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Learning an instrument as a senior is a great thing to do. You might ask yourself, what is the easiest instrument to learn for a senior? 

I researched this fun hobby of learning an instrument and asked several musicians and older adults about their learning experiences. It resulted in this list of musical instruments you can learn as a senior. The list is in order of most easy to more challenging. Let’s find out which instrument is the easiest to learn for a senior! 

Before we dig into the list of most accessible and fun instruments for seniors, head on to MasterClass. It’s the best platform to learn more about different instruments and music. You can get your Annual Membership for MasterClass here.

1) Hang Drum

A hang drum or hand pan is an easy instrument to learn. It’s a relatively new instrument. Created in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in Swizterland. The original Handpan is based on the Caribbean steelpan instrument.

Learning to play the hang drum is straightforward. You need to have a basic feeling of rhythm. Most of the time, you play the hang drum as a percussion instrument with your hand or the palm of your hands. There are also variants available which allow you to play the instrument with a small drumstick. These instruments are called tongue drums. 

The rhythms you create with the hang drum have a meditative effect. The instrument produces a dreamy-like sound, which helps to concentrate. According to Ramon Roelofs, a meditation teacher in The Netherlands and an internationally renowned DJ known as Charly Lownoise (famous from the duo Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo), the hang drum is one of the most straightforward instruments to play. He says, “Learning the Hang Drum is easy. You can easily create different rhythms while playing. The most important thing is that you have a feeling of rhythm, and then you can just start to play.”

So, the hang drum is one of the easiest instruments you can learn as a senior. You can get all creative and make your own rhythms while playing on the hang drum, or follow some free classes which you can easily find on YouTube. 

What are you waiting for? Get your hang drum today (available on Amazon) and start playing! 

2) Djembe

When you love to play an instrument with your hands and have a basic feeling for rhythm, the Djembe is an easy instrument to learn as a senior. You can create all kinds of rhythms while playing the Djembe. 

The Djembe is originated in Western Africa and was originally used to get the attention of all the people and make them gather in the same place. For example, to warn them of danger that was coming. So, the original purpose of this instrument was similar to that of church bells. 

Today, the Djembe is a famous percussion instrument used in all kinds of music genres. You don’t need any musical experience to play the Djembe, making it an easy instrument for seniors to learn. 

3) Bongo

Some people think that a djembe and bongo are the same instruments, but they are different. Both instruments are percussion instruments, meaning that you can easily play them with your hands. However, a bongo consists of a minimum of two hand drums of different sizes, where a Djembe often is one hand drum. 

Of course, some people put together different sizes of Djembes to play at once, creating a bongo-like drum kit of Djembes. Still, the sound of both instruments is different. Bongo’s have a more deep, bass-like sound compared to a Djembe. 

4) Tambourine

A tambourine is also a rhythm and sound instrument which is straightforward to learn as a senior. Like with all instruments, you need to have a basic feeling of rhythm to easily play. 

However, a tambourine is an instrument that is often combined with other percussion instruments such as the bongo. Mastering a tambourine takes a little practice, but it’s very easy and fun to play when you get the hang of it. 

5) Harmonica

The harmonica, also known as a mouth organ, is a traditional instrument to learn. It’s a worldwide known instrument used in all kinds of genres, making it a very popular instrument. 

Learning to play the harmonica isn’t the most easiest instrument to learn. However, if you’ll practice enough, give it some time, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Once you master the technique of playing the harmonica, you’ll have great fun playing some music! 

6) Ukulele

A ukulele is one of my favorite instruments! It has a friendly sound and is relatively easy to learn. In fact, for a string instrument, it’s one of the easiest to play. A Ukulele only has four strings, which makes it easier to manage compared with a guitar. 

If you play the Ukulele, you’ll find yourself in some tropical vibes. As if you were always on the beach in Hawaii. My husband plays the Ukulele. Because of its lightweight and size, it’s easy to bring it with you. So we always have a Ukulele with us to play some music, great fun! Currently, he plays on a Soprano Ukulele, but he wants to switch to a larger model, so it’s easier to play different chords. 

I recommend doing some research when buying a Ukulele. There are different sizes available. All these models have four strings, but the neck can vary in length. The larger ukuleles are perfect for the fingerpicking technique and if you have larger hands. All the ukuleles are perfect for strumming and playing for fun! 

Most people who start learning to play Ukulele start with a soprano Ukulele, the smallest model available. However, you might want to start with a Concert model or Tenor model Ukulele if you have large hands. This way, it will be easier to learn to play the chords and start learning the fingerpicking technique as well.

7) Bass Guitar

A bass guitar will be a great alternative if you love playing string instruments but find it harder to play chords! Standard bass guitars have 4 strings, and most rhythms only consist out of playing the actual notes. 

You can get all funky by playing bass rhythms on the bass guitar. However, because of the bass sound, it’s not as happy as playing the Ukulele. 

