13 ways to keep your mind and body active in retirement

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13 ways to keep your mind and body active in retirement

The CDC recommends adults over 65 get 150 minutes of exercise activity a week — that’s just over 20 minutes per day.

A 2023 AARP survey found that those who reached that 150-minute exercise goal rated their physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being — as well as their ability to handle stress — higher than those who didn’t.

As we age, it’s important to move our bodies — but keeping our minds active is crucial too.

More and more, seniors are finding that retirement gives them more opportunities than ever to expand their horizons, discover new hobbies, and redefine what the word “active” means to them.

Want to know how to stay active in retirement, beyond getting on a treadmill? Here are more than 13 ideas.

Physical movement

According to the National Council on Aging, regularly doing physical activities you enjoy can help prevent bone loss, relieve pain from osteoporosis, boost immunity, improve mood and even prevent chronic illness, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

These options range from trendy and new to tried and true.

Go with the flow.

Not everyone has the same level of mobility as they age.

Thankfully, there are plenty of gentle-movement activities to explore, like chair yoga, water aerobics, or tai chi. (NPR recently reported on a study that found significant increases in cognitive function for participants who did tai chi just twice a week for six months!)

Think outside the gym.

Outdoor activities like gardening, browsing the farmer’s market, or walking to meet a friend for coffee can also be a great way to get your heart rate up and rack up those exercise minutes.

Hobbies and culture

Retirement can also be a fantastic time to pick up a long-forgotten hobby or try something completely new. Looking for something to dip your toes into?

Get your hands dirty.

Some folks try their hand at a new craft or pick up a paintbrush for the first time in retirement. Ready to explore?

Initiatives like the Vitality Arts Project encourage art museums to create programming for seniors looking for creative expression — you may find something similar at your favorite gallery or museum.

You may also be surprised to find a local woodworking or pottery school nearby with just a quick Google search.

Soak up the arts.

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