Open source software is absolutely something worth pursuing. I would propose chess for the elderly[1]. Especially those with a history of dementia in the family. Joining a club adds the social aspect which I find extremely beneficial, meeting people of all ages, taking part in local competitions, etc.
Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
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Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#22Not programming, but what about Bridge? Every older person I know who plays it seems to get rather obsessed and it's very social.
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#23Public Service Announcement: Don’t wait until you’re 72 to find a hobby. Figure out some fun things you like to do when you’re young, and make the time to do them regularly. Get in the habit of doing weekend trips to go fishing or kite surfing or competitive bridge playing or whatever. Max out your vacation time doing so, and get a good set of friends in place who are just as passionate about bicycles or vintage trai…
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Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#24The brain science people are finding that making music, i.e. singing or playing a musical instrument, is likely to be very good for maintaining brain health. Additionally, because it is a physical activity, it encourages old folks to keep their bodies functioning reasonably well so that they can enjoy their music hobby.
That brings us to exercise, which is a great thing if you can enjoy it. Easy exercise, e.g. walking, shuffleboard, kite flying, billiards, ping pong, swimming, gently aerobic exercise machines, dancing, shuffleboard, golf, dog walking, frisbee, gardening, or just sharing simple activities with active younger relatives, are fine, and as little as 45 minutes on most days may be optimal.
I'm retired a few years and just a bit younger than your father, and I would spend 40 hours a week on those two kinds of activities except that my wife often direct otherwise, which I also enjoy considerably. Life is very good for me now. I have gotten rid of a vast majority of my programming and software books and almost eliminated programming activities entirely. The problem with programming is that if you like it, you always have a program that needs one more tweak, and that means that every day you will sit down much more than you expected to. Better to keep an active mind in an active body.
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#25I volunteered disaster relief for the American Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina. A lot of volunteers were retirees from all walks of life. I was a software engineer working at a finance company. My peers were retired high school principal, retired president of a manufacturing company, guidance counselor, social worker, nurse, etc. I suspect that the ARC has been very busy in Texas lately and could probably use help, immediately. Your dad could receive training and be on a plane in less than a week. Aside from major crises responses, there are local chapters in every state, and your dad could get involved locally.
This type of volunteering is stressful but has extraordinary purpose. It remains one of my most meaningful life experiences.
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#26Open canoeing, cold water swimming, hiking in the mountains, playing in a band? That's what I'm planning on doing.
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#27Amateur astronomy, specifically astrophotography. Tons of fun, takes patience and focus as well as tons of time outside, strong community and a sense of purpose, since you can actually realistically see stuff no-one ever saw before!
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#28Chess perhaps? Chess are easy to pick up, hard to master, can be played in person, online or against the computer, offering a never-ending stream of opponents to play against.
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#29Amateur radio!
Re: Ask HN: What are some hobbies for a 72-year-old retiree? Maybe OSS?
#30OSS sounds like a terrible idea.
Little human interaction, lots of toxicity from entitled developers.
Development could be a nice hobby but it's not easy on the eyes and doesn't make you move.
Get him into stretching / light fitness / bodyweight training: it can definitely become a passion / hobby and will keep him healthy (within limits)