When you’re keen on playing in a band with other musicians, you still need to figure out which instrument you want to play. Pick the bass guitar! There is always a shortage of bass players everywhere, so it’s probably easy to find other musicians to form a group.

8) Flute

A flute is a somewhat classical instrument to play and is very popular among seniors. A flute is not only fun to play but also has many health benefits. Because of the breathing techniques, you’ll do when playing the flute, playing it becomes almost a form of meditation. 

Many music teachers say that you’re never too old to learn to play the flute. And because the instrument is used in music that most seniors listen to, they can also easier relate to it. Which makes it easier to learn the instrument. 

Of course, there are different flutes available. Depending on your level of experience and the music genre you want to play, you need to pick a flute. It’s recommended to visit a music store and try out different flutes before you buy one. 

9) Guitar

Many people love to play the guitar. It is a beautiful instrument to play, but it isn’t the most easiest instrument to learn. Yes, you can learn to play some chords in just a day. But if you’re learning to play complete songs or creating your own songs, you definitely need to practice a lot. 

For seniors, learning to play the guitar can be great fun. Most seniors have a lot of time on their hands. For retirees looking for a new hobby, learning the guitar is perfect! 

There are many free courses available on YouTube where you can start learning to play the guitar. I think this is a great place to start. When you master the basics and learn the different chords, you probably can switch to a music class. 

You can also start with music lessons in a group. Learning to play the guitar in a group, or any other instrument, in fact, is great fun and perfect to increase your social contacts. 

Comparing a guitar with a Ukulele is a bit difficult because these instruments are both different. There are similarities, but it actually stops with similar chords, and they both are string instruments. 

With a guitar, you’ll have more options to play different genres. With a Ukulele, you’ll always find yourself in a tropical vibe. 

10) Piano

The piano is very popular among seniors. Many seniors played the piano when they were younger. Maybe you always wanted to learn to play the piano. Let’s say you’re a retired senior; this might be the right time to learn how to play the piano! 

In general, the piano isn’t the most easiest instrument to learn. However, most seniors grew up with the piano as a popular instrument. The basic knowledge of the instruments helps to understand many seniors learning to play the piano quickly. 

The piano is also an instrument that is related to many health benefits. According to Harvard Health Publishing, playing piano for seniors is related to strengthen their memory. It’s also used for people who suffer from dementia to decrease their symptoms! 

11) Saxophone

I really love the saxophone. It’s such a great and funky instrument. However, not the most easiest to play. But once you master it, you can play so much different music styles! 

You need to plan to practice the saxophone because the instrument can be very loud while you play it. So, you need to make sure that you can practice playing without disturbing your neighbors or something. 

A great way to learn to play is by following lessons in a music school that’s close to your home. 

12) Trumpet

We are definitely getting in the more difficult instruments now. In general, learning the trumpet for seniors can be challenging. This is because of the technique it takes to play the trumpet. 

The technique of using your mouth and lips while playing the trumpet is the most difficult part. It can take a long time to learn that, next to the breathing as well. However, with the right mindset and enough time, everyone can still learn to play the trumpet. 

13) Violin

The Violin is one of those instruments people say you need to start learning it as a child. Otherwise, it’s impossible to learn. I don’t think anything is impossible, so seniors can be learning to play the Violin just like anyone else. You probably will not become a concert violist, but with the right determination, you will probably learn to play a decent violin. 

So, the Violin isn’t the most easiest instrument to learn for seniors. Many seniors like the Violin as an instrument because it’s used classical music and other genres they listen to. Earlier, I told you about MasterClass as a platform to learn more about different instruments and music in general. 

Learning the Violin by Itzhak Perlman is a MasterClass available on the platform. He’s a worldwide known artist and famous for his performance at the inauguration of former President Obama.

14) Drums

The easiest instruments to play for seniors are percussion instruments. Learning to play the drums is a whole different story. However, once you master the drums, it will be greatly rewarding! 

Just like with a saxophone, drums can be very loud. So many seniors who learn to play the drums choose to play on an electrical drumkit with headphones plugged in. This way, you can still learn to play the drums but don’t make as much noise. 

Once you learn the basics, it might become relatively easy to learn playing the drums as a senior. Learning the drums might be difficult at the beginning, but in the end, you’ll have great fun! 

15) Producing Electronic Music

Learning to produce electronic music might be the most difficult for seniors. The software updates are hard to keep up with. Because you’re working on a computer most of the time, it’s something completely different than playing a traditional instrument. 

According to renowned DJ Charly Lownoise, it’s hard to keep up with the developments in electronic music. Especially when you stop actively producing for a while. 

It’s not impossible, though, but when you start producing electronic music as a senior, you need to make sure you have an instrument in both electronic music and computers. 

Best Online Course For Learning Instruments

The MasterClass platform is the best course to learn online about playing different instruments and producing music. 

Worldwide renowned artists and producers like Itzhak Perlman, Alicia Keys, Sheila E., and many more have a MasterClass available on the platform. 

Each class contains different video lessons to learn more about a music style, playing an instrument, and other valuable knowledge. 

