Top 10 Activities Loved by Baby Boomers

Baby boomers have embraced unique attitudes and lifestyles that set them apart from earlier generations. The 78 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 engage in a wide array of activities, from fitness routines and aerobics to relishing their cherished rock 'n' roll music collections [source: U.S. Government Accountability Office].

This generation, known for its skepticism toward authority, is far from ordinary. Aging baby boomers are unlikely to be content with traditional pastimes like bingo nights [source: Cochran et al.]. Experts anticipate that this group will revolutionize perceptions of retirement and aging [source: Harvard School of Public Health/MetLife Foundation].

Baby boomers often adapt their approaches to suit their needs, yet they remain cooperative and adaptable in both professional and personal settings. Despite many caring for aging parents and raising children, they still manage to engage in their preferred hobbies and activities.

What activities captivate the generation known for bell bottoms and Beatlemania? Which pastimes are most popular among baby boomers?

To begin, let’s explore how boomers maintain their active lifestyles, even when it sometimes takes a toll on their physical well-being.

10: Staying Fit

Gym workouts and sports are highly favored by baby boomers. They prioritize maintaining their health and vitality while addressing challenges like obesity and other health concerns.

Boomers engage in a variety of activities, both solo and group-based, including tennis, golf, jogging, walking, and aerobics, among others. As the first generation targeted by health-focused TV advertisements, it’s no wonder they prioritize their well-being.

However, this generation is also known for pushing exercise to its limits. Dubbed "Boomeritis," many active boomers strain their aging bodies by overexertion [source: Marchione]. This has led to a surge in hip and knee replacements among those aged 40 to 60, though doctors question whether these procedures can endure their active lifestyles.

Boomers are also redefining career mobility, often continuing to shift jobs even as they approach retirement age. Discover more about this trend on the following page.

9: Career Changes

Turning 65 is a milestone often associated with transitioning into retirement, but for baby boomers, this traditional view doesn’t hold. Many intend to remain in the workforce long after this age, with two-thirds planning to pursue new career paths [source: Merrill Lynch].

As baby boomers age, activities like career shifts or exploring new ventures are gaining popularity. Surveys reveal that many boomers aspire to transition into roles such as consulting or teaching, leveraging their expertise to mentor others [source: Merrill Lynch]. Some even dream of becoming tour guides, leading relaxed excursions through popular destinations.

Many boomers are also venturing into entrepreneurship, showing a strong interest in launching new businesses or pursuing freelance opportunities.

However, it remains uncertain whether businesses are prepared for boomers transitioning into unfamiliar fields. While most nearing retirement age traditionally wind down, boomers are opting for career changes, potentially competing with younger job seekers—a scenario that could surprise both employers and boomers alike.

If you thought boomers retired their ambitions after Woodstock, think again. Keep reading to uncover more about their dynamic lifestyle.

8: Enjoying Music

Could the generation that experienced Woodstock and popularized rock 'n' roll ever lose their passion for music?

Boomers fondly recall their concert days and continue to relish live performances. Iconic bands like the Rolling Stones and U2, whose members are boomers, still dominate the highest-grossing tours today [source: Waddell]. This demonstrates that boomers not only cherish their musical memories but also remain a lucrative audience for the music industry.

In 2006, baby boomers were responsible for over 25 percent of music sales [source: Glaister]. Additionally, 25 to 40 percent of boomers own iPods or MP3 players, indicating their continued influence in the music market in recent years [source: Zickuhr].

The adventurous spirit of baby boomers remains undiminished with age. Are you ready to explore some of their favorite activities on the next page?

7: Extreme Sports

Unlike their parents, baby boomers are more inclined to try skydiving than stay on solid ground. Studies show that this generation craves adventure and is more likely to engage in competitive sports compared to previous generations [source: Sperazza & Banerjee].

However, some boomers push the boundaries even further.

Extreme sports like rafting, skydiving, and paragliding are popular among boomers. Research indicates that over 60 percent of boomers aspire to participate in such activities, regardless of their age [source: Cochran et al.]. With such adventurous pursuits, it’s no surprise many boomers feel younger than their years suggest.

Boomers bring their adventurous spirit to vacations, especially when traveling with children under 18. They often combine activity and education in their trips. While they embrace risks, safety remains a top priority [source: AARP]. For instance, guided white water rafting is a yes, but skydiving with an unlicensed instructor is a definite no.

