We often refer to the time after retirement and over the age of 65 as the golden years. However, we also hear a lot of grumbling about how these years don’t end up being as “golden” as people had hoped. The following are a few things to consider making this time and season of life more enjoyable.

In-home care

If anyone has earned the right to wait on hand and foot it is your elderly mother, father or neighbor. Allowing the elderly an option to remain living in their own home can often decrease depression, slow physical and cognitive decline, and retain independence and pride as long as it is done correctly. Most elderly will need help to live independently at some point. Whether it is for a short time after an illness or a surgery or whether it is long-term assistance with daily activities, in-home care is a great option. There is good information available on this Idaho Falls In-Home Care page. In-home caregivers can help with things that a “maid” would do for those elite members of society. Laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, yard work, etc can all fall under the umbrella of in-home care services. Some medical needs can be assisted with as well such as bathing or showering. Being able to not only remain at home but to have some of the work taken out of it is something that all seniors have earned the right to enjoy. After years of working hard, it is time for them to relax and let someone else do the work.

Travel

If the elderly have made wise financial decisions they should have enough money to at least go on vacation occasionally. Traveling can be a great way to enjoy the golden years to visit family or go on a cruise. Cruising is a great option for the elderly because it’s all in one location and all meals and clean-up are taken care of. It’s also an inexpensive way to see the world if that is the goal. Traveling for the family is something that most in their golden years want to do because they value those relationships. They say that grandchildren are the gift you get to enjoy for letting your teenagers live. Make a bucket list to organize the things you would most like to do and don’t put them off until you are too old and sick to enjoy them.

Hobbies

Retirement is the perfect time to develop new hobbies or restart old hobbies. The golden years don’t have to be spent in a recliner watching jeopardy unless of course that sounds appealing to you. Things like golfing, fishing, knitting, and baking bread are just a few common hobbies of those in retirement. Learning a new skill is a great way to keep your mind in tip-top shape and delay signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. Hobbies keep life entertaining and will improve the overall quality of life. Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean you can’t take guitar lessons or pick up that hobby you never had time for before.

Stay Golden

The golden years are what you make of it. A lot of people say they had to retire so they had time to go to all of their doctor appointments. But, regardless of how good or bad your health is there is still room to enjoy this time and season of life. If staying in your home is important to you, look into the option of in-home care. Get a travel agent or a new hobby and enjoy the freedoms of the golden years.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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