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Become an online gamerIt’s well known that any kind of puzzle activity is good for keeping your mind agile, but why not step it up a gear?Online gaming is proving popular with people  aged 50 and over . As well as playing a range of puzzles and games, it gives you the chance to connect with people from all over the world from the comfort of your armchair.But you don’t necessarily have to settle for traditional games. There’s no reason why a pensioner can’t play the likes of World of Warcraft or Fortnite.

Get on your bikeCycling is becoming ever-more popular as people look to use their cars less and step up their exercise levels.You can find the UK’s National Cycle Network routes on the  Sustrans  website, along with lots of ideas for routes to pick – from  artwork  and art trails, routes to the best Sunday lunch destinations or even the most haunted places to bike through if you’re seeking a thrilling cycling adventure.If you’re not quite as fit as you once were, don’t assume this is inevitable – many people can find a greater level of fitness post-retirement than they enjoyed before.And if...

Start a small businessIf you’ve got a hobby or skill that has the potential to  earn you some money , why not turn it into a business?For example, if you’re skilled in arts and crafts, you could make items to sell at marketplaces or online.If you love animals, you could become a dog walker, dog groomer or pet sitter. If you’re an ace at baking, you could start your own cupcake business.Get some top tips by checking out the government’s  advice on starting a business .

Upcycle furnitureDust off those tools and pick up some inspiration from The Repair Shop.Upcycling is a great way to give your furniture and home a vibrant new look and avoid filling up landfill sites with unwanted items. Make It Yours  has some good tips for upcycling beginners. And, if you get really into it, you could even turn it into a small business.

Get an allotment and grow your own

Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding experiences – and all that time spent digging and harvesting your crops in the open air will help keep you healthy. Gardeners’ World will be on your viewing schedule so you can learn how to care for your seedling potatoes, runner beans and carrots. Find out more at  The National Allotment Society .

Become an expert at absolutely anythingWhether it’s learning a new language, how to bake a flawless souffle, performing mind-boggling magic tricks, identifying bird songs or gardening, you’ve got time to practice till you’re perfect.

Help outCharities can always use a helping hand, whether that’s delivering food to homeless people, walking dogs, or caring for cats at your local animal sanctuary, or sorting donations at a charity shop.You’ll get to meet new people and feel good about doing your bit.

Stay fit and flexibleThe best way to keep going is to keep going.So start a hobby that gets you gently moving, such as yoga, golf, darts, bowling, pool, walking, football, croquet, Tai Chi, archery or pilates, which aims to strengthen the body, with an emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.It doesn’t have to be sedate, either – there are plenty of senior karate students, judokas and fencers.

Get out and aboutIf you’d like to get out of the house and meet new people, pick a hobby that allows you to do just that.Ideas to mull over include birdwatching, trainspotting, fishing, fossil hunting, buying and selling antiques, beekeeping, amateur astronomy, or metal detecting.

Enjoy some me-timeIf you like to while away some of the hours of the day quietly in your own company, pick an absorbing hobby that’s just for you.For example, buy an old classic car and fix it up. Learn woodworking to make your own furniture, ornaments, gifts for friends or decorations to sell. Make customised greeting cards, or write a novel.

Learn to danceFew things are more effective than dancing at keeping body and brain healthy. It’s also great fun – even if you think you don’t dance.Whatever style suits you – line dancing, ballroom, salsa, tap or ballet, regular dance classes will keep you on your toes.Organisations such as  Silver Swans  offer free online ballet exercise classes designed to get seniors moving to music at home.

Get musicalWhether you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, or used to but have neglected your talent for years, now’s your chance to find your inner maestro.Whether you’re drawn to the piano, bass guitar, clarinet or drums, you now have the time and discipline you might have lacked when you were younger. There’s a lot of information to get you started on  BBC Learning .Alternatively, if you can hold a tune, why not join a choir? Community choirs are thriving all over the UK – your local library is a good place to find out about singing groups in your area.

Dress the partIf you’re captivated by days gone by or just love an excuse to dress up, joining a local drama society or re-enactment group could be a great fit.You can find out more about the nights of Skirbeck, Regia Anglorum Vikings and Saxons, Dark Age Cornwall, Lord Hopton’s regiment of Foote Tudors and Stuarts and more at  Historic UK .

Research your family treeWondering if you’re descended from royalty (or rogues), where your ancestors lived and what their occupations were?Due to a whole host of online resources such as  Find My Past , researching your family tree is easier than ever. Check out census records, military records and search for globetrotting relatives from passenger lists. Who knows what you’ll uncover?You could also get your children and grandchildren involved as an ongoing family project. This is a great gift to offer your family – and future  generations  will thank you for it.

Work for wildlifeIf you love nature and wildlife, there are organisations such as  The Wildlife Trusts  that welcome volunteers – whether that’s raking hay meadows, monitoring or recording wildlife, or taking part in citizen science projects such as bird and butterfly counts.

Become a tour guideIf you love interesting and beautiful places and are fascinated by the past, why not find out more about volunteering as a tour guide?There are historical and cultural gems all over the UK, and organisations such as the  National Trust  are always looking for enthusiastic room guides, conservation assistants and storytellers.

Explore your local areaRound the world trips or luxury cruises are the big retirement cliché, but there’s also a whole world to explore around where you live.If you’ve been working full-time for decaes, your universe has probably shrunk to your home, workplace and commuting route.There is almost certainly somewhere that’ll wow you less than an hour’s drive from your front door – go and find it.Search out forgotten footpaths, hidden woodlands, river walks and cross-country trails.Whether you like to stroll sedately or hike at pace, there’s bound to be a walking group local to you.

Declutter your homeGo through your cupboards, wardrobes, drawers and desks – and while you’re at it, get in the attic and sort out all the things you’ve been meaning to for years.Keep anything special (and enjoy some reminiscing) and  sell or donate the rest .You’ll have peace of mind that all your possessions are in order and you’ve got all the things that are most important to you – and what you find can be rejuvenating by reminding you of your younger self and the things you’ll enjoy rediscovering.