Best of all, with the annual membership for the MasterClass platform, you’ll get all access. Meaning you can follow each MasterClass available on the platform! Get your Annual Membership here. 

Many seniors think that they can’t learn a new skill, but that’s not true at all. I’ve investigated this topic thoroughly and wrote many articles about it to disprove this apparently common thought. Research has even shown that learning new skills at an older age for six weeks can even make your brain perform 30 years younger.

Well, now that you’re more informed you might be interested in learning a new skill. And that is why I’ve made a list of 25 easy-to-learn new skills for seniors that you can start today! Because when you’ve got the hang of it you might never want to stop!

1) How To Say Hello In Different Languages

Learning a new language is on many people’s bucket lists. It’s fun to know a couple of words in another language, but it takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to speak and write in a new language.

But there is another language skill you can learn as a senior that doesn’t take months to master, but you can learn today. And that is to say hello in different languages. You never know who you might meet tomorrow in your home town or on your next travel adventure, so wouldn’t it be fun and surprising when you can say hello to them in their own language. It will definitely be a nice conversation starter. And creates many opportunities for you to meet other people of different cultures. I’ve experienced for myself that only a ‘hello’ can roll out into being invited to someone’s home, wedding, or meeting their family. And these spontaneous meetings are the most treasured travel memories I have.

If you’re wondering if you can learn a new language as a senior read my article: Can Seniors Learn A New Language?.

2) How To Cook Like Gordon Ramsay

Another fun skill to master is the art of cooking. Whether you’re a great cook or a beginner there is always something new to learn within cooking. From making the perfect omelet, creating a new signature dish, or refreshing an old famous recipe. Knowing how to cook makes life fun and delicious. Not only for yourself or your spouse but also for your family and friends.

When you love to get better at cooking there is an amazing online video learning platform that is called: Masterclass. No matter your skill level you can learn from the best chefs in the world: Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Franklin, Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Alice Waters, and many others greatest. At your own pace, time, and device. And with one subscription, you have access to all 100+ masterclasses on the platform for an entire year. It’s definitely worth your time to check it out.

3) How To Make An Origami Crane

Do you like to get creative? Then learning how to make an origami flower is a fun creative skill you can master today. And I wish of yours might become true… Let me explain that last part.

Origami is Japanese recreational art that is centuries old. The word origami combines “ori” (to fold in Japanese) and “kami” (paper in Japanese). Making an origami crane symbolizes hope and healing in difficult times and the Japanese believe that if a person folds 1000 origami cranes, one wish would become true. So it takes 1000 cranes, but you never know 😉

Besides the traditional meaning behind origami, making origami animals or flowers also helps to develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are important skills to maintain independence as a senior.

4) How To Learn Your Pet A New Trick

Do you have a cat or a dog? Then it’s fun to learn them a new trick.

You don’t have to be a dog trainer or attend a class to gain the skills to train your dog. There are many fun YouTube videos out there that can teach you many tricks. For both cats and dogs and maybe even another pet you have. It makes the bond between you and your pet a lot stronger, and the more tricks you learn the easier it will be for you both to learn new tricks in the future.

I’ve written an entire article about the effect of having pets when you’re older. You can it out: 10 Scientific Based Facts How Pets Help Old People.

5) How To Tell A Great Story

Storytelling is a skill that can be very powerful. It’s a great tool to influence, teach and inspire others. The difference between telling a story and telling a great story is that you both share information, but with telling a great story you make an emotional connection and make the information you share more memorable.

So whether you like to tell bedtime stories to your grandchildren, you have a business where you need to persuade customers or you like to inspire others with your wisdom and life experience, the skill to tell great stories is always very useful. But where do you learn this skill?

Earlier in this article, I mentioned Masterclass: the education video streaming platform where you have can follow masterclasses from the world’s greatest. The awesome part about Masterclass is that you have access to all 100+ different classes including amazing storytelling classes from LeVar Burton, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, David Sedaris, Joyce Carol Oates, Salman Rushdie, etc.

As a senior, you like to be in charge of your own schedule, and that is why Masterclass works perfectly because you can learn at your own pace, time, and place. Make sure to check out the website where you can watch class trailers, samples and browse through lesson plans.

6) How To Love Cold Showers

I know you think, why do I want to love cold showers? And is it a skill?

Well, yes it’s a skill to take a shower and not feel shocked or have the feeling you want to get out as soon as possible. And you want to take cold showers because it has an amazing effect on your immune system according to Wim Hof. If you’re not convinced make sure to check out the video below or visit WimHofmethod.com

7) How To Paint Like Bob Ross

Knowing how to paint is a skill many people like to master. And we’ve all seen Bob Ross on TV that made painting look so easy, and wondered if we’re able to do that too. Well, why not try it out. You don’t know if you never try, right? Know the only thing you need to do is to get a painting starter kit and watch this video below.

Painting has many benefits. Finishing a piece of art is a great confidence booster. And focusing on creating art reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. And painting forces you to use both sides of the brain: the creative right part and the more logical left part. And using both sides simultaneously improves cognitive brain functions which will only benefit you in the present moment and future.

