Are you a nerd? Why over-50s are more excited about their hobbies than ever

“I’m looking forward to retiring, but it terrifies me too. I mean, does it have to be such a bonfire of the trainers?”  

It’s just over 15 years ago, and John is part of a large ad-agency focus group on how imminent retirees see the coming years. The room ripples with murmurs of empathy from other 29 attendees.   

If he had only known it then, John was a harbinger of change. Over the past two decades, the image of retirement has shifted dramatically. These days, retirees are among the groups most likely to be studying, exploring, creating, writing, or on intrepid journeys of self-discovery and intellectual stimulation, rather than sitting in deckchairs.  

Powering the change 

Recent research by advertisers shows that people in later life stages are less likely to jump for whatever’s popular, or take easy answers, than young consumers. Indeed, retirees are among the most likely to opt for things they don’t already know, to dive deep into subjects, and to want to explore.  

It’s fair to say this detailed picture of a large group of people committed to learning new stuff is somewhat at odds with the outdated popular image of oldies in armchairs.    

The change is partly to do with a culture shift.  

Geek is chic, and it has never been easier to indulge your hobby – whether that’s stargazing, fossil collecting, or theatre. Influential US magazine Slate recently defined nerd culture as, “caring more about something (computers, comics, Old English, rock climbing) than… social advancement. They’re neither social climbers nor rebels, because they are indifferent – or oblivious – to how the world sees them.”  

What Slate did not seem to realise was that this also describes the freedom that comes with retirement. Off the corporate wheel, this is a generation of minds committed to going their own way.  

Another part of the change was nailed by performance branding company iProspect, when their study, ‘From Silver surfers to Golden Geeks’ identified how the mobile internet had revolutionised over-50s’ access to knowledge.

Where before they’d relied on TV channel scheduling and the purposeful firing up of the PC, for the first time they had at a limitless free resource of knowledge on hand, with a laptop, phone or tablet.  

Similarly, accessing entertainment online may have changed things. BBC iPlayer and other on-demand television offers the potential for an almost inexhaustible backlog of documentaries – a real step-change from Life on Earth and a couple of hours of Open University programming on a weekend morning.

What’s lost in ‘water cooler moment’ viewing is more than made up for in the ability for us to each chase our own passions happily down rewarding and productive rabbitholes. Who’d have thought it?  

With the UK life expectancy around 81, a healthy and productive retirement after our mid-60s is not an exception for the lucky few, but for most of us, the start of a long third act. That brings time for exploring new passions.  

An invisible revolution 

This change has been wide-ranging. It has fuelled everything from the dominance of the iPad as a browser interface, the UK government’s new skills-and-learning Returnership courses, and the meteoric rise of U3a – the University of the Third Age, currently the UK education’ sector’s fastest growing platform. (Among the fascinating current and recent projects undertaken by British retirees enrolled in the U3a are a national U3a astronomy network; a collaboration with Leeds and Royal Holloway universities exploring the changing ways UK families document their lives in personal photography; and the High Street Project, aimed at innovative thinking to transform British high streets.)  

Forward-thinking brands are talking to retirees in a way that recognises their minds, as well as body and soul.  

In this, Saga Cruises has long been a trailblazer. Where the traditional image of cruising is light cabaret and quoits, Saga Cruises’ 2025 programme features The Sky At Night presenter Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock giving astronomy lectures, and Doctor Who’s special effects team giving teach-ins on just how they manage to bring the infinite to our screens. Then there’s Oz Clarke giving themed wine tutorials, and much more. The life of the mind is as stimulating and pleasurable on its ships as the food, luxury and entertainment. 

Nor are those examples rare exceptions. Every Saga Cruises journey offers intellectual stimulation – art classes, expert interviews on stage, and more. There’s also a spacious onboard library and reading area that carries a selection of fiction and non-fiction.  

