Retirement is the time to relax and enjoy a slower pace, but you still need to remain active in order to stay healthy. Sir Isaac Newton said that a body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. The more often you get up and get moving instead of sitting on the sofa, the more likely you are to do the same again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.
If you’ve wondered how to stay active in retirement, here are tips to guide you:
Try out New Things
You’ve spent a lifetime acquiring favorite things such as hobbies and vacation destinations. But retirement doesn’t mean you should settle into the same old routine. Keep expanding your horizons, and you’ll continue to find new things to love.
Wells Fargo says taking on a new part-time job during retirement is one way to try something new while helping protect and preserve your savings. You’ll also meet new people, which can grow your social circle wider than it is today.
Get Different Kinds of Exercise
Exercise is important at any age, but it’s vital in retirement. You can choose to find an easy chair to relax in and prop your feet up for the next decade or two, or you can get up, get moving, and keep your bones, muscles, and your mind vibrant and strong.
Cardio exercise, such as taking brisk walks, is good for heart health and it doesn’t cost a penny. Weight training isn’t just for body builders; it supports muscle and bone health, which is especially important for women with a high risk of osteoperosis. And most exercise helps improve circulation, which benefits every part of your body from head to toe. Talk with your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Make Room for Friends
Susan Kraus Whitborne, Ph. D., says in the Psychology Today article, “Fulfillment at Any Age,” that friends can help keep your mind sharp, and help you live a longer life. Stay in touch with longtime friends, as these relationships help support you through difficult times and alleviate loneliness.
While friends you’ve known for years deserve a spot in your life after retirement, don’t be shy about making new friends. In the same vein as trying new things, making new friends helps you expand on your interests, learn new things, go new places, and gain support from new people.
Keep Your Mind Active
Your mind needs exercise as much as your body. Although you can’t exactly train your mind to do pushups, you can keep it sharp by challenging yourself regularly and staying engaged. But watching TV isn’t necessarily a challenge.
Reading, working puzzles, and taking college courses are ways to keep your mind stimulated and sharp. Try to never allow yourself to arrive at a point where there’s just nothing of interest for you to learn. Even gardening can be mentally stimulating when you try new varieties and techniques.
Staying active aligns with staying healthy, whether you’re 25 or 65. You can spend your retirement puttering around the house and never taking on anything new or interesting. Or you can strive to keep your body and your mind as healthy as they can be. It’s up to you.
If you’re up for the challenge of staying fit and sharp, all you have to do is take the first step; the rest will come easier every time you try. Get up and take a brisk walk. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Sign up for a class on a topic that interests you. Don’t shy away technology just because it’s new and seems intimidating.
Every effort you make to stay healthy and strong in retirement helps make these the best years of your life.
Make Sure You Can Pay for It All
A good financial plan for retirement can make it easier to stay active and healthy.
Know what you can afford to do and enjoy doing those things. Have you worked with a financial advisor? Studies show that financial advisors make retirees more confident about retirement. An online retirement calculator can also help you create a secure future for yourself.
