15+ Good Habits Every Retired Man Should Take Up

Keeping track of expenses is often more important during retirement, as your income may be fixed or reduced compared to when you were working. Creating a budget helps ensure that you’re managing your money wisely, allowing you to cover essentials like housing, utilities, and healthcare while also saving for unexpected costs. 

Tai Chi is great for men of retirement age - it is a gentle, low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. This ancient Chinese practice involves slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing, which not only improves balance and flexibility, but can also help reduce stress. 

Another great habit to get into once you've retired is making an effort to travel regularly. It doesn't have to be anywhere long-haul - just somewhere new and different, even if it's a short drive or a weekend getaway, where you can enjoy new perspectives, scenery, and experiences. 

Another good habit to start in retirement is doing things that challenge your brain, such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku. These activities are excellent for improving memory, enhancing problem-solving skills, and keeping your mind sharp, so why not get puzzling a few times a week? 

We all know we need to move regularly to stay healthy, especially as we get older, but sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated. Counting your steps - via either your phone or a fitness tracker - can be a great way to keep you moving as you can set goals, monitor your exercise level, and stay accountable. 

Without a regular work routine and the need to wake up early, it can be tempting to enjoy more alcohol in retirement. But given the physical and mental health implications, it's a better idea to swap the cocktails, wine, and beer for things like craft soda, herbal teas, or smoothies. 

Getting plenty of sleep is essential for maintaining good health, especially as we age. Adequate rest helps with memory, mood regulation, immune function, and physical recovery. If you find it hard to fall or stay asleep, things like daily exercise, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calming bedtime routine can help improve your sleep quality. 

Retirement is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby - maybe one you've always wanted to do but never quite found the time. Whether it's woodworking, painting, photography, or writing, a new interest can help keep your mind sharp, provide a sense of purpose, and provide the chance to meet like-minded others. 

We probably all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun, but as we age this becomes even more crucial. Our skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to damage, increasing the risk of sunburn, age spots, and even skin cancer, so wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day is a great habit to start. 

Lifting weights isn't just for body builders - it's an essential habit for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall strength. We naturally lose muscle as we age, so having a fitness routine that includes lifting dumbbells at least twice a week will help keep you strong and improve joint health. 

Another good habit to start in retirement is ensuring you meet up with friends on a regular basis. There are often fewer opportunities to be social once you've retired, so things like a weekly coffee date, a monthly dinner, or joining a group activity, provide emotional support, mental stimulation, and just the chance to chat and laugh. 

Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, and can contribute to various health issues such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Unsurprisingly, limiting our intake of these kinds of foods in favor of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can have significant benefits for overall health and well-being. 

Another great habit to work into your life in retirement is getting out into nature on a regular basis. Fresh air, sunlight, and natural surroundings help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation, be it a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or sitting by a lake or beach. 

Having so much free time can be a bit daunting after decades of work and child-rearing, and some men can find they lack purpose. Taking courses - be it on history, art, technology, or any topic that interests you - can provide a sense of structure and fulfillment in retirement. 

It may be a bit of a cliche when it comes to retirement habits, but who cares? Gardening is good for the body and mind - it provides gentle physical exercise, reduces stress, and gives you the chance to enjoy vitamin D and fresh air - not to mention the sense of accomplishment that comes with nurturing plants and watching them grow. 

Staying hydrated is another thing that becomes particularly important as we get older. As we age, our sense of thirst may diminish, making it easier to forget to drink enough water, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. 

All retired men should get into the habit of using senior discounts when they're retired. These reductions on things like dining out, travel, entertainment, and shopping can add up to surprisingly large amounts at the end of the year, so it makes sense to take full advantage of them whenever possible. 

Another very good habit to start getting into after retirement is making an effort to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and emotions more. It's not uncommon for retired men to experience feelings of loneliness, loss of purpose, or even depression as they transition into a new phase of life. Opening up helps to reduce stress and ensure greater well-being. 

Reading is a fantastic habit to pick up or maintain in your retirement. It not only provides hours of entertainment and mental stimulation, but it also improves cognitive function, enhances vocabulary, and reduces stress. Whether you prefer thrillers, classics, non-fiction, or poetry, reading will help keep your mind sharp. 

It may sound like hippy stuff to some, but deep breathing and mindfulness meditation has actually been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating deep breathing into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to support your mental health in retirement. 

