Retirement is a major life change for most people, resulting in nervousness, excitement, fear, and many other emotions. Working full-time or even part-time and then suddenly not working can mean that life slows down tremendously.

Work can keep many people active both physically and mentally, and without the stimuli that work provides, it can be difficult for retired seniors to stay active and cognitively alert. However, there are ways that a retired senior can stay happy, healthy, and active during this lifestyle change.

1) Get Moving

Exercising daily can lead to many benefits, particularly in retired seniors. Exercising can seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier to be active than one might think.

Some examples of ways to get moving include going hiking, playing a yard game, or going for a jog. However one chooses to get moving, it’s important to get your blood pumping.

Exercising can help prevent heart disease and diabetes as well as other diseases. Not only does it help improve one’s physical well-being, but exercise can improve one’s cognitive ability as well.

 

2) Do Brain Exercises

The brain needs regular exercise, too. Activities like doing word puzzles and learning a new skill or hobby can be great ways to get a person’s brain working.

Being creative is another great way to stimulate cognitive abilities. In fact, research has linked trying new and creative activities to a decreased chance of development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another way to stay cognitively active is through education. Auditing a class at a local college or university, going to vocational school, or taking a non-credit course are all ways to stay mentally active without breaking the bank.

 

3) Watch Good Television

Everyone has probably heard that television rots the brain (most of it does). While this is true in most cases, there are some instances when watching television is actually good for the brain.

If the brain is working to understand what a person is viewing, television can be a great way to keep the brain active.

Watching an educational science show or a suspenseful crime drama can require careful attention to follow along. This can provide positive stimulation to the brain which helps to keep it healthy and alert.

 

4) Game Night, Anyone?

Invite some friends over to play card games. Researchers have linked playing card games to better immunity in older adults.

This is because players have to engage their brains in order to be successful in the game.

5) Hang Out With Friends

Being connected with others is clearly important to one’s overall health at any age. Particularly in retirement, staying connected is important.

Many people have their social connections through their job, so retiring can lead to a weakening or even loss of those social connections.

It’s important to say connected with people in order to stay happy and healthy. Staying connected can actually help decrease a person’s chances of developing a variety of diseases.

Planning outings with friends and making sure to keep those connections strong can help a person live longer.

 

6) Find Purpose

With more time in the day, retirees might find it difficult to feel a sense of purpose.

Often, getting up and going to work each day fulfills that purpose, and without that, it’s important for retirees to find ways to make their lives and activities feel meaningful.

Purposeful activities could include volunteering with schoolchildren or spending more time with family members. Research has shown that having a purpose in life can lead to a longer life.

 

Helpful Resources To Get And Stay Healthy

A retiree’s health can go through a lot of changes, so it’s important to continue with regular doctor appointments and medications.

Prioritizing health in retirement allows for retirees to maintain their health long enough to enjoy their newfound freedom.

Learn more about health in retirement by referring to the following resources: