Why Lifelong Hobbies Matter: Mark’s Love of Model Trains
Discover how lifelong hobbies can support connection, memories and wellbeing in later life through Mark’s much-loved model railway collection.
The things we enjoy throughout our lives can become an important part of who we are. A favourite hobby can hold memories, create opportunities for conversation and give us something meaningful to continue enjoying as we grow older. For our client, Mark, that lifelong interest is model trains.
During visits with his Care Professional, Subash, Mark often shares the stories behind his impressive collection. What began with one very special childhood present has developed into a passion that has lasted for decades.
A childhood gift that started a lifelong interest
Mark’s love of trains began when he was around eight years old, during the Second World War. His stepfather gave him a Hornby clockwork train set at a time when shortages meant toys like this could be difficult to obtain, making it an especially memorable gift.
Many years later, Mark can still recall that first train and the excitement it brought him. Since then, his collection has grown considerably, with each model carrying its own history. Mark particularly enjoys explaining the trains, how they work and the stories behind them, and one of his favourites is a 1922 King George V, which holds a special place within the collection.
His interest has extended beyond collecting trains too. Mark has created miniature railway tracks in his garden and has spent considerable time maintaining and repairing them himself.
As Subash explains: “During our visits, Mark often shows me his trains and talks me through their history. It is lovely to see how something that captured his imagination as a young boy continues to give him so much enjoyment today.”
More than simply a hobby
Hobbies can become intertwined with memories of particular people, places and stages of life. For Mark, talking about his railway collection can lead naturally to stories about childhood, family and experiences stretching back many decades. That opportunity to talk, remember and share knowledge is valuable in itself.
Age UK encourages older people to continue with existing interests or revisit hobbies they have enjoyed in the past, as activities and shared interests can provide enjoyment while also creating opportunities to stay socially connected.
Importantly, there does not have to come a point when someone simply becomes “too old” for the things they have always loved. Sometimes a little practical support or companionship can make it easier to continue them.
Supporting the person, not just the practicalities
Good home care is often associated with practical support such as preparing meals, helping around the home or accompanying someone to appointments. Those things matter, but knowing the person behind the care is important too.
At Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley, care is built around the individual, including their routines, interests and preferences. That can mean having time for conversation, supporting someone to continue familiar activities or simply showing a genuine interest in the things that matter most to them.
For one person, that might mean gardening, music or cooking. For another, it could be following a favourite sports team, visiting somewhere familiar or, as in Mark’s case, spending time with a treasured railway collection. These interests can tell us an enormous amount about somebody and can help care feel more personal and meaningful.
For Subash, listening to Mark describe his trains has provided a window into a lifetime of experiences. That first Hornby train was given to a young boy during the uncertainty of wartime Britain, and decades later it remains the beginning of a story Mark is still enjoying.
Perhaps that is one of the loveliest things about a lifelong hobby: it does not simply remind us of who we were. It remains part of who we are today.
If you are exploring home care or companionship care for yourself or a relative, Home Instead Marlborough & Test Valley can provide personalised support built around the individual’s routines, interests and preferences.
Talk to our friendly team today to find out more.