Lifestyle Tips for a Happy and Healthy Reorientation Stage of Retirement

According to retirement life coach and Second Wind Movement founder, Cyn Meyer, there are five emotional stages of retirement. For many people, the stage right after retirement, the honeymoon stage, feels like a vacation. The question is, what happens when you reach the “disenchantment” stage of retirement?

Credit: Second Wind Movement

C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Planned properly, retirement can be one of the most rewarding times of your life. It’s a chance to explore new hobbies, spend more time with loved ones, and focus on what brings you joy. Building a healthy lifestyle in retirement requires thoughtful planning and choices that support your well-being. Read on to learn valuable retirement advice for seniors looking for what to do in the next stage of their retirement, with practical tips on how to stay healthy, active, and fulfilled. 

Tips for Happiness and Health in Retirement

Retirement is a time to enjoy life, and staying engaged and active is key to living a happy and healthy retirement. Whether it's taking up a new hobby, spending time with family, or learning something new, keeping both your mind and body busy is important. A little effort each day can lead to a more rewarding lifestyle. This helps improve not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being.

Maintain Social Connections

Staying connected with existing friends and family is essential in retirement, as is making new friends. These connections can boost your mood and make you feel happier. Being socially connected has even been proven to improve brain health and lower the risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and high blood pressure (NIH National Institute on Aging).

Start by reaching out to friends. A simple phone call or text can go a long way and can lead to planning regular coffee, lunch, or dinner dates. Keep in touch with your family, or those closest to you, and plan intentional time to spend with them as well. These moments create lasting memories. Keeping these connections strong is much easier for those living in a Life Plan Community, as you’ll see your new friends out and about in the community with planned events, activities, and meals.

Getting involved in your community is also important. Join local clubs, volunteer, or take special interest classes. Staying connected helps you feel supported and engaged, making your retirement more fulfilling.

Build Routines

Establishing a healthy routine at home can create a sense of purpose and stability and can lead to better physical and mental health. Start by setting regular mealtimes. Again, this is easier at a Life Plan Community, where you don’t have to do the cooking or clean the dirty dishes. Choose nutritious foods to keep you energized and make time to exercise. Taking walks or trying a fitness class with your spouse or a friend can be a great way to stay active and spend time together. Make time for relaxation, too. Enjoy quiet moments, read a book, or watch a movie. Maintaining a positive and productive schedule can keep you feeling your best.

According to the National Institute of Sleep, having a regular sleep schedule can also positively affect your mental and physical health. Sleep health is tied to stress, and those who get better sleep are less likely to be impacted by stress. Other positive benefits of a regular sleep schedule include alertness and improved heart health.

The “Magic Pill,” Daily Physical Exercise

“Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging,” says Dr. Linda Fried, dean of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, in an interview with Columbia Magazine. According to the NIH National Institute on Aging, physical activity is essential for healthy aging, as it can offer protection against osteoporosis and other health conditions like diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and high cholesterol.

Regular exercise helps maintain mobility and reduces pain and simple activities like stretching, walking, or swimming can improve flexibility and keep you moving comfortably. Consider a morning walks with a pet or a yoga session outdoors. Fresh air and nature can lift your spirits, and being active outdoors helps you stay fit. Plus, spending time with a pet can make exercise even more enjoyable. Each of Moorings Park Communities three locations in Naples, Florida, are pet-friendly, have specially designed rubberized walkways to reduce the stress on your joints and make walking and strolling comfortable, and offer a variety of exercise programs and activities to help you stay fit and healthy.

Prioritize Mental and Intellectual Wellness

Practicing mental wellness is key to feeling your best. Simple habits like mindfulness and gratitude can make a big difference. Mindfulness helps you stay present and reduces stress, while focusing on gratitude boosts your mood and overall outlook. Take a moment each day to reflect on things you’re thankful for and try mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or meditation. These small actions can help support your mental and emotional health, keeping you balanced and positive. Life Plan Communities, like Moorings Park Communities, often offer cognitive classes designed to keep your brain sharp.

Continuing education for boomers and retirees offers a great way to keep your mind active. Whether you’re learning something new or expanding on past interests, lifelong learning is key to staying curious, connected, and fulfilled during retirement.

According to the Age Well Study, residents of Life Plan Communities like Moorings Park Communities report and exhibit greater intellectual wellness and self-rated memory compared to non-residents. The Moorings Park Communities’ team believes that keeping your mind healthy is just as important as staying physically fit. Easily accessible activities such as woodshop, painting, and jewelry making help residents stay curious and engaged and contribute to what makes them some of the healthiest older adults in the country. Attend an event to discover more about why Moorings Park Communities is the preferred senior living destination to begin your retirement.