machines offer a way of capturing some great footage that would have been impossible to get without a helicopter a few years ago. There is a learning curve to piloting a drone, but it is well worth the payoff. You can document your travels, create artistic videos, or even use it for practical things like inspecting your roof without needing to use a ladder. And with all the online tutorials, it is easier to get started than you might think. Just be certain to check local laws before you take to the skies some places have laws about where you can fly.

Learning the Art of Glassblowing

Have you ever watched someone shape molten glass into a vase or a delicate ornament? Glassblowing is one of those hands-on things that takes patience but rewards you with something so unique at the end of it. Something you created out of nothing but heat and skill. There are studios in most cities where you can take a class as a beginner and learn the basics. You don’t have to be a professional artist to appreciate the beauty of making something with your own two hands. 

Mushroom Hunting

Hiking in the woods is a whole new experience when you’re hunting for wild mushrooms. There’s something exciting about spotting a morel or chanterelle hiding under leaves. But before you start tossing them into your dinner, it’s essential to learn from someone who’s knowledgeable. Some mushrooms are as deadly as they are beautiful. There are clubs with guides, online forums, and even applications that help you find different species. Once you get the hang of it, you will never look at a forest the same way again. 

Cryptocurrency Trading

For those who enjoy keeping up with technology, dipping into cryptocurrency can be both entertaining and rewarding. Unlike traditional stocks, crypto markets run 24/7, which means there’s always something happening. Whether you’re casually buying and holding or trying your hand at short-term trades, there’s a lot to learn and plenty of opportunities to grow your portfolio.

It can get complicated to keep track of multiple assets. That is where tools like a multichain block explorer come in. They allow you to monitor transactions on different blockchain networks, making it easier to track your investments. 

Urban Beekeeping

Perhaps you have thought about beekeeping but assumed it required a massive backyard. That is not the case as Urban beekeeping is gaining popularity, with people setting up hives on rooftops, balconies, and even small gardens. In addition to pollinating flowers, bees also produce raw, golden honey right in your own backyard. This can also now provide some sort of income where maybe you can start manufacturing.

Beekeeping does take some research and patience, but there are usually classes and support groups in most areas for beginners. And it’s a wonderfully rewarding way to give back to the environment and enjoy the sweet fruits (or rewards, or honey) of your labor.

Lockpicking for Fun (and Legally!)

It has a somewhat shady sound to it, but lockpicking is a professional hobby among puzzle people and engineers. There is even an entire sport of lock sport where people compete to pick locks as fast as they can. Knowing how locks work and how they can be manipulated with simple tools can be very satisfying.

Of course, this is for ethical lockpicking—you’re not going to be breaking into houses! Most enthusiasts practice on either old padlocks or specially designed training locks. It’s all mechanism understanding, fine motor skills, and a bit of problem-solving.

Volunteering: Being a Citizen Scientist

If you enjoy nature, numbers, or just the idea of contributing to real scientific study, then citizen science might be for you. Organisations around the world rely on regular people to collect valuable data, from tracking bird migrations to mapping light pollution.

Most projects require no special skills—just enthusiasm and a willingness to lend a hand. Some programs have you gazing at the stars, while others might have you tallying different types of insects. Either way, you’re helping real scientists while getting a better look at your world.

Building and Riding Electric Bikes

Cycling is already a great way of exercising especially at an older age. Electric bikes take it to a whole new level. If you bought it in a store or self-assembled it, electronic bikes allow you to go farther with less effort and way fewer injuries. It’s a great way of exploring your surroundings, running errands, or even replacing short car trips and, of course, getting in that fresh air.

Retirement is the perfect time to try something that would have been impractical before. And now, finally, there is no rush for you or expectations. 

 

 

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

contact Billy and Akaisha at theguide@retireearlylifestyle.com

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