Gardening, making a video call, and learning a new language are some of the top new skills learned – by adults over the age of 50, research has found.
More than a third of over-50s (36%) have successfully learned a completely new talent or hobby since passing the milestone birthday.
From skills around the home – such as DIY or home repairs, cooking, and baking – to learning to use social media, two in five older adults believe it is important to show others that over-50s can do anything they set their mind to.
And the poll of 2,000 adults, who have passed the half-century mark, found that 42% live by the mantra: “It's never too late to learn something new”.
Other notable new skills include golfing, swimming, yoga, and even learning to use Excel – while the more creative types have taken up drawing or painting, photography, playing guitar, and crocheting.
It emerged that 36% of over-50s admitted that there had been things they'd always wanted to master – but for a host of reasons they had never managed to, until now.
And almost a third (31%) didn't pursue their ambitions because of their busy work schedule, while 28% felt they had a lack of confidence to learn something new.
Simon Thompson, managing director of Warner Hotels, which commissioned the survey, said: “We've always known those over the age of 50 have a zest for life, and love learning new skills.
“It’s encouraging to see recent research has confirmed this, and knowing they aren’t afraid to get stuck in enjoying a new activity while having fun at the same time.
“Our holidays see people trying out exciting activities like golf, archery, and laser-clay shooting, or even sunset yoga and meditation.”
Reasons for wanting to learn a new skill after turning 50 include feeling better mentally and physically, keeping motivated, and wanting to enjoy life to the fullest.
On average, it takes four months for over-50s to master their new skill – with 48% claiming to be confident that they will gain one they haven’t yet acquired.
More than half (54%) won’t let age get in their way of achieving something new – with the average adult over 50 willing to pay £45 each month to hone a desired skill.
Two-thirds of those polled (65%) said acquiring new skills in life is important – and of these, 63% said it is because it gives you something to aim for, while 56% believe it's all about having fun.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, found 41% are likely to learn more skills the older they become – and consider six to be the perfect number of accomplishments to complete during their lifetime.
Simon Thompson added: “A holiday is not only a place to relax, but an opportunity to try something out of the ordinary, often for the first time.
“From cooking classes to Nordic walking, we believe everybody deserves to be able to learn something new. That’s why we’re offering the chance to learn a new skill, by giving away a free three-night golf break.”
TOP 40 SKILLS LEARNED BY OVER-50s:
- Gardening
- Making a video call
- Learning a new language
- Golfing
- DIY/home repairs
- Cooking
- Using social media i.e. Tweeting, Instagram
- Photography
- Swimming
- Baking
- Using Excel
- Playing guitar
- Yoga
- Meditating
- Crafting i.e. furniture, decorations, etc.
- Crocheting
- Painting
- Cycling
- Drawing
- Singing
- Dancing
- Playing piano
- CPR
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Taking care of animals i.e. pets
- Driving
- Strength training i.e. lifting weights
- Ice-skating
- Pitching a tent
- Creating an Instagram Reel
- Mastering Photoshop
- Changing a tyre
- Flower arranging
- Martial arts i.e. Tai Chi, karate, etc.
- Starting a campfire
- Aerobics
- Pottery
- Nordic walking
- Self-defense
