Almost 20 percent of Americans age 65+ are still working. While financial concerns come into play, more than one-third continue working because they like their job and want to stay involved.
Whether you are working because you want to or because you have to, you presumably want to enjoy your retirement, as well. Regardless of whether it happens at 62, 65, or not until your 70s you can improve your quality of life in retirement with these tips.
5 Steps to a Successful Retirement
1. Make a Healthy Lifestyle a Priority
A vast majority of retirees say good health is crucial for a happy retirement. Eating right and exercising regularly are two ways to improve your odds for a healthy retirement, reducing your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a host of other illnesses.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. But with type 2 diabetes at epidemic levels in the U.S., we know diet plays a key role in staying healthy. Fill one-half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with a lean protein, and the other half with heart-healthy whole grains. Snacks should consist of dairy, protein, fruits, and vegetables without added sugars.
As for exercise, current guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five times a week for older adults.
2. Create a stable financial situation
Money does, indeed, buy happiness in retirement. But only to a point. It’s actually the sense of financial security that improves a retiree’s quality of life. Rather than relying solely on investments that may cause fluctuations in income, look for ways to minimize household expenses so you can fully enjoy the money you have.
3. Keep your brain active
Just as your body needs exercise, so too does your brain. It needs to be exercised to stave off age-related memory loss and depression. Consider taking adult education classes. Or learn a new activity or hobby, such as how to play a musical instrument.
4. Surround yourself with people who make you happy
As we age, our social circles often become smaller. That’s okay as long as you are spending time with those who make you happiest. Find friends with common interests, who make you laugh and who stretch your mind intellectually.
You don’t have to spend your retirement around people who are younger than you. Just find a core group of companions who are young at heart.
5. Discover a greater purpose
Living better in retirement has a lot to do with your activities. But your thoughts are also important. Embrace retirement with a positive perspective on aging. And take advice from some of the world’s oldest people and find a sense of purpose.
Regions with the world’s longest-living people also happen to have some of the happiest. You might find purpose in a charity organization, mentoring young people, or creating art. Whatever it is, embrace it to enjoy a better quality of life.
With a vast array of classes, activities, and social events, Five Star Senior Living makes it easy to enjoy a better quality of life in your retirement. Learn more by scheduling a tour at a senior living community near you.
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