Stay Healthy In Retirement

I just went to the store to get a couple of things and realized that one of the habits I formed long ago is still working for me today.  I had read that walking is a very healthy thing to do and, if you can find a way to get extra steps in during the day, you should take full advantage of that situation.  We live about twenty minutes away from a store of any consequence so it’s not a distance that I would feel comfortable walking.  But one of the things I do is to park as far away from the store entrance as possible.  On slow weekdays, parking at the far end of the lot with no other cars around you does tend to get noticed but I do it all the time because it’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy in retirement.  I admit that I bend the rules if it’s raining and park a little bit closer, but I still try to park some distance to get in as many steps as possible.  I started doing this when I started to gain weight in my mid-fifties and have been doing it ever since.

There are many little ways that you get in more steps each day and stay healthy in retirement.

I like walking and enjoy little hikes when we go away for the winter.  I have a treadmill that I use at least four times a week and, overall, have stayed in fairly good shape.  When we travel and go on a group excursion, I am never one of the people in the back who struggles to keep up so I feel good about that.  I fully admit that I am not the healthiest eater and I struggle with the amount of vegetables I should eat.  I make up for it with fruit, especially in the summer.  I am not a person who loves to exercise for the sake of getting into top physical shape, but I do make an effort to stay healthy in retirement.  Many gyms offer discounts for seniors and it’s a great way to meet people if that is something you’d like to try, by all means go for it.

Regular medical checkups are an essential part of staying as healthy as possible as you age.  Getting old is not for the faint of heart and aches and pains can creep up on you if you’re not staying active.  For me, walking is an essential part of my activities.  I can’t run because of back problems but I’ve heard that running is healthier anyway.  Swimming might be even better than walking but having access to a pool is part of the issue there.  My wife loves a pool, but I prefer the treadmill where I can listen to a book or my favorite music or even watch the sports highlights from the night before.  Finding a way to add a little fun or enjoyment to whatever exercise program you undertake is a definite way to make it more pleasant and become more disciplined in your journey to a healthier retirement.  It’s important to stay healthy in retirement but you shouldn’t dread the activity.  You should make it as fun as you can.

That’s why so many seniors take up golf, tennis and the latest hot game – pickleball.  Our community converted two tennis courts that were under utilized into pickleball courts and the place is packed on the weekends.  There is no doubt that it’s good exercise.  People are very surprised at how sore they are after giving this trendy little sport a try.  Judging from how hard it is to reserve a time on Saturday morning; this game is great way to stay healthy in retirement and have fun at the same time.  Thankfully, there aren’t too many injuries being suffered but I do fear that the competitive spirit might be changing that soon.

We are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful area of the country.  The Hudson Valley has an abundance of hiking trails that appeal to any skill level.  You have mountains and waterfalls with an ever-changing scenery that is absolutely mesmerizing.  Mountains hold a particular place in my heart, and I never get tired of driving through the Catskills just for the views.  Of course, it would be much more beneficial from an exercise perspective if I stopped the car every once in a while, and started hiking but, so far, I’ve resisted that temptation.  I enjoy the controlled environment and safety of the treadmill with nothing to trip over and a straight path to follow.  There are no ticks to worry about, and I keep my dermatologist happy by staying out of the sun.  It’s my own exercise program and it works just as well as those adventurous hiking trails.  As long as you do something to stay healthy in retirement, you’ll be fine.

So, turn off that television and get out of that chair.  It’s time to get moving again and stay as healthy as you possibly can.  Live these golden years to the fullest.  It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life!

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