At 60, expect gradual physical changes like thinner skin, joint stiffness, and potential vision/hearing shifts, alongside slower metabolism, but also a richer life with more time for hobbies, family, or new pursuits as many people enter retirement, focusing on managing health through diet, exercise, and mental activity to enjoy a vibrant, reflective, and purposeful decade.
Free prescriptions and eye tests for over-60s
You can also get free NHS-funded eye tests from the age of 60 (in Scotland, eye tests are free for all ages). You'll be entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you're receiving pension guarantee credit.
Wrinkles, age spots, creases, and bruises become more noticeable. Your sweat glands also get less active. That means you might not sweat as much, but wounds on your skin may take longer to heal.
'Normal' Signs of Aging vs.
Natural changes happen in the body as we age, such as skin damage from sun exposure, loss of muscle and physical strength, loss of some sight and hearing, as well as changes to our sleep patterns, energy levels and appetite.
10 Hobbies for Seniors to Try After 60
At age 60, you can get various free or discounted services like free eye exams, discounted transit/movies/restaurants, free tax prep (AARP), and potentially free healthcare/food assistance (based on income/location), plus enjoy perks like discounted National Park passes and free college tuition at some public universities for residents. Benefits vary by location and income, so check local programs like SNAP or Area Agencies on Aging.
As you age, how you sleep changes. Older adults tend to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than younger adults, and the amount of time spent in each type of sleep decreases. Sleep tends to be shorter and lighter, and you may wake up more often during the night.
There are 5 legal documents every elder should have in place.
Making changes to your lifestyle may help you feel less tired, for example:
“Cognitive decline may begin after midlife, but most often occurs at higher ages (70 or higher).” (Aartsen, et al., 2002) “… relatively little decline in performance occurs until people are about 50 years old.” (Albert & Heaton, 1988).
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins (B12, B9/folate, B6) and Vitamin D, along with mineral deficiencies like Iron and Magnesium, are common causes of fatigue because they disrupt energy production, red blood cell formation (leading to anemia and poor oxygen transport), and nerve function. These deficiencies can leave you feeling constantly tired, weak, and lacking energy, even after rest, by impairing oxygen delivery or overall cellular function.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, people between 18 and 64 should aim for seven or more hours of sleep a night; people 65 and older should get seven to eight hours each night.
Popular hobbies for the over 60s
Seniors cards
These offers a discount on public transport and some goods and services. Generally, you must be aged at least 60 years (at least 65 in some states), and work less than 20 - 35 hours per week.
“The 5 hobby rule is related to the five different categories that hobbies can fall into,” says Papa. These include “hobbies that 1.) can make you money, 2.) keep you active, 3.) help you be creative, 4.)
You can make friends after 60 by joining local clubs (book, hobby, walking), taking adult education classes, volunteering, using apps like Meetup.com, connecting through faith communities, exploring senior centers, or even reconnecting with old acquaintances to find like-minded people who share your interests, with both online and in-person options available for social engagement.
Quiet hobbies focus on calm, focused activities like reading, knitting, gardening, puzzles, drawing, writing, baking, calligraphy, model building, or learning a musical instrument, offering relaxation and mental engagement without needing to be loud or disruptive, perfect for quiet enjoyment at home or in nature.