Being retired has a lot of benefits — more time with family, not having to go to a job every day and getting more opportunities to do what you really want. But we may want to make some adjustments to our daily routine to help keep our minds and bodies healthy and strong in the years ahead.
Here are some ideas with surprising benefits for your body and your mind. Following these tips can help boost physical activity while reducing the risk of depression and social isolation — which all can contribute to reducing the risk of dementia.
1. Be social. Your social network can change when you stop going to work every day. Retirement may present an opportunity to renew or rebuild your social connections. Whether you join a new group activity or make extra efforts to keep up old friendships, being social is an important part of being happy and healthy — even if you have to do it virtually.
2. Keep learning. Stay engaged in the world around you. Find a new hobby or take a class on something completely new to you. Regularly challenging your brain with new things to think about can keep you entertained and help prevent depression.
3. Get active. Even if you’ve never been a fan of exercise, it’s never too late to find an activity that keeps you moving. Make regular physical activity part of your new retirement routine, especially if you have more free time or a flexible schedule.
From a simple daily walk or yoga, to dancing in your living room or taking a virtual exercise class, there are plenty of ways to get active in ways you will enjoy whatever your level of ability. What is most important is to move as often as you can. It will help ease the transition to your new life chapter, boost your mood, keep you engaged with the world, and keep your mind and body in shape.
Find more information about dementia at canada.ca/dementia.
— News Canada
