Taking up a new hobby
24th August 2017
Nine out of ten British adults have given up at least one hobby from their childhood and almost a third can’t remember the last time they took up a new one or tried something different. This is according to new information released by the British Heart Foundation.
In their latest survey, the British Heart Foundation reveals that two fifths of British people said the last time they did a childhood hobby was over 10 years ago.
The BHF is encouraging people to shake things up and get fundraising by reviving an old hobby they used to enjoy, or starting a new one, to help raise money for life saving heart research.
Over half (55%) of those polled said they used to try more new things when they were younger, while 30% of adults say they have grown up to be someone who tends to say no to new things.
“Taking up a hobby can be extremely fulfilling, and can be a fantastic way of keeping active and meeting new people.”
Top 10 hobbies we have lost from our childhoods
- Musical Instruments (39%)
- Football (26%)
- Swimming (23%)
- Cycling (20%)
- Other sports (17%)
- Drawing (16%)
- Gymnastics (13%)
- Painting (13%)
- Arts and Crafts (13%)
- Dance (13%)
Almost two thirds of those polled (61%) said they would like to re-engage with an old hobby as they saw the benefits, with almost two fifths (38%) saying it would give them a sense of fulfilment. Over a quarter (29%) said that introducing a new hobby into their life would take their mind away from life stresses.
One of the main reasons people said they haven’t rekindled an old hobby is that they were just lacking the motivation. However, the BHF suggest that doing something to raise money in the fight against heart disease could be a good incentive to revive one of your favourite pastimes.
Marc Shaw, Fundraising Manager at the BHF, said: “Taking up a hobby can be extremely fulfilling, and can be a fantastic way of keeping active and meeting new people. Our survey shows that the majority of us would love to reignite an old passion from their childhood/younger years, as many of us used to be much more open to trying new things when we were younger.”
Marc adds: “By picking up an activity you used to enjoy, you can help raise money for our life saving research and help us make a difference to the millions of people fighting a daily battle with heart disease.”
So, why not get the whole family involved, make opportunities to re-engage with that hobby that you used to enjoy and fundraise for the BHF in the process?
It could be taking on a swimming challenge, getting on your bike or meeting up with friends or colleagues for a kick around!
