M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Here is the ‘good old days’ lifestyle, which the present generation forgets because parents did not pass it on to their young ones.
People who stay mentally sharp in their retirement usually adopt these 5 daily habits, according to Hackspirit, an online portal promoting better relationships.
Unfortunately, when many retire, they lose the mental sharpness to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
Old schoolmates and teachers meet to promote better relationships (picture).
What’s their secret? Hackspirit states five daily habits that foster both physical and mental well-being.
1) Prioritise social interaction
This is such a huge one. Social interactions are vital in keeping our minds sharp.
The longest-ever study on happiness was conducted by Harvard researchers in 1938. “What’s the secret sauce to living a happier, longer life? You might think it’s money, success, or leisure time. But no, it’s all about people. The study revealed that positive relationships are the cornerstone of happiness. When the study zeroed in on retirement, it uncovered something interesting too. A common concern for those nearing retirement is the fear of losing purpose without their jobs. But it may not be the job itself that’s missed, but the social fabric it provided, and they missed the people and the friendships.”
2) Be active as part of your routine
Regular physical activity is not just good for the body; it’s also a game-changer for the mind.
For instance, did you know that a brisk 15-minute run or an hour-long walk can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%?
Staying active keeps our minds sharp, boosts our self-esteem, and builds resilience.
A study of the men in Sardinia’s Blue Zone attributed their longevity to their active lifestyles, which included raising farm animals, navigating the mountainous terrain of their homes, and trekking longer distances to their workplaces.
And here’s a fascinating nugget from the bestseller Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia: Nearly all centenarians (those remarkable folks who’ve hit the 100-year mark) maintain a garden.
So, what can we learn from this?
3) Eat healthily
Harvard Health puts it perfectly:
“Like an expensive car, your brain functions best when it gets only premium fuel. High-quality foods with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourish the brain. It protects it from oxidative stress — the ‘waste’ (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.”
4) Make sure to get enough quality sleep
This one should be a no-brainer. Sleep is foundational for everyone, regardless of age, to maintain physical and mental health.
But don’t just take my word for it.
Diving deeper, adequate sleep has been linked to improved memory retention.
“If you are sleep-deprived, you are at risk of developing several serious health problems, such as Sleep Deprivation and Memory Loss hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, and your ability to learn and retain new information may be impaired.”
5) Pursue a purpose
Picture this: the day of retirement finally arrives, and while it’s a milestone for many, it also brings an unexpected guest—a loss of purpose.
Going from spending most of our waking hours at an office to having most, if not all, of our days free can shock the system.
So, what’s the solution?
Well, it’s often noted that individuals who maintain their sharpness and live longer don’t “retire” in the conventional sense. This concept is closely tied to ‘Ikigai,’ a Japanese philosophy that embodies living with a purpose or a reason for being.
Interestingly, the Japanese language doesn’t even have a word that directly translates to “retire” when permanently exiting the workforce. Of course, continuing to live with purpose doesn’t mean sticking to the grind of a 9-to-5 job. It’s about engaging in activities that fulfil you.
Take, for example, the practice of gardening. Earlier, I touched on how ‘Ikigai,’ as explored by Hector Garcia in his book on the Blue Zones, found that nearly all centenarians—those who live to or beyond 100 years old—tended to their gardens.
The bottom line
Embracing retirement boils down to staying connected, staying active, eating wisely, prioritising rest, and living with purpose.
Adopt these habits, and you might just find yourself in a vibrant new chapter filled with growth, joy, and longevity.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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