13 Outdated 1960s Hobbies Boomers Refuse to Let Die
According to the United States Census Bureau, at an estimated 73 million, boomers are the second-largest age group after their children, the millennials.
The Beatles and bell bottoms might have passed the point of fashion, but some 1960s relics are still around. These timeless hobbies are like a window into the past—what made the Boomers happy.
Building Model Kits
It was all the rage in the 1960s to build models, tempting kids to sculpt from the ground up. Be it a model of an old car or a replica warship, this hobby teaches patience and accuracy. To this day, Baby Boomers can find solace in the stealth attention needed to make these models come to life.
In an age of ostensibly limitless entertainment, model kits are a respite from the screens. Fans continue to like the tactile and mental challenge — sometimes even the fulfillment of finishing a challenging project.
Swimming
Swimming is one of those things that you can still do between generations. In the eyes of most Baby Boomers, the sport is their commitment to good health for life.
It is low-impact and joint-friendly. Boomers have done it since a young age and don’t look back, even after age 85.
Collecting Vinyl Records
Vinyl records have returned in recent years, a sign of the hobby’s enduring popularity, and Boomers are one reason why.
Collectors like the physical connection to the past and the album art process. This vinyl obsession has brought younger music fans a cross-generational resurgence.
Reading Comic Books
Comic books have been part of the culture for decades, and superheroes and villains struggle across colored pages. Many Boomers’ early horizons were through comics, where they learned to dream and be creative.
The excitement of new stories and characters keeps fans returning, and comic conventions also create community and belonging.
Playing Board Games
There’s nothing more enjoyable than families and friends playing board games for hours on end. Classics such as Monopoly and Clue ruled the household during the 1960s, and they taught logic and athleticism.
The revival of board game cafes and games events has brought back interest in classic games, which proves that they are still very much in the hearts of many Boomers.
Tennis and Pickleball
Tennis came to the scene in the mid-19th century, and most Boomers started playing it to keep fit and hang out. Pickleball–a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong–has become a popular substitute for this, and it is played by anyone at any age.
According to a recent Association of Pickleball Professionals report, over 36.5 million people participated in pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022. The athletic and quick-paced activity offers a nonstop workout and is an all-time favorite among older people.
Tie-Dyeing Shirts
Tie-dyeing came to stand as the anti-fashion symbol–bold colors and patterns indicating liberty and independence. It’s been a much-restored hobby in recent years, and Boomers and younger generations are equally enjoying the art.
Tie-dying allows for endless imagination, as no two pieces are the same. Many Boomers are happy to return to this 1960s craft and recreate the 1960s with different paints and designs.
Scrapbooking
Over time, scrapbooking has changed from album to album. But it is still what it was all about—keeping memories alive and sharing life stories with the help of imagination.
Boomers have become digital natives and are making the most of technology in their scrapbooking. From digitizing old family photographs to setting up an online archive, this activity remains an excellent way to preserve life’s events.
Gardening
For most Boomers, gardening is a respite from the world’s demands. Planting, caring for, and harvesting feels satisfying and natural.
Gardening is back in style as the younger generation realizes its value. Boomers are teaching us their tricks and their passions for beautiful gardens and plentiful crops.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a relaxing hobby in which you can be in contact with nature and admire the birds. Several Boomers have adopted this hobby and are happy finding and recording birds.
It helps one be mindful and appreciative of nature. Birdwatching is a game that teaches curiosity and makes one feel still and peaceful.
Playing Jacks
A game of cunning and skill, Jacks is a Boomer nostalgia favourite. This straightforward yet challenging activity is a respite from the digital madness and a chance to develop focus and reaction.
The old-school appeal of jacks is their portability. Boomers play the same old game and teach younger kids to play it.
Hopscotch
The playground game Hopscotch has enthralled children for centuries. This straightforward game reminds Boomers of fun times outside in the sun.
Hopscotch requires body and balance, so it should be part of any child’s game library. Boomers still teach the game to young family members—it’s a well-known ritual.
Classic Car Collecting
It’s an interest that continues to enthrall Boomers. To the 1960s generation, classic cars were a nod to nostalgia and a passion for auto design.
Classic car lovers are fond of each model’s story and art. They relish the chance to maintain and present their cherished vehicles. The hobby is a happy outlet for imagination and mechanical prowess and attracts enthusiasts of all ages.
All in all, these ’60s hobbies prove the power of the Baby Boomers. Such activities still add meaning to those who engage in them. And if you want to start exploring these timeless hobbies, thousands of guides and groups are out there to help you get started.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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