Retirement comes with a mixed set of emotions including uncertainty and excitement and it can come with some health issues as well. In fact, retirees have higher odds of developing heart disease than people the same age who continue to work. Depression may also be a concern to some retirees.
The bottom line is that even though you are retired, you need to continue to get plenty of exercise to keep fit physically and mentally. Your New York Medicaid services company offers some advice.
While previous generations may have dragged themselves across the finish line into retirement, burnt out and exhausted after years of hard work, many in our generation reach retirement age happy, healthy and raring to go for another 20 plus years. The notion that retirees just sit around all day in their rocking chairs is dated and, for the most part, untrue. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Keep Moving
Since you don’t have to get up to shower, shave and get to work, you probably want to spend some additional time catching up on all of that sleep you lot the last several decades. After all, there is nothing better than waking up, taking a peek at the clock, and rolling back over to go back to sleep because you don’t have to be anywhere at any given time.
While this is fine, don’t let it lead to bad habits. For example, if you were the type of person who would workout in the morning, don’t skip out on your exercise to sleep longer. If anything, just push your workout time back an hour or two and do them at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.
Good for the Mood
Studies show that 30 minutes of physical activity causes the brain to release a hormone that stimulates pleasure. That’s right, exercising makes you happy. In addition, other hormones are released during physical activity that positively impacts stress, mood and anxiety. Studies show that getting exercise is one of the better ways to fight depression.
Social Benefits
Retirement can create a sort of social vacuum, leaving you with less contact with friends and family. By participating in sports like golf or tennis, you get more opportunities to get out and meet like-minded people. In fact, through exercise, even walking around your neighborhood, you can build-up a whole new social network.
Improved Quality of Life
Regular exercise will not only help you keep fit, it can improve your sleep, improve your balance and posture, relieve your aches and pains and help you maintain mobility so you can remain independent. This is a much better way to enjoy life.
You don’t have to take up tennis, golf or hit the gym to get exercise, there are other ways to remain fit after you retire.
Walk
The next time you need to grab a loaf of bread at the grocery store down the street, walk there and get it. Not only will this save you a few cents in gas each time you do it, it also provides you with some easy exercise.
Swim
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and it is fun as well. If your retirement plans include plenty of time on the beach, make sure you hit the water for awhile.
Yard Work
You might not want to mow your lawn, but keeping a garden or sweeping out your garage will get you out of the house, into the fresh air and give you some much-needed exercise.
Yoga
You don’t have to join a class to perform yoga, there are plenty of DVDs you can utilize to do it at home.
