One of the greatest threats to people over 60—especially those who have newly retired is the feeling of becoming useless, unwanted, or no longer needed. After spending decades pursuing a career, raising a family, or running a business, retirement can bring an unexpected sense of loss and uncertainty. Waking up the day after retiring can feel disconcerting if there’s no clear purpose or structure to replace what once filled daily life.
This is where hobbies can become a true lifesaver, offering a renewed sense of meaning and fulfillment without the demands, pressure, or stress of deadlines. Whether it’s gardening, painting, collecting, fitness, or learning something new, pursuing hobbies benefits both the mind and body. They help maintain mental sharpness, encourage social connection, reduce stress, and provide something to look forward to each day. In many ways, hobbies can transform retirement from an ending into the beginning of a rewarding new chapter.
But hobbies are not just for retirees. In our increasingly busy lives, it’s both helpful and healthful to have something enjoyable and worthwhile that brings us joy. Hobbies not only break the monotony and pressures of everyday life, but also allow us to do something purely for our own pleasure, fulfillment, and well-being. Whether creative, physical, social, or restorative, hobbies can restore balance, reduce stress, and enrich our lives at any age.
To share, I have recently discovered that it’s possible to own Thoroughbred horses through syndications. Horse syndication is a way for multiple people to co-own a racehorse by buying shares in it and sharing all the expenses (for 5%, 10%, 25% ownership). It’s an exciting and affordable way to enjoy the thrill of racehorse ownership without the enormous cost of owning a horse outright. Currently, I have ten racehorses in the UK and four in Australia. When I was a boy, I love watching karera (horse racing) on TV (held in San Lazaro Hippodrome and Sta. Ana racetrack) after placing my one peso bet with the illegal bookies in Quiapo.
What makes horse syndication especially rewarding is the strong sense of community it creates by meeting like-minded people from all walks of life. It opens the door for me to travel to more countries and visit different racecourses, racing events, and stud farms around the world. This is truly a hobby that combines excitement, companionship, and adventure. Sadly, our local horse racing scene is nowhere near as popular as in other countries like the UK, US, Australia, or even Hong Kong and Japan. But that’s another story.
What hobbies do you have? Share your story by emailing me (with photos), and if it’s good, I’ll include it in our future issues. Cheers!
Best of health,
romy@healthyoptions.com.ph
