Over your adult years, you will have put the hours in at work, meaning now is the time to revel in the fruits of your labor. When retirement approaches, many people like the idea of taking a step back and taking things easy, whereas others want to explore the world, try out new hobbies, and live life to the full.
No matter what you’re interested in, your senior years should be full of happiness and joy, so here are ten steps to a happy and healthy retirement.
Put Your Needs First
Regardless of your age, your children and family will always come first. As you retire, the worries and concerns you have for your kids will never diminish; however, it’s time to put your needs first. If you’ve spent your whole life looking out for your children and doing what you can to help, now is the time to focus on yourself and do things that make you happy. Your senior years should be something to look forward to, rather than fear, so don’t be afraid to speak up and do the things that you want to do.
Assess Your Living Situation
If you’re soon to retire, it’s time to assess your living situation. The aging process is inevitable, and you may find your mobility declining as you get older. If this is the case, you may need a helping hand performing day to day duties like grocery shopping or getting in and out of bed. There may also come a time where you need to consider assisted living facilities like Brandywine Senior Living. While it can be hard to lose a piece of your independence, there are many hazards around the home that may put you in danger, which is why you should start to think about other accommodation options.
Take Up a Hobby
In your retirement years, no longer will you have to worry about waking up for work. With more time on your hands than ever before, finding something to pass the time and keep your brain stimulated is crucial. Therefore, taking up a hobby can be a fantastic way to keep you motivated. Whether you take up a sport, read a book, join a club, or get stuck into arts and crafts, make sure you find something that captures your interest.
Travel
If you have the money to do so and don’t like the idea of staying in the same four walls, broadening your horizons and traveling the world during your retirement can be a great way to keep and feel young. Whether you head to another state or venture overseas, soaking up new cultures and meeting new people can help boost cognitive function and improve mobility.
Regular Exercise
As you enter your senior years and retirement, getting from A to B may be more of a struggle. Keeping on your feet and staying active is critical for your mental and physical health, which is why regular exercise should be top of your list. No one is saying you have to go to the gym and perform a high-intensity workout. Instead, there are low-impact exercises that can keep your joints and bones lubricated, including swimming and walking.
Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Thanks to technology, there are all sorts of ways you can keep in contact with your loved ones. If you decide to travel during your retirement, or relocate, video conferencing platforms like Zoom will help you feel as though you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from your nearest and dearest. Connecting with your friends and family will not only benefit you, but it’ll give them peace of mind that you’re doing okay. If you are hard of hearing make sure you have your hearing aids on because sometimes the connection and audio can get a little hazy.
Volunteer
Improved communication, better thinking, and lower blood pressure are just a few of the health benefits you can gain from volunteering during retirement. If you have good mobility and want to help your local community, finding a cause that you’re passionate about and offering your time and services can be a great opportunity to socialize with others and make a real impact. Some people who retire find it difficult to give up work completely, so if this sounds like you, volunteering can be the next best thing and provide flexibility.
Maintain a Routine
During your retirement years, keeping a routine and maintaining consistency is key for good health. Whether it’s going to sleep and waking up at the same time, allocating time for relaxation, or finding room to spend time with loved ones, having a routine can help you manage everyday tasks. Also, as your mental and physical health begins to decline, having a schedule to adhere to will give you a sense of independence and control.
Reduce Stress Levels
As you get older, you may begin to worry about the future, which can take a huge toll on your health. If you have high-stress levels, functioning in day-to-day life may be a challenge. There are lots of relaxation techniques that can slow down your heart rate, help you feel calmer, and clear your mind. Yoga and meditation are proven to benefit your emotional and physical health, by lowering your blood pressure, controlling anxiety, and potentially reducing age-related memory loss.
Get Outdoors
Many seniors dread the idea of being cooped up inside for hours on end. If you share the same sentiment, getting outside and immersing yourself in nature can be a great stress buster and keep you happy and healthy. Whether you go for a walk around the neighborhood, head to your local park, or meet up with friends, being outside and getting fresh air in your lungs can benefit you enormously. What’s more, being under the sun will top up your vitamin D levels.
If your retirement is approaching, getting everything in order and putting your health and wellbeing before anything else is important. There are lots of minor lifestyle changes you can make during your senior years that can help you enjoy a happy and healthy retirement.
2018 ·