Keeping healthy in retirement
Retirement is a big life moment! A time to say goodbye to the daily grind and embrace your freedom. But to be able to live the retirement you want, you have to look after your health and wellbeing – and the sooner you start, the better.
Here are some key strategies for looking after your physical and mental health pre- and post-retirement:
Daily movement is important. Invest in your physical health through regular exercise like walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling. It supports not only your physical fitness but also your mental and emotional well-being. It also provides opportunities to build new social connections and get out of the house.
Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This helps sustain a healthy weight, reduces chronic disease risks, and helps maintaining your energy levels.
Stay engaged with friends and family and actively seek new connections by joining clubs, volunteering, or pursuing new hobbies.
It is important to keep you brain active to prevent cognitive decline. Engage in activities that challenge you, such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or educational courses.
Learn stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga and breathwork to cope with any life stressors. Seek professional help if dealing with anxiety or depression.
Health screenings can help detect treatable health issues early. Your doctor can advise which screenings are appropriate for you.
Annual check-ups can catch and treat changes in eyesight, hearing, and dental health before they start to affect your quality of life. Make sure you are across any government funding opportunities such as subsidised hearing aids.
Good quality sleep including going to bed and waking at regular times is shown to be important to mental health.
As we age, falls become more likely due to natural changes like poorer eyesight, worse balance, and slower reaction times. Many falls are preventable if you take good care of your health, as described above. Start strength and mobility training as early in life as you can to help prevent any issues later in life.