3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Retirement
| 3 min read
You’ve waited your whole life for retirement—now it’s time to enjoy it! But while you’ve probably planned financially for your post-working years, you might not have thought about how you’re actually going to adjust to your new lifestyle. The key to living life to the fullest after retirement is to shift your focus to something new—a hobby, charity, friends or travel—and having a daily routine.
Why bother with a routine? Studies show that six in 10 retirees report a decline in health after retirement, which is why it is so important to stay active. We’ve gathered a few ideas to help you create a new and healthy daily routine:
- Have a nutritious breakfast. Weekday breakfasts used to be a rushed energy bar on your way out the door. Now you have time to sit down and enjoy a healthy meal in the morning. If you’re an early riser, have a filling breakfast you enjoy. Breakfast gives you the energy you need to start the day and jump-starts your metabolism. Adults who regularly eat a balanced breakfast have better control of their weight, eat less fat and cholesterol and eat more vitamins and minerals.
- Come up with fitness goals. A good way to ease into retirement is to stay physically active. The benefits of staying physically active are endless—including reduced anxiety and depression, decreased blood pressure, healthy bones, joints and muscles, and decreased risk of heart disease. Setting fitness goals can be the extra boost of motivation you need to make your health a priority. A fun way to do this is to partner up with other recently retired friends. Scheduling activities together such as daily walks, bike rides, water aerobics or tennis lessons will help you stay accountable.
- Schedule plans with friends. Studies show that older adults who are highly social have a 70 percent lower rate of cognitive decline than adults who are much less social. That’s why incorporating friends into a daily routine is key. If you’re a book worm, plan a weekly book club. Having a book club to discuss the books you read will keep you sharp and open your mind to new cultures and ideas. If card playing is more up your alley, then plan a night to invite friends over to play.
In addition to making sure you stay socially connected and physically active, you’ll also want to make sure you’re on top of your health care. Make sure you have the right health insurance for your individual needs so that it’s easy to keep on top of your health.
How do you plan to enjoy retirement? Let us know in the comments below! And if you are retiring soon, these blogs can help you make the transition:
Photo credit: ccarlstead
