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While it might seem easy to just shrug our shoulders and say, "Some people have better genes," there are actually quite a few things we can do to improve our odds of living longer and more comfortably than many of our peers. It really is possible for many people to continue to enjoy their lives and feel "Forever Young," at least for a couple of decades after retirement. So, what do you have to do?
According to the AARP Bulletin in June, 2022, there are several ways to improve the chances you will have a better future after retirement. Here's a guide to their tips for positive aging and an easier retirement.
1. Get regular medical check-ups. Nearly every private insurance and Medicare plan includes a free annual wellness visit. When you go to the doctor, you are likely to get vaccine boosters and screenings for a variety of illnesses which, if caught in time, could be treated and, possibly, cured. Don't be surprised if they recommend vaccines for the flu, Covid, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus and whooping cough, as well as screenings for breast cancer, colon cancer and other common health problems. Simply avoiding those illnesses could improve the quality of your life as you age.
2. Get regular dental care. The AARP article asked, "Could you pick your dentist out of a line-up?" While that is a humorous way to put it, the truth is that many senior citizens avoid the dentist until they are in pain. By then, they may have done a lot of damage to their mouth and the rest of their body. If you have gum inflammation, for example, it increases your risk of heart disease. There is also some evidence it can lead to some types of cognitive decline. Research also shows that the more teeth you have at age 70, the longer you are likely to live.
3. Stay physically active. Everyone should try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a minimum of five days a week. Get more if you can. Any kind of movement counts, including walking, golf, housework, dancing and gardening. Just get out of your chair and move as much as you can, as often as you can.
4. Make your home as safe and accessible as possible. Do you have a one-story home or a master bedroom on the main floor of the house? Is your shower large enough for you to add a seat and sit down if you get light-headed? Are there grab bars conveniently located by the bathtub? Are light switches low enough to reach, even in a wheelchair? Are the doorways large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker? If you cannot answer "yes' to all these questions, you may either want to make some renovations, or move to a senior community which is better suited to keeping residents safe and comfortable as they age.
5. Do you have a plan for when you cannot drive? Many people lose the ability to drive as they age, whether it because of diminished vision or other health problems. How will you handle this, if it happens to you? Is there a convenient bus service in your area? Could you use a golf cart for short local trips? Would a motorized wheelchair be feasible? Have you learned how to order groceries and other services on the computer? Even if you don't need to give up driving, yet, you should see what is available in your area so you know what to do in an emergency.
Practice ordering your groceries online, occasionally. I frequently order my groceries through Amazon Fresh, and love it! I've written another post with detailed instructions about it, which you can find, here: "Ordering Groceries from Amazon Fresh Can Help Many Seniors." Check it out and make sure you are ready to use it whenever you cannot easily get out to the store in person.
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Learning to shop online is one way you can safely remain in your home as you age, whether or not you can drive.
6. Stay busy and active. Even if you cannot drive, it is important to have regular planned activities and a purpose to your life. The more activities and projects you have, the longer you are likely to live. Just because you have stopped working, it does not mean you should sit home and watch TV. Instead, record your favorite shows and get active doing other things. Walk the dog. Take an exercise class. Meet friends for lunch or coffee. Volunteer at your place of worship, your favorite charitable organization, or the local food bank. Write a book. Learn a new language. I could go on and on, but you get the idea!
7. Take control of your finances. While you cannot control everything in your life, nearly everyone has some control over how much they spend in comparison to how much income they have. If your spending exceeds your income, the sooner you change things the better off you will be. If you aren't sure where to start, go to AceYourRetirement.org and use AARP's free online digital retirement coach, Avo. In a few minutes, it can give you a personalized retirement action plan. If you still need more help, meet with a financial planner through your bank, credit union, or pension plan. You can also find financial planners through napfa.org, PlannerSearch.org or XYPlanningNetwork.com.
8. Plan for the best and prepare for the worst. Get to know the local assisted living facilities and home care agencies in your area. You can Google a list of them, or get a list from the local senior center. Then, check them out when you have the opportunity. Read the online reviews. Do you know someone who had to spend two weeks in assisted living after hip surgery? Did a neighbor need a caregiver either temporarily or permanently? Ask them questions. What did it cost? How much help did they get? Find out what they liked and did not like about the services they used, and what they would have done differently. Armed with this information, you will be better prepared if the time comes when you need a little extra help.
9. Put together an emergency phone list. Everyone needs at least one person they could call in the middle of the night in an emergency, whether that is an adult child, a neighbor or a friend. Put several names on the list for extra peace of mind. Post the list on the refrigerator, along with your medical information, so you have it in a handy place if you ever need the EMTs to come to your home. They will also ask for a list of your medications, when they show up. Remember the Scout motto: Be Prepared!
Once you have done all the above things, you can relax and simply enjoy your retirement. You've done everything you can to assure yourself that you have prepared as well as you can for the future!
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Source: Facts about aging from the June 2022 AARP Bulletin.
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