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When we reach a certain age, there’s a myth that our quality of life declines. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth and there’s no reason for your life to change after a certain point. But your lifestyle will change after you retire and there are some things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a happy and healthy life:
Don’t give up on your health
Disease and poor health isn’t something that just happens. Some things we can’t avoid with age, but if we maintain a healthy lifestyle, there’s no reason that we would get sick any more than when we were younger. Firstly, you want to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and adapt it to any lifestyle changes. If you used to have a very active job that kept you on your feet, you probably needed a lot more calories than you do when you’re not on the job anymore. Additionally, some elderly people tend to avoid meat and other hard foods because of dental issues, which can impact their health because their diets start lacking nutrients. Secondly, you want to stay as active as possible. Retirement doesn’t mean sitting in a chair in front of the TV for the whole day, because you’ve got nothing else to do. Use this newfound free time to find new activities you enjoy doing, whether that’s jogging or fast walking with friends, going to a pilates class or even gardening!
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Don’t be afraid of the diagnosis
A lot of people fear that, as they grow old, they will have a diagnosis glued to them and they won’t be “themselves” anymore. But the truth is, medicine is progressing daily, and your quality of life will be so much higher if you’ve been diagnosed and receive proper treatment. You won’t be put in a nursing home and forgotten – in fact, there are now environments like homes for dementia care where you can live a fully functional life functional with all the focus on your individuality, and not your diagnosis. Accept that a diagnosis doesn’t make you any less of yourself and that you are putting yourself and others at risk if you are hiding an illness.
Have a purpose
Whether that’s your kids, grandkids or a charity you love, make sure that you wake up every day feeling like you have something to live for and that you have your role in the world. A lot of people fall into the habit of doing nothing because they don’t feel that they are useful to the world when in reality, you have so much to give. If you don’t know where to start, ask your family members if there is anything you can help them with, and if they’re covered, find an organization that does something you’re passionate about and see if you can get a volunteering – or even paid – position there.
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Do the things you always wanted
How many years have you spent wishing you had the time to go out and see the world, start a small business or simply make a dream come true? Well, now’s the time. Don’t surrender to the myth that you have less energy now and make an effort to do the things you always wanted. Sure, some things might need to be adapted for your current situation, but everything you’ve been delaying because of lack of time is now possible and at your grasp.
Remember that you are the person who is in charge of the rules and standards you live by, and if you don’t fall prey to the stereotypes of elderly people being weak, tired and forgetful, you will live some of the best years of your life, right there in retirement.
About the author:
Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about mental health, well-being, and healthy lifestyle at ripped.me. Claire on Facebook and Twitter.