For most of us the word retirement means a life of leisure and peace. After working hard for decades, meeting responsibilities towards family and securing the future of those who depend on us, it is time for us to actually live for ourselves, indulge in leisurely activities, live those unfulfilled dreams and spend time with our loved ones. It is that beautiful phase in life when time is on your side and you are far from the daily grind.
However, retirement can be a bane if you are not mindful of your health. Old age inevitably brings health problems and it’s important you take good care of health to enjoy life to the fullest.
Here are 10 useful tips for a healthy and peaceful retired life:
1. Exercise
Do not forget to follow your fitness regime. It is critical that you take extra care of your health. Go for morning walks or jogging at the park, hit the gym if you will, go swimming, join yoga classes, or do other physical activities that suit your body. Consult your trainer and/or doctor to plan your fitness schedule. Exercise keeps your body in good shape and mind in good spirit.
2. Monitor your health
Do not forget to monitor your health. Regularly go for health check-ups. Old age means you have to visit your family physician more often even if you are physically fit. It is essential to keep a tab on your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, weight and other important health parameters. It is recommended you go for a full body check-up at least once in a year during your retired life.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Old age is when you closely monitor what you consume. Consult your dietician for a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid fast foods and other foods that are high in protein or carbohydrates. Eat high-fiber foods, lots of green vegetables and fruits. Consume lots of water. Maintain high levels of hygiene as during old age immunity is low and our bodies are more prone to infections.
4. Stop smoking and cut back on alcohol
Smoking damages the heart. It raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels; it also promotes the build-up of fatty plaque in arteries and lowers levels of “good” cholesterol. Alcohol damages the liver; consumption of alcohol can create multiple health problems and ultimately lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
5. Take up a part time job
If you have been a workaholic throughout your career, you may just find it difficult to sit at home for the entire day. If health permits, take up a part time job or start writing for a local publication or start a small business. This will not only keep you busy but also help you remain active and keep you rejuvenated. It also helps you earn some extra money.
6. Pursue your hobbies
Retired life gives you the opportunity to purse your hobbies which you might have put in the back burner during your working days. So be it painting, reading, or gardening for that matter, this is a great time to go for it!
7. Volunteer
If you wanted to support any noble cause in your lifetime, now is the time to do it. Join a NGO or club that supports social initiatives and causes that are closer to your heart and contribute actively.
8. Look after your grandchildren
Babysitting grandchildren is the single most blissful experience for the grandparents. Not to mention, the grandchildren too are quite excited to have their grandparents dropping them to school, attending their class programs, trips, recitals or helping them with their homework.
9. Create Wonderful Memories
This is a wonderful time to spend time with your spouse and relive those golden memories of the yesteryears. Take your spouse out for an occasional lunch, go for a picnic, go for a pilgrimage trip together. In fact, this is a great time to catch up with old friends as well.
10. Happiness above all
Make sure you are at peace with yourself. If your mind is under stress, your body will start reflecting that. Try to be happy and cheerful. Join a laughing club. Remember the old adage: Laughter is the best medicine! You can also read good books and concentrate more on religious activities.
Do not forget you have retired from your job, not from your life! Make good use of your time. Indeed, a good, retired life is one when you realize that you never get a day off; you are always busy doing things you love!
Being healthy is an important part of a happy retirement, so having the right insurance will give you the peace of mind to get you there. Read this next to know how to get the coverage you need: The One Thing You Must Know About Medicare Supplement Insurance
By David Lasman – “Ask Medicare Dave” | President – Senior Healthcare Team
wwww.SeniorHealthcareTeam.com | 866-333-7340
Selecting the right healthcare plan through Medicare can be overwhelming and downright stressful. Senior Healthcare Team is a nationwide resource that provides guidance and support about Medicare to seniors at no cost to them and helps them to choose the most suitable insurance plan tailored to their specific needs and budget. Our goal is to educate and empower our clients to make the best decisions regarding their healthcare and clear up the confusion of Medicare. At Senior Healthcare Team, we aren’t partial to any one insurance company. Our loyalty is to our clients and our mission is to provide them with the best healthcare options at the very lowest cost.