When it finally comes time to retire, you want to be able to do as much as you can with all the time you have now. Many retirees already have a plan laid out for retirement. Others may want to play things by it by year and go with the flow. Regardless, at some point, you may find yourself asking “what should I do today?”. Here at EasyGo, we speak with a lot of retirees who spend their days doing a large variety of activities. Using customer feedback and some research, we put together a list of some of the best things to do when you’re retired.

1. Gardening and Landscaping

One of the best things to do when you’re retired is gardening. Gardening is a popular activity and a very fulfilling one as well. Many people spend years keeping a garden well-tended. And, the results can be beautiful. Spend some time planting some flowers in your flower garden or laying down fresh mulch to make your garden really pop. Plant some bushes and trees and other fun plants to add personality and your own touch to your garden. You can also spend time growing your own food! Plant fresh fruits and vegetables and reap the benefits of your work in a beautiful, nutritious, and truly fresh garden to table meals and snacks. Lay down some bricks to create a border or lay down some stones to create a path. With all the time you will have to dedicate to outdoor work and tending to your garden during your retirement, your lawn, garden, and landscaping will stand out among the others. 

2. Home Improvement

Are there any indoor or outdoor home improvement projects you’d like to deal with? Now would be a great time! Depending on their state of health and fitness, many retirees like to work on their homes while retired. Replace any leaky or broken gutters, replace the siding on your home to give it a new face or maybe you want to add a porch or a deck! Renovating a home or a room is also common during retirement. You and your spouse can work together in your dream bathroom or kitchen and make your home your dream home. Working on home improvements and projects truly does improve your home and gives you a place to enjoy retirement.

3. Spend Time with Family and Friends

Retirement is an excellent opportunity to spend more time with family and friends. Spending more time with your friends, kids and grandkids and other family members is beneficial for both you and them socially, mentally, and emotionally. Meet up with your friends for breakfast before spending the day on a spontaneous adventure. You’ll have more time to be able to plan family trips such as a road trip to Disney or summer camp. If you combine the first 3 subjects of this list, you get the perfect retirement trifecta. Become the home base for all the holidays and events in your dream home and create some of the best memories with friends and family. 

4. Travel

Travelling is one of the most popular things to do when you’re retired. Whether with friends or family, you will have more opportunities to explore all sorts of locations, depending on how far you are willing to go. Take a tropical vacation cruise in Hawaii or the Caribbean or explore the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, Machu Picchu or Yellowstone National Park. Check out our blog article 10 Travel Destinations for Retirees to learn more about some fun and exciting travel destinations.

If mobility has become a challenge for you and you would like to travel during retirement, look no further than EasyGo Mobility. EasyGo uses patented folding technology and a lightweight sleek frame, making it an ideal travel companion and can fly with you since it is FAA and TSA-approved. Both models of EasyGo Power Chair fold and unfold in under 30 seconds and require no disassembly to transport. This makes EasyGo safe to take on a plane, or cruise, and can even fit into the back of your car! EasyGo can easily go with you anywhere you need to go and will give you the mobile independence you need to get the most out of your travels.

5. Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is a wonderful way to dedicate your time during retirement. You can volunteer at your church, American Red Cross, or local library among many other places. Volunteer work is a great way to give back to your community and be more involved in creating nurturing and loving environments for many in your community. Take part in bake sales and candy sales for fundraisers, help out at holiday events and help keep the neighborhood clean and safe for everyone. Volunteer work can be very fulfilling and can have a big impact on communities and inspire people to do the same. 

6. Finish Something you Started or Hobbies

Is there a project that you started but never finished? Retirement may be the best time to get back on it. Finish restoring that classic car in your garage or painting the interior of your home. Maybe you want to start something new like building something or restoring an antique piece of furniture. Get back into hunting and fishing or dust off the guitar and play your favorite tune again. Try your hand at painting using the many techniques available to anyone willing to learn and create your own world on a canvas. Getting back into your hobbies or finding something new to enjoy is another fun and fulfilling way to spend your retirement.

