Things get harder to do as you get older. Muscles and joints hurt more, you run out of puff earlier, and you don’t always remember things as easily as you did in the past.
Staying connected with friends isn’t always easy either. People retire, become ill, shift away. The older you get, the more people you inevitably lose.
Despite this, the happiest retirees remain physically and socially active.
Regular exercise and staying social can have a big effect on your health as you age, maybe adding years to your life, but certainly adding life to your years.
Sure, you won’t be able to do the same vigorous exercise as you did when you were younger, but there are plenty of gentler options to choose from. Caring for your body will help you stay active longer, move better, help your balance and co-ordination, sharpen your memory, boost your immune system, sleep better, increase your energy, boost your mood and self-confidence, and maintain a healthy weight.
And its never too late to start, even you have led a sedentary lifestyle until now. You will find plenty of information and resources to help you. Don’t make it too complicated. Move more, lift things, stretch, eat sensibly.
Spending time with people you enjoy can make you feel upbeat and having people you can turn to can make tough times a little more bearable.
Again, it doesn’t matter what you do together, but it’s important to connect regularly with family and friends. Play, shop, holiday, volunteer, share meals in good company. If they are not close, email or call and share your day. Share the joy, and you will smile for longer. Share the pain, and you will cut short your sadness and loneliness.
In retirement you will have more time to do the things you love; with the people you love. Make it your aim to spend time every day on your health and friendships.
The happiest retirees remain physically and socially active.