Wise And Healthy Aging After Retirement

| Thursday, September 27, 2012
By Casandra Newton


They say that with age comes wisdom. Many of us have said goodbye to our forties and fifties, finished raising our children, and are looking forward to retirement. Retiring from years of hard work is a welcome event to most people. It can also become one that brings about a sense of loss, feelings of needlessness, and at times laziness. Here are a few tips for wise and healthy aging after retirement.

The first month after retirement can set the precedent for the future. Remember, we have retired from the job, not from life. Here is how to avoid falling into a rut caused by negative thinking. Do not consider this a vacation. Two weeks is all that should be considered vacation time (unless of course a trip abroad or similar excursion is on the agenda). Within that time period people may do what ever they please, just as they did when punching the clock. After the two weeks are up, it is time to get back to work... The work of living.

Make it a habit and a hobby to eat foods that promote good health. In order to keep weight under control, consider vegetables to be at the top of the food pyramid. Make sure food is colorful and attractive as well as loaded with nutrition. A rule of thumb adopted from Japanese culture suggests "five colors on the plate". Consider brightly colored fruits and veggies like blueberries, tomatoes, yams, spinach, etc. These are most often chuck full of nutritional value, fiber, and general goodness. Eat the best carbs, like oatmeal, whole grain bread, and brown rice.

Plan the vegetable garden right away. Even if it is November, this will be a fantastic project that will be ready to go as soon as spring rolls around. It is not necessary to plant an elaborate spread. This may be impossible for some who suffer with arthritis and other somewhat limiting ailments. Try a container garden or just a small patch. Definitely consider including family and community members. Gardening is a great bonding experience that has the ability to bridge the generation gap between all age groups.

Water, water everywhere... Drink it. As we age we are more susceptible to dehydration. In fact, once a person feels thirsty their body is already becoming dehydrated. Water is absolutely necessary not only for hydration, but also for good physical and mental health. Be sure to drink enough every day.

Move it or lose it. Keep moving in order to stay in shape and keep boredom from setting in. There is never a good reason to be bored at any age. Join the senior center, take a dance class, or take up bowling. Whatever it is, keep moving. This keeps the body in better shape, keeps us young, and keeps the endorphins flowing. Endorphins make us feel good.

After retirement, many of us have the need to readjust our budgets. Set aside two days a month, one at the start and one in the middle of the month, to go over the bills and the checkbook to make sure everything is in order. Be frugal. After all, after more than half a century on this planet, there are not many trinkets we need. Spend what is necessary and tuck the rest away for a "rainy day", to buy something special, or maybe to take a vacation.

Remember, retirement means rest, not over and done. Take time to eat well and have a good time. Wise and healthy aging after retirement allows people to enjoy life to the fullest.




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1 comments:

Cara said...

Life after retirement should be considered to be another stage of living productively, as we have more time on our hands. This should not be a reason for being idle. The retirement years should be spent productively and blissfully. Choosing your retirement home before retiring is an excellent idea. It can help you make the ample preparations that you need before settling in a place where you want to relax and live for the rest of your life.


Cara Larose

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