9 HEALTH TIPS EVERYONE NEEDS TO FOLLOW POST-RETIREMENT

Published By Blog Breed

The majority of people experience a wide range of feelings after retirement, including anxiety, exhilaration, and fear. It is because retirement marks the end of the typical 9-to-5 lifestyle that you have been accustomed to living for a couple of decades or so. This is a big change and will require you to rearrange your priorities and make adjustments to live a healthy lifestyle.

But the good news is that you can maintain robust health post-retirement by sticking to the following tried-and-true tips:

Amp Up Your Vitamin D Intake

Many seniors are unaware of vitamin D deficiency in their bodies. According to credible studies, low levels of vitamin D can lead to memory loss, brittle bones, and even heart disease. Therefore, you should spend at least 15 to 20 minutes a day basking in the sun to increase your vitamin D levels. You could also discuss vitamin D supplementation with your physician.

Also Read: 6 WAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS

See Your Doctor Regularly

Do not put off seeing a doctor until you are in pain or feeling off. You need to establish a regular schedule of checkups with a qualified doctor (preferably a geriatrician). Obtain a blood sugar and cholesterol assessment. Make sure you receive your yearly flu shot and pneumonia shot as well. Apart from medical treatment, doctors could also guide you through helpful resources related to your medical condition.

Get Social

As humans, we are social beings at our core. When we have other people around us, we feel the most content and satisfied. Many studies reveal that maintaining social connections contribute to good health. However, it becomes even more important after retirement. Being social can help ward off major mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety in seniors. 

Many seniors find that volunteering is a great way to stay active and meet new people in their community. This allows you to feel personally rewarded while also offering something back to other people. Besides, you may also consider connecting with old friends. It could be intimidating to start fresh with new pals after retirement. In that case, you should reconnect with those you have lost touch with in the past

If you and an old friend get back in touch, you can pick up just where you left off. Sites like Facebook have made it simpler than ever before to accomplish this. All you have to do is search for their name or check for common friends among your current friends’ list.

Pay Attention To Your Diet

A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for optimal functioning, vitality, and disease avoidance. Fruits, vegetables, oily fresh, whole grains, and moderate servings of low-fat dairy and lean meat should make up the bulk of a healthy diet. Also, you should keep saturated fats to a minimum.

Drink enough water to avoid getting dehydrated, which could lead to a lack of energy and mental fogginess. Avoid sugary fizzy drinks and instead drink water, tea, coffee, or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

A celebratory glass of champagne or your preferred beer to commemorate your retirement is fine. But do not go crazy. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of numerous health problems and a worsening of preexisting illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and even some malignancies.

Also, many seniors mix alcohol and prescription drugs, which can be fatal. The best course of action is to consult a medical professional and determine the appropriate amount of alcohol for you. Make sure you give your liver a break from alcohol at least twice a week.  

Stay Physically Active

Maintaining physical fitness and health requires a daily commitment to exercise. This will help reduce the likelihood of developing diseases including obesity, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. Exercising not only makes you feel better about yourself but also gives you more energy and ensures better sleep.

According to government recommendations, people over the age of 65 should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, in addition to twice-weekly strength training. If that seems like too much at first, take it slow and build up to it as your strength increases.

Take Care Of Your Teeth

In terms of dental hygiene, seniors require special care. Because of the increased vulnerability to tooth decay and gum disease, dental care is crucial to them for preserving their quality of life. Be sure to brush at least twice a day. A lot of dental professionals advocate using electric toothbrushes because they help seniors brush more effectively. Dentists also advise seniors to use a soft toothbrush.

However, individuals with specific gum diseases may be suggested to use a hard toothbrush instead. You should always aim to brush for two full minutes.  Flossing is an equally key component of maintaining optimal oral health. It is a fast and simple technique to take care of your teeth, and the advantages far outweigh any inconvenience that may be associated with it.

Stimulate Your Brain

Just like your body, your brain needs regular exercise. Take up a new sport, read a book, solve a puzzle, or play an instrument. You may also try enrolling in a course on something you have always been curious about. Participating in artistic pursuits like painting and gardening helps promote healthy brain function. A course in acting, for instance, might improve one’s ability to recall information and solve problems.

Tap Into Meditation

Achieving inner calm through meditation has been a popular practice for generations. Because of its many documented health advantages, meditation has particularly grown in popularity in recent years. By practicing meditation, one can learn to calm the mind and refocus attention. Mindfulness instruction has been shown to foster greater introspection and heightened consciousness.

Apart from mental health, meditation positively influences physical health as well. Stress can heighten our awareness of physical pain because of the mind-body connection. By bringing your attention to your breathing and the sensations in your body at the present moment, mindfulness comes in handy to manage pain. Considering chronic pain is at its peak during retirement years, this is one of the biggest major upsides of medication.

Conclusion

The prospect of retirement is very appealing. This is the reward you hope to get after many years of employment. Getting a few extra hours of sleep; spending time on the golf field; relaxing at home with loved ones without worrying about missing a call from the boss; all sounds great. That said, your health could heavily influence your post-retirement years. So if you want to enjoy all the perks of retirement life, make it a point to maintain sound health by walking the tight line of the post-retirement tips covered in this post.