Nearing retirement? Now’s the time to start living again.
Retiring from work used to be perceived as a resting phase of life. But today, as we enjoy much longer life expectancy in Australia, older Aussies are embracing a new chapter: an opportunity to live life to its fullest.
In this blog, we share our expert tips for living a long, evergreen life in retirement on the beautiful Central Coast.
1. Get up and move
As we age, exercise has been shown to prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen social ties, and improve cognitive function. At Evergreen Life Care in West Gosford, we’re lucky to occupy 13 acres of landscaped and level grounds that are surrounded by waterways. The walkways that connect our Village make for perfect outdoor exercise and social opportunities. Aim for about 30 minutes of activity a day most days of the week. Try breaking it into three 10-minute bouts of activity per day – a 10-minute walk in the morning, another at lunch and a stroll after dinner.
Additionally, in the heart of our Retirement Living Village, the Community Centre, we host a range of physical activities, including putt-putt golf, indoor bowls, darts, and more.
2. Make healthy food choices
While there are lots of ways to eat well, studies have shown that the healthiest people in the world follow a Mediterranean-style diet. For most of us, that means a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, tree nuts with healthy oils, fish, whole-grain carbs and olive oil for cooking will benefit our bodies in the long term. However, always consult with your doctor to understand which foods are best for you.
Evergreen’s retirement living apartments and cottages are all equipped with full-sized kitchens so you can cook nutritious food at home. And, when you don’t feel like cooking, you can also purchase our chef-made meals to take home and heat. Or get a bite to eat from Everbean Cafe, and grab any essentials from our mini grocery store. Gosford RSL is just next door too for a delicious hot meal!
3. Stay social
Humans are innately social creatures – even the introverts among us. Surrounding yourself with social support from friends and family reduces stress and feelings of isolation, wards off anxiety and depression, increases cognitive health and lessens the risk of some physical health concerns. So don’t put off that weekly coffee catch-up, phone call, or stroll with a loved one. You may not realise just how much that social time helps to boost your mood, confidence and overall health.
One way to meet new friends is to participate in the many social events and activities on offer at Evergreen. These often include art classes, movie afternoons, craft and sewing groups, and regular BBQs. Twice a month, the Village Bus takes residents on day trips to local and regional NSW venues. Ask our friendly team about what’s on.
4. Pursue hobbies
One of the best parts about being retired is having more time to pursue hobbies and interests. Not only do hobbies help us to live happier and more fulfilled lives, but they help to keep our brains stimulated and healthy.
By practising mental exercises and activities every day, you can enjoy the benefits of a sharper mind for years to come. You could make it a daily habit to visit the library and games room in the Village. Or, depending on your fitness levels, do as some of our residents do and try your hand at various water sports including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
Be yourself
At Evergreen Life Care, we believe that your retirement years should be the best time of your life. And to get the most out of your retirement, it’s important to stay fit and healthy, retain your independence, look after your body and mind, and simply be yourself. We love getting to know our residents and learning about their varied skills and interests.
For more information about living an Evergreen life, or to enquire about our available apartments and cottages, please get in touch.