Title: Tips To Enjoy Life After Retiring Word Count: 628 Summary: Everybody looks forward to retiring, leaving the work behind us, and then just doing whatever we want. Unfortunately, retirement is not what we thought it would be. It’s hard not to do the 9-5 routine, especially after you’ve done it nearly everyday for 40 or more years. Suddenly, there’s no reason to get up in the morning and be somewhere. Some retired people give up on their post-retirement plans. They settle down in their easy chairs and just let things slip away. The l... Keywords: retiring Article Body: Everybody looks forward to retiring, leaving the work behind us, and then just doing whatever we want. Unfortunately, retirement is not what we thought it would be. It’s hard not to do the 9-5 routine, especially after you’ve done it nearly everyday for 40 or more years. Suddenly, there’s no reason to get up in the morning and be somewhere. Some retired people give up on their post-retirement plans. They settle down in their easy chairs and just let things slip away. The lack of purposeful activity drains away their energy and their mental acuity. Some become sick and many men die less than five years after they retire. All they had was their work and, with that gone, and they have nothing. Life does not have to be that way. When you were working, you stayed sharp and took advantage of your experiences to help you through new challenges. You don’t have to give that up when you retire. The key is feeling that you are important and that what you do can make a difference. You have accomplished much during your working years and now it’s time to pass on what you learned. You can be a mentor to young people by visiting their schools and teaching them the ropes. No matter what you did, you know something they need to know if they want to succeed in your line of work. You can help them overcome obstacles, advise them on how to apply for work, and how to keep a job once you have one. Many companies let their senior workers retire and take their skills and experience with them. Employers are finding this to be a mistake. What you have learned needs to be passed on. Some retired workers come back as consultants or part-time employees. They can provide solutions to problems or serve as additional manpower on a project. They can also provide younger workers with the motivation to hang on and keep trying when things seem bleak. You don’t have to work at enjoying your retirement years. Retirement can be a time to resume old hobbies and start new ones. If your fingers aren’t nimble enough to build small scale model airplanes, you can build larger scales where less agility is required. You’ve already learned the basics, now you have time to hone your skills. Grandma Moses did not start painting until well into her years. You can do the same. Most communities offer low cost or free classes for adult education. Find something you like and go for it. Active seniors can help their less active colleagues. They can organize trips, exercise classes, computer classes (it’s surprising the number of senior who are interested in this), reading groups, hobby classes, and on and on. The list is endless. Scientists have found that a senior who has an active mind and body lives longer than one who doesn’t. It is believed that the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s can be delayed when the mind stays active and alert. Seniors who exercise, even moderately, have more enthusiasm for life, including a greater interest in sex. Having arthritis does not have to be a major deterrent in a senior’s life. Home Jacuzzis and community pools are available to help seniors exercise, reduce strain on joints, and build up muscles. Seniors can visit other seniors at home, in the nursing home or in the hospital. They can help revitalize them by taking an interest in them and encouraging them to get back into life. How you can see, life begins at 65. Do what you said you were going to do when you retired. Stay active and alert to be able to enjoy your twilight years.