Are you looking for ways to enrich your later years? There are some wonderful activities, which not only provide entertainment but also promote your health and happiness. Try National Aging In Place Council‘s ideas for adding some spice to your life.
Go exploring
Many older adults use the freedom of retirement to pack their bags, and venturing into unfamiliar territory can be a boon to your well-being. In fact, NBC News cites studies indicating travelling abroad offers especially important health benefits. Taking a vacation can lower your risk of heart attack and greatly reduce your levels of stress and anxiety. Travel appears to help improve your perspective on life, increasing levels of satisfaction and promoting a happier, more positive outlook.
Of course, now is not the best time to be traveling, but you can still brainstorm travel ideas and come up with ways to plan out your vacation. One suggestion is to ensure you plan your travel itinerary carefully, especially if you’re heading to foreign soil. Dress comfortably and pack all your essentials in your carry-on bag. For a lengthy road trip abroad, you can stretch your travel funds by purchasing a car. It’s less expensive than renting and allows you more liberty as well, and at the end of your stay you can sell the car to recoup your funds. You can even search online for reasonably priced used cars, making finding the right vehicle easy and convenient.
Fun fitness
When you reach your golden years, it’s as important as ever to ensure fitness is part of your lifestyle. You’re probably well aware of why exercise is good for your body, but it might surprise you to learn some studies indicate exercise also provides an important boost to brain function. Staying physically active can mean a sharper mind and better memory function, potentially even delaying the onset of dementia. And there is more good news: you don’t need to run a marathon or lift weights like an Olympian to benefit. Exercises like swimming or gentle yoga will work just fine, so think about physical activities you enjoy that are safe and fun.
Don’t have the energy to exercise? It may be because you’re not getting enough nutrients each day. Vitamins, like B-12 and Iron, improve your energy levels, but you need to take the daily recommended amounts in order to eliminate fatigue and prevent the onset of conditions like anemia. While you can get much-needed vitamins from food, your body may have a harder time absorbing nutrients as you age. Therefore, consider looking for a quality supplement to help with the absorption and give your body and mind an energy boost.
Stay social
Staying connected with family and friends can add brilliance to your golden years. According to New England Geriatrics, seniors who maintain an active social life gain important perks, such as reduced stress, less risk for depression and lowered levels of anxiety. Consider engaging in mentally stimulating hobbies you can do either by yourself or with friends, such as playing cards, assembling puzzles, sewing or crafting. Join a group that plays games each week, take a cooking class, or participate in a book club. Even getting on the web can help you stay more connected. Participate in social media or play games online like sudoku or word puzzles.
Enjoy the outdoors
Do you spend time outdoors regularly? Just being in nature potentially provides several key health benefits, like reducing your blood pressure, lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease, and reducing the likelihood you will develop type two diabetes. Think about doing some birdwatching, go for a picnic, or plan a walking tour of a local park. Not only can you enjoy the flora and fauna, you’ll absorb sunshine, which helps your body make Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to your health as well, helping you maintain a healthy weight, enjoy better quality sleep and fight disease.
Better yet, find a spot to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Kick off your boots, lay your head on the bare grass, and wiggle your toes in the dirt. Soil contains electrons that can help rebalance your body and induce feelings of happiness. Plus being outside during the day can improve your sleep-wake cycle, which ensures you’re well rested, fully recharged and can enjoy all the days of your retirement, no matter where you are.
Is it time to add some shine to your golden years? You can live a richer, fuller life with a little travelling, physical fitness, socializing and time outside. Just a few simple changes and your golden years will sparkle like never before!