What do you do with your free time? What hobbies do you have? There’s a good chance that those hobbies require the internet or electricity. But what happens if the internet or electricity goes down or if a subscription lapses? In this article James, Somerset Member of Youth Parliament, looks at the benefits of traditional hobbies.
We are living in an age of gaming and social media. This means that as a society, we often disregard some traditional hobbies and games that children and adults have enjoyed for years. So why should we switch back to aged trends? What impact do traditional hobbies have on the UK economy? And which hobbies could we start?
It’s first necessary to consider how gaming and physical hobbies are sustainable. Firstly, the industry of gaming is worth over £7 billion. This has a substantial impact on the UK economy. However, because most of the major companies involved are global, the UK gaming industry doesn’t contribute many jobs, and so significant profits go abroad. Whereas, many traditional toy manufacturers are usually based in the UK, which means employing UK designers. Furthermore, firms like Dapol make some of their products in the UK, a decision that brings jobs to thousands of people. So overall, although the UK gaming industry is huge, it’s clear that jobs in the UK come from more traditional hobbies that require designing, manufacturing and maintaining.
Traditional hobbies are also extremely enjoyable. Rather than seeing a world through someone else’s eyes, physical hobbies give people the ability to make a world for themselves. Not only do they give young people critical thinking and teamwork skills, they give older people something to focus on that can’t be stopped due to a lapse of subscription or power cut.
In addition, many traditional hobbies are dying. Recently, there has been a huge decline in bird watching and knitting. Large companies make fabrics and binoculars for these hobbies. Although these may seem small and unnecessary, they are a vital part of regional economies. It takes a small walk down the high street to show several shops that exclusively supply these industries. Thousands of jobs will be lost in retail if we stop enjoying these hobbies.
To summarise this article, I’d like to spotlight one hobby in particular: model railway. For around 5 years, I’ve been building one, and have found it to be highly beneficial for both me and society. There are several manufacturers employing hundreds of people, as well as YouTubers and shop owners making money from this fantastic hobby. It’s also a great way for older people to connect with younger people. The model railway community is clearly very large, but sadly declining. For me, the hobby has given me creative art and critical thinking skills. Rather than watching a world through someone else’s eyes in a game, for example I can recreate scenes from the 1930s myself.
Mental health is an issue often mentioned in modern day society. I think that a great way to improve one’s mental health is to start a creative hobby such as model railway. In times of exam stress, I find great joy within the community.
To conclude, traditional hobbies are an amazing way to explore a multitude of skills, and improve mental health. They are inclusive, allowing all ages to bond over a mutual interest and enjoyment.
James
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
