Whether we want it or not, our lifestyle changes after retirement. This can be unsettling, but look at the bright side. With a good plan, this life event presents an exceptional opportunity to reset, revitalize and reinvent yourself.
Retirement offers a chance to establish new healthy habits. With more time on your hands, you can focus on your quality of life. Eating a nutritious diet, incorporating regular exercise, remaining active, and remembering to relax and de-stress can all contribute to a healthier and happier retirement.
We tend to put eating healthy food on a back burner during working years, prioritizing job commitments and other obligations. Retirement is a great time to turn a new leaf. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. This can be a fun and rewarding way to spend your time. You can experiment with different cuisines and discover new healthy foods to incorporate into your diet, and experiment with your after retirement lifestyle as well.
As we age, our bodies require different types and amounts of nutrients to stay healthy. Our metabolism slows down and our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. As a result, older adults often require a diet that is higher in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to maintain optimal health.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will provide the nutrients your body needs to function properly. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. Take control of your nutrition regimen. That is one of the most important investments at this stage of life.
As a general rule, strive to have at least three out of the five food groups at each meal.
The five main food groups are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy. They are important because they give us the nutrients necessary for good health and can reduce the risk of disease. Foods from the five main food groups also keep our diet interesting with different flavors and textures. Being playful with healthy food can make our healthy lifestyle after retirement a fun thing.
It is not by chance that these two food groups, fruits and vegetables, top our list. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that strengthen immunity. They also provide fiber that benefits digestion and heart health.
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which is important for bone health. Fruits like apples, oranges, and pears are rich in vitamin C and potassium, which are important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supporting heart health, while antioxidants-rich berries are truly a super-food.
Whole wheat, quinoa, oats, brown rice, and popcorn are high in fiber. These complex carbohydrates will keep you full and will also stabilize blood sugar, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Protein foods include nuts, seeds, legumes, seafood, poultry, eggs and meat. Older adults should focus on getting enough protein, as their bodies may have more difficulty absorbing it.
Try to limit the consumption of red meat and instead turn to lean proteins. Fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower the risk of heart disease. Beans are a low-cost source of protein and fiber, with the added benefit of long shelf life. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds, are also a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin and eye health.
Experts used to tell us (and some still do) to consume only low-fat or fat-free dairy (milk, yogurt or cheese). However, a growing body of evidence suggests that full-fat dairy products are not bad for us. They may even be healthier than their low-fat counterparts if consumed in moderation.
Do some research and make up your own mind about which way to go. In any case, remember that fermented dairy such as yogurt is easier on our digestive system.
The Mediterranean diet has long been regarded as one of the best foods for health. Research documents its benefits for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, increasing lifespan, and healthy aging. A worthy diet to add to your healthy lifestyle after retirement.
What exactly is a Mediterranean diet? It is not a distinct cuisine, but a type of eating habit prevalent in the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, Spain and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Even though those cuisines differ, they have a lot in common. All are based on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, while whole grains, beans, nuts, seafood, lean poultry and unsaturated fat from extra-virgin olive oil. Foods for the Mediterranean diet are easy to find in any grocery and are not expensive.
To enjoy the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, all you have to do is:
To put theory in practice, here is a simple and healthy pasta and tuna salad recipe for your healthy lifestyle after retirement.
Cook bow tie, penne or shell-shaped whole wheat pasta a few minutes longer than the packet suggests. Drain, add olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking and let it cool for about 20 minutes.
When the paste has cooled down, add a can or two of drained tuna and veggies such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle with thinly sliced onion, pitted black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Dress with more olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar, dry or fresh herbs such as dill, mint, or basil and ground pepper. Hold the salt, as feta cheese is salty enough. Stir once more and enjoy!
You can put almost any vegetable you can think of into your salad, for example, avocado, julienned carrots, and beetroot. Cauliflower and broccoli florets are also a great addition, but they are easier to digest if cooked first. For extra crunchiness, add some roasted sesame, sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
The ratio of pasta to other ingredients should be about half-half.
Eating healthy is just one element of a healthy lifestyle after retirement. Daily physical exercise, spending time with family and friends, sleeping well, and remaining mentally active are equally important.
The best lifestyle after retirement is one that is active and fulfilling. Many people find that continuing to work, either through part-time employment or volunteering, provides a sense of purpose. Others may find that traveling or pursuing hobbies are a great way to stay engaged.
Ultimately, the key to a successful retirement is finding a balance between relaxation and activity that suits your needs and preferences.
As we age, our bodies and minds become less capable of repairing themselves. Drinking a glass too many, skipping sleep, or indulging in a heavy meal will have worse consequences on our physical and mental health in our 50s than it had in our 30s. This quick checklist will help you stay healthy and enjoy an active lifestyle in retirement:
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Relocating to a new home can be a daunting task, especially for people over 50 because they may have more possessions and a greater need for assistance during the moving process. However, with the help of AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft, the transition can be smooth and stress-free.
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