I sing, I dance, I travel – hobbies as an area of activity and informal education for individuals aged 60 and over

Abstract

The article discusses hobbies as one of the fundamental areas of activity and informal education for individuals aged 60 and over. The background for the analyses conducted is the concept of lifelong learning, introduced in the opening section of the study, and further supplemented by sociological interpretations of lifestyle. The empirical basis for the conclusions is provided by qualitative panel studies conducted in 2024 and 2025 among residents of Lubuskie Voivodeship aged 60 and over.

The main focus of the discussion revolves around the respondents’ diverse passions and interests, which –alongside their professional careers and domestic and family responsibilities – constitute a significant part of their everyday lives and form a platform for continuous development. They may also be conceptualized as one of the key determinants of lifestyle. The author, quoting excerpts from the respondents’ statements, concentrates on those activities defined by them as hobbies, during which- outside the formal education system, and not always intentionally or consciously -they enhance their competencies and acquire knowledge and new skills. Moreover, they bring the idea of lifelong learning to life and often express their resistance to being categorized as seniors withdrawn from active life. This conclusion is supported by the participants’ high level of engagement in their hobbies, the emotions that accompany them, and their clearly pro-educational orientation. This leads to the conclusion that the need for learning and broadly understood activity constitutes one of the most important psychological and social needs of individuals, regardless of age, and it can be (and it is) successfully fulfilled – also through leisure-time activities that are not driven by obligation.