You’ve saved, you’ve worked, and now you’re retired. It’s time to do all the things you’ve been looking forward to, from traveling to bucket-list destinations to taking the grandkids on Friday adventures.
Retirement is a time to enjoy life to the fullest, and staying happy and healthy is key to making the most of these years.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to being healthy, researchers for the American Society of Nutrition have found that adopting healthy habits by middle age can help you boost longevity.
“The earlier the better, but even if you only make a small change in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it still is beneficial,” said Xuan-Mai T. Nguyen, health science specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
From prioritizing exercise to scheduling time with friends among other healthy habits, there are a variety of ways to help ensure that your retirement years are filled with joy, vitality, and well-being.
Navigating health concerns in retirement
Retirement is a milestone many look forward to. However, this new chapter often comes with its own set of health concerns.
Chronic conditions
As you age, you are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Why? As you get older, you are more likely to experience a rise in body fat and a decline in muscle mass, which can elevate the risk of chronic disease.
Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, according to the National Council on Aging. Nearly 80% of older adults are managing two or more chronic conditions.
While the likelihood of developing high blood pressure or diabetes is higher than it was in your 30s, you can work with your health care provider to manage medications and make lifestyle changes.
Memory and cognitive health
You retired from work. But your body and your brain still need to work in order for you to enjoy retirement.
However, many people begin to experience a subtle decline in mental acuity as they age. This trend can be accelerated after retirement, especially for people who were particularly career-motivated.
Cognitive functions gradually decline in all areas over time, according to a 2017 study. The study, which followed almost 3,500 individuals, found that verbal memory decreased 38% more quickly after retirement compared to before.
While you often focus on your physical health to stay healthy in retirement, brain health can be equally as important. Social connections, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and nutrition can all support your cognitive health.
However, it’s also important to keep the mind working. Jigsaw puzzles, word games, and learning new skills are great ways to stay mentally sharp and engaged as you age.
Sleep
Retirement can be a time to get some much needed rest. But if you are finding it difficult to get a good night’s rest, you are not alone.
Sleep disorders and changes in sleep patterns are common among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of American adults don’t get sufficient sleep. This issue becomes more prevalent with age, with up to 60% of individuals aged 65 and older expressing concerns about their sleep quality.
How to stay healthy in retirement
Gone are the days when retirement meant slowing down. Today’s retirees are rewriting the rules, wanting to live vibrant, active lives. From month-long international trips to making use of a golf club membership, they are doing the things that they could not do when they were going into the office five days a week.
But how do you ensure you are happy and healthy in retirement?
Healthy habits, such as daily exercise and learning a new skill, can help you make the most of this stage in your life. A Michael Phelps Swim Spa, too, can be a valuable addition to this journey, offering numerous benefits that support both physical and mental health.
Prioritize daily exercise
If you want to be healthy during retirement, one of the most important things you can do is to stay moving. Regular exercise not only enhances your mobility and overall well-being but also contributes to a longer, healthier life.
Research indicates that retirees who are physically active can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression, various cancers, anxiety disorders, cognitive decline, and hip fractures.
Whether you start your day with a brisk walk or join a senior fitness class, the CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. It’s also important to make time for strength training two times a week, as you can lose between 3% and 5% of your muscle mass per decade after the age of 30.
If you want a versatile at-home workout option, a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa by Master Spas offers a perfect solution for low-impact, full-body workouts. The adjustable current allows for a variety of exercises, including gentle swimming, water walking, and resistance training.
Swimming and water exercises are gentle on your joints while providing excellent cardiovascular benefits and muscle toning. In addition, the buoyancy of water reduces the stress on your joints while improving your mobility.
Establish a routine
For decades, your days followed a familiar pattern: wake up, grab a cup of coffee, get ready for work, head to the office, and return home. Retirement brings a newfound sense of freedom without a rigid daily schedule.
However, many retirees find that keeping a flexible routine adds structure and purpose to their days.
What does a retirement routine look like? It starts with trying to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, which can improve the quality of your sleep. You can also give your day a rough outline, which can help you stay productive and avoid feeling aimless.
Scheduling regular times to use your Michael Phelps Swim Spa can not only help you create a daily routine that helps you stay happy and healthy in retirement. You can start your day with an exercise session or opt to spend your nights in the warm water. With built-in massage jets, you can use your swim spa to ease joint pain, muscle soreness, and any tension that you might be feeling.
Hydrotherapy can be particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. The soothing effects of warm water can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Nurture your mental health
Retirement marks a significant life transition. While it brings feelings of excitement and happiness, it can also trigger an emotional shock. Changes in social roles and networks can lead to what is often called the “retirement blues.”
