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TIPS FOR HAVING A HEALTHY AND HAPPY RETIREMENT

CAROL A. ROTH, LCSW, CSW-G
Board Certified and Diplomat of the APA

  1. What to do now? From work to “idleness”. Not so!! Just a change in thinking. This is the time to think about your new goals. This is your time.
  2. Make a list of things I always wanted to do. This is the time to think about what you always wanted to do but didn’t have the time to get involved. This doesn’t have to be something grand, something as simple as having a chance to read some good books will do.
  3. Make a list of things I never wanted to try. This sounds silly, but with all your new free time some of these ideas may now apply to your new situation. Again, this doesn’t have to be lofty, just something that seemed “impossible” before.
  4. Become active in your community. Most of us have been active in groups that promoted our business or occupation. Now is the time to embrace a community affair more close to your heart or special interests.
  5. Join a volunteer group. Volunteering is very rewarding and there are many different groups that need help. Find one that interests you.
  6. Foster the growth of something new. We all have passions and interests that we feel should be given interest within the community. If you community doesn’t have something that interests you, create a group that will.
  7. Re-invent yourself. If you find you have too much time on your hands this may be the time for you “over achievers” to create a “new” you. Look into a new “career” that you were interested in. Again, nothing lofty like skydiving, more down to earth will do.
  8. Relocate or downsize your home. As we grow older our interests change and this may be the time to move out of that 5-bedroom house with outside gardening work, into something smaller that fits your needs at this time. This can be lots of fun but takes lots of planning. Enjoy!!
  9. Stay healthy and fit. To enjoy life we need to be healthy. Join a gym, find an activity that will keep you physically and mentally challenged.
  10. Take trips. Again it doesn’t have to be lofty. What makes this a more special occasion is to include friends. Get together and take small trips — a day outing to a museum, a play, an event. Keep it simple.

CAROL A. ROTH, LCSW, CSW-G
Board Certified and Diplomat of the APA
813-389-9563
carolaroth@msn.com

Carol A. Roth, LCSW, CSW-G assists people with life’s changes and is a certified gerontology care manager who specializes in helping people through the aging process.