A happy retirement starts with a happy you!

If you are nearing retirement age, you may be wondering how to use your newly-found free time, and how to keep yourself healthy—mentally and physically.

1. Get routine checkups.

Just because you’ve stopped working 40 hours (or more!) a week doesn’t mean you should stop looking out for yourself. It is very important to keep up with routine checkups with both your primary care doctor(s) and dentist to ensure your overall health. You should get an annual physical from your primary care physician and see your dentist twice a year (at least) for a checkup. Routine care can prevent major issues down the road.

Just because you’re looking at retirement doesn’t mean you can’t do something for yourself. Have you ever wanted to get a smile makeover? Don and Kim Elliot decided to give their smiles a tune up in their retirement years. If you are looking into a cosmetic or restorative dental procedure to improve your smile, contact Dr. Eric B. Oxley. After a dental examination and consultation, you and Dr. Oxley can come up with a plan for your smile makeover, which could include a cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening or veneers, or maybe a restorative procedure like dental crowns or implants.

2. Eat healthy.

Eating a proper diet has always been important for a healthy lifestyle, and that is something you should maintain during retirement. Make sure you get enough fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and whole grains. Aren’t sure how much of each you should be eating? Check out the Healthy Eating Plate. It suggests half of your plate be made up of fruits and vegetables, while a quarter of your plate should be filled with whole grains, and the other quarter of your plate, protein. Don’t forget to drink lots of water!

3. Exercise your body.

A little exercise can go a long way. This doesn’t mean you need to hit the gym to stay in shape. Any moderate exercise is good for the body. A great way to stay in shape as you get older is a moderate to brisk walk 20 to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. So, put on your sneakers and take a stroll around your neighborhood!

4. Exercise your mind.

Exercising your mind is just as important as exercising your body. Crossword puzzles and sudoku puzzles are great ways to keep your mind engaged. Research shows that people who regularly exercise their brains reap the benefits later in life, which means they’ll have a sharper mind, and the cognitive function of someone 10 years younger! Take a few minutes while you have your morning coffee and give your brain a little exercise. 

5. Volunteer.

After retirement, you may have more free time than you know what to do with. If you want to put that time to good use, volunteer in your local community. It’s also good for the soul! You can volunteer your time at a hospital, food bank, Boys and Girls Club, an animal shelter, or even at your church. Volunteering gives you a reason to get out of the house and feel great about doing some good in your community, and you may even meet some new people.

6. Meet new people.

Retirement is a great time to get out and meet new people! Many communities have community centers that have programs for seniors, where you can meet new friends and maybe participate in a painting class or a game of cards. Some communities also have walking clubs where a group can meet on a weekly basis and walk around a local park or neighborhood.

7. Push your boundaries.

Have you wanted to travel somewhere new? Learn a new language? There is no better time than retirement! Take a chance and get out and explore and do something you normally wouldn’t do! Often, local libraries offer seniors programs, including sessions on getting tech savvy, for example. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people. 

8. Adopt a furry friend.

There are plenty of animals in animal shelters, and they are in need of good homes. Consider adopting a dog, cat, puppy, kitten, or another small creature from your local animal shelter. If you don’t want the commitment, consider fostering an animal for a shelter. You can also volunteer your time at a shelter, where you’ll engage with animals or clean kennels if you aren’t quite sure about taking a new friend home just yet.

9. Spend time with friends and family.

Now that you have retired, take time to smell the roses and spend more time with friends and family. Schedule a monthly breakfast to get together with your friends or have Sunday dinners with your entire family—just make the time to see those you love and enjoy the time you have together.

10. Make a change.

Maybe you’ve had the same look for the last few years, or maybe you’re looking to brighten up your living room. Whatever it is, consider making a change! Get a haircut or a new hair color. Go bold and paint your living room orange. Or, perhaps just jazz up the dining room with a new rug. Take this opportunity in retirement to express yourself and live boldly!

Enjoy your retirement—and stay healthy!

Retirement is the time for you to be you–but make sure you are still taking care of yourself! Be sure to visit Oxley Comprehensive Dentistry at least twice a year and keep up your daily dental routine so your teeth stay healthy and happy while you’re enjoying your retirement. After all, you deserve it!