More than 25% of retirees say they feel depressed – a rate higher than that of the adult population overall. Sixteen percent of older adults sought treatment for depression, according to the National Council on Aging.
While new retirees might experience feelings of isolation, sadness, and fatigue, it’s treatable. In addition to seeking help from medical professionals, retirees can nurture their mental health by making lifestyle changes and finding healthy ways to manage stress.
Combat this by engaging in activities that stimulate your mind and boost your mood. The Michael Phelps Swim Spa isn’t just for physical exercise – it’s also a perfect spot for relaxation and meditation. The soothing sound of moving water and the warmth of hydrotherapy jets can help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Stay socially connected
Loneliness has been declared an epidemic and, by some accounts, it can affect about half of American adults.
The CDC defines loneliness as “the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections.”
When you retire, it can be harder to maintain those social connections that were once built through daily interactions at work. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, there are ways to combat this.
One way is to engage in community activities, such as joining clubs, attending social events, or participating in volunteer work. Staying connected with family and friends through regular meet-ups or virtual calls can also help maintain a sense of belonging. Additionally, finding new hobbies or interests can provide opportunities to meet new people and build new social networks.
Utilizing your Michael Phelps Swim Spa can also be a great way to invite friends and family over for a relaxing and social experience. The combination of physical activity and social interaction can enhance your overall well-being, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Volunteer your time
Giving back to the community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment after you retire. Not only can you share your skills and experience with others but also build in activities to your schedule and grow your social network.
Start by finding a cause you’re passionate about, whether it’s mentoring, working with animals, or supporting local charities. Choosing a cause that resonates with you makes the experience more rewarding.
Learn new skills
Picking up a new skill as an adult can seem daunting. However, research suggests that learning new things as you age is crucial for maintaining sharp cognitive skills. Middle-aged and older adults can be just as adept at learning as younger people.
A Scientific American study found that when adults took a skills-based course, such as drawing, photography, and iPad use, they improved scores for memory and attention.
Retirement offers an excellent opportunity to explore new interests or revisit old hobbies. Perhaps you’d sign up for an adult painting class or finally take those dance lessons you wanted as a child.
Learning to swim is also an option, even as an adult. Your Michael Phelps Swim Spa provides an ideal environment for learning and practicing these skills at your own pace.
Focus on nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential at every stage of life, but it becomes increasingly important as you age to maintain your independence and vitality. As you grow older, your body’s nutritional needs may change, and the right diet can help you adapt to these changes while supporting your overall well-being.
A balanced diet provides the energy required to tackle your daily tasks and stay active. It ensures that you have the stamina needed to engage in physical activities, such as playing a round of golf; maintain social connections; and enjoy hobbies. Good nutrition helps you stay energized and can make a significant difference in how you feel and function day-to-day.
In addition to boosting your energy levels, a healthy diet plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic health conditions. By incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals, you can help prevent issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. This proactive approach to nutrition can help ensure a healthy, happy retirement.
Embrace flexibility
One of the greatest joys of retirement is the newfound freedom to embrace flexibility in your daily routine. Unlike the structured schedule of a working life, retirement allows you to adapt your activities and plans based on your preferences and needs. This flexibility can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle, as you’re no longer bound by rigid time constraints or obligations.
Embracing flexibility means you have the freedom to pursue interests and hobbies that you may have previously set aside. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, traveling spontaneously, or simply enjoying a leisurely morning without the pressure of a clock, retirement offers the opportunity to tailor your day to what brings you joy. This adaptability can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being, as you focus on activities that align with your personal passions.
Additionally, being flexible allows you to adjust your routine to better accommodate changes in your health or energy levels. If you’re feeling energetic one day, you can take advantage of that by engaging in more active pursuits. Conversely, on days when you feel less enthusiastic, you can opt for more restful activities. This ability to modify your schedule helps you maintain a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle, tailored to how you’re feeling at any given time.
Flexibility in retirement also extends to social interactions. You have the freedom to connect with friends and family at times that suit both your schedules. This can lead to more meaningful and relaxed interactions, as you’re not constrained by work commitments. You can plan visits, phone calls, or social activities at your convenience, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing your social life.
Your Michael Phelps Swim Spa offers this flexibility – it’s always ready when you are, whether for a morning workout, an afternoon cool-down, or an evening relaxation session.
Invest in a healthy retirement
Retirement is a time to focus on your well-being and enjoy life to its fullest. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, centered around the versatile benefits of a Michael Phelps Swim Spa, you can create a happy and healthy retirement.