Our ageing process begins in the womb and only ceases when we die. Although genes may play a large part in our health and wellbeing, our lifestyle choices, eating healthily, taking exercise, learning to deal with the stresses and strains of life will all impact positively and will help to strengthen the body’s resilience as we get older.
The way we conduct our lives in youth and the middle years will impact on our wellbeing into old age. Making positive choices in the way we conduct our lives and taking care of our health will hopefully reap its own rewards in later years.
Those who reject a healthy lifestyle in favour of well recognised unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, no exercise and poor eating habits may find they fair less well as they age.
Remember it is never too late to start though!!
Staying active in our later years may afford us opportunities to share a lifetime of knowledge gained with those around us, with positive outcomes for all concerned.
With increased good health and general wellbeing, more people are remaining in work beyond retirement age, with the added benefits of greater financial security, structured activity and social connections. Feeling useful will help support health and wellbeing. Remember maintaining a good work life balance is important and you may wish to consider increasing your leisure time and gradually cut back on work time to ease yourself into retirement. This may of course all depend on your financial status which may dictate whether this is possible, taking stock of your finances and planning ahead is essential.
Ways to maintain physical health/mental health and wellbeing
Regular check-ups at your GP surgery will help you stay on top of your physical health. Exercise/Eat healthily/Quit smoking/Consume alcohol in moderation. Keeping your mind active is also essential, you can help to do this by keeping abreast of local national and world events. Keeping a positive healthy attitude to life’s ups and downs. Engage in mental exercise on your own or with others, games of chess/cards/dominoes/bridge or crosswords reading papers and books/maintaining a hobby, etc.
Going back to school?
Options are available to pursue further education or an interest via:
Evening classes
Usually local schools and colleges offer a wide range of subject for qualifications or interest only.
Open University
Distance Learning for higher qualifications.
University of 3rd Age
A gathering of people no longer in full time employment using their own skills and knowledge for the benefit of other members. Subjects will vary from area to area – checking the internet for your local or nearest group may be worthwhile.
Voluntary Work
This can be very rewarding for some people and there are many charities and other establishments only too willing to accept another ‘volunteer’. From High Street Charities to Hospital ‘League of Friends’ to Amateur Theatres with many varied positions to fill – looking for your expertise and enthusiasm.
Carers
You may have responsibilities in other areas such as caring for a loved one which in itself can be stressful as you try to balance home/caring and work life. It is easy to forget oneself in this scenario and ‘soldier on’. At such times it is all the more important to take time out for yourself to help maintain good health and wellbeing. Looking for outside help may start with the GP and Social Services to offset the load and provide ‘respite care’ for you and your loved one.
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
