How to play the guitar
Learning an instrument is something many people want to do when they are younger, but the truth is, there’s neither a minimum nor maximum age for starting. As long as you can physically hold the guitar, you can learn to play basic chords and scales. The learning curve may just be steeper if you’ve never played an instrument before, due to your muscles having to learn a whole new set of movements.
How to speak another language
You may have heard the statistic that after the age of 18, it is much harder to learn a language, thanks to your brain’s ability to pick up new grammatical rules beginning to slow down. However, while it may be difficult to become as fluent as a native, science says that it is possible to become “quite to very good” at a language at any age!
How to read music
Learning to play or sing along to sheet music is a wonderful hobby to pick up as you age, as it activates several different areas of the brain and keeps the mind sharp. Whether you want to take your church choir to the next level or just jam along to all the songs you loved in childhood, being able to parse sheet music will upgrade your musical ability.
How to draw and paint true to life
Many people are dissuaded from learning to paint and draw as young people, because it is sometimes considered a non-productive pursuit. However, so many people take up art in retirement because it is a hugely rewarding hobby, allowing you to utilise both the creative and analytic areas of your brain at once. Plus, you have something to hang up in your home at the end of it!
How to do a headstand
While it’s true that your body will go through many changes as you age, that doesn’t mean you have to abandon pushing yourself physically. As long as you’re working in tandem with a doctor, personal trainer and physical therapist, it’s possible to learn to do all sorts of strength, balance and flexibility-based exercises, such as the famed headstand! Just remember to work up to it slowly.
How to sing in key
Many people believe that whether you can sing or not is entirely a matter of random talent or childhood ability, and has nothing to do with whether you work on it. In truth, anyone can learn to sing well, and it all starts by practising your pitch. Just joining a choir will do wonders for anyone’s singing voice, but you can also invest in lessons for faster improvements.
How to knit
Knitting, crocheting and other needlecrafts are often associated with older people, but the truth is, unless you had someone teaching you those skills in childhood, you might have no idea how to do them. Knitting is an excellent way to practise mindfulness as it allows you to enter a relaxed but active flow state, and it can be learned at any age.
How to rock climb
Rock climbing might seem like an extreme sport only for the brave or extremely reckless, but it actually provides a great workout that builds your balance, strength and functional fitness. Though you should always consult a doctor before embarking on a new fitness regimen, learning to rock climb indoors with an instructor is perfectly safe, as it can be tailored to your ability level throughout.
How to dance with a partner
People of any age can feel self-conscious and embarrassed about dancing in public, especially with a partner. However, not only is partner dancing great for your physical health as it gets you moving in an enjoyable way, but it also allows you to foster connections with others, which is great for your mental health too! From tango to swing, most cities have beginner classes available.
How to ride a horse
When people think of horse riding, their mind either goes to advanced dressage routines or terrifyingly swift races over fallen trees and through thick undergrowth. In truth, when supported by an expert who can show you the ropes, learning to ride a horse can be a relaxing and immensely rewarding pursuit. Not only will you build trust with another creature, but you’ll also learn to trust yourself.
