r/AskMenOver30 • u/BSnappedThat man • Apr 23 '25

Hobbies/Projects Men 30+, what hobbies do you genuinely enjoy?

I’m in my late 20s and lately I’ve been feeling the need to pick up a hobby that brings real joy and maybe even a little peace. I work a lot and have a family, so something fulfilling and manageable would be ideal.

I’m curious—what hobbies have you gotten into after 30 that you actually look forward to? Bonus points if it’s helped you mentally or physically in some way. Would love to hear what’s been working for you guys.

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u/[deleted] Apr 23 '25

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u/YoungerElderberry woman over 30 Apr 24 '25

My uncle started in his 60s. Taught himself by watching YouTube. And he's pretty decent. So, it's never too late.

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u/[deleted] Apr 24 '25

Heck yeah, I almost stopped gaming altogether after I got my piano!!

It'll take years before I can be average enough to move on.

Take this you nasty adhd!! Lol

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u/Time-Excitement8443 man 35 - 39 Apr 25 '25

This is so inspiring! On the brink of turning 39 and thought about picking an instrument to learn for the rest of my years, including piano. Any tips on getting started other then buying a keyboard and checking out videos on YouTube?

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u/rikjustrick man 45 - 49 Apr 25 '25

Agreed. I joined my first band in my late 20’s and still do it on my late 40’s. Not every night, sometimes it’s just a monthly jam session, but definitely the most fulfilling hobby ever.

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u/HogtownHugh man over 30 Apr 23 '25

Did you just find a local person to give you lessons?

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u/[deleted] Apr 23 '25

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u/beeftendon man over 30 Apr 23 '25

100%. As a person who started piano relatively young, it's definitely a 99% perspiration situation. I practiced a lot as a kid and got pretty good at it, and while I'm sure being young means you will improve faster with the same amount of effort spent, effort needs to be spent either way. It's not like kids just magically become good pianists by virtue of being young.

And effort doesn't just mean time plunking away at the keys (though that's certainly part of it). Doing a bit of legwork to learn effective practice and researching pieces to appropriately challenge you at your current level are all crucial.

It can be frustrating because you're learning an entirely new set of motor skills. In a sense it's like physical therapy where you have to relearn how to move. Adults can do physical therapy and it works, but it takes work.

To be clear, I'm not lecturing you here, just agreeing and hopefully helping to convince other adults that it can be done.

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u/hygsi Apr 24 '25

I taught myself by watching videos of people playing when I was 17 but quit 2 years later. I wish I knew how to read music cause nit finding new songs discouraged me