8) How To Play A Song On The Piano

Do you have a piano at home, but you’re not able to play it. Well, dust it off because you can learn to play a song on the piano today by watching the video below.

9) How To Build A Fire

Knowing how to build a fire and surviving in the wild is an awesome skill to master. Not that you’re going on a wilderness adventure anytime soon, but having the skills is already an adventure on its own.

The Masterclass of Jessie Krebs is amazing to watch when you want to learn more about surviving in the wild, from building a fire, a shelter to navigation techniques and water 101. Check out the trailer and lesson plan.

10) How To Fold Towels Into Animals

Have you ever been on a Carnival Cruise? Well, if you have you know what I’m talking about. But if you haven’t let me inform you about something cool. Every day when housekeeping cleaned your cabin they would leave an animal (folded towel) on your bed. And some of these animals were the most creative pieces of art. And this too is a fun new skill to learn easily today. Especially when you have many guests staying over. You can surprise your grandchildren or guests with folded towel art. I myself have this book: Carnival Towel Creations. Or you can watch this video below.

11) How To Make Latte Art

Do you like to drink coffee? Then learning how to make latte art is a fun skill to learn. You can surprise your spouse tomorrow with heart-shaped coffee created with a Coffee Steaming Pitcher.

12) How To Perform A Magic Trick

A lot of magic tricks need hours or months of practice, but there are magic tricks out there that anyone can learn in a couple of minutes. A great skill for parties and social gatherings.

When you’ve signup for Masterclass you can watch the class of the famous magic act duo Penn & Teller who will teach you more about the art of magic.

13) How To Solve A Rubik’s Cube

Solving a Rubik’s cube doesn’t have to be moving the pieces around aimlessly for hours on end. The cube has a formula or algorithm and once you know the trick you’ve got the skill to solve a Rubik’s cube fast and easy. It will for sure impress a lot of people.

14) How To Juggle

Another fun new skill to learn is juggling. Did you know it also benefits you as a senior in many ways?

For starters, it’s a low-impact physical exercise that strengthens your arms. But juggling also improves hand-eye coordination, balance, fine-motor skills, and relieves stress. This makes your life healthier and happier. So why not start learning today?

15) How To Do The Moonwalk

The moonwalk is probably one of the most iconic dance moves of all time. The ones that are great at the moonwalk make it look so effortless. But you don’t have to be a professional dancer to be able to do the moonwalk, so clear out your living room or bedroom and start practicing.

16) How To Repair A Leaking Sink

Having the skills of a handyman can save you a lot of money, but it also can make your life more comfortable, efficient and increases your home value when you do it the right way. So if you haven’t started with learning how to do basic home repairs, today is probably a good day. And knowing how to repair a leaking sink is a great skill to master. Not only for your own home, but you can help out your elderly neighbor, kids, and other family members.

And if you don’t want to become the family’s new handyman, just keep this skill for yourself. It will be a secret between us.

https://youtu.be/Q5le2ZFCQjM

17) How To Meditate

Knowing how to meditate makes your life instantly more peaceful and calm. It’s not quite a skill that you learn once and you’re set for the rest of your life. Although the experience can have you hooked. It’s a practice that you want to keep doing on a regular basis to experience more inner peace throughout your day, week, month and years ahead. When you do it often, you’ll get better at it but each meditation session is an experience on its own. Sometimes it’s harder, sometimes it’s easier. Accepting this is part of the mediation skill.

If you don’t know what meditation is let me explain it to you. It’s a breathing technique that makes it possible for you to slow down your thoughts and create distance between your thoughts and yourself. This distance allows you to see thoughts as thoughts, and see feelings as feelings. You are not your thoughts or feelings, but you experience thoughts and feelings just like any other human. The distance gives you the conscious choice not to engage with them. This brings you a more sense of calm, peace, and balance and that benefits your entire well-being. It eases your mind no matter the circumstances.

You need to experience it and only then you can understand the power of it. And the best man for that job is Jon Kabat-Zinn in his Meditation and Mindfulness Masterclass.

18) How To Yoga

Yoga is a low-impact physical exercise with the aim to bring harmony between mind and body. Often meditation and yoga go hand in hand. When you’re a more active senior, yoga is a great mindfulness activity that can have the same result as meditation. There are different types of yoga and depending on your physical athleticism, you can try out different ones as a senior. The general rule is that the more slow and gentle forms of yoga are best for seniors.

Once you know a couple of yoga poses you can do them whenever and wherever you are. In the morning when you wake up, at the beach or together with your friends. You don’t have to be in a yoga class to do yoga.

19) How To Remove A Red Wine Stain

Do you love to drink a nice glass of red wine, but you don’t want to anymore because you don’t want the stain. Then it’s time to learn how to remove a red wine stain.

