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Learning a Musical Instrument After 50
Trivia: Who wrote the novel Beloved (Pulitzer Prize winner, 1988)?
RetireHub
October 25, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on Learning a Musical Instrument After 50, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🛏️ 27% OFF – Heated Electric Blanket (Queen Size, 10 Heat Levels, Auto Shut-Off)
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: June V. Bourgo After Sydney Grey returns to her quaint hometown of Stoney Creek and begins renovations on her childhood farm, she discovers a set of journals written by her mother. Presumed to have abandoned her family 20 years ago, a long-hidden secret about her mother is uncovered. Aided by her grandmother who returns to the farm, Sydney must rely on her instincts to uncover the mystery. But do they have enough clues to unravel the truth about her mother’s disappearance? |
On this day in 1415, the English army led by Henry V achieved a stunning victory over the French at the Battle of Agincourt—despite being heavily outnumbered. The triumph was attributed in part to the skill and reach of English longbowmen, which helped overcome the armored French forces on the muddy field of northern France. This battle is still remembered as a remarkable underdog achievement and a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.
Learning a Musical Instrument After 50: It’s Never Too Late to Play
Many people assume that learning a musical instrument is a childhood endeavor—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, picking up a new instrument after 50 is not only possible, it can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you've always dreamed of playing piano, want to revisit the saxophone from your high school days, or you're simply curious about strumming a few chords on a ukulele, music has the power to enrich your life at any age.
Benefits for the Brain and Body
Playing an instrument is like a full-body workout for your brain. Studies have shown that musical training improves memory, sharpens motor skills, enhances focus, and even boosts mood by triggering feel-good chemicals like dopamine. For older adults, engaging with music can help slow cognitive decline, reduce stress, and foster emotional expression in a uniquely joyful way.
The Joy of Lifelong Learning
One of the greatest gifts of midlife and beyond is the freedom to pursue personal passions without the pressure of perfection. Learning an instrument in your 50s, 60s, or 70s can be a liberating experience—you’re doing it for you. No recitals, no grades, just the thrill of progress and the soothing ritual of practice. Whether you choose private lessons, YouTube tutorials, or local music groups, the pace is yours to set.
Community and Connection
Music also opens doors to community. Many cities offer adult beginner classes, jam sessions, or choirs where you can connect with others and share your growing skills. Even virtual options—like online ensembles or video duet collaborations—can create a sense of belonging. It's not just about playing notes; it's about being part of something bigger.
Tips to Get Started
Choose an instrument that fits your lifestyle. (Piano, guitar, and ukulele are great starters.)
Start small—15 minutes of practice a day goes a long way.
Be patient with yourself. Progress takes time and consistency.
Celebrate the small wins—your first song, a clean note, a steady rhythm.
No matter your starting point, it’s never too late to find joy, challenge, and creativity through music. You might even surprise yourself with how much fun you have along the way.
If you were to pick up a new instrument today, which would it be? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Have you ever seen the Northern Lights?
The vast majority of respondents—75%—haven’t yet seen the Northern Lights but would love to. That sense of wonder is still alive and glowing! Meanwhile, 19% of lucky viewers said it was spectacular, while a small portion (just 2%) found it underwhelming. A few (4%) weren’t interested, but the dream of catching that celestial display clearly burns bright for most.
TOP COMMENTS
“I am very excited to learn more about where I can see the Northern Lights from, especially in the United States.”
“Not a bucket list item but i'm all in for seeing a natural wonder of our world.”
“I live in western Idaho and had the opportunity to see them last year. This is not a common event and it took my breath away.”
“I was maybe 6 or 7 years old in suburban Philadelphia. My parents, sister, and I were crowded on the back balcony observing them. This was the only time I ever saw them.”
“Being in the Southeast corner of Iowa and not likely to be awake during the time to watch, I figure it's not likely that I'll ever see them.”
“I grew up in Alaska and lived there again from 2010 to 2013, but I never saw the northern lights. Not sure why. Guess I never looked up at the sky at night.”
“Some 50 yrs. ago a few of us were sitting outside just talking. We got up to leave and there it was. The sky was a spectacle of moving colors. It was almost as if rainbows had melted into something magical. How lucky were we.”
“We where in Northeast Wisconsin they were beautiful and lasted a couple of hours.”
Starting the Caregiving Journey: What Nobody Really Talks About
When you step into the role of caregiver, it’s often with love and a strong “I can do this” spirit—but that doesn’t mean you’re prepared for everything ahead. The article gently reminds us that while helping someone we care about is fulfilling, the emotional and physical workload can feel overwhelming—especially when expectations don’t match reality. One major lesson: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self‑care—sleep, nutrition, exercise, and your own emotional check‑ins—isn’t a luxury, it’s essential to being the caregiver you intend to be. Another revelation is how many skills show up unannounced: coordinating care, asking for help, managing feelings of constant worry, and navigating rare moments of joy amid difficulty. The author emphasizes that the roadmap won’t be smooth—but the strength, connections, and self‑discovery gained along the way can be transformative.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Joy jolt
Meaning: A joy jolt is a sudden, unexpected burst of happiness or delight—often sparked by something small, simple, and meaningful. It’s the emotional equivalent of a shot of espresso for the soul, giving you a quick lift and reminding you that joy is still alive in the everyday.
In a sentence: “Clarice got a real joy jolt this morning when her granddaughter sent a surprise video of the baby taking her first steps—it was just the boost she needed to start her day with a smile.”
Good News of the Day
From Hidden to Home: Stray Cat Survives Two Years in Abandoned Bathroom and Finds Rescue
In a remarkable rescue story, a long-haired cat named Tara Nova was found after surviving for two years in a derelict bathroom in Abu Dhabi, where she had been spotted feeding stray cats and hiding beneath metal sheets. A dedicated rescuer made daily 90‑minute drives over several weeks to establish trust, feed the frightened cat, and eventually coax her into safety. After receiving veterinary care—including vaccinations and treatment for fleas and worms—Tara Nova is now awaiting relocation to a loving home in the UK. The story, organizers say, reflects how rescue often begins simply with someone choosing to notice rather than walk past.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Including overseas territories, which country spans the most time zones? |
What is the largest fish species on Earth? |
Who wrote the novel Beloved (Pulitzer Prize winner, 1988)? |
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