Top 10 to-dos for retirement

For many people, retiring from work can be almost as life-altering as having children or getting married, and it can take as much personal adjustment. After all, that last day at work means more than a dramatic change in your daily schedule; it also represents a significant change in your role. Retirement is an opportunity to redefine yourself, and these ten tips will help you.

Keep moving

Remember the image of a retiree sitting in their rocking chairs and watching the world go by from the comfort of their porch? While that might be the way your grandfather spent his retirement, it is not the life older people have in mind today. These days, people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and over are more active than ever. According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of exercising regularly include everything from managing weight to managing conditions like type II diabetes. Additionally, exercising regularly, especially with friends or a spouse, can increase your stamina and dramatically improve your mental state and energy level. Great activities to consider include walking, swimming, or even cross-country skiing.

Keep learning

You know that old saying about learning something new every day? That remains true, regardless of your age. Stretching your mind, whether it’s through crossword puzzles, library books, or community education classes, is a great way to stay alert for the future. Set a goal to try something new every day, week, or month and enjoy checking it off your list. Have you always wanted to make pottery on the wheel, learn French or practice watercolors? Now is the time to expand those skills. You’re free from the responsibilities of work and parenting, so you can focus on doing (and learning) exactly what you want. Some seniors even go back to school to finish their college degrees. To find out about classes near you, contact your local community center, college or university.

Share your wisdom

You’ve spent your entire life accumulating great lessons and valuable perspective, and retirement is the perfect time to share those gems with others. Young people, whether they are neighborhood kids or your own children or grandchildren, can benefit from the lessons you’ve learned over the years. A great way to pass on your wisdom is to make a life lesson book. You can cover a specific topic, such as raising children or managing your finances, or you can generalize it. Recording these lessons also helps keep them fresh in your mind.

Find a support group

Any moment of big change can be bittersweet. While you may enjoy your newfound freedom, retirement can also bring a sense of loss. In addition to your changing role, you may be dealing with financial stress, aging, illness, and loss of loved ones. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Care.com, a site for seniors and their families, says that joining a support group can help seniors cope with challenging situations by sharing their feelings with others. A support group can even provide a social outlet if you feel isolated.

Stay Social

Did you know that recent research indicates that older people who have a wide network of friends are healthier and longer-lived than those who simply have a close family? While family relationships are very important, they are not a substitute for friends. You can make friends by attending classes and events at your local senior center, going out into the community through a church or school, or starting a weekly card game or book club. While they shouldn’t replace “real life” friendships, virtual friends can also be a great joy. Stay active on social networking sites or start a blog to share your experiences with friends around the world.

Record your story

Sharing your life story can also be a great way to enjoy your retirement. As you review the events in your life, reflect on all that you have learned and experienced over the years. Also, recording your history and family history allows you to share those important memories with those you love the most. You can record your life story in various ways. It can be as simple as sitting in your favorite chair with a tape recorder and just telling the stories you remember. Alternatively, you can write a memoir or hire a professional to make your video bio to share with your children, grandchildren, and their descendants. Regardless of the format you choose, you are giving future generations a priceless gift.

Volunteer your skills

Volunteering is another important part of a healthy retirement. Whether you’re helping out at the local elementary school or serving food at a soup kitchen downtown, you’re giving away your time. Mentoring others is a great way to make a difference in the world. Sites like ‘Micro Mentor’ can help you connect with new entrepreneurs who could benefit from your experience. You may even volunteer to teach a course at a community center. You can also talk to local hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, and daycare centers about how you can help.

See the world

Now that you don’t have the set schedule that comes with work, every day is vacation time. Make the most of that time by taking the trips you put off during your busiest years. Whether you travel to the other side of the world or to the other side of the city, this is a good time to see new places. Organizations like Seniors Home Exchange give you the opportunity to exchange homes with other people who might enjoy staying in your home. Another great option is Elder Treks, which features exotic adventures for active people over 50.

Take a moment to enjoy life

You don’t rush to work in the morning to put the kids to bed at night, so take a few minutes to enjoy life. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on the patio or relaxing in front of the fire in the evening, one of the great joys of retirement is the slower pace and the chance to really appreciate all that you have. Keeping a journal can help you focus on those moments as you record them throughout the day. Another option is to bring a digital camera. You’ll be amazed at how much a photograph could inspire, and the moment you take your camera out and turn it on, you can remember to stop and smell the roses you are about to photograph.

Identify Activities you love

Overwhelmed with all the activity options you could enjoy? Let your life inspire you! What did you enjoy doing over the years? Maybe you loved building miniature cars when you were a teenager. Maybe you enjoyed quilting with your mother. List as many favorite activities as you can, then sit back and go through your list. What do these activities have in common? Maybe they’re all creative or adventure-oriented or social. These common threads can guide you toward the perfect new hobby or experience.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, retirement is a major life change and your outlook will determine a lot. Attitude is everything. Stay focused on the positive, keep setting goals, and explore. Maintaining a good attitude is one of the most important ways you can improve your quality of life.