7. Relax!

Reading is always a pleasant way to spend your time. It is beneficial to your health and is also fun and very educational in many ways. Get lost in your favorite fantasy worlds or dive into the suspense of crime thrillers. Reading has inspired many to take up writing, which is also a great way to spend time during retirement. Maybe you already have a piece you are working on that you now have time to finish. Catching up on your favorite forms of entertainment is also a fun way to spend time during retirement. Catch up on your favorite shows or start new shows you’ve been wanting to watch. Same with films! Go back and watch those films you’ve been meaning to watch or take some time to step back into some familiar favorites from the past. Taking it easy and enjoying some of your favorite forms of entertainment is something every retiree should do and can be enjoyed by oneself or with others.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of the 7 best things to do when you’re retired. Now that you have a few options to consider, take some time to decide what you want to do with your time. Relax at home with family and enjoy hobbies, go on adventures, spend time helping others, or finish a project. What to do with the time you have now is completely up to you! Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

When you think about retirement, you think about spending time doing what you want and what you’ve always wanted to do. Spending your retirement in a retirement home isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, many retirees find themselves enjoying and making the most out of living in retirement homes. For some people, it is the best option as it helps make things easier and more convenient. Which then allows them to fully enjoy their retirement. We put together some pros and cons of living in a retirement home. First, let’s start with the pros.

Pros of Retirement Homes

Community

Retirement homes offer a community to which you can be a part of and contribute. Retirement communities are usually made up of folks close in age with a lot in common. This can open the opportunity to make new friends and you can plan to do things together. Some communities offer community gardens that allow everyone to take part in gardening and growing food together. Some also offer various social gatherings, events, and even trips!

Health and Fitness

Since retirement homes and communities are centred around the aging population, certain amenities and services are provided to help keep you happy and healthy. Most retirement homes and communities offer a gym so you can stay on top of your health and fitness. Some even have a pool! It is common for trainers at the gym to hold fitness classes tailored to people of retirement age. So, the workouts are not too strenuous. In addition to a gym, occupational and physical therapy are often offered in retirement homes and communities. In some instances, a medical clinic is located on or nearby. This can help retirees stay on top of their medical needs without going too far from home. 

Dining

Depending on your budget and where you choose to live, some retirement homes and communities offer meal services. This helps take the stress of making regular trips to the grocery store. Not to mention spending money on groceries and finding the time to cook off you. Sometimes, you can work with the staff to come up with the perfect meal plan for you. So, you will never have to worry about what your next meal is. Some retirement homes offer a cafeteria, cafe or restaurant setting where retirees can gather for meals. Although some folks prefer to stay in and eat in their home. On holidays, there are usually special festive meals and treats offered to everyone in the community. This helps brighten up holidays in retirement communities. And is sure to put smiles on many faces!

Security

Of course, how can you enjoy your retirement in peace without ensuring you can do so safely? Many retirement homes and communities offer security to help keep you safe and give you peace of mind. The security can vary depending on where you choose to live. Some retirement communities are gated and require special keys or badges to enter. In addition to this, it is common for some higher-end retirement communities to have surveillance and law enforcement patrols throughout the community. Homes within retirement communities usually have home security systems including alarms, motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras to ensure safety. Apartment buildings for retirees are another option with good security. They usually always have locked doors and require you to have your own specific key to enter. Some buildings have a security guard on duty around the clock. These locations are usually heavily monitored by surveillance cameras. And, visitors may need to be buzzed in by the resident. On some occasions, visitors will need to stop by the security desk to sign in and out. This is very helpful when you consider how easily retirees can be targeted for crimes, and security in some way, shape or form.

Pet Friendly

Some retirement homes and communities may require a fee for pets or have a policy preventing you from having pets. While this is the case with some retirement homes and communities, many are pet friendly! People who operate retirement homes usually understand the positive impact animals can have on a person. Especially one that lives alone. Animals are wonderful companions and have been proven to help relieve stress and make people happier. In addition, some retirees have service and emotional support animals that are assigned and deemed medically necessary for an individual. Although there can be size and breed restrictions to having pets, there are plenty of options for pets that are reasonable and fit within the requirements. As you get further into retirement, it may be best to keep a pet that is smaller and requires less maintenance and energy to handle. Now that you are familiar with the pros, let’s go over the cons of living in a retirement home.

Cons of Retirement Homes

Social Life

Since you’re no longer in your own home, hosting family gatherings can be a challenge. Retirement homes have set, and sometimes limited, visiting hours. And, some may even put limits on group sizes. On top of that, some retirement homes have policies that mandate social engagements as a way to stay socially healthy and involved with your peers. While the intentions are good, and most engagements are positive and fun, it is understandable that people in retirement may want to socialize and spend time with family more than their fellow residents. 

