How to Make the Most of Life in Retirement

Senior Tips  |  May 17, 2021

4 minute read

Retirement life is supposed to be a peaceful time we all look forward to enjoying. After all, you have come on an incredible journey, spanning decades of time and effort. You have lived your life to its fullest – or so people think. But what few of us understand is that this is not the ending; it is merely another chapter in the book. Most people think that retirement means survival, or just living out life until Kingdom Come. Well, if you believe that this is what you deserve, then this can be your reality. But there is so much more to do and so many opportunities for you to grasp, and we want you to realize just how empowered you are in your ability to achieve these goals.

There is so much that you can experience in your golden years. Understandably, it is common to expect some challenges along the way, but where there is a will there is a way. You may live a stress-free life and enjoy these times by minding the following rules:

1. Take Care of Your Health

Health has to be your main priority, especially during your golden years. Your body has reached a certain stage where in it isn’t as flexible, durable, fast, and strong as it was before. Preventive maintenance is key, so look into light physical activity that won’t stress your body, such as walking, hiking, bocce, golf, gardening, fishing, etc. Moreover, make time to regularly see your doctor to go over your fitness goals and overall health.

2. Quit any Bad Habits

We all have a bad habit or two (Admittedly, some of us keep quite the collection). And as the old adage goes, there is no time like the present. Quitting a bad habit and adopting a good habit is instrumental in our overall health. Just decide, commit, keep it up for a few weeks, and then you will succeed. Because eventually we all reach a stage when our bodies cannot cope with our old habits, and we will need to bring about some new changes. Smoking, drinking, and a couch-potato lifestyle would be a few examples of some bad habits that health care providers recommend that we minimize or even stop entirely, particularly when we reach a certain age. If you take care of your body you might be surprised at how effectively it will reward you with the motivation and energy to lead a longer and better life.

3. Keep Track of Your Nutrition

Nutrition is another important factor. You can’t stick to an unhealthy diet anymore – It is recommended that you eat fresh fruit and vegetables as much as is possible, stay well-hydrated, substitute processed food with some light cooking, and learn a few new recipes along the way. Remember to consult a nutritionist and your doctor for more resources.

4. Spend Time With Friends and Family

There’s not enough time; that’s what we’ve been saying to ourselves all these years to justify how long it’s been since we’ve enjoyed the company of our family and friends. So now is your time embrace those you hold dear, to chat up old friends and revel in the delight of family.  In fact, we recommend you take it a step farther and make new friends: adopt a pet; get to know your neighbours; and meet like-minded folk at the park, during a hike, or during a game of bocce! This Covid-19 pandemic has forced many of us to use alternative ways of staying connected from far away. Make it a good habit and use technology to connect with your friends and family every week. Celebrate every occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or even groundhog day!

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Feeling lonely, helpless, or bored can lead to depression. Today, more than ever before, we must remain active and proactively socialize with friends, family, and community. Share your thoughts on how you feel and what can be done. You are worth more to others than you may think.

6. Join an Organization or Support Group

Join a community where you meet new people and collectively engage in an activity. Socialization and accomplishment are hard-wired into our DNA, so getting to know people and learning new things is invaluable. Join a book club or take a painting class, and showcase your talent. Or join a human rights organization and become an advocate. There are so many groups and clubs out there to choose from.

7. Exercise

The word that strikes fear in the hearts of the brave – but it does not need to be scary. Forget the Ironman triathlon if that’s not your cup of tea, and instead opt for something light like a stretch, walk, hike, yoga, tai chi, swimming, canoeing, etc. The hardest part is getting out the door, but once you’ve done that then the world becomes your playground.

Comfort Keepers Helps

Comfort Keepers senior care of Kitchener and Waterloo has been helping seniors lead healthy, active, and enjoyable lifestyles for over two decades in North America.

We understand the challenges of the golden years, we know what our seniors are capable of achieving, and we offer companionship and care that helps empower seniors to sustain their autonomy, maintain good health, and enjoy their time in retirement.

Our trained caregivers provide the companionship that is needed. Someone who can sit with you, spend time with you, listen to you, and understand your needs. They can make your day-to-day life easier and help you make the most of your time. We help you realize that being a senior is worth more than you think, and help render it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At Comfort Keepers Kitchener and Waterloo senior care we can help you achieve your day-to-day activities so that you can focus on the things that matter. We help our clients by elevating the human spirit. Call us today for more information on how we can serve your needs.

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