Well, we finally arrived! Retirement and all that goes with it! Now you have the time to really focus on getting yourself in the best shape going forward! At 66, I’m determined to keep myself healthy and active to enjoy the years ahead! Here are just 5 habits I have adopted…that are simple, common sense choices to stay happy and healthy!
Drink plenty of water. At least 64 oz. per day! That’s 8-8 oz. glasses!
Water lubricates your joints and muscles. It helps with digestion and flushes toxins from the kidneys and liver. It aids in digestion and helps to prevent urinary tract infections…keeps your skin pliant and youthful looking, too!
Stay active…daily!
Every day have an hour of some form of exercise…walking, strength training, bicycling, swimming, yoga or Tai Chi! What about dancing? Anything to keep you moving and your heart pumping! Cardio doesn’t have to be boring…find an activity you like…and do it with enthusiasm! Many gyms offer a senior program through Medicare or insurance at NO cost to the insured!
Brain exercises! Mental gymnastics to keep the grey matter in shape!
A daily habit of doing the crossword puzzle, sudoku, wordle, bridge, board games or jigsaw puzzles! Anything to keep your synapses firing and your memory engaged! Maybe try writing poetry or songs. You have lot’s of time now to be creative! This is the moment to enjoy it!
Eating Well! Food is the common denominator with most people. We all need to eat…but choose your diet wisely!
As seniors, we really don’t need to eat the same amount of calories daily as when we were working full time. It’s easy to put on extra pounds if we overfill our “gas tanks”. Some folks have found that 2 meals a day is more than sufficient. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Chicken and fish are easier to digest than red meat…but still high in protein. Cutting back on starches like potatoes, bread and pasta…will keep you feeling less bloated and lethargic. Reducing sugar and salt will also help with that sluggish after dinner malaise. Take the time to, relax and leisurely enjoy your meals.
Keep up with your medical checkups!
Regular visits to your primary care doctor are vital to staying on top of new health issues. Catching a problem early can make a life saving difference in some cases. Especially with dermatology problems. An annual “mole patrol” can reveal skin cancer in time to be treated! Eyes and hearing are another senior concern. Many will need cataract surgery soon after retiring. Now a very minor surgery covered by Medicare in most situations. Keep on top of your medical needs and stay healthy!
You don’t need expensive gear or exotic food to enjoy a well balanced lifestyle…but you DO need to make the choice to follow habits that will ensure success in your efforts to be your best! Let’s make a commitment together…take the time to SHINE!!
David Shelton
David is a 66-year-old, retired, self-employed sign maker and graphic artist living in Arizona with his husband, Tom. He has also been a cartoonist and humorist, submitting items to publications throughout the United States. His focus in retirement is primarily health, fitness, and laughter content. All opinions and statements are purely based on life experience.
