Transition Into a Physically Healthy Retirement: Stay Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically Healthy

Are you heading into a physically healthy retirement? For thousands of baby boomers and seniors on the verge of retirement, transition into a physically healthy retirement is important. Note that there are retirees who lose their physical health status almost immediately or deteriorate in terms of mental, emotional and spiritual health, post retirement. Some retirees do not live many years after retiring for different reasons including heart related problems, diabetes, strokes or depression.

Sparkpeople.com suggests, “The journey from working to retiring is one of life’s great transitions- even if you’ve planned for it and are already looking forward to it. A time of delicate decisions and scary new possibilities, retirement can feel both exhilarating and confusing.”

Life can be lived fully in terms of health, happiness and wholeness, post retirement and should be. It is easier when you are physically healthy.     

Consider the following pre-retirement tips:

Because physical health is so important for a retiree, take time before you retire to have a physical examination, in case you do have medical problems.

Look beyond your mere physical health, as you prepare to retire.

Your attitude towards your physical health is important. Recognize the reality that mental, emotional and spiritual health, all play a vital role in your physical health. You are a whole person, not just a physically oriented one, so consider all aspects of your health.

Be physically active.

Be aware that your physical health includes more than one or two exercises per day. If you only exercise one part of your physical body as you prepare for retirement, the rest of your physical body may suffer and deteriorate, so seek a broad expanse of physical activities and exercises, so your entire body stays healthy. This might include walking, jogging, swimming, hiking and biking. 

Consider weight loss and weight management as important retirement priorities.

Because you will not be working and thus, may be less physically active, you may need or want to do things that will help you to lose weight. Manage your weight after your initial weight loss when you enter into retirement. Begin by setting up a weight loss and weight management program prior to your actual retirement. Then, retirement is a continuation of what you have been doing in terms of your lifestyle. Then, there are no drastic dietary changes to shock your system.     

Dietary management is important for new retirees.

Positive, health-related dietary management prior to your retirement can ensure you remain in control of what you eat after retirement. For instance, retirement is not the time to consume all of the donuts in the coffee shop. In fact, you will have time to take health food orientation programs and be able to do some healthy meal planning. Consider growing an organic garden. 

Plan your financial retirement in such a way that you will be able to cope.

Retirement may mean reduced income for you and your spouse. Good financial planning in respect to your finances, will allow you to be able to continue to live the life style to which you are accustomed. Prioritize your needs as opposed to your wants and set up your financial budget accordingly. 

Learn how to live within your means. For example, you do not need to become a couch potato living on potato chips and pop because your income has decreased. In fact, that is the last thing that you want to do. Managing your time and finances well will allow you to do many of the things that you have always wanted to do, go places you want to go and see things you always wanted to see.   

Plan your post retirement activities carefully.

Positive, constructive post-retirement activities help to stimulate the mind. Consider the possibility of re-training or learning new skills, furthering your education, taking interest level courses in something you enjoy or doing other things that you love to do. This will help to get you out and improve your general health status, at the same time. So will having a proactive, healthy social life.   

Transition to retirement does not have to be traumatic. It can be exciting and fun, particularly when you are able to maintain or improve your health status.