7 ways to stay active and healthy in retirement

Staying active and connected can sometimes have its challenges, depending on where you live, but here are some tips to help keep your physical and mental wellbeing in check.

When it comes to living a longer, healthier, more active lifestyle, a good approach can often involve easy tasks that you can turn into everyday habits – even when social distancing is on the agenda.

If you’re after ideas, here are some ways you might sustain or even improve your physical and mental wellbeing, which is worth a thought, given the number of Aussies aged 85 and over is increasing¹.

Get the blood pumping

The Government Department of Health recommends older Aussies do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most (preferably all) days and says it doesn’t necessarily have to be done at once².

As for the benefits, the World Health Organization³ says regular physical activity has the potential to:

• reduce the risk of some cancers, coronary heart disease and diabetes
• reduce the risk of falls and hip fractures
• ease feelings of depression
• improve energy levels and weight management
• enhance muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness.

If your local gym or aquatic centre is temporarily closed, remember you can still go for a walk, jog or cycle and there’s a range of online group classes available. See Active Ageing Australia, Active Seniors and Safe exercise at home for ideas

In the meantime, you could also check out the Government Department of Health webpage - Exercising and staying active during COVID-19 restrictions

Stay up to date with your appointments

While many health issues can be aided by physical activity, you may still need to talk with your doctor, physiotherapist, podiatrist or local fitness centre about the type and amount of activity you can do.

Remember, making time for regular check-ups is a great way to take care of your overall health and ensure you stay on top of any issues before they escalate.

Due to COVID-19, there are also different options for accessing health services. For instance, you may be able to access bulk-billed appointments with your doctor, nurse or mental health professional via phone or videoconference. If you’d like to arrange a telehealth appointment, speak to your GP.

Eat well and minimise the bickies

With many of us having spent some time in lockdown this year, you may have heard a few people admit to packing on the ‘iso-weight’, with comfort food potentially making all of us feel a little better from time to time.

Eating a nutritious diet, however, could help you reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases and improve your wellbeing if you’re living with an ongoing illness⁴.

If you’re looking for a little info, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend enjoying a wide variety of nutritious food and give evidence-based recommendations on the types and amounts of foods people should eat. It includes lots of fruit and veggies, and less sugar, salt and alcohol.

Keep the brain ticking

Researchers believe many supposed age-related changes are in fact lifestyle related. Memory loss, for instance, can reportedly be improved by 30% to 50% simply by keeping the brain active⁵.

You might be thinking - that’s not easy when you’ve been told to go out less, depending on where you live. So, if you’re feeling a little less motivated (and like many of us, want to spend less time in front of the TV and fridge), below are a few avenues that could be worth exploring

• Learn a new hobby - YOURLifeChoices and About Over 50s have many ideas, including everything from fishing and photography, to gardening and chess.
• Up your tech skills – There are various community colleges and groups, such as ReadyTechGo, that offer a range of how-to workshops on everything from emails to social media. 
• Enter online gaming – There are plenty of online forums available if you’re looking to play card games, trivia or bridge with neighbourhood and far away communities. Similarly, there are mobile apps, such as Words with Friends, where you can play with other people.
• Enrol in a free course – There are a variety of free online courses available through TAFE, as well as Open University if you’re wondering where to go. 
• Go back to work – If you’re in a position to do so and you’ve been thinking about getting a part or full-time job, the website Older Workers may have some suggestions.

Stay socially connected with people, or animals if you prefer them

Older people who remain connected with others are likely to have better quality of life and delayed mental decline, while enjoying greater independence⁶.

If you’re looking for further ideas, you can check out activities and excursions through groups like Probus, or you may want to look into club associations through Rotary, Leagues and Surf Life Saving.

If you’re keen on helping others (it could be at a soup kitchen, or animal shelter if cats and dogs are more your thing), you can also find a national database of opportunities at GoVolunteer.

Meanwhile, if you need assistance in this area, there are social support services that can help you maintain an active social life by having someone visit you at home, or by arranging visits and outings.

Give mindfulness a go

The website Smiling Mind says mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgment.

According to the website, mindfulness is proven to lead to better attention, memory, regulation of emotions and self-awareness. In turn, improvements in these areas can lead to reduced stress, anxiety and depression, better academic skills, social skills and self-esteem⁷.

Smiling Mind is one of many free meditation resources you can tap into if you’re looking for tools developed by psychologists and educators.

Meanwhile, you can find additional health and wellbeing resources on the Global Centre for Modern Ageing website.

Reach out and talk to someone if you’re struggling

Hopefully the ideas above provide some food for thought.

Meanwhile, if you’re struggling a bit and would like to talk to someone, you can access free support through Beyond Blue (1800 512 348) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

If your financial plans have also been slightly derailed during this time and you’re looking for tools and resources, check out our financially vulnerable page or further AMP insights.

Free financial counselling is also available from the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).

^{1 Australian Bureau of Statistics – Australian Demographic Statistics
2 Department of Health - Physical Activity And Exercise Guidelines for Older Australians (65 years and older)
3 World Health Organization – Physical activity
4 Department of Health – Food and nutrition (eating well)
5 Better Health Channel – Healthy ageing – stay mentally active
6 Beyond Blue – Connections matter (Helping older Aussies stay socially active) page 5 
7 Smiling Mind – Did you know}