Retirement used to be viewed as the time to just sit back, relax and enjoy your “golden” years. When most people think of retirement, they imagine themselves traveling, visiting loved ones, having fun and filling their days with fun activities like fishing, reading, watching movies, quilting, drawing, etc. However, having fun is only one part of the puzzle for achieving health, happiness and longevity. The other part is staying active.
Today, as people live longer, it’s important that they stay mentally and physically alert. The best way to do this is get and stay active. Here are some tips to make the most of your new status:
- Change your thoughts – change your life. When you hear the word “active” is your first thought sit-ups and treadmills? The first tip for is about the importance of having an active brain. While the brain is not officially a muscle, scientists have discovered we can strengthen our brain by exercising it by reading, solving puzzles and learning a new skill or subject. Just because you’re older, doesn’t mean that you’re too old for school. You can even take college courses on-line at no charge through sites such as https://www.edx.org. There are many other similar sites offering hundreds of courses ranging from marketing to philosophy. Even Harvard University offers free courses through their website.
- Let’s address your active body You don’t have to climb a mountain or run a marathon. At least, not right away. Before you make any change in your physical routine be sure to check with a health care provider. The insightful, experienced nurses at http://thenursesguild.com/ can provide a tremendous support system as you get your heart pumping. They can help you develop a health action plan that includes physical and occupational therapy, bone density testing, and more. As you’ll discover, there are many ways to exercise your body without boredom. Give it a try!
- Exercise your sense of humor. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it certainly makes a positive impact on your mood and the way you interact with others. Funny YouTube videos, classic comedy movies, and shared laughter with friends can boost your immune system.
- Build strong relationships. When we leave our jobs, we often leave behind friends who, over the years, have become like family. Sometimes those relationships are not the same when we don’t see each other by the water cooler or at meetings. Find new friends through your place of worship, your apartment building, through shared interests and activities such as book clubs, or social groups.
- When you volunteer, you make a difference; Find an area that calls to you and join in. Tutor a child through your school system. Help an adult learn the joy of reading through your local literacy council. You have skills and experience that can change lives of people waiting for someone just like you. In return, volunteering can change yours.
No matter which way, or combination of ways, you choose to be active it is important to be intentional and consistent. It may be a cliché, but it is true nonetheless, “It’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years.” May yours be rich and full and amazingly active.