What's Calling You? Finding Your Retirement Passion Project

Retirement doesn’t have to be about winding down — it can also be about opening yourself up to new possibilities. It’s a chance to turn your attention to the things that truly matter to you without the pressure of deadlines or expectations. This stage of life offers the space to explore, learn and reconnect with what brings you joy.

That’s where a passion project comes in. A passion project is a personal endeavor fueled by curiosity, creativity or a deep interest — something you pursue not out of obligation but because it feels meaningful. It might be painting, mentoring, gardening, writing, learning a new language or volunteering in your community. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it.

If it gives you energy and a sense of purpose, it’s worth your time. And it’s never too late to begin. 

How To Overcome Common Barriers To Finding Your Passion 

Anything seemed possible when you were young. You could explore anything you had a slight interest in and then continue pursuing it or drop that hobby if it didn’t call to you. And that can still be true!

It’s common for adults to get into the habit of working and managing the upkeep of a house and yard. Somewhere along the way, many people lose track of what they used to love among the daily tasks of life. Now, they don’t know where to start, are afraid of failing or think they’re “too old” to find their passion again. 

But living a fulfilling and happy life doesn’t have to stop at a certain age. In fact, research has shown that people are generally at their happiest at the beginning of life and later in life, with a dip in happiness in the middle of their lives, also known as a U-bend or U-curve of happiness. This means it’s a perfect opportunity to find pleasure in the experiences around you and explore new passion projects. 

Here are some strategies you can use to help overcome barriers to finding your passion project in retirement:  

Reframe your thinking.

If you feel like you’re “too old” to find a passion project, think of your age as an advantage instead of a limitation. You have a lifetime of experiences, skills and wisdom. Many people actually discover new interests — such as painting, writing, traveling or starting a small business — in their later years.

When you find yourself thinking, “I’m too old to do this,” challenge yourself and instead ask, “What’s really stopping me?” Often, it’s fear holding you back from trying something new. 

Focus on joy instead of perfection.

Remember that passion projects are about enjoyment — not perfection or the end result. Passion projects don’t need to lead to a major achievement; they’re about fulfillment and happiness.

Let go of your expectations and enjoy the process. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin. Start somewhere, and enjoy the path of discovery. And if you don’t enjoy something you try out, drop it and try something new! 

Surround yourself with encouragement.

When you’re a part of a supportive community, you’re more likely to follow through on ideas or hobbies you’re curious about. When people cheer you on, offer feedback, join you in the project or compliment your work, it doesn’t just feel good — it also can make the process feel less intimidating and more fun. Along with boosting your confidence, it can motivate you to continue your projects. 

Start small. 

Your passion project doesn’t have to be a large, overwhelming commitment. Start by dedicating 15-30 minutes a week toward your project or exploring new interests. Small steps build momentum and make it easier to find what truly excites you. Plus, starting small can help you avoid feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by mistakes or setbacks.

Tips for Finding Your Passion Project

Finding your passion project in retirement is a process, and there are plenty of meaningful — and fun — ways to begin exploring. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Find purpose and connection.

One of the most rewarding parts of retirement is having the freedom to rediscover what brings you joy and finding people who feel the same. You may decide to pick a longtime hobby back up or try something new — whatever you choose, engaging in a passion project can bring a renewed sense of purpose to your days.

And it’s not just about the activity itself. Pursuing something you enjoy often leads to meaningful connections with others. Joining a group, class or club centered around your interests is a great way to meet people who share your enthusiasm. These friendships can offer encouragement, keep you motivated and even introduce you to new ideas or hobbies you hadn’t considered before.

As your social circle grows, so do your opportunities to explore. A conversation over coffee might lead to signing up for a community garden, taking an art class or even starting a project you hadn’t thought of until now. These shared experiences help make retirement feel less about slowing down and more about leaning into the things that make life rich and fulfilling.

In short, your passion project doesn’t just give you something to do. It also gives you people to do it with, and that can make all the difference.

Reflect on lifelong interests. 

Don’t be afraid to look to your past for inspiration about what you enjoy. Set aside a little time to reflect on the things you used to enjoy when you were a child. What hobbies lit you up as a child or teen? Were there skills you enjoyed developing or ones you always wanted to explore but never had the time for?

Those interests — such as painting, building model airplanes, writing short stories or spending time in nature — might still be meaningful to you now, even if they’ve evolved. For example, you may find that a childhood love of music becomes a new interest in joining a community choir, an interest in acting turns into joining a community theater group or a knack for tinkering turns into taking a woodworking class.

