Looking after your most valuable asset

Super News

While money is important, really the most valuable asset you take into retirement is your physical and mental health. Without it your opportunity to enjoy life is diminished. So what can you do to nurture this vital resource?

When we stop working full-time we give up more than just a regular wage. We also lose many of the connections and activities that come along with work. The daily commute, interacting with colleagues, the physical and mental challenges you encounter each day suddenly cease. These aspects of work play an important role in defining who we are and keep us active and healthy. Often in retirement people can feel a loss of identity and purpose. So what can you do to stay active and involved?

 

Maintaining personal networks

Grandparents with grandchildren

Staying connected and engaged with others is vital to happiness and health. Interacting with work colleagues might have been annoying on occasion, but you may miss that interaction in retirement. If you have a partner, you’ll now be home together 24/7 and that can put pressure on a relationship.

Consider how you’ll meet these social challenges. What opportunities are there out there for social interaction? What personal interests can you pursue with like-minded people?

If you have grandchildren, while they can be a handful to look after, forging strong links with young people and family can be of great benefit. Local councils offer groups and events such as book clubs and exhibitions where you socialise locally. Another good way to stay in touch is to join a club, such as a bowling or tennis club, or the Men’s Shed Association. Have you considered becoming a volunteer? Many not-for-profit organisations would greatly appreciate your help. You can find thousands of opportunities to get involved on the Volunteering Australia website.

Staying in good physical shape

Without reasonable health and mobility you won’t be able to make the most of your retirement. Start now with regular physical exercise and a sensible diet. Fast walking or digging in the garden are easy ways to incorporate moderate exercise that raises your heart beat into your daily life. A good place to get more tips is the Federal government’s Healthdirect website that provides free health advice on everything from sensible exercise for people in the over 65 age group, to eating a balanced diet and more.

Keep your brain active

Keeping active

Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body. Like all our muscles, the brain needs to be used and challenged regularly, or you’ll start to lose ‘mental fitness’.

You’re never too old to learn a new skill, but you need to put practicing it on your daily schedule and take it seriously. For instance, you could study a new language or take up a musical instrument. Jigsaw puzzles provide a visual challenge that is good for your brain. Similarly doing a daily crossword or Sudoku will help keep your mind active.

If you’d like to know more about health and well-being, the ESSSuper website provides helpful information from what to expect from the different stages as we age, to simple brain exercises, right through to understanding the options available in aged care.


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