What Is Active Retirement and Why Is It Important?
Retirement is often thought of as a season of rest and recuperation, after putting in your time, so to speak. Many adults look forward to reaching retirement and the slower pace it offers. They envision sitting around in the morning, enjoying a cup of hot coffee while reading the newspaper, without having to fight morning traffic. Some envision traveling and site seeing, while others hope to spend their free time with grandchildren. While retirement is certainly a season to be celebrated and enjoyed, sitting around and letting the days idle by is not a vision of healthy retirement or aging.
The term “active retirement” is nothing new. In fact, Del was one of the first companies to open a retirement community targeted to active senior adults in 1960. Today, retirement communities seem to be flooding the market, all advertising that they support and encourage active retirement. What does “active retirement” mean? Is it simply keeping busy in retirement, or is there something more to the concept?
It’s very important that seniors change their perspective when it comes to their retirement. Not every day needs to be filled with activity, but their retirement years do need to be focused on quality activities. By engaging in meaningful activities, seniors not only remain active, but they ward off adverse health conditions that come with a sedentary lifestyle. Seniors who pursue an active retirement add years to their life, boost their immune system, reduce their risk for stroke or heart disease, and delay the onset of memory impairment. If you are a retired senior, here are three tips to help you pursue an active retirement in order to enhance your quality of life.
- Transitioning into Retirement - Finding Relaxation and Purpose
- Creating a Lifetime Bucket List for Active Retirement
- Make a Long-Term Commitment in Retirement
- Contact Visiting Angels Sarasota for Personal Care Near You
Transitioning into Retirement - Finding Relaxation and Purpose
If you are newly retired, or will be soon, it’s okay to give yourself time to just relax. Take a few weeks to rest and recharge. Use this time to reflect on what brings you joy and how you can pursue activities that will enhance your senior years. Then, set a start date to officially begin your season of retirement, and take steps towards engaging in those quality activities. Consider seeking support from services like Respite Care to help you transition smoothly into retirement.
Creating a Lifetime Bucket List for Active Retirement
Create a list of things you hope to experience or achieve in your lifetime. Whether it’s scuba diving, visiting a foreign country, watching your grandchildren get married, or learning a new skill, writing your dreams will encourage you to pursue them. It will also inspire you to stay active as you begin to cross items off your bucket list.
Make a Long-Term Commitment in Retirement
Finally, stay active in retirement by committing to something that is long-term. Whether learning a new instrument, pursuing a hobby regularly, or volunteering consistently, staying committed for the long haul will keep your mind sharp and engaged. Many seniors have years ahead of them when they reach retirement, so it’s essential to consider quality activities that necessitate time and persistence.
Contact Visiting Angels Sarasota for Personal Care Near You
If you are a senior who is struggling to pursue an active retirement, know that Visiting Angels Sarasota is here for you. We help seniors remain safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes by providing non-medical assistance. Call us today to learn more about our caregiver referral services. Our referred caregivers not only assist seniors with basic household tasks and hygiene but also provide companion care and engage their clients in meaningful activities. We would love to help you transition from a sedentary retirement to one that is more active so that you can experience an enhanced quality of life.
To learn more about Visiting Angels and the many home care services we provide to seniors, including In-Home Memory Care & Dementia Care, Alzheimer's Care, Parkinson's Care, and Private Pay Home Care, please contact us today at 941-952-5800. Our team is here to provide additional support as needed.