By staying social, active and healthy you can make the most of your retirement.
It's come that time of life when you can finally take off work, kick back, and enjoy your retirement years. So now what?
The best way to stay positive is to socialize, so it's time to make new friends and engage in more social activities. Get out there and meet and interact with new people on a regular basis, or hang out with your current friends.
You're retired, not incapacitated! It's time to put those big life plans into effect. Visit the country you've always wanted to, climb a mountain, or take that three-month vacation around the country. There's nothing holding you in place anymore, so plan big to take advantage of your freedom.
If you spend all day watching TV and napping, you're going to get old fast! It's time to sharpen your mind with books, puzzles, hobbies, and projects, as that will keep you young and your brain active.
Now that you're no longer working, what do you want to do with your life? Do you want to start writing that novel you've put off for years, volunteer at a local or international charity, or develop a new skill? Don't let ennui drag you down, but find something to do with yourself and throw your energy into it.
Remember, if you have a partner, there are two of you enjoying the retired life now. Your spouse or partner is going to want to have a say in what the two of your do, so spend time talking and planning your retired life together.
Full retirement can be expensive, but what if you could still earn a living doing what you love? Partial retirement will allow you to work a few hours every week, keep that income flowing, and will give you something to do with your time.
This is the most important part of your retired life! If you don't exercise daily, your body will start to age more quickly. You'll lose bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular endurance, which will lead to fatigue and a greater risk of disease. You've got the time to spend at the gym, so take advantage of your retirement to get in the best shape of your life!
You have to check your mood and emotional state of being regularly. Depression can set in and sap your energy and enthusiasm, a very common thing among the retired. If you need help staying positive, consider talking with a psychologist or therapist. Do what makes you happy, and make a conscious effort to find the good, positive things in your life.
Figure out what you want to do with your retired life, and DO IT! There's nothing stopping you from enjoying the freedom of a wonderful life after decades of work. Enjoy it!
