How to stay healthy in retirement
Gone are the days when retirement meant slowing down. Today’s retirees are rewriting the rules, wanting to live vibrant, active lives. From month-long international trips to making use of a golf club membership, they are doing the things that they could not do when they were going into the office five days a week.
But how do you ensure you are happy and healthy in retirement?
Healthy habits, such as daily exercise and learning a new skill, can help you make the most of this stage in your life. A Michael Phelps Swim Spa, too, can be a valuable addition to this journey, offering numerous benefits that support both physical and mental health.
Prioritize daily exercise
If you want to be healthy during retirement, one of the most important things you can do is to stay moving. Regular exercise not only enhances your mobility and overall well-being but also contributes to a longer, healthier life.
Research indicates that retirees who are physically active can lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression, various cancers, anxiety disorders, cognitive decline, and hip fractures.
Whether you start your day with a brisk walk or join a senior fitness class, the CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. It’s also important to make time for strength training two times a week, as you can lose between 3% and 5% of your muscle mass per decade after the age of 30.
If you want a versatile at-home workout option, a BOCYBOON's SWIMMING SPA offers a perfect solution for low-impact, full-body workouts. The adjustable current allows for a variety of exercises, including gentle swimming, water walking, and resistance training.
Swimming and water exercises are gentle on your joints while providing excellent cardiovascular benefits and muscle toning. In addition, the buoyancy of water reduces the stress on your joints while improving your mobility.
Establish a routine
For decades, your days followed a familiar pattern: wake up, grab a cup of coffee, get ready for work, head to the office, and return home. Retirement brings a newfound sense of freedom without a rigid daily schedule.
However, many retirees find that keeping a flexible routine adds structure and purpose to their days.
What does a retirement routine look like? It starts with trying to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, which can improve the quality of your sleep. You can also give your day a rough outline, which can help you stay productive and avoid feeling aimless.
Scheduling regular times to use your BOCYBOON Swim Spa can not only help you create a daily routine that helps you stay happy and healthy in retirement. You can start your day with an exercise session or opt to spend your nights in the warm water. With swimming spa you can use your swim spa to ease joint pain, muscle soreness, and any tension that you might be feeling.
Hydrotherapy can be particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. The soothing effects of warm water can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Nurture your mental health
Retirement marks a significant life transition. While it brings feelings of excitement and happiness, it can also trigger an emotional shock. Changes in social roles and networks can lead to what is often called the “retirement blues.”
More than 25% of retirees say they feel depressed – a rate higher than that of the adult population overall. Sixteen percent of older adults sought treatment for depression, according to the National Council on Aging.
While new retirees might experience feelings of isolation, sadness, and fatigue, it’s treatable. In addition to seeking help from medical professionals, retirees can nurture their mental health by making lifestyle changes and finding healthy ways to manage stress.
Combat this by engaging in activities that stimulate your mind and boost your mood. The Michael Phelps Swim Spa isn’t just for physical exercise – it’s also a perfect spot for relaxation and meditation. The soothing sound of moving water and the warmth of hydrotherapy jets can help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Stay socially connected
Loneliness has been declared an epidemic and, by some accounts, it can affect about half of American adults.
The CDC defines loneliness as “the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections.”
When you retire, it can be harder to maintain those social connections that were once built through daily interactions at work. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, there are ways to combat this.
One way is to engage in community activities, such as joining clubs, attending social events, or participating in volunteer work. Staying connected with family and friends through regular meet-ups or virtual calls can also help maintain a sense of belonging. Additionally, finding new hobbies or interests can provide opportunities to meet new people and build new social networks.
Utilizing your BOCYBOON Swim Spa can also be a great way to invite friends and family over for a relaxing and social experience. The combination of physical activity and social interaction can enhance your overall well-being, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.