How to Enjoy Life After 65? Here are 8 Golden Rules to Follow

Take a look at this video titled: 80-odd years of CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! Residents and staff from three retirement villages in Auckland, New Zealand, have a great time dancing along to Justin Timberlake’s song, Can't Stop the Feeling.

1. Take some time out for the things you love

There are so many ways to find the meaning of life, once you’re over 50. You’re likely to have some more time on your hands and if you have children, they’ll be older and you could have some more free time. So, take some time out for those things you love which could be different foods, or taking classes in something.

Or you might have always wanted to do something but you never had the time. Maybe you’ve always wanted to get your pilot's license! Or you’ve always wanted to learn now to play the piano – or learn to sing! Remember - nothing’s impossible. Get online and learn as much as you can about what you want to do and then see if you can make it happen.

By embracing what you love, you’ll keep yourself happy and you’ll find more meaning in your life after 50. This is your time when you have fewer time constraints and responsibilities than you had when you were younger. Being over 50 means you can focus more on your own needs and goals.

By embracing your innermost goals and hopes, you’ll keep yourself happy and loving life. People will want to be around you because you’re so happy and content. You’ll be able to help them become happier as well.

2. Keep up with your hobbies and sports

If you want to stay lively and engaged so you can fully enjoy your life after 50 then it’s a good idea to stay mentally and physically active. If you’re physically active you’ll be healthier and this leads to being more positive mentally.

So, if you’ve always liked Pilates or yoga, then keep doing them. Don’t give up your hobbies and sports just because you’re getting a little older. Another side benefit of keeping up with your favourite hobbies and sports means you’ll keep yourself open to wonderful new experiences—and people. This is what keeps us young!

Don’t give up on your hobbies like painting, dancing, or collecting coins either. And try new activities with an open mind – you might find you actually like gardening and you never thought you would! Anything you do to stay moving and active can help you stay young at heart and enjoying your life after 65.

3. Travel where and when you can!

If you’re wondering what to do with your life after 65, there are so many places to explore. Even if international travel is more difficult right now, there are many beautiful places in NSW and Australia, just waiting for you to visit.

When you travel, you open yourself up to new experiences every day and this keeps your spirits high and keeps you young at heart. If you enjoy a place you visit, it can offer you some new perspectives on how others live and you’ll learn more about life in general.

4. Expand your education

Take classes in a subject which interests you or continue your training for your job. Challenging your brain can keep you engaged many say it keeps your brain from aging and wards off dementia.

Attend classes, lectures, seminars, or other continuing education programs to stimulate your brain. Many universities offer courses to ‘senior associates’ or may post courses online.

Remember - taking classes and continuing education may open up new and exciting experiences for you and you’ll enjoy your life after 65 so much more.

5. Take part in your community

When you take an active part in your community or local area, you’re often able to help others by passing on your wisdom and knowledge to them. At the same time, you’ll be likely to meet new over-fifty individuals and be able to share your life experiences with them. They’ll be able to pass on their knowledge to you and you might all work out the meaning of life after 65 together.

6. Volunteer in your local area

Simple acts of kindness and helping other individuals can keep you engaged. You’re likely to have specific business or life skills which you've developed over the years. You can share these by teaching or mentoring others.

There are many places you can volunteer to help such as your local school, hospital, church or community centre. You can even help out at your local charity shop such as St Vincents.

If you’d prefer, you can also reach out to your friends and family, letting them know you’re available to help if they need it. Who knows, you could end up babysitting your grandchildren or helping a friend do some much-needed spring cleaning? Whatever it is, you always feel better after you’ve helped someone and this will keep you happy and enjoying your life after 65.

7. Connect with new people

As you grow older, your perspectives and tastes often change so connecting with new people can help you stay engaged and at the same time - introduce you to new and wonderful experiences.

There are lots of different ways to meet new people. You could meet them at a community event, while traveling or while taking part in a new hobby or pastime.

Once you feel you have a group of like-minded friends, see if you can set up a weekly coffee date or go on an outing together. Many retirement villages or Over-55 communities run social events so everyone can join in. It’s a good idea to keep meeting new people and keep in touch with them. It’s great for keeping your spirits up and for your mental health.

8. Maintaining your well-being

As well as all of these golden rules above, to live your best life after 65 it’s essential to maintain your wellbeing. You need to do this when you turn 65 because otherwise your wellbeing can decline. Take a look here at our top tips for maintaining your wellbeing after 65:

1. Keep a schedule: Give your day some structure by sticking to a schedule. Even though you may have more free time and less obligations, you’ll end up feeling unproductive if you don’t do much. Instead, fill your schedule with activities that you enjoy doing.
2. See your doctor regularly: As you age you can become susceptible to certain diseases and conditions including heart disease and Alzheimer's. But if you have regular check-ups with your doctor and other medical professionals such as naturopaths and masseurs, you can help nip potential health problems in the bud. This will keep you far more healthy and able to embrace your life after 65.
3. Observe your bodily functions closely: Take note of anything which seems different. See your doctor straight away if you have an unusual symptom and undertake preventative health measures to help you stay healthy.
4. Eat healthy, regular meals: Eating high quality food is vital to maintaining your health after 65. Nutrient-rich whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can give you the energy to embrace life while minimising the risk of disease. You need fresh fruit and vegetables because these foods give you extra fibre which you need more of when you’re over 65.
5. Get regular cardiovascular exercise: Cardiovascular exercise includes walking, running, swimming, kayaking and exercise classes. Cardiovascular exercise increases your heart rate so it’s important to do because it gets you fit but it’s best to set up a weekly program for yourself, after you’ve talked with your doctor or certified trainer.
6. Do some strength-training exercises: As well as cardiovascular exercise, you should do some strength-training exercises because this will build strength in your muscles and bones to support your body. There is some evidence strength-training – which includes yoga and Pilates - can reverse the aging process and help ward off age-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
7. Listen to your body: Keep in tune with what your body’s telling you by listening to your body and your feelings. If you’re tired, it’s important to rest. If you’re tired for example and just don't want to exercise one day, allow yourself to rest, because this is an important part of staying healthy and happy. If anything gives you a headache, makes you dizzy or makes your heart race too much, stop doing it. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night and this will help your body and mind stay healthy.