The internet often paints an idyllic picture of life after retirement – people sipping cocktails on the beach or cruising all over the world on a yacht. The reality, however, is quite different. There are 1 in 7 retirees who are being treated for depression and claim that they feel lonelier and unhappy. This runs counter to the oft-repeated narrative. The reason is that along with retirement, our entire schedule is upended and most people are at a loss of what to do. Thus, with these tips, life after retirement can be filled with meaning.
Plan Your Retirement Goals
Goals are important for people at any life stage, but most people don’t understand how to set realistic goals. Try setting SMART goals:
- Specific: Is it better to aim to conquer Mount Everest in your lifetime or try to schedule a 15-minute walk every day in the park nearby? The more specific your goal, the likelier it is that you achieve it.
- Measurable: How do you know you’re making progress? Can you use something to track your number of steps every day?
- Attainable: Do you have the ability to walk for long periods of time or are you a complete novice?
- Relevant: Do your goals align with your long-term vision of a healthy and active retirement?
- Time-based: Is there an end-date to your goal or will you continue your pursuit indefinitely?
Have A Daily Routine
When you’re working, it’s easy to have a routine but with more free time, it is harder to be structured. Consider setting a timetable for something you’d like to do daily or weekly and be sure to stick to it. This doesn’t mean that one should be rigid. Ironically, being disciplined with your timetable gives you the freedom to explore serendipitous pursuits in your “unaccounted” time.
Do Something You’ve Never Done Before
Novelty adds spice to life! Did you know that even the busiest entrepreneurs and CEOS make it a point to try something new every year? The good news is that you have free time to explore anything! Doing something new can be as simple as taking the longer route to the grocery store or something bigger like trying out a new musical instrument! You could even decide to further your education. A retirement community like ours offers you the chance to take part in activities and events that align with your interests – all in one place!
Don’t Forget Physical Activity
Good health is a cornerstone of life. Indeed, it becomes even more important as you age to keep your activity levels up. Things like walking or jogging can improve cardiovascular health. You could even take up hobbies like gardening or kayaking that are physically demanding. At Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay, we offer the Dimensions Health and Fitness program that is personalized to your health needs.
Seek Out Socialization
Retirees report feeling lonely and the best way to combat this is by meeting people regularly. No man is an island and with us, you’ll get to cultivate the best relationships with those at the same life stage as you!
Why Choose Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay’s Retirement Community?
Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay offers personalized care and support so that our residents can live their best lives with us. If senior living at a retirement community sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch with us to find out more!
You can contact us or schedule a tour to learn about the amenities and services that we provide for our residents.
