Lifestyle Making Retirement Golden Years Count 12/13/2022 | By Charlie Fletcher After you retire, you’ve earned the right to relax and enjoy life. The retirement golden years don’t need to consist of creeping boredom, lethargy, and idleness. Instead, they offer the chance to do things you might not have had the opportunity to try in your younger years. Let’s take a closer look at a few things you can do to make the most of retirement: have fun, enjoy yourself, and feel your best as you age gracefully. Tips for embracing your retirement golden years Having plenty of energy will help you achieve bucket list dreams. Being active, eating right, and prioritizing self-care help you maintain the energy to make your golden years count. Stay active Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for yourself at any age, but it’s especially important during your senior years. According to the CDC, regular physical activity can help to prevent or delay many of the common conditions that come with age, including: Osteoarthritis Diabetes Heart issues High blood pressure Mental health issues Exercise also strengthens muscles and bones while helping maintain balance and coordination. That helps to prevent falls and can reduce your likelihood of broken bones or strained muscles. Regular exercise is also a fantastic way to boost your energy levels. It’s one of the healthiest and most natural ways to make you feel more alert, energized, and alive. It also boosts endorphins and can make you feel happier and calmer for hours. Staying physically fit is easier than you might think. You don’t have to go out and run a marathon to benefit from exercise. If you have some free time, try different things to boost your physical activity as you age, like walking briskly with a friend, taking a dance class, or practicing yoga. There’s no wrong way to move your body, and you might end up finding a new enjoyable hobby! Eat right Maintaining a healthy diet is a crucial component of maintaining energy and strength. Things like drinking more water, cutting back on caffeine, and cutting out “problem foods” can give you an energy boost. In fact, with a 9-to-5 job in the rearview mirror, you could even adopt new, healthy, and delicious eating habits and cooking techniques. When paired with your new regular exercise regime (not to mention more time to sleep), you could feel like a new person! Spend time with people Without the social interaction provided by a regular job, retired folks can become isolated. Isolation can lead to cognitive decline, depression, and other serious health issues. Some studies have shown that isolation can even increase your mortality rate and lead to premature death. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed this for many older individuals, who struggled because they couldn’t safely be around loved ones. Spending time with family, friends, and even new people is a great way to combat loneliness, fight stress, and improve your overall happiness as you age. Related: The effects of loneliness on senior health Make it a goal to interact with at least one person each day. Technology has made that easier than ever. Even if all you do is call or video chat with a friend or family member, it helps combat your isolation. However, do what you can to connect with people in person. Set up weekly lunch dates with your daughter or have coffee a few times a week with a few old friends. Get-togethers don’t need to be formal or overwhelming. Often, the most casual interactions lead to the most fulfilling conversations and deepest connections. If you don’t have family that lives nearby or it’s a struggle to keep up with everyone’s schedule, try developing and fostering new friendships. Meeting new people in your retirement golden years can be exciting and offer you a new outlook on relationships. Consider joining clubs or groups that interest you or volunteering with meaningful organizations. Not only will getting involved get you out of the house, but you never know who you’ll end up meeting – maybe a new close friend. Most importantly, you won’t struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation when you know you have someone in your corner to talk to and spend time with. Travel Maybe you didn’t have time to travel much in your younger years, with heavy work schedules, raising a family, and maintaining a social life. Related: Tips from Dan Buettner, author of “Live Longer, Better” In your retirement golden years, however, you have more time to hit the road or rail or to fly the friendly skies. Traveling is a fantastic way to see the world and experience new things, but there are actually more benefits that you might not realize, including: Reduced risk of heart disease Lower stress Stronger immune system Boosted creativity Greater happiness Travel can also help you to embrace new cultures and experiences that you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy before. Sometimes, being able to see how small your little corner of the world is can completely change your perspective on life. There’s a reason people often get the “travel bug,” so don’t be afraid to jot down a few dream destinations and make traveling a priority throughout your golden years. These are just a few tips to make your retirement golden years easier and more fulfilling. It’s easy to forget about self-care as you get older, especially if you’re feeling a little down or wondering what you should do next. However, it’s never too late to prioritize your well-being. It’s never too late to embrace your life’s purpose. By choosing to make your golden years count, you can fully enjoy this chapter of your life, and experience life to the fullest. Read More Charlie Fletcher Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees” – Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. You can find more of her writing at CharlieFletcher.Contently.com.