You’ve grown over the years, and your interests have too. Reflecting on where you’ve been can help you discover where you would like to go next and what might bring you a deep sense of fulfillment in this next chapter.

Explore diverse avenues for passion projects. 

You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. In fact, trying something new is one of the best ways to discover — or rediscover — what brings you joy. Exploring different paths can open the door to unexpected passions, and sometimes, just saying “yes” to a new experience is all it takes to find your new passion.

Technology makes it easier than ever to dip your toe into a variety of hobbies. Online tutorials, virtual classes and hobby groups can help you learn at your own pace and connect with others doing the same. No matter if you’re revisiting something familiar or venturing into totally new territory, the options are wide open.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Volunteer for a cause you care about.
• Explore creative arts, such as painting, writing or music.
• Take a course or workshop through a lifelong learning program.
• Spend time outdoors by gardening or photographing nature.
• Become a mentor to share your knowledge and experiences.
• Travel with a purpose, such as through a cultural or volunteer-based trip.
• Start a small, low-pressure project, such as a crafting business or community group.

You don’t have to commit to one thing forever. Think of this as a time to experiment and enjoy the process. You might be surprised by what resonates with you and who you meet along the way.

Jerry and Kay, residents of Las Ventanas at Summerlin, a HumanGood Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC), found their passion project was volunteering within the Las Ventanas community and in Las Vegas. Kay is chairperson of the activities committee at Las Ventanas, which has given her many opportunities to interact with her neighbors. 

She says, “I know firsthand how important it is to feel connected with others, so if I can inspire just one person to get involved, then I’ve done my job. ... As much as we’ve given back, Las Ventanas has given us so much more in return: true friendships [and] a sense of purpose.”

Continue learning and growing.

One of the best ways to stay inspired and engaged with your passion project is to keep learning. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, there’s always something new to explore. Lifelong learning isn’t just about gaining knowledge — it’s also about staying curious, challenging yourself and continuing to grow.

Maybe that looks like learning a new technique, trying a different approach to your project or even switching gears entirely and exploring something fresh. Workshops, classes (in person or online) and group projects can offer structure and motivation while connecting you with others who share your interests.

Staying open to learning helps keep things interesting. It’s a chance to stretch your skills, discover new ideas and build confidence as you go. And sometimes, the simple act of trying something new is what keeps the spark alive.

Bobbie, a resident of Regents Point, a HumanGood community, is inspired by a love of learning. She channels her passion for learning into the resident-run Regents Point Education Fund, and she also teaches a weekly Bible class, is chairperson of the vespers committee and participates in book groups, the library committee and the trip committee.

“It’s so important to remain engaged as we age,” she says. “This setting allows for that completely.” 

Leverage the opportunities within a Life Plan Community.

Life Plan Communities have countless resources to help you rediscover and continue pursuing your passions. These communities are built to support your goals by offering countless opportunities to explore your interests, connect with others and make the most of your time.

Many Life Plan Communities offer a variety of clubs to help you fully engage with a new passion project or just try something new out. Shared spaces, gardens and fitness centers give you room to explore without the hassle of setup or cleanup. The best part? You’re surrounded by other friendly folks with similar interests who are also curious and eager to connect.

Thanks to the low-maintenance lifestyle — no more worrying about home repairs or chores — you have more time and energy to focus on what truly brings you joy. Whether you’re revisiting a lifelong hobby or discovering something completely new, Life Plan Communities give you the freedom and support to follow your curiosity and interests.

Tom and Mary, residents of The Terraces of Boise, know all too well the challenges of fitting in passion projects around household maintenance and chores. 

They say, “For years, we knew we wanted to be proactive about the next chapter in our lives. Our large house was more than we needed. We can now focus on what we want to do when we want to do it. It’s very freeing!”

Upon moving to The Terraces of Boise, Mary decided that a way to meet other residents and discover more passion projects was to get involved in the lifestyle committee and plan events, such as music performances, parties, and excursions to parks, wineries and museums. Mary also paints in the art room on campus and started a ukulele group. 

“We’ve always had an active lifestyle, but once we moved here, Tom and I found it difficult to balance all our interests in the greater Boise area combined with the amazing activities that The Terraces has to offer. And we are forever grateful for this challenge,” she says. 

Want to learn more about the residents of Life Plan Communities, their interests and how community living supports them? Read our guide, Just Who Lives in Those Places?