right fit

Being a retiree can be liberating. You now have full permission to do as you want, no boundaries imposed by the institutional workplace, you are free to chart your own course, Go and come as you wish. So live your life, go ahead and buy (provided it is in your budget) that Harley Davidson and join a motorcycle gang. But for those who have neither the means nor inclination to cruise the open road on two motorized wheels there are a plethora of alternatives ranging from reading to skydiving and everything in between.

Having promised to spotlight some fun healthy activities it is necessary to reiterate a phrase my grandmother often used when doing certain tasks ie“the old gray mule aint what it used to be”. With this in mind, as a precaution it is recommended that before starting any kind of exercise routine you consult with your doctor for the purpose of ensuring that the proposed activity is suitable based on any pre- existing medical condition(s). If bodybuilding and body sculpting is your thing, an annual membership to the gym and a contract with a personal trainer will be much more economical than paying per session. Remember that fun and healthy does not have to be expensive. Walking is the least expensive form of exercise and by far the most popular among retired persons as it poses less risk for injury. You may choose to walk with a friend or a group. It is an added benefit if you take your phone along and listen to your favourite playlist or radio station as you walk faster and longer. Most smart phones have health apps which allow you to measure your steps, activate yours.  Challenge a colleague to see how many steps you can do in a day and compare with your friends. For my part, I have been instructed to share my steps with my friend daily so that she can see I am still alive. Whatever you do have fun doing it even while having to spend no money. Join the early swimmers at Crocus Bay and Shoal Bay every morning and catch up on the day before happenings. Engage in some yoga, walking or jogging at the beach in Sandy Hill. For a more solitary sojourn walk the beach at Maunday’s Bay or along the stretch by Great House.

Choose what is right for you. My story will differ from yours. I still own my golf clubs but that sport became too expensive based on my budget, my tennis racket needs re-stringing but knee issues delay the repair, for table tennis and chess a second person is required to play, without an agreeable person I am unable to. Hence, it is through necessary circumstance that my regular healthy activities of choice these days have become walking, yoga, swimming, and dancing.  Next time we will explore other possibilities to keep engaged.