Cost

As expected, another downfall to retirement homes is cost. While retirement homes can be less expensive and more affordable for many, some still find cost to be a challenge. Some homes mandate extra fees and dues for certain activities and amenities offered. There is the option of all-inclusive retirement homes. However, the cost of living in an all-inclusive retirement home can be high. For these instances, proper planning is best as getting set up in an all-inclusive retirement home requires advance planning, and sometimes a large chunk of your savings. 

No Pets / Pets Cost Extra

Do you plan on keeping or getting a pet when you move for retirement? You may need to pay extra to keep a pet if you choose to live in a retirement home or community. You will also need to ensure your pet stays out of trouble, stay on top of the upkeep for your pet, and make sure it does not cause any issues with other retirees. Size and breed restrictions may also be enforced. In some instances, retirement homes and communities have a policy that prevents anyone from keeping any animals as pets. Usually for safety and for the medical consideration of those who may have phobias or severe allergies. It can be very difficult to give up a longtime companion simply cause you need to move due to retirement making it a very tough decision. 

With that said, you should not let the cons of living in a retirement home prevent you from possibly missing out on a wonderful experience and opportunity to have a fulfilling retirement in a retirement home.

Retiring with EasyGo

Regardless of where you decide to live for retirement, retirees everywhere trust EasyGo for their mobility needs. Our power chairs offer foldable and portable convenience in a lightweight patented design at an affordable cost that fits the budget of any retiree. Our Elite Power Chair is our best seller. And, it weighs only 50 lbs. with the battery removed. It holds a max weight of 264 lbs. and drives on 12-inch rear driving wheels that never go flat! You can enjoy the same lightweight portable convenience with our Standard Model, that weighs 45lbs. with the battery removed and holds a max weight of 250lbs. In addition, both EasyGo Models are foldable and can easily fit in your trunk! The sleek folding design, compact size, and smooth driving of the EasyGo Power Chairs makes it ideal for anyone in a retirement home and community. 

Conclusion

Retirement homes are not for everyone, but many have found them to be quite beneficial for their retirement. The changes in environment, social setting and cost may deter some from considering life in a retirement home and that is understandable. When you consider the security, community setting, and life enhancing amenities offered in retirement homes and communities, it makes sense why so many retirees choose to move into a retirement home. We hope this article helps and we thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.

Maintaining good health is important regardless of your age. With that said, maintaining good health as you age is crucial considering the many illnesses and disorders that are common among seniors. Fortunately, staying healthy and mindful of your health can greatly reduce your chances of developing life-changing and debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Here are a few tips to help stay healthy as a senior.

1. Get Lots of Sleep

It’s no secret that sleep is a very important part of staying healthy. Good sleep regularly will greatly improve your physical and mental health and play a positive role in your emotional health. When you are well rested, you can focus better and are usually in a better mood which can lead to better and more pleasant social interactions and productive activities. Giving your body the rest it needs improves its ability to fight off illnesses and lowers your risk of serious health problems such as a variety of mental illnesses, heart disease and obesity. Consult your doctor if you have trouble sleeping as it could be associated with sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, which can prevent you from getting good restful sleep. Make sure you stick to a consistent sleep schedule and are getting sufficient sleep each night.

2. Form Healthy Eating Habits

When it comes to maintaining good health, what we eat makes a big difference. Everything we eat and drink affects our bodies in multiple ways, some good and some very bad. Having healthy eating habits ensures your body is getting the proper nutrients and fuel your body needs to function properly. How your food is cooked is also just as important as what you are eating. Food that is processed, deep fried, high in fat and sugar, and cold cuts are among some of the foods that can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and in some cases, cancer. Eating these foods occasionally, even though still unhealthy, won’t necessarily hurt your health as much as regularly eating unhealthily. 

Try to maintain a healthy diet that includes healthy and sensible portions of foods which provide the proper nutrition for your body’s needs. Healthy portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, and foods rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats and carbs are ideal. When cooking, try to limit the amount of fat used to cook your meals and try using the freshest ingredients available. Organic options are becoming more easily accessible. Organic foods usually contain fewer preservatives, pesticides and other food additives that could cause negative reactions within your body. Consult with a nutritionist to help learn more about healthy eating habits and help find the right diet for you.

