HEALTH
Maintaining good health is important for every one of all ages. With robust health, energy and mobility, you are free physically to pick virtually any activity or lifestyle you could dream of. Keeping healthy in your retirement is simple. There is no need to recommend any special diet secrets or exercise plans. Simply maintain a balanced diet, exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time, avoid too much stress, get enough sleep and schedule regular medical check-ups. With this routine and lifestyle you are well on your way to keeping great health.
Age is no barrier to great physical accomplishments. 98 year old Fauja Singh from England has completed seven marathons – including five London marathons. Do you know what age he decided to take up running? At the youthful age of 89 years old Fauja took up long distance running to give himself a new purpose and challenge in life. He even appeared in an Adidas advert with David Beckham a few years go, donating the appearance fees to charity.
The Guinness World Records lists the oldest man to complete a marathon is Greek runner, Dimitron Yordanidis, who completed the Athens marathon in 1976 in seven hours, thirty-three minutes at the age of 98.
The oldest woman was Jenny Wood-Allen who completed the London Marathon in 2002 at the age of 90. Jenny took eleven hours, thirty-four minutes.
Of course, you do not have to run marathons. Pick any exercise that sufficiently raises your heartbeat and keeps your limbs moving.
I strongly encourage to you to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ by picking an exercise routine that also combines a social activity. Ballroom dancing is considered one of the best physical and social activities for senior citizens. You meet people, have a laugh, stretch your limbs, exercise your brain by remembering routines and can derive great satisfaction from the end result.
TAKE UP VOLUNTARY OR PART-TIME WORK
It is a natural human desire to seek a positive sense of self-worth and purpose. A job can often provide this sense of identity, purpose and daily routine.
It is not uncommon for those new and active retirees to feel a deep sense of loss, lack of motivation and even mild depression when they finish working.
Part-time and/or voluntary work might be the best replacement for this void. Many organizations and groups are staffed with retired employees whose work principles, experience and reliability are very much appreciated and respected.
In addition, performing voluntary work may provide enormous spiritual rewards and satisfaction.
There are several ways of seeking out this kind of work. The internet is one of the best resources. Simply do a Google search for volunteering organizations in your area.
My 70 year old mother found her part-time job by walking along the high street and seeing a sign in the window. The job advertised was a full-time position but they agreed to turn it into a job share. A new mom takes the morning slot and my mother works the afternoons.
GO BACK TO SCHOOL
My retired family doctor and his wife are in their nineties and they are just about to complete their third diploma course since retiring. They are currently studying geography which involves field trips up mountains and around lakes with fellow students who are 70 plus years younger
Courses at local community colleges are usually reasonably priced, even free or highly subsidized by the government. Your local library, higher education college, or again, the internet can be a great source for further information.
GET ONLINE
I have mentioned using the internet as a research tool several times in this article. Learning how to use the internet is relatively simple. Many community colleges offer beginner courses. These days, the price of computers and internet access is getting cheaper. In addition, there are many libraries and coffee shops which offer free internet access so it is easier and easier to get online.
The internet can be a fantastic tool for entertainment, information, socialising and education. News from all parts of the world, videos, music and books are all just a click away. Not to mention the chance to keep up regularly with your family and other loved ones who may live too far away for frequent face-to-face contact.
As an active retirement resource, the internet is second to none. There are a slew of websites, forums, discussion groups and blogs dedicated to active retirement with tips on retirement planning, offers and activities.
There are even ways of earning additional income online too such as online auctions and paid surveys.
Life after retirement is not about age, it about your emotional, physical and mental state. So shun away your worries about growing old, seize retirement with both hands and let your brand new life begin.