Stay active after retirement

The time has finally arrived: retirement! You can finally start reaping the benefits of your hard work after all these years. Retirement doesn't have to be seen as an end, but as the start of new opportunities. After retirement, you have more time in your hands to become financially independent, and explore new opportunities. Here are some tips to stay active when you retire.

1. Stay physically active.

The best way to be healthy, independent, and occupied is to do some minor physical exercise such as walking and yoga. Physical activities should consist of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility exercises. You can do new activities such as golf, tennis, hiking, or biking. Find some form of exercise that suits you.

2. Exercise you mind.

Retirees should keep their minds active by learning something new like playing some musical instrument, and keeping the mind alert with games, such as Scrabble, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

3. Stay up-to-date with technology.

Learn new computer skills and programmes. If you decide to re-enter the workforce, having updated skills may prove useful.

4. Take up gardening.

Gardening is the best way to keep you occupied. This is also a great stress buster. Grow some flowers or vegetables in your garden. If you don't have a garden, you can grow plants in a pot. You can also decorate your house with these plants and flowers.

5. Relax and take a vacation.

Retirement also means having a freedom to go wherever you want, and whenever you want. These freedom means you can travel during off-season when prices for hotels and airfares are reduced. In addition, many attractions, such as museums, theme parks, and zoos, offer senior citizen discounts.

6. Read.

You will have plenty of time to catch up on your reading in retirement. Reading can be a great solitary activity, but you can also join a local book club if you want to meet some new people. Read the latest best-seller or go back to the classics that you skipped in college.

7. Learn a new language.

Language learning is another great activity for keeping your brain active. Join a class at a community college, and you will get to meet new people to share your interest. If you decide you want to travel, match language learning with your travel destinations.

8. Do volunteer work.

Everybody understands the necessity of volunteer work in the community, but career people have less and less time to do volunteer work. Doing volunteer work keeps retirees involved in the community. They can volunteer at community centers, schools, or animal shelters. Retirees can use their expertise to help people in the community, such as assisting in literacy and community educational programmes, tutoring at schools, and coaching children or adults.

9. Fulfil your dreams.

What is it that you have always wanted to do, but never seemed to have time to do? Many people find their retirement is the perfect time to explore their dreams and make choices they didn't believe were possible in the past. Start out by making a plan for your life. Ask yourself what you would like to see yourself doing in the next 5, 10, 15 years and beyond. The make up a detailed game plan and go for it!

10. Life doesn't stop when you retire.

It is a wonderful time to start anew. It gives you the opportunity to learn, grow, achieve new successes, start new adventures, and meet new friends. It is the beginning of a brand new life filled with wonder, empowerment, and freedom.

Also read the article tips for retirement planning.

Taken from: News Straits Times - 12 July 2012 (article), Google (images).