What makes a “pensioner-style” lifestyle so attractive to younger generations? My theory is it’s the contrast to our usual overwhelming rush; the constant need to achieve something and prove ourselves. With age, the pace changes: you grow wiser, and stop running to prove your worth. Instead, you enjoy the world as it is and learn to contemplate. Sure, some habits seem odd – like waking up at 6 am to ride a tram or form a queue at the clinic, but beyond these quirks, there’s a lot we can learn from the older generations.
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Exercise your mind
For the seniors and old souls, it’s essential to keep your brain sharp. One of the most relaxing and non-competitive ways to do that is by solving crossword puzzles. In Russia, you’ll most often encounter Scandinavian crosswords (when the clues are embedded in the grid) and Sudoku puzzles (where you fill a 9x9 grid with digits).
Make it a digital detox hobby: no apps or websites, just a proper, tangible puzzle book. Buy one from a kiosk near a metro station or in a grocery store. Following the example of our grannies, you can solve it anywhere – at home, in the park, or on the train (if you want to look clever in front of others). And of course, it’s more fun with friends – after all, the collective brain works faster.
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Keep your hands busy
Meditation in the lotus pose isn’t common among Russian seniors, they burst with energy even when their health isn’t at its peak. That’s where hands-on hobbies come in. Babushkas, in particular, are natural pros at sewing, knitting, and stitching – sometimes all at once.
With their favorite TV soap opera playing in the background, they manage to dress the whole family and decorate their home and genuinely call it relaxation – and it really is! If you’d like to try it, but you have no granny to pass you the wisdom, no worries: there're plenty of tutorials online and ready-made kits on marketplaces that can help you style your items or create new ones. You can always turn it into a social activity: gather friends, learn together, and share your progress.
Play board games
No, our grandparents don’t usually spend their nights playing Catan or Alias; they stick to time-tested games that are gentler on the nerves but just as engaging. First, you’ve got chess and checkers – strategy classics that keep you thinking a few moves ahead. Some play them outdoors with neighbors, others at home with family, and nearly every household owns a board. Other staples are dominoes and card games like Durak. For larger groups, there’s always bingo, where all you need is a bit of luck and a sharp eye to mark the numbers – again, no pressure and no high stakes, just fun in good company!
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Escape the world in a sanatorium
The Russian idea of a sanatorium (санаторий) is different from the Western one. They aren't specialized hospitals, but rather spa resorts, located far from city noise, with a touch of medical supervision. Here, everyone follows a gentle routine: you get several meals a day, follow a personalized health schedule, and still have plenty of free time to rest. There’s no need to worry about cooking or planning – you simply focus on your well-being and reconnecting with nature. For some people it might sound boring and lack adventure, but it's perfect if your decision-making skills feel completely worn out!
Discover more hobby ideas for all ages with this hashtag.
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