In a world where retirement signifies a new beginning, understanding how to nurture our health and happiness becomes pivotal. Our recent webinar featured seasoned experts Meg Stickle and Andrew Craig. Their guidance offers a roadmap to a vibrant and fulfilling retirement lifestyle. If you would like to watch this webinar please click here.

Motivation is key
Meg Stickle, with her rich background in gerontology and fitness, emphasizes the transformative power of habits in our daily lives. "Start by asking yourself what motivates you. We're all motivated in very different ways," she remarks, encouraging attendees to identify personal motivators that resonate with their goals.

Meg’s pillars for a healthier retirement

• Initiate the journey: "Just get started," Meg urges. She suggests beginning with manageable activities and gradually building a routine that fits into one's lifestyle. “I do encourage you to exercise daily.”
• Embrace your current abilities: Recognizing and accepting one's physical capabilities is crucial, Meg advises. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and avoiding discouraging comparisons to past abilities. “Aim for 150 minutes of exercise every week,” says Meg, who advises people to break that time into small 10 or 20-minute segments if necessary.
• Establish a routine: Consistency in activities is key. Scheduling workouts or activities as one would a doctor's appointment can significantly enhance adherence to a healthy routine. “You mightn’t feel like doing it but I encourage you to do it anyway regardless of how you feel and over time it will become a good habit.”
• Do what you can do: Start slow and pace yourself. Overexerting yourself when exercising can set you back on your journey so Meg says “be kind with yourself and don’t try and push yourself beyond what you can do.”
• Choose your time, enjoy the process and celebrate what you do: Understanding that health and fitness is a journey, not a destination, is vital. Meg reminds us to “enjoy the process” and “celebrate what you do” as we pass each phase of our health journey. And choosing a designated time will help you exercise more regularly.

Culinary Wellness in Retirement Living
Andrew Craig -  an expert in nutrition - is the National Director of Hospitality and Culinary Service at Aspira Retirement Living. He underscores how crucial it is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients in Aspira's communities. “It’s important for us to use fresh, quality ingredients in order to create healthy and delicious choices for our residents,” he notes, highlighting the balance of nutritious and enjoyable meals.

Engaging in community dining
Andrew advocates for active participation in communal dining experiences. He believes that sharing meals is not just about nutrition but also about building relationships and fostering a sense of community.

The power of community and social engagement
Meg and Andrew both highlighted the importance of community involvement in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is not surprising as socializing is scientifically proven to improve mental health. Meg suggests forming groups or finding a fitness buddy to stay motivated. Andrew, on the other hand, highlighted the positive impacts of shared dining experiences.

Recap
This webinar was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action for all seeking a more fulfilling retirement life. The challenge lies in cultivating positive habits that enhance our well-being in retirement.

In embracing these lessons, we step into a retirement phase filled not just with years, but with life and vigor. According to Meg, it’s about taking those small, consistent steps towards a lifestyle that brings joy, health, and a sense of accomplishment. If you would like to watch this webinar please click here.

Wondering what comes next or need more advice? Download our Guide for Loved Ones to learn more.