How to thrive in retirement - Updated!!

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Whether you are preparing to retire or you are already retired and not feeling fulfilled try the following steps. 

Thriving After Retirement: How to Live Your Best Life

1. Change Things Up

Shake up your routine to keep your brain sharp! Take a different route to church, try a new walking trail, or get a fresh haircut. Anything that breaks your habits can give your mind a workout.

2. Make Music

Always wanted to play an instrument? Now's the time! Grab an affordable keyboard, guitar, or drum set and teach yourself or take a class. Music is proven to boost brain health.

3. Learn a New Language

French? Spanish? Japanese? Learning a new language challenges your mind, keeps you sharp, and adds a fun skill to your retirement repertoire.

4. Find Joy with Kids

Don't just stick to your peers - spend time with the younger generations! Kids' energy and laughter are contagious, boosting your mood and filling your days with joy.

5. Safety First

Falls and fires are no joke. Do a quick home safety check or hire a pro to ensure your house is safe as you age. Better safe than sorry! 

6. Find Your Purpose

The freedom of retirement is exciting but can lead to bad habits (hello, endless TV binges). After some well - deserved rest look for meaningful activities - volunteer, take a class, or even start a small business..

7. Stay Fit and Flexible

Core strength, balance, and stamina are key to staying independent. Explore activities like chair yoga, Tai Chi, or swimming. Check out your local YMCA or fitness classes - your future self will thank you.

8. Budget Wisely

If you make a budget before retiring, stick to it. Need Help? Try using cash instead of credit cards to control spending and stay on track.

9. Eat the Rainbow

A colorful plate is a health plate. Include fruits and veggies in all shades of the rainbow - red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple - to fuel your body and mind.

10. Prioritize Sleep

Struggling to get those Zzzzs? Insomnia is common as we age, so talk to your doctor if sleep is elusive. They might adjust your meds or recommend a sleep study.

11. Follow Your Dream

Retirement isn't the end - it's a new beginning. Don't let fear hold you back. Pursue your passions and rediscover what excites you. 

12. Meditate and De-Stress

Stress doesn't retire with you. Learn mediation to quiet your mind and find inner peace. Local senior centers and online videos can help you get started.

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Cultivate Your Community 

Longevity researchers, like Dan Buettner of Blue Zones fame, found that strong community connections lead to longer, healthier lives. Here's how you can nurture your sense of belonging. 

Connect Through Tech

Stay close to loved ones with social media and video calls. Apps, can also help with tasks like organizing your home, managing your health, or planning outings.

Upgrade Your Video Chats

Video chats aren't just for conversation - make them fun! Play games like bingo, 20 Questions, or virtual show-and-tell to keep kids and grandkids engaged.

Play Like a Kid

Create lasting memories with your grandkids through play. Check out the "The Genius of Play" for activities that build creativity, cognitive skills and connection.

Share Your Life Story

Capture your memories and legacy with tools like "Storyworth" or "A Life Untold". You can create keepsake books or videos to share with future generations..

Widen Your Social Circle

Join local events or virtual meetups using platforms like "Meetup" or "Nextdoor". Organize your own group to connect with others who share your interests.

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Redefine and Refocus 

Retirement is a chance to reinvent yourself. Explore learning opportunities, start an encore career, or dive into new passions.

Start an Encore Career 

Retirement is the perfect time to pursue a career that excites you. Whether it's a long-time dream or a new interest, working part-time can add structure and joy to your days.

Collaborate Across Generations 

Encore.org brings young and older generations together to address social issues and co-create the future. Get involved with fellowships, events or volunteer opportunities.

Key Learning

Sign up for online classes from platforms like "Masterclass" "Coursera" or "edx". Learn new skills, connect with others, and enjoy the thrill of expanding your knowledge.

Reinvent Your Calling 

Programs like the "Modern Elder Academy" can help you find purpose and fulfillment. Join workshops or online courses to plan your next chapter.

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Nourish Your Body and Mind 

Good Health equals happiness! Here are some ways to stay active, eat well and feel your best. 

Get Outdoors 

Find fresh-air adventures with "AllTrails", an app that maps hiking, biking, and paddling trails. Download maps ahead of time for offline use.

Use Tech to Stay Fit 

Track your workouts and health goals with apps like "Strava" or wearables like the "Apple Watch". Join fitness challenges to stay motivated.

Find Your Zen 

Boost body and mind with yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates. Local studios and certified instructors can guide you toward better balance and flexibility.

Eat to Thrive 

Explore diets like the "MIND" diet, which combines the best of the "Mediterranean" and "DASH" diets to boost brain health and overall wellness.

Unleash Your Creativity 

Whether it's painting, music, or writing, tapping into your creative side keeps you vibrant and engaged. Check out Lifetime Arts for inspiration.

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Real-Life Inspiration: Thriving at Every Age

Jim Owen, 83 - Former Wall Street executive turned fitness enthusiast. At 70, Jim was out of shape and in pain. He took control, rebuilt his strength, and now at 83, says he is fitter than ever. His journey inspired him to write "Just Move!" a guide to fitness after 50.

Tony Gallardo, 71 - After retiring from real estate, Tony became a part-time starter ranger at a Florida golf course. He stays active, enjoys free golf with friends, and loves his stress-free routine.

Donna Fields Brown, 72 - A former ICU nurse who reformed her hard rock band in retirement. Touring the country, playing for assisted living residents, and learning new music keeps her feeling alive and connected. 

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Embrace the Adventure of Aging

Healthy aging isn't about retreating from life - it's about living fully. Whether you're picking up a new hobby, reinventing your career, or reconnecting with loved ones, the possibilities are endless. 

As Jim Owens says "The adventure of life is still an adventure" - So go ahead - find your spark, follow your passions and make this chapter your best yet!

One of things I do now in Retirement that I didn't do much before is cook. Below is a dessert that I make that is healthy, quick to make and delicious. I also included the recipe. Enjoy!   

Rick's Flan with Blueberries

Rick's Flan

• 1 1/3 cups of plain Greek yogurt ( I use Non-Fat )
• 3 Eggs
• 1/2 cup of Honey
• Put this mixture in a baking bowl covered with parchment paper 
• Cook for 60 minutes at 350 degrees
• You can add any fruit to this that you desire ( Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Bananas, Pineapple, Raisins, etc. )

I have been retired for almost 6 months now and I am still getting used to having my wife around more. I started employing some of the strategies contained in the pages of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" so it will take some time to see if they work.

Below is a video where I help my wife look at food costs in a different way.  

Eyebrows

Below is a video detailing my wife's take on cell phones.

Cell Phone

Below is a video regarding some thoughts on aging

Thoughts on aging

You can click the following link to access everyday Memes 

Everyday Memes 

Below is an image of a Think Tank from the 1970's - Just kidding 

With the beards some people might think it is a Lumber Jack reunion but it is the old and very thin gang. 

People ask me if these are old friends and my response is "At my age every friend is an old friend". 

The lineup from left to right is Tony Adams, Mike Crowley, Ellen O'Shea, myself( Rick Doucette ) and in front of me is Donna Collins. 

Over the years we had other people join ( Andy Doucette, Kathy Swanson, Barbara Walo etc. ) and from time to time we had special guest stars like Rich Cashman. 

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to go back just for 1 night.

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