American author, Phyllis McGinley, is quoted as saying "A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away".

Research shows that having a healthy mind is linked to having a healthy body and this can be gained by taking up a hobby.

Hobbies can be simple, inexpensive tasks that can be undertaken when you are alone with activities such as gardening, jigsaw puzzles, art journalling, crosswords, and reading.

Then there are others which require like-minded company to participate, such as playing cards or board games, meeting for morning teas or a Book or Craft Club.

Other hobbies require more serious time or funds dedicated to their pursuit.
Sometimes both.

Baby Boomers have the opportunities to develop skills in a wide range of pursuits by joining groups that focus on leatherwork, woodwork and quilting. People can travel for months by motorhome or caravan learning about our country.

Nothing says hobby like taking the boat out on the bay fishing for the day, does it?

After all, one of the biggest positives of this time of our lives is finally being able to become involved in activities for which we've never previously had the time.

Hobbies can be all consuming or take as little time as it suits. I have friends who are out of the house attending multiple events each and every day whilst others focus on their one hobby, such as a friend who makes wooden toys for disadvantaged kiddies.

Hobbies not only "keep the doldrums away" they help us to manoeuvre the aging process. Here's why we should all start a new hobby for the New Year :

1. Hobbies can keep you productive and instil a sense of purpose.
2. Hobbies can be a form of mindfulness, and declutter your mind. Knitting, painting and cooking are great examples.
3. Active hobbies, such as gardening, dancing or Tai Chi, improve physical fitness.
4. Hobbies can open your world to new ideas and new people. Try taking a philosophy or language class.
5. Hobbies keep you interested, socially and mentally, and both are important for healthy aging.

Sometimes finding the right hobby for your fit might take a little time and patience.

That's okay. Enjoy exploring the options available as it is important to be comfortable in your long term pursuits.

I tried Square Dancing and discovered that I had a huge problem discerning between my left and right - a huge disadvantage.

Paint By Numbers and Colouring Books took me back to Primary School days when the teacher would hit knuckles with the ruler if you coloured outside the lines, and unfortunately handicrafts have never been a part of my skill set.

Luckily, there are many organisations which you can either attend in person or online, that cater to our age group looking for new interests - Service Clubs, Men's Shed, University of the Third Age immediately come to mind. Volunteering is another hobby to consider. 

I've added some new interests to my already busy schedule of activities for the coming year.

These include trying my hand at mosaics, starting on an Airfix Kit of the Halifax plane that my Dad flew in over the skies of Germany - hands up who remembers Airfix Kits - two programs delivered by U3A, and I've registered to volunteer with a project at the Australian War Memorial. 

What new hobby will you be taking up during 2024? How will you keep the "doldrums away"?