| Retirement is something that many people are | | | | available at off-peak times. There are many |
| planning to take earlier in their lives, and with the | | | | places that are available for free or at reduced |
| opportunities of improved health care, diet and | | | | rates to older people, or at certain times or on |
| lifestyle usually people can look forward to many | | | | certain days of the week. Turn it into an |
| healthy and fulfilling years ahead. | | | | adventure. One retired couple in the UK decided |
| - Mindset is an important part of the equation. | | | | to travel all round the country on an over 60's |
| Being interested in what is going on around keeps | | | | pass, and had a lot of fun doing it. They took as |
| a person interesting to be with. Being mentally | | | | long as they wanted and stopped off at different |
| active and engaged in life stops us from becoming | | | | places on the way. Start a book club where a |
| self absorbed and insular. Being keen to know | | | | group of people take turns to choose a book for |
| about current affairs, the news, new theatre | | | | all to read and then discuss it four weeks later. |
| shows, learning new interests keeps us upbeat | | | | That way there is something to do and the |
| and motivated, as well as mentally alert. | | | | stimulus of sharing an interesting discussion |
| - Looking as good as possible often reflects | | | | afterwards. |
| personal confidence levels. Maintaining good | | | | - Goal Setting. Whatever age we are goal setting |
| hygiene, keeping hair and clothes smart and | | | | can ensure that we stretch ourselves a little more |
| making the effort to look attractive improves self | | | | and do new or different things. Some people use |
| esteem and also ensures that others treat us | | | | New Year or an anniversary to write down their |
| with respect too. We give off a better impression | | | | important goals. Then schedule them into your |
| when we are smart and confident. | | | | planner so that there is a commitment to include |
| - Health. As we get older parts do wear out a | | | | them in your life. |
| little. Listening to the messages from our body, | | | | - Volunteer. Many organisations would appreciate |
| treating ourselves with respect and sensitivity and | | | | the help of an alert enthusiastic person with the |
| allowing healing to take the time it needs are all | | | | time to commit. Animal charities and hospital |
| keys to staying well for longer. Resting when | | | | visiting are two examples to consider. |
| required, eating healthily and keeping mentally alert | | | | - Relationships. It is lovely to have a special friend |
| are all important factors. | | | | or partner to share life with. Many people are left |
| - Exercise. Sensible exercise is important to keep | | | | on their own as they get older, maybe through |
| the body moving and well. There is no reason | | | | bereavement or divorce. Relationships need |
| why a person cannot stay active and live life to | | | | attention and effort and if a person has lived |
| the full, but listening to the body, letting it take | | | | alone for a time it can be difficult to learn to |
| the time to heal if necessary is a key element. | | | | consider another person. Sometimes taking things |
| Many Leisure Centre run classes for the over 50's | | | | slowly can be the key. Sharing a meal, a show or |
| and these are great for people who are a little | | | | a walk together can help two people learn the |
| infirm or who have not regularly exercised before. | | | | value of having someone special in their lives |
| They often incorporate a social element, which is | | | | again. |
| a relaxed way of meeting new people. Judging | | | | - Adventure. Try to do something different on a |
| what level of exercise is appropriate for you is an | | | | regular basis. Even just cooking a different recipe |
| important factor in staying healthy and active. Fit | | | | or booking to see a show that you are not sure |
| older people can be seen using their additional free | | | | you will enjoy. If it works out well, that is great, |
| time to climb mountains and take up activities like | | | | and if it was not so good, well at least you did it. |
| gliding. | | | | It is all about keeping open to new opportunities |
| - Money can be tighter for some retired people. | | | | and life experiences. |
| Look out for some of the discounts that are | | | | |