6: Volunteering

Most boomers aim to stay close to home and family, creating ample opportunities to strengthen local community ties. While many express a desire to volunteer more, especially after reaching retirement age, turning that intention into action proves challenging [source: Harvard School of Public Health/MetLife Foundation].

Experts note that volunteering activity peaks during mid-life rather than retirement, suggesting that boomers who aren’t already involved are unlikely to increase their participation. Compared to their parents, often called the "greatest generation" for their civic engagement, boomers have yet to match their level of contribution.

While boomers themselves predict volunteering will be popular among their generation, experts remain skeptical about whether they’ll follow through on their intentions to dedicate more time to local causes [source: Harvard School of Public Health/MetLife Foundation]. However, given their determination, boomers might just challenge these expectations.

Even with their active lifestyles, boomers have specific preferences for leisure time. A hint: water-related activities are a top choice.

5: Aquatic Activities

Who doesn’t enjoy unwinding by the beach?

Spending time near the water is a beloved activity across all ages, but boomers are particularly drawn to the calming allure of aquatic settings [source: Sperazza & Banerjee]. Their love for water leads them to enjoy activities like rafting, cruises, and water sports at oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Above all, boomers seek relaxation, and coastal areas often provide the ideal serene environment. This preference for waterfronts may explain why many boomers choose to live in states like California, New York, and Florida, known for their stunning coastlines [source: Census.gov].

Whether married or divorced, baby boomers are rekindling romance in their lives. Discover how this generation is re-entering the dating scene on the next page.

4: Dating

While most boomers remain married, they also have the highest divorce rates among all age groups, leading many to seek new romantic connections [source: Census.gov]. Reports indicate that 35 percent of boomers are recovering from a divorce [source: Schlesinger].

Given these circumstances, dating has become increasingly popular among baby boomers. Their approach to post-marriage dating differs significantly from previous generations, adding to its appeal.

Modern communication tools, including the Internet, have made dating more accessible for boomers. Instead of limiting their search to local options, they can now easily explore a wider pool of potential partners.

As boomers age, their focus remains on personal comfort and preferences. Discover how home improvement and DIY projects are capturing their interest next.

3: Home Improvement and DIY

The independence and creativity of baby boomers drive them toward self-reliant activities.

This explains why home improvement and DIY projects are so popular among this generation. Enhancing their homes aligns with boomers' desire to age in place comfortably.

Home improvement is also practical for boomers aiming to downsize, as smaller spaces allow for more refined decorative touches. Additionally, boomers value self-sufficiency, engaging in activities like gardening, canning, and crafting handmade items such as clothing and furniture. Staying physically and mentally active while preserving family traditions is a priority.

As we’ve seen, boomers embrace learning new skills. But how have they adapted to the technological advancements of the digital era? Continue reading to discover more.

2: Exploring Tech

Boomers generally enjoy learning about new technology, but with a caveat: they prefer tech that directly addresses their needs.

They also adapt to unfamiliar technology more easily than their parents. Approximately half of boomers are comfortable using the Internet, compared to just 20 percent of those aged 57 and older [source: Harvard School of Public Health/MetLife Foundation]. While most boomers own cell phones and desktop computers, fewer are inclined to invest in the latest gadgets [source: Zickuhr].

Boomers appreciate technology for reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Social media Web sites like Facebook are especially popular for maintaining relationships. They are also more open to online dating compared to older generations.

Finally, we’ll explore how baby boomers maintain spiritual and social harmony in their lives.

1: Spiritual and Social Experiences

While their lifestyles may differ, most boomers aim to engage in activities that hold spiritual and social significance.

Balancing solitude and companionship is essential for everyone, but boomers are particularly intentional about spending time alone or with small, close-knit groups of family and friends [source: Sperazza, Banerjee]. Having lived through decades of social and political change, many boomers find joy and fulfillment in relaxing with loved ones.

Unlike their parents and younger generations, boomers favor public, in-person gatherings, making social events, art galleries, sports, and cultural experiences highly popular. This generation thrives on face-to-face interactions rather than staying home. Surveys also indicate that many boomers plan to embrace living in communities designed for their generation [source: MetLife]. While some will prioritize independence, others may seek closer connections with their peers.

Continue to the next page to uncover more fascinating insights about the baby boomer generation.