THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIALIZATION IN RETIREMENT GET OUT AND MINGLE
Reduces Stress In today’s world, stress can creep up easily. Whether it’s a busy schedule, worry about family members, fear of shifts in the economy, or unstable current events overseas that keep you on edge and anxious, get out and do something! A night out with a friend or even just time spent chatting with a family member on the phone can help to reduce stress. Increases Self-Worth Social activities such as exercise classes, group dinners, walks with a friend, or events at a clubhouse are great ways to build friendships. While friendships are a two-way street, being on the giving side can help you feel needed and increase your self-worth. To be good company is a great way to help others, which makes you feel great about yourself, too!
As humans, we thrive on love and companionship. In our golden years, that desire and the benefits that come from it don’t go away. In fact, socialization is especially important for seniors. According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, a healthy social life in your 50s and 60s slows down the rates of memory loss and deterioration. It also provides many other positive benefits. Fosters Positivity After your working years come to a close and you no longer interact with coworkers, loneliness and isolation have a higher chance of settling in. Socialization is key to keeping your spirits high. So, to create and maintain positive relationships, make plans with friends and family to keep yourself busy and entertained.
Engagement, socialization, and creating meaningful relationships are necessary components of being happy and healthy, especially as you age. So, sign up for water aerobics, take that group pottery class, go fishing with your friends, take your neighbor up on that walk, and go to that party! You just might have a great time, and you’ll never regret interacting with others!
RETURNING TO LEARNING AFTER RETIREMENT New Experiences Are Good for Your Brain
As the saying goes, we never stop learning, right? And after retirement is the perfect
social interaction, and reduces stress. Keeping your mind active also helps prevent cognitive decline later on in life and may even prevent mild forms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Helps You Keep Up With the Times Are you struggling with new and constantly evolving technology? Would you like to learn how to use a smartphone or tablet to keep in touch with friends and family? Introductory courses are the perfect way to learn new tricks and secrets about technology while having some fun, too! Benefits Your Mental Health Attending courses, whether they be online or in person, is a great way to give yourself a greater sense of purpose, self-worth, and belonging, which can improve your mental health. Having
something to be excited about, look forward to, and to better yourself after your working years are through is also a healthy way to stay busy.
place to keep learning! Because of what we know about brain plasticity, adopting new interests and passions is a great way to improve your mental acuity. Local colleges, trade schools, learning institutes, and online platforms offer many resources for continuing education, some of which are geared toward older adults. For most, continuing education in retirement isn’t even a thought, but there are many reasons to return to learning, regardless of your age!
Increases Socialization Opportunities
In retirement, there are fewer reasons to interact with others on a daily basis. Gone are the days in the office, the business trips, and the luncheons. Life in retirement can be a bit quiet at times. Continuing your education gives you opportunities to interact with others who share the same interests. Whether you’re looking for a way to dabble in a new hobby or you have something you’d like to learn more about, continuing your education has many benefits and is enjoyable at any age! Keep your brain young!
Improves Cognitive Skills and Function
Studies show that continuing to learn as you age improves your memory, enhances your well-being, increases
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