Tips for Living Active After 55

With your years of experience, you’ve had time to learn the importance of living life to its fullest! Life after 55 can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure, but only if you’re prepared. Check out these tips for living active after 55. 

Plan Your Days

Whether or not you continue working at a job through your fifties and sixties, keeping a somewhat regular schedule is part of maintaining an active life. Not only does it ensure you have time for everything you want to do, but having a routine is also great for your mental health. You can allow for plenty of flexibility in your schedule, but even a loose to-do list can be helpful in managing an active lifestyle. You may prefer a general weekly routine, like grocery shopping on Monday and yoga class on Thursday, or you can set daily goals like waking up at six and taking the dog for a walk before breakfast. Whatever type of schedule feels right for you, having one will help you live the way you want.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise provides a wealth of benefits for physical and mental health and is an important part of being able to do what you love for as long as possible. You don’t have to be an athlete. As long as you get your body moving throughout the week, you can enjoy better fitness and mood and help stave off chronic illness. You may not be interested in taking a scheduled fitness class, but you can turn things you already enjoy into an exercise regimen. For example, if you love being outside, consider working in a few hikes or nature walks a week. Or, if you enjoy frequenting local businesses, ride your bike downtown rather than driving. Exercise doesn’t have to be a tedious task on your to-do list. In fact, the more naturally integrated it is in the fabric of your life, the more you’ll come to enjoy it, and the more active you’ll remain throughout the years ahead.

Engage Your Mind

As important as it is to keep your body active, engaging your mind may be even more important. Keeping an active mind builds new neural connections and helps ward off dementia. Social interaction, playing games, reading, doing puzzles, and learning new skills are simple ways to maintain a sharp, alert mind. While you may still suffer from occasional brain fog, you can certainly set your mind up for success as you age.

Rest Well

No matter what your age, good sleep is crucial to good health. Good sleep doesn’t just keep you more alert; it also helps you maintain a healthy weight, improve your mood, combat depression, and protect against chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Following your natural circadian rhythms and adhering to a regular sleep schedule will help you stay refreshed and energized for whatever comes your way. If you do decide to nap, set a time limit for yourself so that you aren’t tempted to sleep the day away. Oversleeping during the day can have a negative impact on your regular sleep routine, and once you’re in that cycle, it can be hard to break out.

Eat Healthily

Good nutrition is key to maintaining an active lifestyle. Though frozen meals and carry-out are convenient, they probably aren’t providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal function. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources into a varied diet that provides balanced nutrition. Additional supplements may be needed in order to keep your body functioning at full capacity; follow the recommendations of your trusted healthcare professional.

Living actively is even easier in a community of thriving adults. Spend the next decades of your life in one of Epcon’s active adult communities. With abundant community advantages and amenities, you’ll spend your days doing what you love in a place you call home. Contact us to learn whether Epcon is the right move for you.