We will each encounter our own challenges in our lives, particularly during our retirement years. These challenges may present themselves as changes in our health or our circumstances – we may face medical diagnoses, lose loved ones, and face difficult decisions. In these times of distress, a support network of loved ones and friendly faces in your community can be an immeasurable comfort. Our support network gives us the strength to overcome life’s challenges and turn them into opportunities.
Without realising it, the demands, the stresses and the bustle of our working lives kept our minds alert, and avoiding social interaction was an impossibility. Retirement can leave you feeling detached from the life you once knew, but with newfound time and freedom, exploring new opportunities in our retirement years can help to prevent us feeling isolated or lonely.
Engaging in social interaction and activities is vital in maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing during our retirement. Research has proved that staying active in both body and mind can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Live well in your retirement
Although retirement can bring unexpected challenges to our health, wellbeing and lifestyle, actively engaging in new opportunities will help you live well in your retirement.
Try something new – perhaps there’s a new skill you’ve always been curious to learn, such as a language, or a craft. New activities will concentrate your mind and with improved cognitive function, you may notice other aspects of life become easier too.
Be active – joining a class at the local leisure centre or participating in a new sport is endlessly beneficial for our physical health. Cardiovascular fitness will help to maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and some cancers. Physical activity also releases endorphins in the brain and these chemicals help to boost mood and support emotional wellbeing.
Be social – meeting new friendly faces in your community and maintaining relationships with loved ones is vital to supporting our overall wellbeing. By volunteering for local charities, joining a group or club and engaging in regular communication, social interaction will reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Schedule regular visits with grandchildren or volunteer at a school or children’s charity. Children’s youthful energy can be a breath of fresh air and they can be endlessly entertaining!
What if my health restricts my ability to live the life I want to live?
With the support of loved ones, care providers and friendly faces in your community, your health and your circumstances needn’t become a restriction on exploring new opportunities in your retirement. Care providers with specialist training can help you understand your health, and they’ll be able to find ways to help you engage in the activities you want. If you’re living with dementia, activities designed to boost social interaction will help to support the cognitive functioning of your brain. If you live with physical health needs, there are many ways to maintain your fitness without exercise becoming exhausting!
Where can I find specialist support?
The support of visiting or full-time carers and your loved ones will enable you to explore life’s journeys with the reassurance that you can return to your home comforts feeling refreshed and revitalised. From companionship once a week, to multiple visits each day to assist you with your daily routine or specialist support for medical conditions, the flexibility of a bespoke care plan could very well be your ticket to discover a whole new world.