20) How To Take Better Photos

Taking photos is so easy these days. The quality of the lenses of smartphones keeps getting better every year, but there is a lot more to it to take better photos. It’s knowing how to adjust camera settings, composition, finding the right perspective, playing with lighting, experiment with exposure, etc that can help you from taking average photos to amazing photos. Perhaps you take such good photos that you want to use it for wall art.

21) How To Draw A Mandala

Many different cultures around the world use mandalas in a spiritual way. Drawing a mandala isn’t just about drawing it’s much more than that. The shape of the mandala symbolizes the universe and drawing a mandala is helpful for insight into yourself, healing, and is believed to be the truest form of self-expression. And once you have the basic steps to draw a mandala you can start creating your own unique mandalas by experimenting with new designs and colors. It’s also a very mindful activity that can calm you down and ease your mind. So whenever you feel stressed you can always draw a mandala.

22) Learn To Not Care

Often we care so much about what other people think of us it influences our life on a daily basis. In what we wear, eat, do, where we work, live, etc. For the last decade, social media has played a major part in that. Life would be so much more fun and easy if we care a little less. Perhaps then you have the guts to pursue your bucket list dream or start the weird hobby you’re interested in. No wonder that this book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life is such a bestseller. Everyone wants to care a little less to create more happiness in their daily lives.

23) Learn Yoyo Tricks

Revisit your childhood where yoyoing was still a thing and cool and learn some new tricks.

24) Learn To Eat With Chopsticks

Have you ever visited an Asian country or restaurant and were amazed about how people ate with chopsticks. Well, why not learn how to eat with chopsticks today? Next time you eat at your favorite Thai restaurant you will impress some people with your new skills.

25) Learn To Be Alone

Saving the best for last. A very important skill to learn as a senior is learning to be alone and being comfortable with it. Many seniors feel lonely and that makes you feel miserable. But there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. Loving to be alone is one of the best skills you can learn because you’re the only person that needs to live with yourself their entire life. Other people come and unfortunately go. And having a great relationship with yourself is vital for your health and happiness. So if there is one new skill you should learn as a senior this is it.

You can watch the video below but I recommend getting this book: How to Be Alone: If You Want To, and Even If You Don’t

Turning 50 is a big deal. You’ve lived half a century and it perhaps feels like you’re entering a new chapter in life. Some people see it as the second part of life, others feel like they’re entering the last part of life and have the urge to experience and learn as many things as possible. It’s a time to reflect on the past, but also make plans for the future about what you would love to experience and learn. And that is why I wrote this article to help you out.

Here are 30 amazing new things to learn after 50:

1) Cook Like A Pro

Wouldn’t it be great to cook like a pro? From making the perfect poached egg for breakfast, creating your own signature dish, perfecting a famous family recipe for your next family reunion to learning more about ingredients, and the technical part of cooking. It’s fun to get better at cooking after 50 whether you are already experienced or a beginner. It benefits not only you but also your entire family when you know how to cook like a professional chef.

So before you wonder how, I know the perfect platform where you can learn from the best chefs in the world: Masterclass.

It’s a video streaming platform with over 18 cooking masterclasses from renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, Alice Waters, Gabriela Camara, Massimo Bottura, and so many more. These masterclasses are for everyone and any skill level, from learning how to cook Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and French Pastry to the cooking fundamentals. There is a cooking class that will fit anyone. And with a subscription, you do not only have access to all the cooking classes on the platform but also over 100 different other classes from the world’s best experts. Now learning new things after 50 suddenly gets very easy.

2) Survive In The Wild

Perhaps you’re not dreaming of being stranded on a deserted island or want to get lost in the wild, knowing that you can survive is perhaps a soothing feeling, right? Or maybe you do have plans to get out into nature more now that you turned 50 perhaps you need to learn about surviving in the wilderness.

Knowing how to build a fire, a shelter, gathering food, and where to find water is fun but also life-changing skills at some moment in time. Learning how to survive in the wild takes you back to your roots because not long ago we all needed these skills.

You can learn more about surviving in the wild from a book or from a former Air Force SERE like Jessie Krebs.

3) Play A Musical Instrument

Another awesome thing to learn after 50 is to learn to play a (new) musical instrument. Although it’s proven that it takes longer to learn to play an instrument when you’re older, research also shows that an older brain can function 30 years younger within a couple of weeks when it’s challenged enough like with learning a new instrument.

So if you ever have the desire to learn to play a musical instrument. Now is the time to do it. You can apply for a local music class, watch YouTube tutorials or learn from famous professionals on Masterclass: Tom Morello teaches Electric Guitar, Itzhak Perlman teaches Violin, Sheila A. teaches Drumming and Percussion, etc.

4) A New Sport

Why not pick up a new sport after 50? Learn how to play golf, basketball, swimming, inline skating, cycling, walking football, frisbee, soccer, volleyball. Should I go on?

5) Write A Book/ Poetry or Music

Many people like to take up writing when they’re older. They have the desire to write a book and if this is something that interests you too, why not go for it? You can learn how to write thrillers, romantic novels, poetry, film scripts, science fiction, etc.

