Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X & Boomers Usually Have Completely Different Hobbies That Make Them Happy
InesBazdar | Shutterstock What makes a hobby a great one? For most people, it's something that brings pure happiness and enrichment. But depending on someone's age, what offers that kind of joy differs.
Each generation clearly has a different preference for hobbies because their priorities aren't the same. So, even though they live in the same world, the hobbies that bring them the most happiness really are defined by their values and stages of life.
Hobbies that make each generation happy
Baby boomers' hobbies are all about relaxation and practicality
Because they grew up without the technology we have today, baby boomers tend to have hobbies that focus on relaxation and usefulness. They enjoy doing things that keep their hands busy, whether it's knitting or making small wooden crafts.
But boomers are also very much into outdoor activities and recreation. That may mean taking a walk while birdwatching, or cultivating fruits and vegetables in their garden.
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No matter what hobby they take on, they do so with the purpose of trying to relax while making themselves feel productive. Most boomers are of retirement age, so they choose these activities for a slower pace and stress relief.
Their interests are geared towards practicality, but also filling their free time with things that bring them joy. If they work hard on their garden, they get to harvest what they plant. If they do activities that keep them active, they're content with the physical benefits it brings.
Gen Xers 'earn' the hobbies that make up their free time
With an ingrained hustle culture mentality and a strong work ethic, Gen Xers want hobbies that offer some kind of gain. For some, that means protecting their health by working out or reading. For others, it's leaning into the nostalgia of collecting items and fixing things at home.
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With their work schedules and the loyalty that prompts their work ethic, they're also fond of rest in their free time. That doesn't mean they want to sit on the couch and watch television. Rather, it comes in the form of cooking or making plans with their families.
They feel they have to earn this free time, while younger generations see hobbies as a natural part of life that's woven into their everyday needs and routines.
Millennial hobbies revolve around creativity and experiences
Millennials often appreciate balance with their hobbies. They're looking for any excuse to get out of the house, especially if it means spending time with friends. That could mean going to bar trivia or taking last-minute trips.
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They share a similar appreciation for micro-experiences that Gen Zers do, but with a little bit more financial stability, they don't have to make their hobbies a side hustle. Their interests are practical, and that's what makes them happy, not necessarily crafting another form of income.
They're also partially responsible for a resurgence of what some call "grandma" hobbies. These are nostalgic, analog hobbies of a few decades ago that are now an excuse for young people to get off their phones and disconnect from social media.
Gen Z appreciates hobbies that support mental health and community
With the loss of third spaces for building natural communities, most Gen Zers have hobbies that allow them to connect with people. Even if they often have a price tag, like going to a coffee shop or eating at a restaurant, they're investing in small experiences that amplify their happiness.
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Considering social media and their phones are also a huge part of their identity, hobbies around content creation and digital art are common. It aligns with their self-expression, even if these activities are monetized to ease financial strain.
Gen Zers are also intentional about disconnecting from their phones. They're jumping on the analog bandwagon with millennials, trying to craft hobbies that give them an excuse to turn their minds off.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
