Work not only keeps us occupied but also paves the way for mental growth and agility. But what happens after retirement? What activities can maintain that mental challenge and fitness? We’re about to explore that in the list below:
10. Stay Active
Engaging in regular aerobic activity can help retirees to stay active. On a weekly basis, you need to aim for around 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Or 30 minutes per day for five days.
Pick something you like doing and you’re far more likely to stick with it. Having an exercise buddy or a class to go to can also be great motivators.
9. Take on a Challenge
Our brains need exercise just as much as our bodies do. Whether it’s some sort of puzzle, like sudoku or a crossword, or learning a new skill, learning something new or taking on small challenges is great for the mind.
Taking on new information can even help us to grow brand-new brain cells. All that knowledge has to be stored somewhere, right?
8. Child’s Play
Look back to your childhood for inspiration when you need to keep your mind active after giving up the day job. Board games, physical activity and computer games can all have a positive effect on the aging mind.
It’s not just an old wives’ tale. Playing with grandchildren or neighborhood kids really might help to keep you looking and feeling young.
7. Eat Right
If we are what we eat, then surely the right diet can help a retiree to retain their cognitive abilities. Cut your salt and sugar intake, trading these for foods rich in protein. Add lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruit, and you should be well on your way to keeping your memory alive.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Getting sufficient sleep can be just as important as staying active and eating the right foods. Experts reckon that seven hours a night can enhance your chances of retaining your cognitive abilities. Having a regular routine can really help, so try to rise and retire at the same time each day to set your body clock.
5. Boost Confidence
A person’s self-esteem and sense of identity can dwindle once they stop doing paid work. Instead, boost your confidence by sharing something you know you’re good at with others.
Another way to bolster your self-confidence is to share the wisdom that comes with age with other people. That can be a two-way street. Try asking them for advice on something you need help with, and you might soon find that they’ll request your help with a matter you know something about.
4. Help Out
Volunteering can help retirees to give something back, while giving them a sense of purpose. Charities, community organizations and schools are almost always open to offers of assistance, for example. You might even connect with new people as part of the deal.
3. Engage Your Senses
Using more of your senses can be a top trick when it comes to learning and retaining new information. If you see something as well as hearing it, you’re far more likely to retain that knowledge. Where possible, adding in the senses of touch, taste or smell can also work wonders.
2. Keep Talking
It’s not just loneliness that’s a problem for those who live in solo households. Connecting with people can be very beneficial to people of all ages, not least those whose mental acuity is declining with age.
Talking can give an aging brain a workout too. Even passing the time of day can increase the production of dopamine and endorphins.
1. Make a Bucket List
If there’s things you’ve always wanted to do or places you long to visit, then the best way to make sure you tick them off is to make a bucket list. Thinking about how you might achieve your goals can be a good mental workout, too.
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