... 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!).

Also, I understand the issue with your DH and tech. It’s largely a younger person industry. Can’t imagine being in that area in your 60s?

We’re ok financially, it’s just when DH loses his job things will be fairly tight. We do have some pensions, but will have to be careful. Also feeling a bit of responsibility to help out kids, I never had that benefit myself.

No need for me to be concerned on the sex side. Kids not at home, and we’ve done it all :) when they left I went a bit wild haha!!

Some great ideas here, with several taken on board to try after we win the euros :)

I'm not there yet but not far off and I want to travel more and do stuff like climb Snowdon, walk Hadrian's Wall, walk all or more likely some of the Camino de Santiago.

More theatre, more dogs, more books, more seeing friends.

In my 50s I've gone back to Tap dancing; and tried surfing, toboganning, skiing and rock climbing, with varying degrees of success.

Also Escape rooms, which have been great fun.

Got a tattoo for my 50th - on wrist - a Zuni bear - signifies strength & family I love it

Took art classes and learned to sew!

I'm not quote 50 yet but I'm starting a degree this year (gulp) I will be 52 when (hopefully!) I graduate.
I've had years of really heartbreaking burden due to my now adult children and developed a serious health condition.
I was a "mature" student in my early 30s but had to drop out in my third year due to complete lack of support/childcare.
Not this yikes!
Good luck to all the women finally doing something just for yourself. All power to you.

Oh and learned djembe drumming too.

In my area there are a lot of groups out there who will support and encourage you to take up their sport - cycling for women, cycling for beginners, nordic walking, Cto5K running clubs, tai chi in the park, walking football, 'Get back into netball', etc etc. Worth looking in your local face book groups or looking out for Park Lives; The Active Wellbeing Society; and loads of other small local schemes that offer support to people who want to get in to a more active lifestyle.

What about setting yourself a challenge of something that makes you get out every month..... visiting 12 {insert interest of choice} in a year.... could be Cathedrals, or local rugby clubs... or local theatres.... or hills / mountains on a theme.... or bird reserves..... or museums.... or gig nights at the local pub..... whatever piques your interest.

@Californiabakes

What sort of criminal activities am I embracing?

Direct action in support of climate protection - think ‘extinction rebellion’ type things

It’s amazing. I was always such a goody two shoes up to my 50 th birthday

Now I’m full blooded ninja environmental warrior- first time in my life I have refused to do what I’m told.

I have been arrested twice. No formal charges yet, but it will happen sooner or later

What a fantastic thread.
I'm starting to do a lot more music performance, but want to join more clubs, groups, socials for all sorts of aspects of life. Thinking about doing some volunteering but not quite sure in what as yet.

I'm late 40s. During lockdown I did 2 level 2 courses in completely new (to me) subjects and in October I will be starting a degree in one of them.

I've also started volunteering.

It's interesting that so many of the activities are for ourselves, and not kids or partners.

As well as things you could do, I'm also aware that there are things I can't do or won't ever be able to do. This might seem like a random list:

• fluent French (A levels here too, but I'd need to live there and do the immersion thing)
• try drugs (was always curious, but never did, and won't now)
• threesome (was always curious, I never mentioned that to DH!!!)
• run a marathon (did some running in the past, but past injury means I'll never be able to do that distance)

I also really like the charity and volunteering suggestions. I've never done it, and I expect it is hard work, but we do have accumulated experiences to share.

@OffMyCloud, I've done 3 of the 4 from your list, and am glad I did, so don't give up :) Try it all.

I've done nothing big, but I have been trying to make small changes to and develop good habits. It's inspired by this Tiny Habits book, tinyhabits.com/

For me it's been a collection of small silly things around well being such as

• waiting for the kettle to boil, do some stretches and squats
• in a queue, some mindfulness exercise
• sit down next to DH in the evening, give him a hug/peck
• on the bus, duolingo app only!

My post maybe only makes sense if you've read the book. But it's also triggered a few longer term things I've already started

OU degree. A 2:1!

Got my first novel published (paid for, not self published) - mind you I’d been working on that for some time

Some years later, went back to the piano, not touched since I was about 11, and I’d only ever passed grade 2, so almost a case of starting again from scratch. Now playing (after a fashion) grade 5 and 6 pieces. No exams, though, too chicken.

Though there was a woman at my group class - probably late 40s-early 50s - who passed her grade 3, having never even touched a piano until a few years previously. I admired her enormously for having the guts to face practical exams.

Mid 50s. I've just bought a second hand sewing machine from a colleague. I know the basics already but I was really inspired by the "newcomers" on this year's Sewing Bee. Expect a catwalk show for S/S22

Have also joined the local WI - they're more cocktail-making than jam-making and some of them were already friends.

Great thread. Love all the ideas and inspiration. I am doing a fifty book and fifty movie challenge this year. I also intend to learn to juggle using the klutz book. Another idea is a 1000 piece jigsaw and wild swimming.

*cook not cool

Sorry lost my message. Cook new dishes. Walk new routes. Try new coffee shops. Learn to draw. Make cards. Play board games.

I passed my driving test at 50 and since then have gone back to running. Learnt to paddle board and had a huge career change. I'm loving my 50s

Sorry I’m hogging this thread but I note weight loss is mentioned a few times. Try intermittent fasting. I am happy to recommend the Jason Fung book. Works for me I skip breakfast and do brunch around 2 pm and dinner at 6pm. Works for me. Over and out

OU courses-I now have a degree
Learnt a language
Returned to the piano (hadn’t played since I was a child)
Volunteer counsellor
Paddle boarding/ open water swimming/ windsurfing and have just joined a rowing club
Learnt to crochet

I'm 59.I took early retirement 2years ago.
I've started playing tennis regularly and have taken up kayaking.
If you're able to try something new,go for it.
I'm planning to learn another language over the winter.

Nearly 50 here, unfortunately not quite there yet with any of the life goals you’ve managed plus still have both kids at home/school for another 7 years..

However one day I’d love to have time for fitness - I used to be a personal trainer but you wouldn’t believe it if you saw the state of me right now! Also time for creating artwork (a cupboard full of the equipment gathering dust doesn’t count!) & maybe some art lessons/courses to learn new techniques and remember old ones & more than anything just time to spend actual quality time with friends and family.

Meanwhile the relentless blur of work, kids & life continues..very envious of the position you are in OP but hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do & hope I get there someday!

Im 53 in a few days. I retrained for a new career at 50, which involved taking exams and becoming an apprentice.

I've taken up swimming and love it! I've also taken up baking, and have gone from being completely rubbish to not bad actually ha ha!

Getting twitchy again and need a new challenge soon.