Having a hobby associated with better physical and mental health in older people

Having a hobby could protect older people from age-related decline in mental health and wellbeing, according to a new study.

The study, which included 93,263 people aged 65 or over, found that having a hobby was linked to subsequent decreases in depressive symptoms and increases in health, happiness and life satisfaction.

This was consistent across 16 countries on three continents, and the authors say this new research should encourage policymakers and healthcare professionals to promote access to hobbies among older people as a way to enhance health and wellbeing.

Varying levels of hobby engagement across countries

The results are based on more than 90,000 participants who had enrolled in five existing longitudinal studies in England, Japan, United States, China and 12 other European countries.

Hobbies were defined as activities people engage in during their leisure time for pleasure. This includes reading, gardening, playing games, arts and crafts, volunteering, and/or being part of a club.

China had the lowest level of hobby engagement, at 37.6% (although the researchers caution that these participants were only asked about social hobbies), followed by Spain (51%) and Italy (54%).

Denmark (96.0%), Sweden (95.8%) and Switzerland (94.4%) had the highest engagement levels, followed by Germany (91.0%), Austria (90.0%) and Japan (90.0%).

The average age of the respondents across the different countries was between 71.7 and 75.9 years. Generally, there was a higher proportion of females participating in the surveys, and more than 60% of the participants experienced long-standing mental or physical health condition

More people had a hobby in countries with high national happiness levels

The participants were followed up for four to eight years and asked about their hobbies and their physical and mental health over this time period.

Overall, hobby engagement was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater self-reported health, happiness and life satisfaction.

These results remained after adjusting for other factors such as partnership status, employment and household income.

In countries with better life expectancy and national happiness levels, more people reported having a hobby, and also the link between wellbeing and having a hobby was stronger in those countries.

Life satisfaction was most strongly linked to hobby engagement

Lead author Dr Karen Mak (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said the results of the study results suggest that hobbies are important for older people’s physical and mental health.

She said: “Of the four outcomes, life satisfaction was most strongly linked to hobby engagement. Hobbies may contribute to life satisfaction in our later years through many mechanisms, including feeling in control of our minds and bodies, finding a purpose in life, and feeling competent in tackling daily issues.

“Theoretical work suggests the relationship between hobbies and wellbeing may cut both ways – that people with better mental health may be more likely to take up a hobby, and persisting with a hobby may help us to retain improved life satisfaction.

“Our research also supports policymakers in promoting access to hobbies among older people as a way to enhance their wellbeing and health.”