| People are happier and healthier when they are | | | | you going whether or not you are working and |
| working and staying active after retirement. A study | | | | employed. |
| of 12,000 people found that there were definite | | | | First, continue your daily routine as much as you can. |
| health benefits for people who keep working beyond | | | | For example, continue to wake up early so that you |
| the age of 58 and beyond retirement. | | | | can get in your exercise or shower, defrost |
| The joint project of the University of Maryland and | | | | something for dinner and call your kids. Once you |
| California State University and published in the Journal | | | | complete your routine then it's your choice whether |
| of Occupational Health Psychology, reported on what | | | | you want to spend more time with your family, |
| they identified as bridge employment which is | | | | meet a friend at a coffee shop, join a bridge class at |
| part-time employment, self-employment or | | | | the community center or start exploring new cell |
| temporary employment after retirement. The major | | | | phones. This notion will not be easy in the beginning |
| finding was that retirees who continued to work in a | | | | but if you make it a habit right away it will make you |
| bridge job experienced fewer major diseases than | | | | and your life in retirement a lot smoother. |
| those fully retired. They also found improved mental | | | | A second point is to keep your hobby active, playing |
| health but only when the person was working within | | | | poker, or attending soccer games, or taking Pilates |
| their career field. Even considering the health of the | | | | classes. It will not only keep your mind busy but you |
| participants before retirement, employment status | | | | will be participating in something you enjoy. If you do |
| caused a difference in health. | | | | not have a hobby or interest, join your friends in |
| All of which means that if you are not retired you | | | | what they are doing. Maybe you will develop that |
| may want to seriously consider looking for full or part | | | | same interest. |
| time employment when you do retire. It seems | | | | And finally take part in social activities and service |
| reasonable to assume that what is called bridge | | | | groups. Many retirees already have an interest in a |
| employment is certainly justified when it comes to | | | | service group. If you do not, this is a good time to |
| your health. | | | | explore the groups in your area whether it is |
| There are also many research projects regarding | | | | Gleaners, Dogs for the Blind or the hundreds of |
| how not to succumb to the couch and shrivel up | | | | health support groups. Join a friend and participate in |
| after retirement. Here are a few tips that will keep | | | | his group for a while to see if you like it. |