And for 2026, it’s even changing the way passengers can engage with their destinations. For every customary sightseeing trip, there’s an offer of a more off-the-beaten-track one, that gives a glimpse beyond the postcard vistas.  

“Our boutique ships with the libraries, art rooms and panel event spaces – in addition to the lidos, spas, fitness studios, speciality dining and so on – are not called Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure for nothing,” says Hannah Fisher, CMO of Saga Cruises.  “That freedom and drive, to really dive into passions and interests, is absolutely central to a Saga Cruise. It’s in everything, from the endless possibilities open to you as part of the onboard experience, to the way we select rich and interesting destinations.”  

This is further demonstrated by the range on offer in the coming months. Hannah adds: “We’ve got the historic, unspoiled island of Korčula in Croatia, the Northern Lights and nature-watching up the coast of Norway, stargazing specials to the Canary Islands in winter, and the islands of Canada and the eastern US – from Martha’s Vineyard to Newfoundland. All rich and rewarding as well as gorgeous and scenic – so guests get to meet them on their own terms, no matter whether they’re looking to unwind, or explore.” 

How hobbies boost quality of life  

Spending time on what you’re interested in can bring health benefits too. Research has found that older people who engage in hobbies are happier and healthier. One of the key risk factors for Alzheimer’s is leading a life that fails to keep your grey matter active, with the Alzheimer’s Association citing continuing stimulus and study as a lowerer of risk of cognitive decline, while Cambridge University studies have shown that “informal types of learning were associated with higher wellbeing” for older people.  

Research shows that incorporating healthy habits is beneficial for brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. These measures include challenging your mind by learning new skills and staying sharp.  

Learning, skill development and creativity, alongside an engaged and interested mind, make up two of the five key conditions of what’s sometimes termed “flow” – that blissful sense of being immersed in an activity, which is shown to have benefits for our mental health.  

“Only when you retire do you realise that life can become very long,” says Saga customer Tom, from Berkshire.  

“The whole way through professional life and parenting and middle-age, I was always promising myself I’d get into some of the things I want to do when I have time. All that reading I could never get time to do. So I gave myself permission to be fascinated, and to study it all. Saga has been part of that journey if you like. And I’ve got to say, it’s been fantastic.” 

Quiz: Are you a nerd?  

Do you subscribe to a specialist publication devoted to your hobby?

A Yes, I think I get them all 

B I’ve had a subscription or two in the past  

C No, I’m not that interested!  

What’s your favourite kind of shop?  

A The specialist shop for [insert name of your hobby] of course 

B A bookshop 

C Not sure – my favourite clothes shop maybe?   

Who are the people you spend most time with (not counting those you live with)? 

A They’re in the same club/ society / hobby group as me 

B They’re a mixture – I definitely share hobbies with some of them 

C They’re old friends I see in the pub 

What does your bookshelf look like? 

A I have a carefully catalogued collection of books relating to my hobbies  

B There isn’t quite enough space for all my books 

C I’ve got a few books on a shelf, but I never actually use them 

How would you do in a pub quiz about your hobbies? 

A I already write or run quizzes about my hobby 

B  I’d win hands down  

C I’d do alright, but probably wouldn’t win 

Have you ever thought about what your specialist subject on Mastermind would be? 

A Yes – in fact I’ve applied several times  

B Yes – I’ve got a first choice and a backup option 

C No, going on Mastermind is the last thing I’d do 

Results 

Mostly As: You are a super-nerd! You deeply identify with your hobby or hobbies and you enjoy getting deep into it and learning new things. There's no shame in your nerd game. 

Mostly Bs: You’ve certainly got some nerd tendencies. You’re passionate about your hobbies and you enjoy sharing them with others – they clearly add a lot to your life.   

Mostly Cs: You’re definitely not a nerd – although are you protesting too much? Remember, spending time on hobbies is great for wellbeing – is it worth thinking about whether you’ve got an interest that you could spend more time exploring?