Don't Succumb to Stress After Retirement
Perhaps no medical issue flys under the radar more than stress. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress, while close to half of all survey respondents felt their stress levels are on the rise.
While stress is a problem many feel stems from work, stress is not solely a byproduct of work, and those without work-related stress can still be overwhelmed by feelings of stress. Simply put, stress can affect everyone, even the nation's retirees. While retirement is often seen as a chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of a life's worth of labors, retirement can also be a stressful time for many people. Getting by on less income can be stressful, as can health issues that might arise as we age. In fact, a person's ability to relax after a stressful event actually becomes more difficult the older we get. Such a reality only underlines the importance of stress prevention for retirees, who can decrease their risk of stress or stress-related illness with some common preventive measures.
* Diet and exercise. While seniors might not be able to do all that they used to when it comes to exercise and athletics, daily exercise combined with a healthy diet can go a long way to preventing stress. When exercising, be careful not to over-exert yourself but be sure to include exercise as part of your daily routine. Exercise can include a daily walk out in the fresh air, or a trip to the gym for some light weightlifting and cardiovascular work. Seniors should always consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen.
With respect to diet, avoid sugar, fried foods and overconsumption of alcohol, as each of things can aggravate an existing condition, increasing the health-related stress many seniors feel as their immune system weakens and they become more susceptible to disease or additional ailments.
* Be sure to socialize. Stress doesn't just come from work or a physical ailment, it can also be the result of a mental ailment, such as depression resulting from loneliness. Just like everyone else, seniors need to share their problems and concerns as well as their good times with others. Just because you're retired from work does not mean you're retired from life. Stay actively involved in your community, and be sure to maintain regular contact with friends and family members. Socialization comes in many different forms, and seniors should take advantage of community-based programs to connect with other seniors or even share their experience with younger generations whenever possible.
* Develop a daily routine. Part of the joy of retirement is having the freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want to do it. However, many retirees find that a daily routine helps them instill a sense of order in their lives and avoid stress. The daily routine can include a morning round of golf, a weekly lunch or dinner with the kids, or anything else that promotes a sense of purpose.
Cooking for One
Perhaps you're the senior woman or gentleman at the supermarket pushing a wagon full of TV convenience dinners. While it may seem the easy way to go now that the family has left the coop, those convenience meals are not always the healthiest option. Generally high in sodium and calories, they don't always fit into the acceptable diet for an elder person.
Cooking for one or two is something that should be embraced as you grow older. While you may be accustomed to cooking for a family, now that the nest is empty, scaling back will be required. Homemade food can be delicious, nutritious and simple. For adults who have lost a spouse or live alone, cooking can also be an enjoyable break in the day -- brightening your mood. Consider these tips.
* Spend a day cooking for the week, if desired. Make a few items that can be stretched and enjoyed later in the week or "tweaked" into a completely different meal. Meatloaf, for example, can be made into several meals. Sliced leftovers into a sandwich and enjoy on a crusty piece of French bread, or top those leftovers with mozzarella cheese and sauce and serve with a small side of spaghetti. The same can be said for basic poultry and meat dishes as well.
* "Dinner" doesn't have to be the extravagant meal that it once was. A half of a sandwich and a bowl of soup are perfectly acceptable options.
* Many of your favorite recipes can be cut in half and enjoyed. Experiment with making smaller quantities of desserts and foods.
* Invest in good-quality freezer bags or a device that vacuum seals items. Buying smaller packages of foods tends to be more expensive than buying in bulk. Therefore, continue to buy the "family" packs of meats and poultry. Then separate them when you return home and package them securely for freezing. Mark the date on items so that you use them promptly.
* Don't underestimate the advantages of breakfast for dinner. Eggs whipped up into omelettes filled with fresh vegetables, a small stack of pancakes, or even a hearty bowl of oatmeal can be welcoming when you don't want much fuss.
Information from Metro Newspaper Service © 2010