Masterclass the platform that I mentioned earlier also offers many writing and storytelling classes from the world’s best writers such as Shonda Rhimes, Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown, James Patterson, Billy Collins within the same subscription. One subscription gives access to all classes.

6) Grow Vegetables

Learn how to grow your own vegetables has many benefits and that is why it can be a good thing to learn after 50. It’s not only better for your own health because you eat it’s more nutritious, you stay active and because of your hands in the soil, it is also good for the environment. You can even do it indoors if you don’t have a (big) garden with a starter growing kit.

7) (Basic) Home Repairs

Another awesome thing to learn after 50 is basic home repairs. It can save you a lot of money on a handyman once you become great at it. From fixing leaks, repairing a wall to unclogging sinks there are many tutorials on YouTube where you can learn these basic home repairs.

8) How To Draw

Are you a creative person or want to be more creative, then learning how to draw is a nice new thing to learn. And there are so many youtube videos out there that teach you how to draw from step-by-step videos on portraits and landscapes to sketching basics.

9) (Basic) Car Repairs

Another practical but also fun to learn after 50 is basic car repairs. I have a 15-year-old Toyota Yaris where I’ve done most of the basic car repairs together with my dad. And this knowledge did become in handy because we traveled for 8 months through Europe with a rooftop tent on top of this car and we didn’t have any problems except for one in Marrocco. And because I knew the car I wasn’t totally ignorant when they told me what was wrong with it.

So what I’m trying to say is that if I know how to do basic car repairs, you can learn it very easily too. And did I mention I love it too?!

10) Dancing

It’s never too late to start dancing. So why not learn how to dance after 50?

Perhaps you’re an experienced dancer and you want to explore other styles, you want to pick up from where you’ve left off many years ago or this is something you’ve never done before. All the more reason to pursue dancing. Besides, it’s fun it also has so many health benefits you can read about here.

Check out if there is a dancing class available in your area with any of these styles: line-dancing, hip hop, ballroom, Latin, tap, modern. Perhaps your local community center offers lessons for 50 plus-year-olds. You’ll have 40 years of practice ahead to become such as flexible and swinging as this 90-year old dancing couple:

11) Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is a key factor in stress management. If your desire after 50 is to live a more stress-free life full of enthusiasm, energy, and love then learn how to think more positively is an excellent way to start. It not only improves your mood but it also improves your immune system and can increase lifespan according to this study.

But where to start? Here are few things you can start with: consciously turning negative self-talk into positive talk, surround yourself with positive people as much as possible, find the humor and positive in every negative. And you can use this journal No Worries as your everyday guide.

12) Gardening

Do you have a garden but haven’t really paid a lot of attention to it? Well, now can be a great time to learn more about gardening. And the best man for that job is Ron Finley, who can teach gardening no matter the size of your space.

13) Meditation

Meditation is such a powerful skill to master that actually anyone should learn it no matter what age. Although its origins in Buddism it has nothing to do with religion.

Meditation is a breathing technique that gives you the ability to slow down your face-paced thoughts and give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance which benefits your overall well-being. It eases your brain, which helps you to have a more calming day no matter the circumstances. I meditate on a regular basis and experienced the huge benefits, so I recommend to everyone to at least try it out. Only by experiencing meditation, you can understand the power of it.

Jon Kabat-Zinn will teach you all about it in his Meditation and Mindfulness Masterclass.

14) Surfing

According to the article: Why Surfing Is So Ridiculously Addictive “After catching some solid waves we’re happier, friendlier, and more relaxed. The endorphins, adrenalin, and serotonin we receive from surfing combined with the dopamine from the unexpected reward of waves make surfers not only feel good but wanting more. The fact is, if we’re not surfing, we’re thinking about surfing, and that’s just in our nature.”

Now wouldn’t you also want to feel this? You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to also catch this addictive feeling. Every beginner has it too. I can confirm myself. Not at all good at wave surfing, but absolutely love it. And try to catch some waves wherever I can.

And there are so many different sorts of surfing that you can choose from depending on your interest and physical level: wave surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, etc.

15) Solo Skydiving

Okay, solo skydiving is a very extreme new thing to learn at 50, but if you are an adventurous man or woman. Why not? I thought I just put this idea out there for the 50 plus adrenaline junkies, because what can feel freer in life than flying through the air.

16) How To Restore A Classic Car

My dad bought a restored Chevrolet Corvette from 1959 20 years ago and now in his retirement, he is restoring it again to a totally new car by himself and with the help of a couple of friends. These friends own an American Car garage so they know what to do, but never did a project like this so they learn on the job.

If you’re a huge fan of classic car restoration TV shows then this can be a great time to stop watching and start doing a restoration. Find a classic car and learn as you go.

17) Family History

Dive into your family history and learn more about your ancestors and indirectly more about you.

With the help of My Heritage DNA Kit, you can get information about your own DNA and discover relatives who share DNA segments that might be inherited from the same common ancestor. They have a huge database that can match you with relatives all over the world.

