While physical wellness is critical, mental wellness is equally important in retirement. The old adage “a sound mind in a sound body” rings true as ever.
Having a strong support network is key for emotional well-being, whether it’s close family members or friends you’ve maintained over the years, or new connections you’ve made through community groups and activities. This social engagement provides the necessary structure to help counteract loneliness and isolation, both of which can cause mental decline.
In addition to a robust social life, it’s also vital to continue intellectually stimulating yourself. The brain needs its own workouts to prevent a kind of cognitive rust that can lead to memory loss, and learning a new skill or hobby is a great way to promote neural flexibility. This can be as simple as continuing to play a musical instrument or taking a course in an academic subject, or it could be using an online platform like Duolingo or Lumosity for a daily cognitive exercise that challenges the brain.
Achieving holistic wellness is possible with the right professional Continue reading support. Many people experience emotional distress at some point, and having the support of a trained counselor or therapist can be a tremendous help in dealing with these issues. Likewise, having access to a financial planner who understands the complexity of a holistic approach to retirement planning can be invaluable. This kind of comprehensive planning mitigates many of the risks that individuals face in their later years, reducing sequence risk and helping ensure an adequate income.
The four most critical mainstays of a holistic plan for retirement are health, longevity, legacy and income. Holistic planning attempts to integrate these four into a cohesive unit that can be nurtured and improved throughout the retirement journey. The independent living communities that embody this philosophy of wellness are known as Life Plan Communities (or CCRCs).
These neighborhoods combine the benefits of the traditional retirement home with the services of an assisted living facility to provide an all-inclusive lifestyle. This includes planned and organized physical activity led by a fitness professional, opportunities for social interaction and intellectual stimulation, and patterns of eating and sleeping designed to deliver optimal wellbeing. It is this comprehensive, multifaceted approach that delivers a rich and affirmative sense of well-being for seniors.