Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Turning over a new decade always gives us pause, but turning 60 seems to inspire more than its share of apprehension.

To help pass the milestone with grace and confidence, lifestyle coaches at grandparents.com say people nearing 60 – or even younger – should take these 10 life-affirming steps:

• Start making some younger friends – Skip the Silver Sneakers class in favor of yoga or Zumba. Having friends your own age is essential to your comfort, but sprinkling younger folks into your network can help keep your outlook young at heart.
• Break a bad habit – Whether it’s losing weight, quitting smoking or always being late, losing a habit you know you should lose will boost your self-image and well-being.
• Build a retirement plan – Go back to school? Start a second career? Whether you plan to retire at 62 or ease into your retirement, have some definite ideas about what you will do when you have more time at your disposal.
• Forgive those who’ve wronged you – Nothing creates more negative energy than holding a grudge. Make things right if you possibly can and give yourself the gift of peace.
• Assemble a dream team – include the doctor, the lawyer, the CPA, and the religious leader you trust. Work with them to prepare for retirement and beyond long before you are 60.
• Reclaim an old passion – Did you once love bicycling? Playing the piano? Collecting? Getting reacquainted with your youthful interests can increase your zest for life.
• Cultivate optimism – Optimistic people have a 50 percent lower risk of a first heart attack or stroke than who tend to be negative. Try to look on the bright side and spend time with optimistic people.
• Explore activities you can do on your own – You need to enjoy your own company, as it’s the only company you can count on. Try gardening…or crossword puzzles…or any activity you enjoy when on your own.
• Save more for your bucket list – Whether you want to travel, send a grandkid to college, or indulge in a hobby you love, now is the right time to sock away every penny you can.
• Make changes that matter to you – If there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, now is the time to pursue it. Investigating how it might be done can give you a new lease on life.

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