Taking care of your health and wellbeing
In your retirement it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically.
Scroll Down
On the flipside, studies show that there is approximately a 20% to 30% lower risk of depression and dementia for adults participating in daily physical activity. *
There are lots of ways to take care of your health and wellbeing, from taking up a new hobby to discovering new skills. It’s also important to keep on top of your finances if you want to get the most out of your retirement.
Save or spend?
As a starting point, it’s a good idea to think about the lifestyle you want to achieve and how much it’s realistically going to cost. Alongside everyday expenses, this might involve things like travel, home improvements and hobbies.
As well as working out your monthly pension, be sure to consider any additional sources of income, such as savings, investments and rental properties. But remember, your state pension won’t kick in until you’re at State Pension Age, which is currently 66. So, if you’ve retired early, you may need a contingency plan if you don’t already have something in place.
Dedicate time to others…
It can be difficult to go from working every day to suddenly having spare time. For some, this is great as it allows you to relax and wind down, but you might find having too much time on your hands a little overwhelming. That’s why some people choose to keep some kind of work commitment going – even if it’s part time.
You may already have a new career in mind or even have a new role in place. If not, you might also want to consider volunteer work. Charities and local community organisations are always in need of volunteers, and it can be incredibly rewarding.
Becoming a volunteer is a great two-way relationship as it gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience and in return, it benefits your mental and physically wellbeing.
Do It is a website that connects people to a volunteering role, anywhere in the UK. There are over 70,000 non-profit organisations listed, including Cats Protection, MS Society and many Universities.
…but make time for yourself
Depression and anxiety are very common amongst many people, particularly aged 55 and over. According to Age UK, ‘Nearly half of adults in the UK have experienced depression.’ Symptoms include low mood, lack of energy, low self-esteem and disrupted sleep.
Here are some simple ways to keep your spirits up:
- It’s good to talk – speak to someone. It doesn’t have to be family or friends. You can get independent advice from charities such as MIND or Samaritans
- Keep moving – exercising up to 20 minutes a day can really help boost your energy and mood.
- Rest and reboot – it’s important to look after your body and mind, so getting plenty of sleep will help you face the day.
- Eat well – having a balanced diet helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It also helps boost your energy levels.
It’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as any physical condition, so there is no shame in visiting a doctor if you feel you can’t manage it alone.