18) How To Live Healthier

Everyone wants to live as long and as healthy as possible, but not everyone is doing something about it every day that aligns with this desire. And especially when you get older, staying healthy is important. Your health is wealth. You can’t do fun things without being healthy.

So it’s a great idea and don’t let it just be a new year’s resolution to learn more about all the things you can do to maintain a healthy life. Good nutrition, and staying mentally, physically, and socially active are the keys to a healthy life. But there are more lessons you can learn and that is why this book: The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest is an excellent read.

19) A Magic Trick

Did you love to watch magicians as a kid? Then learning a magic trick is perhaps something for you to do in your fifties. It’s great to impress your friends and family at parties.

You can now learn from the legendary magicians Penn & Teller who are the longest-running headline act in Las Vegas. Curious to find out more about their online Masterclass, click here.

20) Investing

The experts will tell you to start investing money as early as possible because investing is all about the long term. It takes a couple of decades to build wealth. But if you haven’t started yet you can always learn now and do it just for fun now and see what happens in a couple of decades. If you can’t benefit from it, you can build something for your children or grandchildren.

21) How To Start A Business

Always wanting to be your own boss? Why not start a small business and learn while you go. There are many entrepreneurs that become successful late in life like Steve Jobs for example. And did you know that the average age of startup founders is 45? So if you think it’s too late to start a business, you’re wrong.

You can do it with the aim of leaving your job as soon as possible or just as a nice hobby and you’ll see where it goes. On Masterclass you can find a lot of interesting Business related masterclass that will help you learn more about owning and starting a business. For example, Sara Blakely teaches Self-made Entrepreneurship, Bob Iger teaches Business Strategy and Leadership.

22) A New Hobby

Don’t know what to do with your spare time? Then perhaps it’s time to learn a new hobby. Don’t know where to find your new hobby? Don’t worry I’ve written an entire article to help you out: How To Find A Hobby That You’ll Love: 9 Tips

23) Learn More About A Different Culture

I love to learn about different cultures. That is why I love to travel and meet other people, ask about their stories, and discover interesting details. We loved it so much that we even started a youtube channel to upload videos about other cultures. If this is something you love doing too then you might want to watch our Maori Documentary:

24) Grill The Perfect Steak

Do you love to BBQ in your backyard? Then perfecting your grill skills might be something on your bucket list.

Did you know you can learn from the Award-winning owner of Franklin Barbecue, Aaron Franklin? Watch his Texas Style BBQ Masterclass where he teaches you the slow process for his famous ribs, pork butt, and brisket. So, the next time you host a pool party or family reunion you can show off your new grilling skills.

25) Brewing

Homebrewing has become so popular in the last couple of years. Quarantine might have something to do with it.

A great new thing to learn after 50 is brewing your own beer if you’re a beer lover. Or wine if you’re a wine lover. This way cocktail hour with your spouse or friends becomes that much more special. This Craft Beer Kit from Mr. Beer will get you started.

26) Scientific Facts

There is so much we don’t know. If biology, science, or chemistry were some of your favorite subjects in high school you can make it your mission to learn more scientific facts about the human body, brain, animals, nature, universe, planets, dinosaurs. For example the book: The Science Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained is an interesting read.

27) CPR And First Aid

You never know what can happen in the future so being prepared will leave you less anxious. Learning how to do CPR and First Aid is fun now but might be life-saving in the future. You always hope you don’t need it, but having the knowledge and the skills might become in handy some time.

28) Basic Self Defence

Another new thing to learn after 50 you hope you don’t need, but can be useful is basic self-defense. For the obvious reason, it helps to defend yourself when in danger but it does so much more to you. It builds confidence, strength and improves your balance. All skills that are helpful as you age. And applying for a self-defense class creates the opportunity to learn new people. Perhaps there you meet a new friend as well.

29) Learn A New Language

Learning a new language at an older age just like any other new skill improves cognitive brain function.

The best way to start is to choose a language you’re interested in, because it’s easier to spend time on a culture or language you have a genuine interest in. And the next step is to start learning. You can apply for a foreign language class or take the more easy route and install an app like Busuu. It was named the #1 language learning application in 2020. You can speak a language with just 10 minutes a day.

30) Ride A Bike

According to this article, 6% of Americans don’t know how to ride a bike. If that applies to you. Then learning how to ride a bike is definitely something on your bucket list after 50. Ask your friend, neigbour or familymember who knows how to ride a bike to teach you. Or just do it yourself. A kid knows how to ride a bike, so why don’t you?!

Did you always dream of playing an instrument but never had the chance? As a senior, you might wonder if learning an instrument gets harder as you get older?

As a general rule, learning an instrument takes longer when you get older. Research shows that seniors can easily pick up the theoretical concepts of playing an instrument, like intervals and scales. However, coordination between the hands gets more challenging with aging. 

