This new you can be even more focused on being healthy and feeling great. Make your retirement not about resting but about reaching your maximum health and working toward a long life of health and happiness. Here are 10 things that can get you started.
Healthy steps like getting your weight under control, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, exercising at least two and a half hours a week, and not smoking can improve your health and longevity at any age.
For example, regular sex is essential to vaginal health after menopause, according to the North American Menopause Society, because it “stimulates blood flow, helps keep your vaginal muscles toned, and maintains your vagina’s length and stretchiness.”
In addition, a 2010 study in the The American Journal of Cardiology found that those who had sex two or fewer times per week were at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In another study, both older males and older females who had sex regularly with a partner reported feeling happier and more satisfied with life in general than those who did not.
The same study found among couples who did not regularly have sex, it often was associated with specific issues: for men, sexual function and for women, desire. Given there are ways to deal with both problems, it may be worth you and/or your partner addressing them for the sake of your overall sense of wellness.
Research has, in fact, shown, that people who take up new hobbies or make strides to move out of their mental comfort zone stay both mentally and physically younger than their years
Try not to get stuck in a physical or mental rut. Switch up your daily routine and workout once in a while and keep your brain engaged by learning new skills: Take up a musical instrument or hobby, audit a class at your local university, or volunteer in your community, for example.
Don’t be deterred by thinking it’s too late to lose weight or start exercising. Although your metabolism slows down as you get older, it doesn’t mean you can’t get to or maintain a healthy weight.
Nor does it mean you can’t benefit from physical activity. For example, there’s plenty of evidence that people can continue to build muscle mass no matter their age.
For example, a meta-analysis of 39 studies looking at aging and resistance exercise (lifting weights or using exercise bands, for example), revealed that in more than 1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.
Having a positive attitude affects how your body deals with stress and how it impacts your behavior, so if your feel depressed or nervous about the idea of aging, spend some time thinking about the positive aspects of this stage of life, such as having more time for your own spiritual growth.
Research has found that people who have low health literacy—defined in one study as “the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make basic health decisions”—have a higher mortality rate than those who are better informed about these matters.
Increase your chances of having a good outcome and maintaining good health by asking questions and taking the time to research your medical conditions until you fully understand them. It could save your life.
How often you need to have certain screenings can change with age and based on previous results, so make sure you are clear about when to schedule your appointments. If you’re not sure, ask.
Before you look into hormone therapies, take some time to learn the facts about hormones and aging and be sure to talk to a healthcare provider (who isn’t selling anything) about if and how hormone supplements might be able to help you.
In fact, the average retired person watches more than four hours of TV a day. That is the time that could be better spent doing things that are healthy for the brain and body—exercising, socializing, volunteering, cooking healthy foods, and doing other things that you love.
Make a conscious effort to limit activities that don’t engage your body, mind, and soul. For example, set up a daily walking “appointment” with a friend.
Make a plan for getting out and being with people on a regular basis. For example, consider joining a hobby group or a local sports club.
Interacting with people helps you manage emotions, stress, and helps you maintain good habits. Studies show spending lots of time with family and friends may even help you live longer.
