While streaming movies and making TikTok videos are among today’s most popular activities, classic hobbies are gaining traction, too. The desire to slow down and savor the moment has prompted a shift in preferences. Newer generations are appreciating the crackle of vinyl and trying their hand at games and pastimes often associated with older generations.
Keep reading to learn about the classic hobbies sparking the interest of today’s younger generations!
Hitting the Links in Style
You may be surprised to learn that golf is striking a chord with Gen Z and Millennials. Often, golf is associated with retirees and informal business networking opportunities.
You may expect to see individuals with gray hair and polo shirts teeing up at your local course. But look more closely and you’re likely to see twenty and thirty-somethings sporting the latest fashion trends as they tee off.
Why is golf so popular these days? It combines socialization with fashion and lush natural views, making it an appealing way to spend an afternoon.
Younger generations enjoy the solitude of being on an open fairway as a break from the daily grind. But they also revel in the opportunity to debut bold fashion choices and indulge in a sport closely aligned with luxury and success.
If you’re eager to give golf a try, plan on learning the basics first. You’ll feel more confident when you’re out with friends, and you’ll be less likely to loft a ball toward a house’s window if you’re playing a residential course.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also, brush up on the rules of golf so you can understand the details of the game. Golfing can come with significant upfront expenses, so look into buying secondhand clubs to get started. Or start with a few essential clubs before investing in a full set. Aim to play a beginner-friendly course first, and look into taking a few lessons with a golf pro there.
Buying Turntables and Vinyl
Vinyl once seemed like an antiquated way to play music for generations raised on streaming. But vinyl records have emerged as the preferred way to listen to music these days. Artists have taken notice, too, releasing deluxe LPs with striking cover art and inserts to appeal to their audience.
Vinyl is more than just a retro way to listen to music. Audophiles would say it offers a better way to hear the nuances of a song. And the act of playing a record is a ritual in and of itself.
Setting the needle, admiring the album cover, and settling in for a listening session give younger generations a way to step back and find time for themselves. Plus, they can hear an album as a work of art rather than scrolling through random songs on a phone playlist.
Getting into vinyl takes a little effort. First, you’ll need a designated space for a turntable, and then you’ll need a solid starter turntable.
Consider purchasing some secondhand record display stands to turn your listening station into a showpiece in your home. And add a few classic albums from the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, or Miles Davis to start your collection.
ADVERTISEMENT
Playing Vintage Video Games
Today’s video games boast slick graphics that can transport you to the football field or racetrack. But vintage games from the 80s and 90s have made a comeback with younger gamers. Best of all, it’s easy to access classic games.
Platforms like the Nintendo Switch Online let players choose from an extensive inventory of retro games, such as The Legend of Zelda. And players can connect across the miles, racing with friends in Mario Kart, thanks to modern technology.
Younger generations like the simplicity of retro games, and for some, there’s a pleasing sense of nostalgia that comes with popping a familiar cartridge into a console for a little decompression time after work. Plus, the pixelated artwork and jingles combine for a delightfully simple experience.
Exploring Shifts in Hobbies
Yes, nostalgia is one reason that Gen Z and Millennials are scheduling tee times, competing in Donkey Kong, and playing vinyl. But these activities also give busy young adults a chance to slow down, indulge in the moment, and experience an emotional connection. Younger generations are prioritizing mindfulness and community, and all of the above hobbies are a gateway to creating stronger emotional engagement.
Further, these hobbies are loaded with aesthetic appeal. From choosing the perfect golfing attire to finding a display table for a growing record collection, hobbies are visual. And, if they have staying power, hobbies can be deeply tied to one’s identity.
Embracing Retro Hobbies
Younger generations are reaching back in time for hobbies that their parents or grandparents may have pursued. Why? The reasons are plentiful. But the chance to connect and be present in the moment is among the most important reasons classic hobbies are surging in popularity.
When you’re ready to slow down and appreciate the subtleties of a retro game or chord progression, consider seeking a hobby that seems like it’s past its heyday.
