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I grew up being told I was Gen X just to get shoved into the Millennial category before being insulting labeled as an Elder Millennial. We’re like the middle child of generational labels. But happily, we seem to be skipping right over the midlife crisis and going straight into our granny hobbies — and I’m loving it.

8 Great Granny Hobbies for the Elder Millennial

First, I should specify that I will never allow any potential future grandchildren to call me “granny”. It’s just not a label I desire. I’m sure I’ll choose some other cute grandparent name when or if the time comes. But I have no problem embracing granny hobbies. After all, I deeply loved my grandmothers. I have no problem skipping over the expensive sports car, reckless affair, or other damaging midlife crisis and going straight into more mature hobbies.

1. Gardening

When I think about my paternal grandmother, I think about her in the garden. She was always tending to something out there or canning something she’d harvested. I didn’t take much of an interest when she was alive. I struggled to keep houseplants alive. But I always admired her thriving gardens.

During the pandemic, I began to experiment with gardening. I learned how to nurture growing things. I still consider myself a novice but an enthusiastic one. These days, I’m growing fruit, flowers, and vegetables all over my property. It’s not to the level of my grandmother’s garden, but this granny hobby is easily a 10/10 for a fulfilling midlife interest.

2. Knitting or Crocheting

I can neither knit nor crochet — but I badly want to learn. This is a great granny hobby because we can do it anywhere. We can do it on the sidelines at a child’s ballgame or during tedious training. We can take it with us in waiting rooms or just keep our hands busy while entertaining ourselves in the evenings.

This can be a rewarding hobby. We can make scarves, cardigans, stuffed animals, or whatever it is we’re interested in creating. It can become a decent side hustle for those looking to earn extra money, but it’s also a good granny hobby for someone who wants to learn a reasonably affordable and accessible craft.

3. Pottery

I must admit that I had a pottery phase — and it’s one I plan to revisit. I have a pottery wheel, and I spent a few months taking classes to use it. It was one of the most soothing things I’ve ever done.

At first, I had dreams of grandeur. I would make pottery and sell it at a farmer’s market along with garden produce and fresh eggs. But then I realized that I don’t have the skill for that at this point in my hobby. Instead, I make things for my home, and I enjoy the learning process. I’m getting better even if it’s mostly through trial and error.

4. Homesteading Animals

One of the most fun granny hobbies is to raise homesteading animals. You know — chickens, goats, rabbits, etc. If we have the space, it can be a fun granny hobby. I decided to raise chickens. I’m a fan of fresh eggs, but I have to say that I adore my little birds. They are a genuine delight. I don’t even mind the farm chores that go with them. I’m happy to keep their coop tidy in exchange for their eggs and adoration. This granny hobby is easily an 11/10.

Of course, not all neighborhoods will allow us to do this, and we may not have the time, space, or inclination. It is a time commitment and expense. Believe me: buying organic farm-fresh eggs in the store would be cheaper. But I love how raising chickens lowers my stress. I love visiting my girls and spending time with them. Plus, they are the closest living descendant of the T-Rex. How cool is that?

5. Painting

Another amazing granny hobby is learning to paint or create another kind of art. Luckily, adult education classes seem to be offered in abundance. For those who can’t find a nearby class, YouTube can be a great resource for free art classes. Although this hobby, and any of these hobbies, is great for any age, it can be an amazing thing to explore when we’re not interested in having the average midlife crisis.

6. Baking

If you missed out on the great sourdough baking of 2020, it’s not too late to hop aboard the baking bandwagon. This is one truly timeless granny hobby. Whether you want to bake bread or create other baked goods, it can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your time. Although any hobby can become expensive, baking is one of the more accessible if we use what we have rather than opting for top-of-the-line baking accessories. It’s also possible to take classes or learn for free online.

7. Bird Watching

Have you downloaded the Merlin Bird ID app yet? It’s amazing! I woke up one morning to hear a variety of birds outside my window. I was curious about what kind I was hearing, so I downloaded the app. As I recorded, it told me exactly what birds I was hearing. There are a lot of cardinals, wrens, bluejays, sparrows, crows, and blackbirds in my area. I’ve even learned to recognize the sounds now.

I haven’t quite extended this into bird watching, but I know this is becoming a more popular hobby among people in my general age group. It starts with something as simple as a birdfeeder. Next thing you know, you’ve got binoculars and are planning trips specifically to look at birds. It’s a slippery slope, but if you enjoy it, it makes an excellent granny hobby.

8. Reading

My maternal grandmother was a big reader. I have so many memories of her sitting in her recliner reading with a tall stack of books at her side. Reading is easily my favorite of all granny hobbies, and it’s one I’ve enjoyed for as long as I can remember.

Many people will say that they don’t have time to read, but the truth is usually that they don’t make time to read. After all, audiobooks still count and are a great option while commuting. Plus, reading allows for diversity and personal interest. Whatever it is we enjoy, we’re likely to find the perfect book for it.

Goodbye, Midlife Crisis

I decided to skip right over the midlife crisis. It holds no interest for me. I didn’t freak out when I turned 40. It is sometimes odd to see the way I’m aging and changing — particularly in a society that frowns upon women aging at all. But I am learning to love the changes I see.

Plus, at 40, I gave up all my fucks. I’m the most authentic I’ve ever been. I’m not worried about fitting in, and I don’t compare my progress to others. I’m just creating a life that I love, and I don’t look at my life as half over. I look at it as if the best is yet to come.

I love my granny hobbies, but I often mix it up. A year or two ago, I took pole dancing fitness classes. I’ve gone skydiving a couple of times. I love to travel and try new things. But at the end of the day, I’m happy to come home to my granny interests. To care for chickens. To read. To piece together a little book nook puzzle to put on my shelf.

I’m not looking for approval for these interests, but I do find it amusing that a whole generation seemed to find granny hobbies in midlife rather than waiting for retirement. It’s a beautiful thing. Now excuse me while I go commune with my chickens.

Originally published on Medium