I need to fill a space in my life .... all ideas welcome

[NagathaCrispy]

I am in my early 70's, fit, active and in decent health. For various very good reasons I have recently given up a very time consuming hobby (OK - it was a horse, now re-homed) which has left a bit of a time hole in my life. I have caring responsibilities for my husband who has dementia and other health issues, but need another hobby to fill the time and generally keep me engaged in life and give me something to do outside the home.

I would love to learn new skills but have absolutely zero artistic ability, no musical talent and no interest in anything technical such as computer gaming or web based activities, although I do own a computer.

So, help me out here. I'm looking at short courses, yoga and possibly pottery. I also love photography and own. decent camera, so that's a possibility. All over suggestions would be gratefully received. Thank you everyone.

Beekeeping.

Start a YouTube channel

Could you apply for an allotment? Walk dogs for rescue centres?

Gardening or get an allotment!

Hi Op 👋 my first instinct was to suggest a dog, which would fill your time and heart, be good for your husband, and go in some way to replicating your horse experience with less labour intensive work maybe.
But then I thought you might enjoy the social side of joining a group. My lovely dad lost my mum getting on for three years ago and almost imnediately joined the community choir in his village. Although he's a decent singer, not all the members are 😉 . It's been brilliant for him, they sing a huge range of songs, do performances, and have built up a community of about 60 members. There's something about singing that does magic for your soul too, and I bet your husband woukd be able to join in with your practicing at home. There is probably a group in your local area if you have a look.
University arts centres tend to have a great programme of particpatory arts classes, something might pique your interest there. If you lived in my area, I could point you to dozens of things in the community, likely similar wherever you are; try looking on library notice boards too. All the best x

Also, how about your local history group or community museum?

Family history - albeit computer based mostly but also can have external aspects especially if your family were locally (so visiting locations, researching local history to see where your family fit in) .

Litter picking - sadly much needed where I am so possibly you too. You'll never run out... People will stop and tell you what a great job youre doing without offering to do any themselves

Pet fostering - local rescue or domestic abuse charity always need fosterers.

Similarly guide dog or hearing dog puppies.

Community choir, as PP says. My parents love theirs

Look up the V&A online courses. Im dying to do one but never seem to get round to it!

Local Womens Institute - been a life saver for me when I moved 120 miles from "home". I'm lucky it's a very active and quite mixed age group one. Brunches, lunches, supper clubs, walking, regular quiz nights. Made dozens of friends and have joined other groups with some of them -

Handbell ringing
Art Group(s) - painting
Choir
Crafting (felting, decoupage etc)
Sewing / knitting (Knit and natter or bitch and stitch) - great for local gossip
Walking groups - one in my Village that walks every Thursday and ends with coffee and cake
Wombles very active around my area

No-one seems to have suggested U3A - many of my friends are members, scrabble group etc.

Active ageing sport Walking Tennis, netball, loads of people are playing sport for longer, thanks to Walking Sports .
Keeps you fit.

I think that long term you'd be better off with a group that meets regularly whatever that is like quilting groups, knitting, book club, camera club.

Before that you could look at doing a course to get some expertise in whatever interests you but a course is only a short term thing unless you are going to join something that has provision for moving on and continuing. Sometimes you get this with language classes but not always so have a look at the course levels and whether there is a way to progress. all two often it will just be beginner, intermediate, advance and when you've done three terms that's it.

Fishing! Will get you out in the fresh air in lovely places. Fisheries generally make excellent cooked breakfasts too 😋

I’m a similar age. I volunteer in projects related to my interests (history, baking and literacy in my case) - I know there a riding charities which may intetest you? I do a couple of classes at a local gym, which is surprisingly sociable. And I’m in a couple of pub walking groups, and I cycle with a couple of friends.

Friends of mine are in writing groups, book clubs, community choirs, volunteers with food banks, community gardens, and local events.