If you’re looking for something exciting that’ll get both your brain and heart pumping, then starting up a terrific book club may be just what you need. With more “free time” on your hands, it’s easy to want to go with the flow and let things happen naturally without making any plans. But this approach could lead you down a path that leaves you feeling unfulfilled or bored.

It turns out that Fido can provide more benefits to you than grabbing the newspaper. Older dog owners who walked their dogs at least once a day got 20% more physical activity than people without dogs and spent 30 fewer minutes a day being sedentary, on average, according to a study published in The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Research has also indicated that dogs help soothe those suffering from cognitive decline, and the physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog can boost the longevity of the owner.

11. Go for a health check

Research, such as a 2009 study from Goethe University in Germany, has shown that meditation strengthens the hippocampus, the area of the brain that is important for memory, and slows the decline of brain areas responsible for sustaining attention. The idea that writing poetry is something only for well-educated or trained writers is just a false assumption. Anyone has the ability to write poetry; you just may not be aware you can. Another key ingredient to a happy life after retirement is exercise. As one of the most important ways to boost our overall health, exercise will delay and/or prevent a slew of physical and psychological problems associated with aging. It strengthens your muscles as well, which enables you to remain independent for longer.

One of the top activities workers say they want to do when they retire is volunteer. For good reason. By helping others, you help yourself.Noted Moss: "Not only do they find new ones, but they also want to get better at the ones they currently have. So, they dive deeper into them." The office is never going to be the same without you, but we know your retirement is going to be everything you've hoped for. In this section, you'll find both inspiring and funny retirement quotes you can add to a retirement greeting card message. Congratulations, now it's time for the fun to begin! All the best for this next stage of your life - we're so happy for you! If you find yourself floundering with inconsistency, leverage the magic of micro-stepping your way to a solid healthy habit.

Not to mention, digital photography is considered a high-challenge activity that boosts your memory We're going to miss having you around, [boss/manager/supervisor]! After all, who will we annoy now that you're gone? Globe-sailing aside, the feeling of being in a boat on the sea or lake is something that everyone should experience. Today, we are celebrating the mark you've left on this company forever. Your hard work and commitment will never be forgotten. Thank you, thank you, thank you!And, he said, "think about a Plan B in case retirement doesn't prove to be as meaningful or purposeful as you'd hoped." Your Plan B could be teaching students about the work you did in your career, for example. It’s never too late to try something new, especially if you have a deep appreciation and love for it. Why not learn an instrument?