After looking forward to retirement for so long, it’s understandable to want to spend that time relaxing. While it is important to get some rest after working for so long, you should also remember that your mind and body will be changing. Furthermore, your immune system won’t work as well as it used to, making it more important than ever to take good care of yourself in every way. Here are 4 tips for staying healthy after retirement:

Keep Moving

It may be tempting to spend hours watching television, but your body is growing weaker with age and it’s up to you to keep it strong. Exercise ensures that your muscles can withstand daily use without undue risk of injury. The stronger you are, the less likely you are to fall getting out of bed or climbing steps. Studies have shown that exercise helps improve balance and muscle memory, improves immunity and may help prevent dementia. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, either, even walking around the block each day is beneficial, provided you do it regularly.

Eat Healthy

While nutrition is important at all ages, it’s more critical after retirement. Eating the right foods keeps you feeling good both physically and mentally, by providing your body with the nutrition it needs to function properly. Be especially careful what you put into your body, limiting foods that are heavy in sugar, sodium, cholesterol and unhealthy fats (Trans fats and saturated fats). Start by reducing your portion sizes, while eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

See Your Doctor Regularly

As you get older, annual appointments with your doctor become more important. Be sure to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly and check for signs of cancer. Remember to keep up with your vaccines, so you won’t be stricken with flu or pneumonia. For those who have chronic conditions to deal with, companies exist to help with Chronic Care Management. If anything in your body is worrying you, get it looked at before the problem gets worse.

Keep Your Mind Sharp

In addition to taking care of your body, you also have to exercise your mind to keep it sharp. Engaging in creative hobbies has been shown to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Any mentally stimulating activity can help, whether it’s reading, painting, writing or playing a musical instrument. Even watching television can help exercise your mind, depending on what you watch. Educational programs can stimulate your brain, creating neural connections that will help keep your memory sharp.

It may seem difficult to take better care of yourself as you get older, but it’s far from impossible. Having more free time on your hands after retirement actually gives you a better chance to focus on matters that you may have previously taken for granted. Remember that making your health a priority is what will allow you to fully enjoy your golden years.