Birthdays – they happen every year. Each one makes you “older”, but what does that really mean? There’s a saying that states “you’re only as old as you feel”, and here at Arcadia Waters we’re big believers in staying young-at-heart and enjoying your retirement years to the fullest.
We like to think that age is just a number, and the only person that can make you feel “old” is yourself. Age is also a decision, so there is actually a whole range of things that you can choose to do to help keep yourself feeling young.
No matter where you choose to spend your retirement years – at one of our fantastic retirement villages or in your own home – make sure you check out the rest of this blog to learn more about some great ways of preserving a youthful outlook on life.
1) Be Spontaneous
One of the best things about being retired is not being tied down by the routine of work-life, so one of the best things you can do to keep feeling young is to embrace spontaneity.
Live for the moment and stop worrying too much about what might happen in the future. The present offers so many joys, so make sure you’re aware of them and don’t let them pass you by.
It could be shooting off for a surprise getaway, dropping in on an old friend or heading out for a meal at a new restaurant just for the hell of it – winging it can bring more excitement and enjoyment into your life!
2) Keep Active
While you might still have the mind of a teenager, unfortunately, physical ageing is an inevitability of life for everyone. That’s why staying active is so important.
Maintaining an active lifestyle will enable you to stay mobile for as long as possible, and having the freedom and ability to do what you want, when you want is a vital ingredient in helping you feel young and independent.
3) Quit Being Ashamed Of Your Age
You have a lot of candles on your birthday cake. So what?! Stop looking at your age as something to be ashamed of and start looking at it as a badge of honour.
Be proud of your age and the wisdom and experiences that it has bought you!
4) Smile & Laugh Often
They say that laughter is the best medicine, and this certainly applies to keeping you feeling young in your senior years. Surround yourself with people that make you happy, and always try to greet the world with a grin on your face.
5) It’s Okay Pamper & Treat Yourself
You’ve lived a long and productive life, so it’s okay to pamper and treat yourself from time to time. Whether it’s getting a haircut and facial, buying some new clothes or treating yourself to a nice meal and a few drinks, indulging yourself every now and again is great for the soul.
6) Stop Grumbling & Focus On The Positive
Some people can fall into the trap of becoming tired and cranky when they get older, but it’s important to realise that your attitude and outlook is actually a conscious decision.
Rather than being negative and grumbling, making a conscious decision to focus on the positive things around you can help you maintain a youthful attitude.
7) Enjoy The Great Outdoors
There’s nothing like sunlight and fresh air when it comes to rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.
Get outside as often as you can and revel in nature’s beauty – it doesn’t matter if it’s a bushwalk, a stroll along the beach or even just taking a few minutes to sit on a park bench and appreciate what’s around you.
8) Pursue Your Passions
Our passions are the things that make life truly worth living. Find something that motivates you and gets you out of bed in the morning with a sense of enthusiasm.
It could be anything from meaningful charity work, an interesting hobby, study or volunteering. If you don’t have a passion, now is the time to try out some different things and discover what yours is!
9) Spend More Time Around Children
The joy and youthful exuberance of children is utterly infectious. They have an amazing ability to find happiness in the simplest of pleasures – something which is hugely beneficial for people of all ages, retired or not.
If you have grandchildren or younger relatives (or you’re able to “borrow” some from a friend), make sure you spend as much time with them as possible.
10) Rekindle Your Romance Or Fall In Love
Who said that love and romance are only for young people?! Falling in love can make you feel like you’re a teenager all over again.
Even if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, taking some time to create some romance (with a special dinner or romantic outing for example) can help you feel young and alive.
Here at Arcadia Waters, we despise the phrase “old people’s home”. That’s because we understand that age is just a number, and even though you might have been born a while ago, it’s still possible to feel young and enjoy life to the fullest in your retirement years.
Our retirement villages have been designed to allow you to stay active, connected and feeling young for as long as possible. Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we have to offer!
