Turns out gaming, painting, collecting toys, or just tending to plants isn’t just fun—it’s good for you too. Wow, who knew having a hobby has benefits, huh?
If you’ve ever felt a little guilty for spending your weekend building model kits, replaying an RPG for the third time, or hunting down vintage sneakers, here’s some good news: science has officially validated your lifestyle. A recent study published in Nature Medicine shows that hobbies aren’t just good for passing time—they’re strongly linked to better mental health, improved physical well-being, and a higher sense of life satisfaction.
And we’re not talking about a small sample size here. This massive research effort analyzed data from over 93,000 people aged 65 and above across 16 countries, covering diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Reviewed by Harvard Health experts like Dr. Anthony L. Komaroff, the study found that people with hobbies were consistently happier, healthier, and less likely to feel isolated.
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Why Having A Hobby Actually Helps You Thrive
The beauty of hobbies is that they often combine multiple wellness factors into a single activity. You’re not just staying occupied—you’re stimulating your brain, tapping into your creativity, sometimes moving your body, and in many cases, connecting with other people. All of these are known contributors to better mental health, especially as we get older.
Even better: the benefits were seen regardless of country, gender, income, or employment status. That means it’s not about how “productive” your hobby is or how impressive it looks on paper. What matters most is that it brings you joy and keeps you engaged.
The study didn’t claim that having a hobby causes happiness directly, but the long-term data did suggest that picking up a hobby can precede improvements in mood and health, especially over time. So yeah, your sudden desire to collect vinyl, build Gunpla, or learn to bake sourdough might just be your brain’s way of looking out for you.
The Best Kind of Self-Care Might Be the One You Actually Enjoy
The study aligns with what a lot of us probably feel but rarely get scientific backing for: doing things you genuinely enjoy is good for your health. This could be anything from playing fighting games and attending toy conventions to planting succulents or learning to crochet. And for older adults, these hobbies can even help combat loneliness, sharpen cognitive function, and give a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s also worth noting that these findings don’t just apply to seniors. While the study focused on the 65+ crowd, the psychological and social mechanisms behind hobbies apply across all age groups. That dopamine hit you get from finishing a model? That flow state you enter when editing a vlog or painting a mini? That’s real mental nourishment.
So… What’s Your Hobby?
This is your sign to start—or go back to—that thing you’ve been meaning to try. Whether it’s collecting manga, customizing keyboards, or journaling your thoughts, your favorite pastime might be doing more for your well-being than you think.
What hobby brings you joy these days? Share it with us over at the VRSUS Facebook page—we’d love to hear your story and maybe even feature a few favorites from the community.
Read More:
What’s It Like To Watch Live Pinoy Wrestling – VRSUS
The Unfair Villainization of Casual Gamers – VRSUS
Why You Should Try Playing Hobbies Competitively in 2025 – VRSUS
