Do You Want a Happy Life After 70?
Even if it can get hard to accept your age and the challenges you need to face once you hit 70, don’t forget about how blessed you are because you can experience this beautiful chapter of your life. Be happy for the little things and stay as active as you can because life still deserves to be lived to the fullest.
That’s the theory – but what if you still don’t feel like you belong somewhere? What if you can’t smile more often? Keep reading to find out what you should do:
Here are 7 easy steps to follow to be a happy retiree and improve your health and well-being!
1. Exercise Regularly
By exercising daily, we can prevent a lot of health issues as we grow older. Studies have found that those who have a daily routine of physical exercises are 32% less likely to die before turning 60 years old. Routine exercise can improve mobility and endurance but can also significantly enhance psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social function. Exercise will make you happy and will give you a different perspective on life itself and your future.
In older people, daily exercises are essential for reducing the risks of having high blood pressure and even heart attacks or strokes. Even though its benefits cannot be ignored, a lot of adults are still refusing to establish daily exercise goals because of their laziness.
As you already know, exercising doesn’t only help you keep your weight off or build muscle. So, what are you waiting for? Do you want to live longer? Then, start working to achieve your dream.
Don’t forget that before you establish any kind of routine, you should first talk to your doctor. The next step is to contact a personal trainer to create an appropriate program for your age and health status. Then, you are ready!
2. Keep Your Brain Engaged
Your brain also needs to exercise! If you are a retiree, it doesn’t mean your brain should also be considered one. Make sure you find new activities and hobbies to keep you motivated and happy, but more importantly, to keep your brain engaged. We recommend you start with something easier, like Sudoku, and continue with learning a new language or playing chess.
Studies have shown that retirees who play chess score very high on working memory, compared to those who used to spend their time watching TV.
Make sure that the activities you do challenge you enough to evolve. Once you get bored of a routine, you should rapidly find a new hobby to keep your brain engaged.
Don’t underestimate the power of walking! Studies are reporting that those who walk more have better cognitive function. So, you can alternate your static hobbies with daily walks to get better results on your overall health.
3. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), people over the age of 50 should consume more fruits and vegetables. Multiple studies have found that people who eat healthier are happier. Also, old people with high levels of carotenoids in their blood were 50% more likely to survive for five years compared to those whose levels were low. Carotenoids can be found in carrots, pumpkins, corn, and tomatoes.
4. Maintain a regular sleep routine
The general recommendation for sleep per day is seven to nine hours per night. There is a myth going around saying that older people need less sleep. That’s false! Older people need the same amount of sleep as young people. So, to have a happy and healthy life, you should take care of your sleep habits.
Sleep habits should become a priority in your 70s. Here are some key tips you need to follow to improve your sleep hygiene:
- Don’t take naps during the daytime!
- Don’t watch TV, use your phone, or read in bed!
- Create a cozy environment! Darker bedrooms are better than bright ones.
- Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks before sleeping!
- Maintain a healthy routine!
5. Be careful to avoid falling!
As people age, falls are a very common source of injuries. Even though most people don’t take it seriously enough, you should avoid falling or doing risky activities that may cause injuries. Your body will take longer to heal, and in some cases, it may be very dangerous. Yearly, more than 700,000 Americans are hospitalized as a result of a fall.
What can you do to prevent falls?
- Install handrails in your home.
- Make sure that your stairs are well lit.
- Practice balance exercises.
6. Have intimate times with your partner
Having intimate times with your partner is essential at every age, kissing, petting, or fondling are associated with greater enjoyment of life. Sex in your 70s may be different than it used to be when you were younger, but it still has significant emotional and physical benefits.
According to a study from the American Association of Retired People (AARP), just 40% of adults 65 to 80 are sexually active, while two-thirds of the survey respondents stated that they were still interested in sex.
Keeping your relationship healthy over the years, also means making sure you have intimate moments with your partner as often as you can, such as romantic getaways, dinners at your favorite restaurant, or even evening walks. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you do it with your partner and create a romantic environment together.
7. Live with purpose
What is your purpose in life?
If you can easily answer this question, you will likely have a long and happy life from now on. Studies have found that people with purpose tend to live longer, happier, and healthier. Waking up every morning with a goal in mind feels like a breath of fresh air. It keeps your brain engaged, helps you control your emotions, and boosts your energy levels.
Are you struggling to find your purpose in life? Follow these tips:
- Join clubs. Joining a club allows you to meet people closer to your age with the same interests. In your 70s, that is how you make friends.
- Be creative. Find new hobbies that you never had time for in the past. Painting, drawing, cooking, reading, and learning how to play an instrument are some of the hobbies that will keep you entertained but will also contribute to your overall development.
- Play. Whether it’s an active sport or a board game, you should always play, no matter your age. Games are not just for young people!
- Volunteer. Volunteering offers you the opportunity to contribute to society substantively. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Before leaving, check out this article, also found on Golden Year Bliss: 4 Aging Skin Mistakes to Avoid.
