Tips to a Healthy Happy Retirement

Retirement isn’t always something that people look forward to. It may be forced upon them through ill health or it may be because it isn’t everything it promised it would be. Many people feel that they have lost their identity. Retired people are twice as likely to report feeling symptoms of depression than those who are still working. Research from the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs found that the likelihood that someone will suffer from clinical depression actually goes up by about 40% after retiring. So how, when you stop your career, the one with goals, deadlines and motivation, can you make the most of the time you now have? introduce some recipes that you may not have had time to do previously? Eat out more frequently if finances allow?

Keep physically active

In retirement, the government suggests that adults aged 65 and over should do 150 minutes of ‘moderate-intensity activity each week’. This could be introduced through walking, the gym, volunteering outside, cycling or learning a new skill like dancing.

Keep in touch with your friends from work

Just because you are retiring doesn’t mean you have to lose touch altogether with the people that have been with you most days. Make plans for dinner parties, barbecues and days out to ensure you keep in touch. One invitation often leads to another.

Take it slowly!

You don’t need to retire in one big bang! You could try retiring in stages by easing off over several years. Why not start by going part-time?

grandchildren

Grandparents who can give and receive support from grandchildren are less likely to be depressed. If you have grandchildren, spending active playtime with them can help you stay healthier and it’s important for the children’s wellbeing as well.

eat well

You probably had a pattern of eating when you were working. Try not to divert from that too much, but why not

give back

Ever thought of volunteering? If your job had specific skills that might be useful in the voluntary sector, then you might be able to get involved with something in your community.

Travel

If your job didn’t involve travel - then now’s the time to fix that! There are plenty of opportunities to visit somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit; painting holidays, walking, wine tasting, camping, city breaks. You get the idea!

get a dog

There are proven emotional benefits bestowed by their unconditional love of us, and one study even found that dog owners need fewer doctor visits. Another study from Australia found that pet owners had lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and a lower heart attack risk than people without pets; that could also be because it ensures that we get a walk every day too!

get technical

Most people have a simple grasp of technology, but if you got left behind then now’s the time to learn!

If every adult in the UK spent just £5 per week in their local shops and businesses,

instead of online, at supermarkets or with the huge multinationals. It would be worth £16.8 billion to the local economy