BEING WELL
Retirement Are you ready? BY CATHERINE STACK
S
ome people live and breathe a countdown to retirement, while others can’t even comprehend the meaning of the word. No matter what your perspective is on retirement, it does evoke a noteworthy amount of stress. In fact, on the “Life Events Scale” used by psychologists to determine stress levels, retirement is ranked as the tenth most stressful life event. For some, it is the worry about financial security, but for most, that is not the only reason. We humans are creatures of habit and routine. As much as we think we are ready to retire, very few of us prepare to fill the void of work with experiences that will keep our mind and body going. Most of us think we have so much we’re going to do—only to find ourselves becoming attached to the news or spending far too much time scrolling through social media. There have been numerous studies that suggest retiring early protects health by reducing risk for cardiovascular events and actually adds years to your life. This is due, in part, to reduced stress and better sleep. Conversely, there are studies that show working to or beyond the average age of retirement may also contribute to longevity. So, which is it? In the United States, the average age of retirement is 62 with 63 percent of
the population retiring between the ages of 57 and 66. How the next 15 to 25 years (maybe less, maybe more) will go is much more than just your genetic predisposition. Here are some thoughts to ponder: Your personality is not likely to transform with retirement (without help). Did you enjoy your working years? Did you make the time to travel and do fun things? Did you spend quality time with those you care most about? Those who say yes to the previous questions are likely to continue to live this type of life—only better. With retirement comes time and freedom to do more of what you like. The opposite personality type perceives work as something they cannot wait to finish doing. They will constantly make excuses for why they can never plan or participate in other activities. They may say that when they retire, they will then have the time to
travel or do fun things. They live to retire but, unfortunately, never learned how to live, and their life is not likely to change much as they will continue coming up with excuses why they cannot do things. Your personality and perspective will dictate how your retirement goes. But here are a few tips that should keep you young at heart after retirement. Have a purpose. You don’t have to have a “job” to have purpose. It might be occasionally caring for grandkids, caring for pets, or volunteer work. Having a reason to wake up each and every day gives the soul vibrant energy. The list of potentials is long. Make sure whatever it is makes you feel good. There is a huge difference between having purpose and being a martyr. Having a purpose is medicinal for the soul. Move. Go for a walk daily. Join a gym. Take yoga classes. There is something for everyone and now there
are no excuses. Take advantage of your new freedom. You will come to love the social interactions and connections you make. Movement releases happiness hormones. Make new friends. I’m not suggesting getting rid of your established friends, as you can never have enough. Surround yourself with those who make you laugh and you feel happy to be around. Avoid friends who bring you down, constantly complain, or are needy. These individuals will accelerate the aging process for sure. Unfortunately, this might include family (all the more reason to expand your circle of fun friends). Learn. Use it or lose it. This can be applied to many aspects in life, but for now, let’s focus on keeping our brains high functioning. Information is easily accessible thanks to the Internet. Learn something new, start a hobby you’ve never had time for, or read more books. Whatever it is, introducing yourself to new ideas, concepts, and experiences will keep you in a more youthful state. Stay healthy. Now that your risk of disease has gone down a bit because you do not have the stress of work and are hopefully sleeping better, it’s time to optimize health. Vitamin D3 and B-12 will go a long way when it comes to illness resistance, focus, and energy. You now also have the time to prepare healthy meals and improve dietary habits. It is never too late, even at age eighty. Retirement is not an endpoint or precursor to “the end,” it is an exciting beginning with unlimited potential. Take an inner look at what your expectations and perceptions are when it comes to your future. This may prevent an unexpected blindside and set you up for an amazing Part Two. FY Catherine Stack (RN, ND) is a practicing Doctor of Naturopathy, Certified Nurse Midwife, and the founder and CEO of Journey II Health Center for Rejuvenation. Her book, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life, is available on Amazon. Visit her website at journeyiihealth.com or email journeyIIhealth@gmail.com.
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www.foreveryoungwny.com | April 2019