Loneliness can creep up on us as we get older, but staying socially and mentally engaged can make all the difference.

The good news? Psychology suggests that certain hobbies can help keep loneliness at bay while also improving our well-being.

The key is finding activities that bring joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s something creative, social, or mentally stimulating, the right hobby can help you stay engaged with the world around you.

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to stay connected and fulfilled as you age, here are 10 hobbies worth adopting—backed by psychology.

1) Join a club or group

Humans are social creatures, and staying connected is one of the best ways to prevent loneliness as we age.

Psychology shows that being part of a community—whether it’s a book club, a gardening group, or a local walking meetup—helps us feel more supported and engaged.

Joining a club or group gives you regular social interaction, shared interests, and a sense of purpose.

It also makes it easier to form lasting friendships, which can be one of the best defenses against loneliness in old age.

2) Learn a new language

A few years ago, I decided to start learning Spanish. At first, it was just a fun challenge, but I quickly realized it was also a great way to connect with others.

I joined a local language exchange group, started chatting with native speakers online, and even made a few new friends along the way.

Picking up a new language isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary—it’s about engaging with people, understanding different cultures, and building relationships.

Whether you take an online course, attend in-person classes, or practice through conversation groups, learning a new language keeps your mind sharp and opens doors to new social connections—both of which are powerful tools against loneliness.

3) Start journaling

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone—it’s about feeling unheard, like your thoughts and experiences don’t matter to anyone, maybe not even to yourself.

I’ve had moments in life where I felt completely disconnected, even when surrounded by people. That’s when I turned to journaling.

Writing things down gave me an outlet when I didn’t feel like talking to anyone. It helped me process emotions, recognize patterns in my thinking, and make sense of what I was going through.

Carl Jung once said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

Journaling does exactly that—it brings hidden thoughts to the surface, helping you understand yourself better.

Psychology shows that self-reflection can reduce feelings of isolation by helping us feel more in tune with ourselves.

And sometimes, getting comfortable with our own company is the first step toward meaningful connections with others.

4) Volunteer for a cause you care about

There’s something about helping others that makes loneliness feel smaller.

A few years ago, I started volunteering at a local shelter, and what surprised me most wasn’t just how much I was giving—but how much I was getting in return.

The friendships, the shared purpose, the simple act of showing up for someone else—it all made me feel more connected.

Volunteering gives you that sense of purpose while surrounding you with like-minded people who care about the same things you do.

Whether it’s mentoring young people, working with animals, or supporting a local charity, giving your time isn’t just good for others—it’s one of the most powerful ways to combat loneliness in your own life.

5) Spend time alone on purpose

It sounds backwards, but one of the best ways to fight loneliness is to get comfortable being alone. Most people try to avoid solitude, fearing it will make them feel even more isolated.

But when you choose to spend time alone—on your own terms—it can actually make you feel more connected to yourself and, in turn, to others.

Psychologist Rollo May once said, “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.”

The difference is choice. When you intentionally carve out time for yourself—whether through solo travel, meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet walk—you build inner strength and self-awareness.

Ironically, learning to enjoy your own company can make social interactions more meaningful.

Instead of seeking connection out of desperation, you begin forming relationships from a place of confidence and authenticity.

6) Take up dancing

Dancing isn’t just about movement—it’s about connection.

Whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or even a casual dance class at the local community center, dancing brings people together in a way that few other activities can. It’s physical, social, and surprisingly therapeutic.

Psychologist William James once said, “We don’t laugh because we are happy. We are happy because we laugh.”

The same can be said for movement. When you dance, your body releases endorphins, reducing stress and boosting happiness.

And when you dance with others, it creates a sense of unity and belonging that can help combat loneliness.

You don’t need to be a great dancer to enjoy the benefits.

Just moving to music—whether alone in your living room or with a group of people—can lift your mood and strengthen social bonds in a way that words sometimes can’t.

7) Adopt a pet

A few years ago, I adopted a rescue dog, and I can honestly say it changed my life. Suddenly, my days had more structure, my home felt less empty, and I had a reason to get outside and interact with people.

But more than that, I had a companion—someone who was always happy to see me, no matter what.

And modern psychology backs this up—studies show that pets provide emotional support, reduce stress, and even encourage more social interaction with other people.

Whether it’s a dog, cat, or even a small pet like a bird or rabbit, having an animal companion can provide comfort and companionship in ways that humans sometimes can’t.

They give us love without judgment and remind us that we’re never truly alone.

8) Reconnect with old friends

Loneliness has a way of making you believe that no one cares. I’ve been there—staring at my phone, convinced that if I reached out, I’d just be bothering people.

But the truth is, most of us are just busy, caught up in life, assuming that if someone hasn’t called, it’s because they don’t want to.

Psychologist Erik Erikson emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships throughout life, saying:

“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.”

Sometimes, loneliness isn’t about a lack of people—it’s about a lack of effort to reconnect.

Call an old friend. Send a message to someone you lost touch with. Chances are, they’ve been meaning to reach out too.

And even if they don’t respond the way you hope, at least you’ll know you tried. Because loneliness thrives in silence—but connection begins with a single step.

9) Embrace boredom

Most people see boredom as something to avoid, filling every quiet moment with TV, social media, or mindless distractions. But what if boredom isn’t the problem—what if it’s actually the key to overcoming loneliness?

Psychologist Sandi Mann, who has studied boredom extensively, explains, “Boredom is a search for neural stimulation that isn’t satisfied. If we can’t find that, our mind will create it.”

In other words, boredom sparks creativity and pushes us to seek out meaningful activities.

Instead of numbing yourself with distractions, sit with your boredom. Let your mind wander. It might lead you to pick up an old hobby, start a new project, or finally reach out to someone.

Sometimes, the quietest moments hold the loudest answers—we just have to listen.

10) Grow something

A few years ago, I started a small garden on my balcony—not because I knew what I was doing, but because I needed something to take care of.

Watching those plants grow, little by little, gave me a sense of purpose I didn’t expect.

Psychologist Jean Piaget once said:

“The principal goal of education is to create people who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done.”

Growth—whether in plants, skills, or ourselves—keeps us engaged with life.

Whether it’s a full garden, a few houseplants, or even just herbs on a windowsill, nurturing something living reminds us that progress happens in small steps.

And sometimes, caring for something else is the first step to feeling more connected ourselves.