Many people of retirement age find they struggle to get a good night's sleep, and rest is especially important at this time of life. With this in mind, it's good to get into the habit of limiting your caffeine intake, perhaps enjoying your last coffee of the day in the early afternoon. 

It may not be the most glamorous habit, but it's really important to stay on top of your health as you age. Regular check-ups help catch potential issues early, making them easier to manage and treat, including screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Nowadays, it can be hard to escape the lure of technology, with phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs constantly competing for our attention. While technology has its benefits, spending too much time on screens can lead to eye strain, disrupted sleep, and even stress, so it's a good idea to make a proactive effort to avoid them all for a few hours a day. 

Eating a lot of sugar leads to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. So, it's a really good idea to replace things like cookies, cake, and soda with healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, nuts, and perhaps homemade treats. 

We all know the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, but this becomes harder as we age and our metabolism slows. Keeping track of your weight can help you stay mindful of any gradual changes and make adjustments before they become a bigger issue. Excess weight, especially around the midsection, increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. 

Relationships can often struggle in retirement - it can be challenging spending so much time together all of a sudden! One habit that is good to get into is having a regular date night - a chance to reconnect, dress a bit smarter and enjoy meaningful, quality time together away from the home. 

Taking supplements can provide a helpful boost to your mental and physical well-being. As we age, our bodies may require additional nutrients that we might not get enough of through food alone. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements to ensure they are right for your individual needs and won’t interfere with any medications. 

Another great habit to add to your everyday life in retirement is regular stretching. Doing so helps improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and prevent injuries. As we age, muscles and joints can become tight, leading to discomfort or limited mobility. Stretching for a just a few minutes every morning can loosen up your body, increase blood flow, and set a positive tone for the day. 

Cooking is a fun habit to get into - it encourages creativity, and can be a great way to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with new ingredients and recipes. In addition, it is usually much healthier and cheaper to cook from scratch at home, even if it is a simple dish. 

It's never too late to try a new sport. Whether it's a team sport like soccer or basketball, a solitary one like cycling or swimming or a more social sport like golf, being active on a regular basis will undoubtedly help improve your overall physical and mental well-being. 

Many men have a tendency to enjoy their own company a bit too much during retirement. But making a conscious effort to spend time with loved ones can bring immense joy, improve emotional well-being, and create lasting memories. Setting aside a few hours every week for a regular lunch or fun activity is a great habit to start. 

Another good habit to start during retirement is having regular declutters of the home. Often, by the time we reach retirement age, we have accumulated a lot of possessions that no longer serve a purpose or bring us joy. Regularly decluttering your home helps create a more organized, peaceful living environment and can reduce stress. 

One more great habit to start in retirement is paying more attention to your moles. As we age, previous damage done to our skin can start to show, increasing the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Regularly checking your moles for any changes in size, shape, or color can help with early detection. 

Another solid habit to get into when retired is being proactive in terms of keeping in touch with old pals. Even if they live far away, making the effort to call or video chat with old friends can help maintain meaningful connections and reduce feelings of isolation. 

Getting our daily fill of fiber is more important as we age, as fiber helps maintain healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts are excellent sources of fiber, so getting into the habit of eating plenty of things like this is a great idea. 

One of the many positives about retirement is being able to spend more time with our pets. And this isn't just good for them, but us too. Walking a dog or stroking a cat can actually lower stress levels, boost our overall mood, and even lower our blood pressure in a natural way. 

We need to take better care of our teeth as we get older - things like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss become more common with age. Regular visits to the dentist also help maintain oral health, which is linked to overall health, including heart and digestive health. 

Don't write positive affirmations off as new age nonsense—starting your day with a positive affirmation can actually set the tone for a more optimistic and fulfilling day. Whether it’s reminding yourself that you are strong, capable, or deserving of happiness, repeating positive statements each morning can improve motivation and emotional well-being. 

Having goals and targets when it comes to our finances shouldn't stop when we reach retirement. Whether it means planning for healthcare costs or saving for travel or hobbies, setting goals helps you stay on track with your spending and savings and gives you something to work towards. 

While it can be tempting to spend most of our time relaxing on the couch when we retire, this isn't likely to do our health any good.  Incorporating light activity like walking, stretching, or standing up every hour can help improve circulation, maintain muscle strength, and boost energy levels.