Retirement is something we tend to have in the back of our minds from early on in our careers. “Only another thirty years to go!” we joke to our colleagues after a long day at the office. But what happens when the fantasy becomes a reality and how do you fill your spare time, now you’re finally free from the clutches of the corporate world?
The best way to get the most out of your retirement is to ensure you remain fit and healthy so you can maintain a good quality of life. Ill health is more likely to become a burden if you don’t take proper care of yourself.
Here, we explore some of the ways you can keep physically and mentally active during retirement.
Explore new places and activities
Retirement can be a great opportunity to visit all those places you’ve always wanted to see. Hop on a plane and spend a weekend in Rome or book that cruise you’ve had your eye on. Travel can be expensive, so depending on your financial situation, it may be worth considering an equity release mortgage to free up some cash for yourself.
Spend time with friends and family
One of the main benefits of retirement is having more time to spend with the people who matter most to you. Schedule dinner with the family or meet a friend for coffee. Remember, retirement doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch with your former colleagues. You could arrange a catch up with your old teammates or keep in touch via phone calls and messaging.
Join a social club
When you stop going to the office and interacting with colleagues and clients, it’s easy to feel isolated, particularly if you live alone. Joining a social group such as a Bingo club, a book club, or a walking group will give you the opportunity to meet people who have similar interests as you and help you feel less alone as you navigate your new way of life.
Get outdoors often
Getting daily fresh air and exercise will boost your mood, not to mention help you keep fit and healthy. Choose an outdoor exercise you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick to a regular routine. You don’t have to pick anything strenuous, even something as simple as walking can significantly benefit your physical and mental wellbeing.
Play brain games or puzzles
It can be a shock when your brain is no longer challenged in the way it was during your working life. Games and puzzles like Sudoku or crosswords can be a great way to “exercise” your mind. In addition, keeping your brain active is extremely beneficial as you age, and a recent study has found people who keep themselves “cognitively engaged” are less likely to develop clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
