The Happiness of Ageing – a case study about everyday activity, hobbies, and what truly matters.
An aging society raises important questions about the quality of life for older adults—especially in the context of social isolation and the search for meaning after the end of a professional career.
"Own elaboration of statistical data from the website https://stat.gov.pl/obszary-tematyczne/ludnosc/ludnosc/ludnosc-piramida
As a UX Researcher, I undertook a four-month-long project titled The Happiness of Ageing, aimed at understanding the needs and barriers of older adults in the context of social activity. I wanted to see the world through the eyes of seniors—both those who participate in clubs, classes, and workshops, and those who are hesitant to leave the house.
Instead of looking for a perfect activation program, I chose to explore what already works—and why. I sought to answer the question: What makes some seniors wake up with enthusiasm and go out into the world, while others—despite available activities—choose to stay at home?
Research Process.
For this study, I focused on qualitative methods that allowed me to immerse myself in the lived experiences of seniors.
>> I conducted ten in-depth individual interviews with people aged 65+, aiming to understand their daily routines, passions, relationships, and perceptions of activity.
>> Additionally, interviews with two experts who organize activities for older adults provided valuable insights into the existing initiatives and the challenges they face.
>> A key part of the process was observations with contextual interviews at two senior centers in Silesia, where I witnessed the interactions, atmosphere, and types of activities offered.
>> One of the observations took place at a senior's home and included contextual interviews, helping me understand the barriers related to leaving a safe, familiar space.
>> The research was complemented by an analysis of activity schedules created specifically for older adults.
Everyday Life, Brightened Up.
The interviews revealed something deeply human and beautiful: happiness doesn’t have to be spectacular.
For many participants, the greatest pleasure came from simple, shared moments—cooking together, doing crosswords as a group, storytelling over tea, painting small figurines, or learning a new song. These weren’t activities with big goals—they were meaningful micro-moments that gave structure to the day and connection to others.
For many participants, the greatest pleasure came from simple, shared moments—cooking together, doing crosswords as a group, storytelling over tea, painting small figurines, or learning a new song. These weren’t activities with big goals—they were meaningful micro-moments that gave structure to the day and connection to others.
What tied them together was hobby—something done for pleasure, without pressure. Something that gave satisfaction and the sense that the day had been “good.”
The study uncovered a rich landscape of needs and barriers. Seniors expressed a strong desire for social contact, the chance to learn and grow, the fulfillment that comes from pursuing hobbies and passions, and a need for daily structure—often lost after retirement.
Silence Instead of Buzz—When You Stay Home.
On the other hand, I identified significant barriers, such as the difficulty of developing new interests later in life, especially if passions were not discovered earlier. Getting used to a homely lifestyle and the associated reluctance to go out, as well as physical and health limitations, also posed significant challenges.
Those who didn’t take part in activities often said:
– “I never had a hobby. Back then, you just worked, and then there was no time.”
– “I’m more of a homebody. That’s just how I’ve always been.”
– “I never had a hobby. Back then, you just worked, and then there was no time.”
– “I’m more of a homebody. That’s just how I’ve always been.”
They didn’t lack access to activities—they lacked the habit of reaching for something new.
Many had also never experienced the idea that a hobby can be purely enjoyable, that one can do something just “for oneself”—without it being productive or necessary.
Many had also never experienced the idea that a hobby can be purely enjoyable, that one can do something just “for oneself”—without it being productive or necessary.
I noticed that change becomes harder with age—especially when a lifetime hasn’t included space for experimentation, freedom, or social connection beyond the family.
These aren’t “old-age problems”—they’re more often the absence of earlier opportunities to learn that it’s worth stepping out just to laugh or create something together.
These aren’t “old-age problems”—they’re more often the absence of earlier opportunities to learn that it’s worth stepping out just to laugh or create something together.
Not Every Senior Has Always Been Active. But Everyone Can Be.
One of the insights that resonated deeply with me was this: social activity among seniors often starts with a simple invitation. Someone said “Come with me,” someone took the first step.
That’s why it’s not only important what clubs and organizations offer—but how informal, pressure-free, and varied those activities are—so everyone can find something that fits their pace and comfort level.
It’s not about organizing spectacular programs, but about recognizing the potential of everyday moments—and making them shared.
It’s not about organizing spectacular programs, but about recognizing the potential of everyday moments—and making them shared.
A frequent concern among seniors before trying a new activity was the fear of not knowing anyone.
That’s why the presence of a familiar person—or comfortable, non-judgmental conditions—can significantly support senior engagement, especially since, as they put it, “at this age, we avoid stressful situations.”
That’s why the presence of a familiar person—or comfortable, non-judgmental conditions—can significantly support senior engagement, especially since, as they put it, “at this age, we avoid stressful situations.”
Results.
Creating protopersonas allowed me to synthesize the diverse needs and behaviors of older adults into clear, relatable models. These models not only deepened my understanding of users, but also made it easier to share insights in a way that supports further design, communication planning, and decision-making.
Sociable Wanda – the social animal
Empathetic and energetic, Wanda enjoys meeting new people, volunteering, and helping others.
She exercises daily to take care of herself and thrives on social belonging, being needed, and maintaining her independence.
She worries that returning to full-time childcare for her grandchildren might force her to give up her own activities.
She exercises daily to take care of herself and thrives on social belonging, being needed, and maintaining her independence.
She worries that returning to full-time childcare for her grandchildren might force her to give up her own activities.
Ambitious Krystyna – the success-oriented one
Focused on personal growth, Krystyna knows her worth, is confidently assertive, and likes to stay in control.
She seeks out activities that help her fulfill long-postponed dreams and enjoys progress, recognition, and a sense of achievement.
Her main concern is that her husband’s declining health might limit her ability to participate in things that bring her joy.
She seeks out activities that help her fulfill long-postponed dreams and enjoys progress, recognition, and a sense of achievement.
Her main concern is that her husband’s declining health might limit her ability to participate in things that bring her joy.
Quiet Henryk – the handy introvert
Reserved and thoughtful, Henryk has always enjoyed tinkering in his garage and solving problems on his own.
His greatest satisfaction comes from creating and repairing, preferably in small, quiet groups.
He’s beginning to worry about the tremors in his hands, which make detailed work more difficult.
His greatest satisfaction comes from creating and repairing, preferably in small, quiet groups.
He’s beginning to worry about the tremors in his hands, which make detailed work more difficult.
What I’ve Learned.
This project gave me more than just data and personas—it gave me a reflection on life. It helped me see the rhythms of daily experience and the things that might await us all in the future. One question stayed with me more than any other:
What kind of senior do I want to be?
If today I’m learning to stay open to new things, to build relationships, to nurture my hobbies—then I’m building anchors for myself for when more lonely days inevitably come. Because The Happiness of Ageing doesn’t start at retirement. It starts with nurturing openness and curiosity. It starts with the habits we choose—like having a hobby or maintaining meaningful relationships.
