Knitting isn’t just for seniors. More and more, people are trying “grandma” hobbies — activities long associated with older generations, such as knitting, crocheting, baking and gardening.
In a culture where screens demand our attention around the clock, these slower, quieter pursuits offer a welcome pause. After all, you can’t bake cookies or weed a garden while responding to a group text or scrolling Instagram. According to Andrea Perlin, a licensed mental health therapist who practices in Boca Raton, the shift has roots in the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“It’s an extension of the pandemic,” Perlin says. “People needed an opportunity to take a pause. They were tired of binge-watching, so they started doing things where they could see an outcome, like knitting a sweater or laying out a garden. It’s something tangible, and you can enjoy what you’ve produced.”
These hobbies don’t need to be complex or demanding. There’s no agenda — just the simple pleasure of doing something for yourself. The goal is to enjoy the experience for your own satisfaction, regardless of whether the outcome is perfect or not. They also do more than simply pass the time: “Grandma” hobbies offer real health benefits, both mental and physical. Here are a few ways they do the body good.
Relieving Stress
Quiet pursuits create a calm space to unwind and recharge. You release stress and anxiety as you slow down to focus on the task and work with your hands. “It’s the rhythmic action of doing something repeatedly in knitting that lowers your heart rate and your blood pressure,” Perlin says. “It distracts you from stressors.”
Boosting Brain Power
Knitting builds concentration and attention span, while gardening and cooking engage the brain in different ways, from planning and sequencing to staying focused on each step. Learning a new hobby also challenges memory and problem-solving skills. “Complex tasks get your brain working,” Perlin explains.
Building Confidence
You’ll feel proud as you show off a handmade scarf or a finished project. When a hobby challenges you, solving problems along the way can boost confidence and self-esteem. “We learn more from our failures than our successes,” Perlin says.
Fostering Connection
While these avocations can be enjoyed solo, they also create opportunities to connect with others. Whether it’s chatting with fellow gardeners, joining a knitting group or taking a cooking class, shared interests can help reduce feelings of loneliness and build a sense of belonging. “If you’re doing it on Zoom or have lulls in conversation,” Perlin notes, “you’re still all together.”