Grandmillennial Hobbies

Oriente Italiano Needlepoint

Grandmillennial hobbies are a very popular trend. Granny hobbies are low-tech and tactile. No longer for just octogenarians, these hobbies are being embraced by Gen Z and millennials. They include needlecraft like needlepoint, knitting, quilting, and crocheting. Domestic arts include cooking, baking, canning, gardening, and bird watching. Puzzles, cards, board games, and tile games of all sorts are wildly popular, especially mahjong. Art activites like pottery, painting, and drawing as well as paint by numbers have renewed interest. (I think collecting chinoiserie especially blue and white Chinese porcelain should be added to the list.)

The benefits are expansive - a connection with the past, relaxation, creativity, social connection, cognitive sharpening, stress reduction, tangible accomplishments and no iPhones or computers.

Health benefits include lower blood pressure, reduced stress, improved mood, reduced risk of dementia, enhanced cognitive function, reduced anxiety and depression, and longevity. 

Recently I have taken up miniatures and dollhouses, have gotten back into needlepoint, and I am learning mahjong. I have always been an avid gardener. I am finding the time I spend on these hobbies is my favorite time of my day. Definitely my happy place.

Reclaiming these hobbies of our ancestors is a great way to slow down and to find joy. No screens or electronics. Most of these hobbies are very accessible and affordable. Where I live, we have so many free classes for everything from line dancing to watercolors, and classes for all sorts of cards and games. And there are great adult education classes nearby - I am about to start my mahjong class.

Speaking of grandmillennial, I hope you didn't miss Sir Paul McCartney age 83 on the season finale of SNL - he looked and sounded fabulous!

What grandmillennial hobbies do you enjoy or are interested in taking up?

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