What we’re really saying here is that now is a great time to get out and do some¬thing different and interesting with your life!
As well as making you more fun to be around, learning new skills is great for your brain. In fact learning new dance steps has major physical and mental benefits and helps slow down the ageing process. So why not open yourself to new experiences and challenges. If dancing lessons are too radical, then it could just as easily be joining a choir, a book club or a bushwalking group. However, as there’s a growing consensus amongst some leading health professionals that regular exercise is good for both the body and the brain, it might be a good idea if some of your new activities involved a degree of active physical exercise.
Are there some hobbies or interests that you’ve never really had time for? Now could be the time to take them up. Have you always wanted to give something back to the community? Now could be the ideal time. There are dozens of local groups and projects that are crying out for volunteers. If you’re interested in combining overseas travel and volunteering, there are organisations that set up tours to do this. Ask Doctor Google.
The point to remember is that once you have given up full time work, you have lots more control over your life. You can now do the things you want to do, not the things you have to do. Naturally it’s up to you how you use your new found freedom. We would encourage you to make the most of every day and fill your life with interesting experiences. You can slow down later – hopefully much later.
The bonus from being physically and mentally active and involved with life is that you improve your chances of better health in your later years and reduce the likelihood of dementia. That’s a pretty powerful incentive to get off the couch!
How we use this opportunity is up to us. We have the responsibility for our own happiness and for how we live our lives. This really can be one of the best times of your life. It all depends on your attitude!
Our Book “The Rest of Your Life” talks about a lot of these lifestyle issues and provides you with practical and very positive advice that can help you to make the most of these years.