Knowing this, don’t let your age stop you! In fact, learning new things, like playing an instrument, at an older age is related to many health benefits. However, it might take more determination and consistency than when you were younger. In this article, I’ll go in-depth about why it’s harder to learn an instrument at an older age but also why you should learn to play an instrument as a senior. Let’s get started! 

Scientists Say; “Learning An Instrument Gets Harder When Aging”

The good news is, learning an instrument when you’re older can be done. However, for most people, it’s getting harder to learn new skills at an older age. Many people believe the brain loses its plasticity while aging. Meaning it has more difficult to adapt to new things. The brain can still easily adapt, according to Norman Weinberger. But it might take a bit longer than when we were younger. 

Norman Weinberger is a neuroscientist at the University of California and dedicated his research to the brain’s ability to learn new things while aging. He is renowned for his pioneering research of the brain’s auditory system. You can find some detailed scientific publications of his research on Pubmed.

So, why is it harder to learn a new instrument when you’re older? Weinberger says it sometimes feels like doing several things simultaneously when learning a new skill as a senior. According to his research, the learning ability of the brain slows down compared to a younger person. But there’s more. 

I spoke to several music teachers and asked them, ‘why do older people find it harder to learn a new instrument.’ The answer was more or less the same every time. 

According to the teachers, older people come in with a certain goal. They put the bar high for themselves from the start and spend a lot of time analyzing the theoretical concepts of music. Most of the time, children just want to play and don’t pay attention to how something sounds or trying to be perfect in some way. 

It reminds me of a saying my friends and I always say to each other, ‘Grow Old, Never Grow Up.’ In other words, keep playing, keep having fun. 

So, if you want to start learning an instrument during your retirement, focus on your learning as a child. In meditation, this is known as the beginner’s mind. Doing things every time as if it’s the first time you’ll do it. You’ll be surprised about how much fun you’ll have and how easily you’ll learn new things. 

The Easiest Instruments To Learn When You Get Older

Many people ask themselves what the easiest instrument to learn is. I feel it’s asking the wrong question for yourself. It should not be about how you learn the easiest but more about your learning experience. When you make sure you’ll having fun when learning to play an instrument, you’ll benefit much more from it. And while having fun, learning goes almost unnoticed. You don’t think of it, which makes it much easier as well. 

However, as we just learned, it is harder to learn an instrument when you get older. Mainly because of the high expectations older people set for themselves. And also, because most people want to really understand the concept of music or the instrument, they just forget how to have fun and play during that learning process. 

According to Levine’s Music, a regional music school in the US, some instruments are easier to pick up when you get older. Many of their students are retirees and seniors. They offer even specific programs for adults to make learning more easier. 

Instruments that ask a lot of hand-eye coordination might be more challenging to learn for older people. But with the right dedication, there isn’t one instrument that’s impossible to learn when your hearing and memory are still functioning as they should.

How You Can Benefit From Your Learning Experience 

So, learning an instrument is harder as you get older. Earlier, we talked about that learning an instrument or new skill is more difficult for most seniors because we start the learning with certain expectations. We set high standards for ourselves and forget to have fun. 

When we learn with the beginner’s mind, we go into the learning journey without expectations. Maybe only with some curiosity, which makes it exciting to start learning. 

The beginner’s mind is a perfect mindset to start learning a new instrument. However, it is not the only one. As an adult we can also benefit from our experience, right?  

Most seniors spend a lifetime learning new things so they know what works for them and how they learn best. Combining this knowledge and start learning without any expectations might be the key to successfully learning an instrument as a senior. 

You can set out some sort of schedule for yourself where you use your knowledge about how you learn best. For example, if you learn best while learning in the morning before breakfast. You should do so! It’s all about creating the conditions where you can thrive. But, don’t set any goals besides the fact you want to learn to play that specific instrument. 

Many older people fail because they want to play at a certain level or making it too difficult for themselves by focusing on the theoretical aspect of the music. Forget about all that. Focus on how you learn best, and play like it’s your first time. Let the music carry you away and have fun. Because in having fun, you’ll find the best learning experiences. 

Best Virtual Music Lessons 

So, there are a ton of different music lessons available online and offline. But for free or in some sort of membership. If you want to learn new things, like playing an instrument, you need to learn from the best. This means signing up for a premium program where you can follow lessons from successful people in a specific area. 

Don’t worry, there is a way to do this which is also very affordable. You need to sign up for the MasterClass platform. 

MasterClass is an online course platform where you can follow courses from the world’s most successful and renowned people. Musicians, artists, athletes, chefs, writers, and so on. They all have a MasterClass course available. And the best thing? The all-inclusive membership for MasterClass costs you only $ 180 for one year. 

There are more than 100 classes available on the platform. Each month, a new class is added, which is also included in your membership.

Following a MasterClass course costs you less than $1.80 per course. And each course has an average of 20 different video lessons. You can download the lessons to your device and watch them offline at the best time for you.

You can follow classes from renowned artists like Herbie Hancock (Jazz), Itzhak Perlman (Teaches Violin), Carlos Santana, and many more in the category music category.