If you’re fast approaching your seventies, you’re not the only one. The UK has an ageing population, with research from the Office for National Statistics suggesting that 24% of people will be aged 65 or older by 2042 – up from 18% in 2016.
It might get a bad rap, but there’s lots to like about ageing. By this point you’re wiser and more sure of yourself than you’ve ever been. There are discounts galore, and you can get away with being cheeky. If you’re retired, then you’re finally your own boss.
You might need to make a few adjustments, but there’s lots you can do to keep yourself happy and healthy for years to come. Here are four ways to embrace getting older.
Stay active
Exercise is important at any age – and there’s no reason to stop now. While sports like football or netball may be a little too high impact, there are plenty of other activities you can get into to keep yourself limber.
The likes of swimming, hiking and even Tai Chi can help to maintain your muscle strength and balance without causing too much strain on your body. Perhaps most importantly, they’re good fun too.
Join a club
You’re likely to have a lot more spare time as you get older – and you’ll need to spend it some way or another. Whether it’s taking up chess or reading a book every month and sharing your thoughts as part of a group, joining a club can be a great way to meet new people and keep your mind active.
Try your hand at painting, photography or gardening – anything you haven’t had time to have a go at earlier in life. If you’re lucky, you might just discover your new passion.
Reconnect with friends and family
It’s easy to drift apart from those we love as we move through life. With less responsibilities to worry about however, one of the best things about getting older is being able to give your relationships the attention they deserve.
You could strengthen bonds with family members who you don’t see as often as you’d like to, or reconnect with an old friend over a coffee. Try to make regular meetups a part of your routine.
Make your home right for you
From installing motion-sensor lights to adding a handrail in the bathroom, there are several adaptations you can make to your home to make your life that bit easier.
If you or someone you love has decided it’s time to move into a care home or community, look out for one that organises trips and events. You might already have spotted a group out and about in an Allied Fleet minibus.
Are you looking forward to what’s to come? Try out these four tips and see just how fulfilling later life can be.
