Healthy Retirement Is Rewarding In Many Ways
Many people picture retirement as years spent in an assisted living facility or growing old in their homes. The truth is that many retirees are living healthy, happy lives with improved relationships.
One couple realized their dream of living the cramped city behind and settling on some wooded acres by a lake. They now spend more time with family than they did before retirement.
He was not out buying mountain bike because he inherited one from the former owners when he bought the place by the small lake. He spruced it up and used it to check mail at the end of the long driveway.
The kids and grandchildren never expected to see him on a schwinn mountain bike. They were delighted to join him on rides and clearing old and new bike trails.
He has renewed his interest in cooking and mastering new recipes. He laughingly refers to his collection of meals as retirement recipes. His wife is planning her garden to provide fresh herbs and vegetables.
In the evening he breaks out the dreadnought acoustic guitar and makes another connection with the grandkids. Music pulls them together in new ways.
His wife has introduced the family to kayaking on the lake. She has been in the lake nearly every day since she shared a kayak course with neighbors. Now the family keeps several on the property.
They have traded the stress of work and urban area for a lifestyle with many healthy benefits. They are paddling and pedaling themselves to many years of outstanding physical condition.
They will tell you that this is their way to avoid medical bills and prescription drugs because they are hale and hearty. They will tout the benefits of physical activities that are so much fun they do not feel like exercise.
There is another interesting heart healthy benefit. They have never been closer to their kids and their grandchildren than they are right now. Their shared passion for bikes, music, cooking, and kayaking has led to more connections.
The addition of an internet hookup keeps their rejuvenated relationships alive daily. The couple takes turns making journal entries on their blog. They are making memories on weekends and all summer long.
They have learned that the internet is like a magic box that can answer all their questions. From gardening to regional activity calendars they have all the answers at their fingertips.
They even joined a social site where they posted profiles and frequently add pictures of the lake and woods. It is purely a private shared smile when they look at the site where their grandchildren consider them to be friends.
A move to a storybook setting may not be possible but smart choices are free. Mall walking, urban bike trails, and a public pool at the park can all be part of your post work years. You can retire your unhealthy habits and choose life.
Add comment July 1st, 2010