Working and cultivating a meaningful career is one of the greatest priorities in most people’s adult lives. It is vitally important to have a job that pays well and allows you to support your family and have additional funds for pleasurable activities such as a yearly vacation. Clearly, work is a main focus for several decades of any adult’s existence. However, eventually the time comes when people reach retirement age and need to plan for senior life.
Health and social needs may change as people age, and there is a need to consider a potentially different lifestyle during their advanced years. In this article there is a discussion of some of the key health and social needs that older adults may require in the later stages of life.
Gentle exercise is vital
After retirement, many people find that they start to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle. This can be due to not needing to leave the house as often and taking part in fewer forms of physical activity. However, if a person begins to adopt an increasingly sedentary lifestyle after retirement, they may be at risk of losing bone density, and muscle mass and general mobility levels may decline. They may also be at risk of increasing health problems and an elevated likelihood of suffering from cardiovascular problems or experiencing a stroke in later life. Therefore, it is vitally important that people who have retired continue to benefit from regular and gentle forms of exercise to keep them physically fit. A brisk walk to a local park can be of significant benefit if it takes place on a regular basis. In addition, gentle forms of stretching exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, can promote improved mobility and muscle strength.
When isolation becomes an issue
When people retire and enter the senior stages of life, feelings of isolation and loneliness can become more common. This can be because they no longer have a circle of friends from the workplace, or they have lost their partner due to old age. In these circumstances, it is common to feel isolated, especially if they do not have friends and relatives who live locally. Isolation can lead to an increased likelihood of experiencing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. In such cases, it may be extremely beneficial to consider moving to a retirement home. If you are considering retirement in Lancaster OH, there are establishments that offer residents a self-contained community of senior citizens. Social activities can flourish, and by interacting with other residents, any feelings of isolation can be banished.
The need to keep mentally active
As a final point, it is imperative that people stay mentally active after retirement. Taking part in games such as chess or bridge can keep the brain functioning at a high level. In addition, enjoying a range of arts and crafts activities such as watercolor painting or doing simple DIY projects can allow senior citizens to keep their mental faculties in good condition while also promoting the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes with creating something new. Even completing a daily crossword in a newspaper can be a source of enjoyment and mental stimulation.
