In the United States, the retirement age is 66 years old for those born in 1954 and 67 for those born in and after 1960. Full retirement means that you are now eligible to receive your entire benefits from Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal pension plan. Now that you are finally leaving the workforce, here are some things that you can do to enjoy this new chapter of your life.
Be Physically Active
Body changes are not uncommon once you hit the half-century mark in your life. Now that you are more than 60, you will notice that your physical state is no longer the same. Your bones have become weaker, and you are more prone to illnesses that come with old age. Though aging is unstoppable, there are still ways for you to strengthen your body.
To be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you need to be physically healthy. You can start this journey towards wellness by having a daily exercise routine. It doesn’t have to be rigorous, and it can be as simple as walking briskly in your garden or backyard for at least 30 minutes every day. Studies show that exercising helps strengthen your joints and muscle and prevent certain illnesses like hypertension and osteoporosis.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Eating healthy foods is important no matter what your age is. However, things are different in your case because you are already more than 60. Your metabolism has slowed down, and you are not burning calories the same way as before. You might also be at risk of heart conditions, diabetes, and hypertension.
In addition to exercising daily, you also need to back it up by eating healthy foods. It is best to limit your intake of ’empty calories’ like foods with little nutritional value. Fresh foods and vegetables should be a significant part of your diet. You can also add whole grains, fish like tuna, fat-free dairy, and lean poultry and meat.
Start a New Hobby
It is never too late to learn something new. Education is for all ages, and at 66, this is the perfect time for you to have a new hobby. It could be anything that you are interested in or something that you missed out on when you were still working from 9 to 5. Collect items you love, learn how to bake, study music, or take up art lessons. Whichever you choose, you have all the time in the world to learn new things.
Move to the Country
The idea of settling down in the country is attractive to retirees who spent most of their lives living in the middle of a bustling metropolis. You might be looking for a peaceful and quiet refuge after all those years of trying to keep up with the fast-paced world. This time, you can finally hang the towel and choose to wake up surrounded by amazing scenery and beautiful outdoors.
Reach Out to Family and Friends
Though physical interactions are still limited because of the pandemic, there are still ways for you to reconnect with your family and friends that you haven’t seen or spoken for a long time. Technology now allows us to reach and interact with people just by using an electronic gadget. There are many user-friendly applications built to connect people. You can use Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google Meet, and Zoom.
Remodel Your Home
Remodeling your home doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to pay for a carpenter or construction company. DIY home improvement is all over the internet, and it has become one of the most exciting hobbies for those who have retired. You finally have the time and attention needed to convert that spare room into a man-cave or build that shed that will house all your precious carpentry, electrical and automotive tools.
Be a Public Servant
There is always a need for wise people who wish nothing but the best for their community. You can actively give help by joining a political process. It doesn’t have to be on a state or federal level. Opportunities are waiting for you in your very own neighborhood or the local public school.
See the World
Traveling around is not easy now that we are in the middle of a global health crisis. But there is nothing wrong with hoping that things will get back to the ‘old normal’ one day. There are still many places that you haven’t seen yet, and the time you have now can be spent planning the perfect getaway.
Many retirees choose to buy motor homes or an RV that would allow them to stay comfortable while on a road trip. You can either buy a fully functional recreational vehicle or have a mobile home that you can attach to your vehicle. You would want to invest in a powerful SUV that can tow a motor home. The top players on this field are Toyota, Mazda, and Honda. Porsche also offers SUVs with high horsepower and easy repair and maintenance through Porsche service centers.
You have worked extremely hard your whole life, and now is the time for you to reward and thank yourself. Retirement is a new journey that you should enjoy with your family and closest friends.
