As you approach retirement, you may envision spending long and lazy days doing whatever you wish. While this plan may seem great when you are still in the rat race, the reality is many retirees find themselves feeling more bored and blah than relaxed and rejuvenated when they no longer have a set schedule. (Image Credit: Susanne Pälmer/Pixabay)
In order to stay as healthy and happy as possible as you transition into your new way of life, consider this:
Find Joy Every Day
One of the best ways to be happy and healthy in older age is to able to find both meaning and joy in your life, despite any changes that are going on. For instance, once you retire and/or your adult children move to another state, focus on doing things that you enjoy. You can start a new hobby, or rediscover one that you enjoyed long ago. Learn something new, like maybe sign up for clarinet lessons, take a foreign language course online or at a community center, or start doing a new type of sport.
You can also spend time with God enjoying the splendor of His creation, either by taking scenic drives or exploring some nearby nature trails. If you love to read, consider joining a book club and if you enjoy music, see if your community has free concerts in the park or other similar events. It doesn’t really matter which activities you choose, as long as they are things that bring you joy and that they are done on a regular basis.
Stay Current with Checkups and Physicals
To remain as healthy as you can, it is important to stay up to date with your annual checkups with your physicians. In addition to seeing your primary care physician at least once a year, you may also see specialists for any particular health issues you may have. In order to make these important appointments have as small an impact on your budget as possible, be sure that you have a great health insurance plan that meets your needs. One solid option is Medicare for the 65+ group. In general, the best time to enroll in Original Medicare is during the initial enrollment period. This seven month window is made up of the three months before, during and after the month you turn 65. The first step is to enroll in Original Medicare and then also Medicare Parts A and B, which will keep you well-covered and allow you to stay on top of your health.
Spend Time with Others
When you were working, you probably spent most of your days with other people. Once you retire, it can be easy to fall into a routine of staying in with just your spouse or, if you live by yourself, being alone for most of the time. To help keep loneliness and depression at bay, consider interacting with at least one person every day. Meet a friend for coffee or join a club or class and meet some new people. Give your nice neighbor down the block a call and ask him or her to meet you on the front porch for coffee and donuts. Or consider volunteering at a local organization—not only will you be helping others, you will also probably make new friends who have a similar generous mindset as you. If you are religious, attending services regularly is a good way to stay connected. And although calling, emailing and texting others can help you to keep in touch with those you love, it is not the same as face to face contact, so make the effort and get out and see people.
Enjoy Your Golden Years
After working hard for decades, you definitely deserve to have a healthy and happy retirement. By actively looking for and taking part in things every day that make you content, staying current with checkups thanks in part to a solid health insurance plan and staying social, your golden years will be some of the best times of your life.
