Eventually, depending on your finances, health, etc., it will be time to concentrate on enjoying life – kicking back and relaxing. Why not? The kids aren’t living at home anymore, you feel comfortable in your own skin, you’re not easily flustered, you’re much wiser, and you’re free to do as you wish.
To enjoy healthy aging, however, one significant contribution is to be happy in your golden years. It was discovered, in a London study, that fit, robust people are happier. Specifically, it examined the relationship between physical well-being and a positive outlook. Compared to “happy individuals”, others were three times more likely to develop physical activity issues.
Where retirement age people are concerned, if they are happy, they have less trouble taking a shower, dressing, and getting up. Compared to these happy individuals, unhappy people of the same age are far more prone to strokes, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Here are some ways to stay happy.
Laugh, and Laugh Some More
You’ve likely heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It certainly helps if you can, as often as possible, laugh at life. Tell jokes. Watch comedies. Catch a stand-up act in town. There are lots of reasons to laugh in life.
Every Day, Learn Something New
Even if you’re just taking a tip from your word-a-day calendar, learn something you didn’t previously know. (Maybe purchase a Jeopardy calendar instead.)
Care About Your Appearance
Don’t let your appearance lag just because you’re getting older. Retirement age individuals can and should make the most of their appearance. Wear a little makeup, shave every day, pay attention to how your hair is done, wear clean clothing, etc.
Keep Updated
How do you stay updated? Music is a good start. At least once in a while, listen to something “the kids” are listening to. Incredibly, you may find something you like. Don’t hesitate, however, to listen to the older songs that you’ve always loved. Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, or as early as Ella Fitzgerald. Memory, posture, and mood are improved through music.
In Times of Change, Join a Support Group
There are support groups in existence for just about everything you can imagine. Aging is one of them. Talking to people your own age and above can be a good way to find others that are experiencing many of the same things you are – or have also experienced what you’ve already been through.
Spend Time with People Your Age, New Friends, and Family
A poll showed that happier retirement age individuals were those who spent hours every day being social. Evidence shows that illness and depression go hand in hand with loneliness. Play a game with a friend. Watch a movie. Take a trip into town. Participate in social media. FaceTime or Zoom with friends and/or loved ones on your computer, phone, or iPad. Even owning and caring for a pet, as a companion, can be therapeutic.
Stay Connected and Have a Sense of Purpose
You’re likely to stay healthier if you stay in touch with friends and family. When you can, volunteer, take care of grandchildren, etc. to encourage the feeling of having a purpose.
Good Planning
Good retirement planning can mean that you will have the finances you need, a nice place to live, and more, in your golden years.
Eat Healthy and Exercise
Make sure that you are eating enough, eating the right foods, getting the proper nutrients and vitamins, and paying attention to any dietary restrictions you have.
Remember that exercise helps keep not only your body fit but your mind, as well. Even if you’re somewhat restricted physically, there are sit-and-be-fit routines, chair yoga, and other low intensity/low impact exercises you can do.
What’s the Best Way to Be Happy in Your Golden Years? Enjoy Life at Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg
Two kinds of senior living situations are offered at Rittenhouse Village At Muhlenberg including personal care services and respite care. With the resort-like atmosphere in our retirement community, senior living can be enjoyed to its utmost. Your golden years have never been quite so golden! No more housekeeping, laundry, cooking, lawn care – all the things that used to drag you down are now done by someone else. We’re pet friendly, too, so your beloved furry friend can enjoy life with you in our retirement community.
With numerous programs from which to choose, there’s always something to do and someone to enjoy it with. Choose from games to exercises to dances to trips into town – the opportunities for enjoyment are very nearly limitless. You can even take pleasure in dinner with a friend in our fine dining environment partaking in chef-prepared meals of varying cuisines and styles.
