Retirement is a major life change. And, like any major milestone, retirement brings with it a new set of priorities and challenges. Below are a few tips, ideas and activities to help smooth the transition so you can enjoy your retirement to it’s fullest:
Retirement Ideas
- Exercise Your Brain
Now that you are no longer solving problems at work and juggling multiple schedules, your brain may need a bit of exercise. This is a chance to learn something new and retirement is the perfect time to do it. Learn a foreign language, visit a new exhibit, stretch yourself with crossword puzzles, or take a drawing class. No matter what you choose to do, make sure it’s challenging and fun. - Work Your Muscles
In addition to exercising your brain, it’s important to exercise your body. Regular exercise can help with a host of health problems and it can also improve your mood. The best options get your heart pumping without stressing your joints. Try swimming, walking, canoeing, Pilates, or even cross country skiing. Pick something you’ll really love. - Make Time for Friends
While family is important, researchers are finding that social friendships actually has a greater impact on longevity. For many people, retirement can be isolating, but you can meet new people through clubs, religious organizations and senior centers. - Donate Your Skills as a Volunteer
Throughout your life, you have developed a huge array of professional and personal skills. You can pass on your knowledge through organizations that connect retirees with new entrepreneurs. In addition, check into volunteering at your local school or community center. Retirement is the perfect time to give back. - Smell the Roses
Now that you’re retired, you’ve earned the luxury of slowing down. Use this opportunity to practice being present in the moment, to discover the world around you rather than racing past it as you rush from one responsibility to the next. - Document Your Life Story
Your life story is really quite fascinating, even though you may not see it as such. Now that you have time, record your life story, family history and life lessons in a journal, on audio tape or in a Legacy Video for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know. - Lean on a Support Group
Retirement can be bittersweet. If you’re feeling a sense of loss or need support to cope with financial challenges, illness, or other issues, an organized group can be a big help. A support group can help you address those feelings with other people and build a social group as well. - Pass On Your Life Lessons
Over the years, you’ve learned a lot about life. From how to make the ideal pie crust to the best way to buy a car, it’s important to pass those life lessons on to the younger generations. Consider writing a list of things you’ve learned over the years, up to retirement. You can even self-publish a book to give to your children and grandchildren. - Make Time for Travel
Without a job, you have more time to travel! Whether your dream vacation is just across town or around the world, retirement is a perfect opportunity to take that trip. Seeing new places and meeting new people helps you stay active mentally and physically, and it’s fun too! - Identify Activities
Unsure of where to start? Start by making a list of all your favorite experiences. Find out what those experiences have in common, and brainstorm from there. Before you know if, you’ll have a list of activities that will not only keep you busy but will also keep you happy and healthy in retirement.
Do you have an idea for staying active, happy and healthy in retirement? Post it in the comment section below for others to see!
~ Legacy Videos ~
Give your family the gift of a lifetime by capturing your life story in a Legacy Video!
Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing you sharing your life story, family history & memories- a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.
Your stories are too important to leave to memory. To learn more about Legacy Videos, visit us at FamilyTreeVideo.com.
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Susan Saunders
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One is roots, and the other, wings.” — H. S. Carter
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