Retire Happy
While retirement can be a wonderful period of life, it may come with the challenge of loneliness for some. In this article, Baywoods of Annapolis provides some ways that technology, activities, and a sense of community can help you or your loved ones avoid loneliness in retirement and feel healthier too!
Stay Connected
Humans are, generally speaking, social beings. So, it’s important to maintain social connections. Many studies show that these social interactions with family and friends may help reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related illnesses. While some seniors like to explore online platforms, there is nothing that replaces live interactions with real human beings. Even a phone call with a friend can be uplifting, so stay connected!
Stay Busy
A wise man once said, “Don’t be afraid of getting older – be afraid of getting boring!” Many people adopt a “why bother” mentality. They may say, “I’m so old, why bother,” but the real question is, “why not?” If you’re retired, you probably have some time on your hands, so why not take a class, learn to play an instrument, or start writing your life story? Staying busy often keeps your mind from dwelling on negative thoughts and you’ll be proud of your accomplishments too! A simple way to get started is with the 1 Minute A Day routine which shares ideas on how to set small goals and accomplish big things with just 1 minute a day!
Stay Active – Mentally & Physically
It goes without saying that staying active is a key component of avoiding loneliness and staying healthy. Did you know that keeping your mind active is just as important as keeping your body active? Consider joining a local group for card night, bocci ball, or even a dinner club. Sign up for senior classes at a gym or yoga studio. Many retirement communities, like Baywoods of Annapolis, offer a variety of activities and even an activities director, to keep residents busy.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or already enjoying it, loneliness doesn’t have to be a part of it. Here are some ideas to get you off and on your way:
- Join a book club at a local library,
- Tap into an online senior group,
- Sign up for activities offered by local gym, yoga studio, or within your retirement community,
- Register for art or cooking classes. Your local community college likely has an entire curriculum dedicated to seniors,
- Volunteer at a local hospital, church, or charity.
For more information on ways to avoid loneliness or to learn more about the benefits and lifestyle options that retirement communities offer, contact Baywoods of Annapolis today! Our team would be happy to share our resources and experience with you!