3. No Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Simply put, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can do serious harm to your body that causes long-term effects. Smoking has caused multiple types of cancer, heart and respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, and damage to your vital organs and affects those around you through secondhand smoke. Smoking has no benefit to your body or health. Heavily drinking alcohol is also damaging to your body. While an occasional beer or glass of wine won’t necessarily hurt you, excessive and binge drinking can cause serious problems. Heavy drinking leads to weight gain, high blood pressure, liver damage, weakened immune system, mental and social disorders, alcohol dependency, and even death due to alcohol poisoning. For your health’s sake, it’s best to refrain from smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.

4. Staying Active

Exercising and staying active for at least 30 minutes a day is highly recommended to maintain good health. Walking, jogging, riding a bike and swimming are a few activities you can do to stay active, as long as you are capable of such activities. You can also take part in other sports such as tennis and golf. Regular exercise promotes healthy joints and muscles and helps burn calories to keep excess weight off. It also builds your physical strength, endurance, confidence, and self-esteem. Getting outside in general is good for your health. The sun provides natural vitamin D which is important for your bones and blood cells. Studies have shown that being outside lifts people’s moods and promote better sleep, improved focus, improved immunity, and improved self-esteem. 

Activities such as gardening and landscaping, hiking, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and camping are all great options to get the most out of being outdoors. It is good to also be mindful of the weather and dress appropriately for those colder days. It is ideal to consider protection from the sun and apply high SPF sunblock and lip balm on those sunny and even the most cloudy days. Hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses also offer protection against the sun and help keep away those harmful UV rays that can cause sunburns and lead to skin cancer. Getting outside and staying active go hand in hand with each other and should be an important part of any lifestyle. 

5. See Your Doctor Regularly

Regular good visits with your doctor and various screenings are a very important part of staying healthy. Talk to your doctor about eye exams, hearing tests, bone density scans, and cancer screenings in addition to your regular visits. Be sure to request blood work to ensure your blood glucose, calcium and organ health are good. This is also a good opportunity to check your cholesterol, and blood pressure and to speak with your doctor about your mental health. Let your doctor know of any aches, pains, and any discomfort you may feel and be sure to mention if something doesn’t feel right. 

Your health is a priority so do not hesitate to ask as many questions during your visits and get the most vital information needed to help you maintain good health. Stay on top of any medications prescribed by your doctor and report any severe side effects. Also, if your doctor calls you to come in for a follow-up visit, it is for the best and you should not hesitate. Consulting with your doctor or team of care professionals is crucial to maintaining good health. 

6. Be Happy

The last tip on this list is simple enough, be happy! Remain positive and do what you love. Whether it’s hiking, bird watching, travelling, going to the movies, playing music, or simply spending time with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to plan full days of fun. Plan days for yourself as well where you can relax peacefully at your favorite spa, or park, or maybe you just want to take it easy on your front porch or backyard. Your mood and outlook on life greatly impact your health, so make sure you are doing what you can to make time for what you enjoy. 

In fact, all the tips for staying healthy as a senior on this list will lead to happiness. When you get good sleep, eat healthy, limit your intake and exposure to harmful substances, stay active and regularly see your doctor, it will result in you being happy overall because you are living a healthy lifestyle and that alone is something to be happy about!

7. Staying Healthy with EasyGo

Here at EasyGo Mobility, we understand how important mobile independence is when it comes to staying healthy. Even though it can be difficult to stay active when you must rely on a mobility aid to get around, you can still live a happy and healthy lifestyle with EasyGo. Our power chairs have helped thousands of customers get their mobile independence back. EasyGo riders rely on their power chair to get them to and from their doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, their favorite walking or hiking trails, and being outdoors with friends and family. 

Overall, EasyGo riders are happy to be able to just get around easier and enjoy the quality of life and mobile independence gave back to them by EasyGo. Our Standard and Elite models fold easily and fit into just about any trunk, even trunks on smaller cars such as Corvettes and Honda Civics. EasyGo power chairs weigh 50 – 56 lbs. depending on the model, and are TSA and FAA-approved making them ideal for travelling and driving up to 15 miles continuously driving on a single full battery charge. These features and others make EasyGo a worthy companion in helping you stay active and live a healthy lifestyle.

Final Words

These are just a few of the tips offered to help you maintain good health as you age, and we hope they help you do just that. If you have any questions regarding EasyGo and how it can help you get your mobile independence back, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-833-709-3499. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read these tips on staying healthy as a senior. We wish you all the best!