... to ask about doing new things/firsts in your 50s

[FirstIn50s]

To give a bit of context, am in 50s and and no mortgage or debt. Job situation and kids being away means that for the first time since my teens I'll actually have some time for me :)

AIBU to ask if there if there are any new things you tried/did/started in your 50s. With work, kids and all that I never really had time for hobbies or other interests.

Some things in the pipeline

• French lessons: I studied for A-level and did well just never used it

• Gym: I am healthy but was never fit. Towards upper range of normal BMI range, but my focus is fitness, not weight

Any amazing things you started in 50s? If yes it might inspiring for me :)

NOTE There is a gotcha in that we have two kids in uni which is expensive. Also, DH is late 50s and his tech company are closing UK office later in the year, and even though he is experienced, his age means it will be almost impossible to find a new role in that field (most of the people he works with are 20+years younger!).

I'm not quite that age yet, but I have a huge list of things to try so I'll be doing new things even in my 80's if I can!

archery & fencing might be out because of my shoulders, but I definitely want to do scubadiving, horse riding, snowboarding.
you might like to try a hot air balloon ride

Learned to swim, started Maths GCSE (takin the exams at 61 next year) joined yoga and pilates classes, joined a book club, started volunteering. And (in order to have time to do all these things) took early retirement

I took piano lessons. It wasn't exactly a new thing as I'd had lessons as a kid, but this was actual exams. I did theory and practical. Passed as well, at age 55.

Took on a new job in offender management and drug intervention.
Became company ambassador for equality and diversity
Qualified as a counsellor

I’ve just got a paddle board and have been paddle boarding on our local river ( slight caveat, I’m only 49).

Started open water swimming. Joined a book club. Started piano lessons....

Weightlifting. Hated every other type of exercise - and I tried a lot of different types - but enjoy weights. Good for toning up, future-proofing bone density, and has greatly reduced the aches and pains that I thought were an irreversible part of aging. And great for bingo wings! 👍

And great for bingo wings!

Thanks for the tip!

I’m in my 50s and have recently moved from a full time role to a self employed contract so I actually have a bit more time. The DC are all in their 20s and have left home and DH is about to take early retirement so we are up for new challenges.

The main thing we want to do is travel but that’s on the back burner for now - South America is the first place on the list and then we are thinking about the Camino Way.

I’ve just taken up yoga which is something I’ve wanted to do for ages but haven’t had time. I fancy a yoga retreat somewhere nice and warm now !

I also do lots of walking and fancy joining a walking group. I want to learn to play the piano so that’s on the list.

In my 50th year I
*bought myself a new car
*bought myself some new teeth
*lost 5 stone

Weight loss; gym; dogs
Love them all

@Sotiredandhangry wow that's a lot of amazing stuff. Well done!

OP, it sounds like you have had a very quiet life? So almost anything you do will be very exciting :) Based on your list you are doing things for your mind (language) and your body (gym), and that's a really good mix.

As you get older, we all do slow down. Things that were OK at 55 can be very difficult at 65 and might be impossible at 75. It's the same for your DH too!

It's great if you really make the most of your 50s. If I could go back in time I would have done a lot more.

Bought an Oculus and became a very good player in a virtual reality sport.

@bellmyring, yes I've had a fairly quiet time really. Just busy with kids, house, a few moves, horrible commute for years, support for ill parents and more. So I have some catching up to do. But I do read a lot, so I have a very active imagination and fantasy life :)

I'd love the idea of travel, but with DH losing job later this year, then we'd have to be conservative financially as we have two kids to support still.

I like the idea of a musical instrument, and that would be something totally new.

Yoga was not on my list, since it is something I don't know about.

@Scottishflower65, wow that is amazing!! Totally off my radar. Virtual sport rather than real sport?

Ran my first marathon and started learning the piano

Also, decided a criminal record would no longer be the career hindrance it might be in your 2Os and 30s and ………….

Now that you have the time, if you have the inclination and desire (and your DH too) then have as much sex as possible. Really! That's my advice!! You'll still be able to improve your French, do yoga and so on when you get older.

Keeping fit, whatever way you want, is really important. I've seen a lot of people just stopping a lot of activity in 40s and 50s, when you should be really trying to do more.

I am in my 50s and have learned how to ride a horse and am currently studying a language (on Zoom). Also had photography lessons and pottery classes. Walked West Highland Way when I was 50.
I would love to try paddle boarding but need to lose some weight first! Would also like to learn a musical instrument but this might have to wait until I retire.
We are members of Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland so that might be an idea for travel in the UK (English Heritage?) and gives you a focus for weekends away?
Enjoy whatever you choose- such fun learning new things

Started running
Wrote a novel
Cut hair really short …. Oh the freedom!

Yes virtual boxing. The longer sessions of 45- 60 mins give a great cardio workout and my heart health is now in “athletic” category. The haptic feedback from the controllers builds muscle. There are also virtual rollercoasters and many other apps for travel etc. I found it totally amazing. Many thanks to a certain colleague who alerted me to these possibilities!

Go to Xscape in Milton Keynes (or similar) and go flying in a wind tunnel.
Try out Go Ape!
Go walking with llamas.
Learn to cook one new recipe a week.
Start volunteering.
Do the Park Run.

I learned to surf when I turned 40. Am re-learning French for 50. I’d like to take up horse riding again but am really busy with work at the moment as I am retraining. Other things I toyed with were art (have no talent at all, would like to do more when I have more time). Would like to do some long distance walks - time is an issue.

Also started yoga and weights at gym. Hoping to do yoga teacher training next year for a total change of career (currently academic).

@0None0

Ran my first marathon and started learning the piano

Also, decided a criminal record would no longer be the career hindrance it might be in your 2Os and 30s and ………….

Interesting. What sort of criminal activity are you embracing?

I’m 49 (50 end of year) and decided to do something I’d never done before each month this year. Less about 50 and more about pandemic changing thinking. Doesn’t have to be huge, just not done (this may be outing but I don’t post much so sod it). Ran 100k in a month, did a 2 week shred, started paddle boarding, bought a convertible, tried wing foiling, did 15 mins yoga every day.
Some I will keep up, some I wasn’t impressed with (shred did not shred me!). But it’s great to be trying new stuff.
Haven’t figured out the rest of the year yet!

I’d never thought about paddle boarding. I did like swimming a lot when younger. I like the suggestions with respect to mental health too.

I’d also add about taking and making time to spend with family and friends. Looking back that was something I should have done more.

Hobbies are very important for older ages, and often overlooked.

Sex can be a problem for many older men and women. Luckily I had done and tried everything by this stage