I’m 45 and finally have a bit of time to pursue my own hobbies and interests. I’ve tried lots of things, but the hobbies I’ve most enjoyed and want to stick to are the things I loved at about 16. I’ve restarted horseriding (the aching!), got my old piano retuned and am even going to online French lessons (my favourite subject in school). I do enjoy new things too (gardening, cooking, and much more travelling than I was able to do) but I’ve been struck by how much the interests and things one loves at that time in life impact on later years.
It has also made me realise the importance of supporting my own kids (14 and 12) in developing their interests (not hot housing or pushing particular activities, just learning to enjoy things) and having a really rich experience at this stage in life. My parents were not at all wealthy, but went out of their way to support me in doing the things I enjoyed, wherever they could. I’ve a new-found gratitude for that now.