More than a third of over 50s start a new hobby to enjoy life more & gardening tops the list, study finds
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but more than a third of adults have picked up different skills since turning 50, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults aged 50 and over found 36 per cent have successfully learnt to do something completely new – including how to play the guitar, dance, sing, or paint.
Other notable new talents include Nordic walking, using Excel, and creating an Instagram reel.
While learning to play golf, making a video call, and successfully attempting home repairs all featured in the top five.
Not only that, but nearly four in 10 admitted there had been things they’d always wanted to master – but for a host of reasons they’d never managed to, until now.
One of the main reasons people didn’t pursue their ambitions was because of their busy work schedule, and 28 per cent felt they had a lack of confidence to learn something new.
Simon Thompson, managing director of Warner Hotels, which commissioned the survey, said: “We’ve always known those over the age of 50 have a zest for life and love learning new skills.
“It’s encouraging to see recent research has confirmed this and knowing they aren’t afraid to get stuck in enjoying a new activity while having fun at the same time.
“Our holidays see people trying out exciting activities like golf, archery, and laser-clay shooting, or even sunset yoga and meditation.”
Reasons for wanting to learn a new skill after turning 50 include feeling better mentally and physically, keeping motivated and wanting to enjoy life to the fullest.
While almost half live by the ‘it’s never too late to learn something new’ mantra, on average, it takes four months for over-50s to master their new skill.
More than half (54 per cent) won’t let age get in their way of achieving something new, with the average adult over 50 willing to pay £45 each month to hone a desired skill.
For 65 per cent of people said acquiring new skills in life is important – and of these, 63 per cent said is it because it gives you something to aim for.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, found 41 per cent are likely to learn more skills the older they become – and consider six to be the perfect number of accomplishments to complete during their lifetime.
Simon Thompson added: “A holiday is not only a place to relax, but an opportunity to try something out of the ordinary, often for the first time.
“From cooking classes to Nordic walking, we believe everybody deserves to be able to learn something new.
“That’s why we’re offering the chance to learn a new skill by giving away a free three-night golf break.”
TOP 20 SKILLS LEARNED BY OVER 50s
1. Gardening
2. Making a video call
3. Learning a new language
4. Golfing
5. DIY / home repairs
6. Cooking
7. Using social media
8. Photography
9. Swimming
10. Baking
11. Using Excel
12. Playing guitar
13. Yoga
14. Meditating
15. Crafting
16. Crocheting
17. Drawing / painting
18. Cycling
19. Drawing
20. Singing