I'd think that one of the advantages of getting older is to be freedom from the tyranny of other people's opinions. I'm very fortunate that I escaped that prison at the ripe old age of ten.

People ask questions to be sociable and could care less about the answers we give. They're usually more interested in telling you about their weekend than they are in hearing about yours.

If their opinion matters so much that you're afraid to be honest, you could say that you spent time doing cognitive exercises to improve and preserve your mind or that you spent time on some hobbies. If you can't be honest with these people, how important are they anyway?