Guide to Staying Active in Retirement

Guide to Staying Active in Retirement & Why it’s Important

Retirement is a major life event often associated with relaxation and leisure. However, staying physically active during this phase is important for maintaining good health and well-being. Regular exercise can help improve mobility, independence, and mental well-being while also reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Research has shown that retirement can increase the risk of clinical depression by up to 40% and the likelihood of developing at least one physical illness by 60%. Therefore, staying active during retirement is not just a way to pass the time but an investment in one’s own health and quality of life.

Tips for Staying Active in Retirement

When you retire, it’s not just about leaving a job. It’s stepping into a whole new chapter of life. And if you do something that truly means something to you, you’ll find yourself not only healthier but happier over the long term. Here are some ways to stay connected and keep active in retirement.

1. Explore New Hobbies

Retirement is a great time to explore new hobbies, reigniting passions and rediscovering interests. Trying new activities, whether hiking, golfing, bowling, arts and crafts, meditation, or any other activity, can stimulate the mind and promote emotional well-being. These activities can help retirees stay active, bringing a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenation to this new phase of life.

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2. Go Swimming

Swimming offers retirees a wide range of health benefits as a holistic form of exercise. It’s not just a recreational activity; it provides a comprehensive workout that targets various body areas.


With 80% of seniors facing health concerns, the low-impact nature of swimming makes it an ideal choice for them. Regular swimming routines promote physical well-being and enhance cognitive functions, helping retirees maintain an active and agile lifestyle.

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3. Water/ Aqua Aerobics

Water or Aqua Aerobics is an excellent fitness routine designed specifically for older adults. The resistance provided by the buoyancy of water offers a comprehensive workout and therapeutic benefits. This exercise provides a balanced combination of physical exertion and relaxation for retirees, helping them stay fit and mentally contented in their golden years.

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4. Walk Regularly

Walking is a simple and effective way for retirees to stay healthy and active in retirement. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park, a walk on the beach, or even a jaunt with a pet, this activity ensures that seniors get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.


Regular walks improve heart health, lower the risk of heart disease, and help lower blood pressure. They also enhance thinking skills, sharpen memory, and promote emotional well-being. Walking not only improves physical health but also enhances mental energy, uplifts mood, and boosts self-esteem. It’s an invaluable activity for seniors who want to prioritise staying active in retirement.

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5. Learn Yoga

Yoga is highly beneficial for seniors as it combines breathing techniques, exercise, and meditation. Attending yoga classes helps retirees improve balance, strengthen muscles, and maintain cardiovascular health.


Yoga also enhances circulation, improves respiration, and promotes both physical and mental relaxation. With its ancient roots, yoga enables seniors to lead a healthy and active lifestyle while enhancing emotional well-being.

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6. Playing Golf

Golf is often seen as a leisurely sport but offers retirees much more. As an outdoor activity, it allows seniors to get essential vitamin D from the sun, which is important for overall health. Playing golf engages various muscles and joints, making it a great exercise for seniors.

This is especially important considering that over 80% of them are affected by heart disease. Golf helps retirees stay active in retirement and provides a full-body workout. It also serves as a social hub, allowing seniors to make new friends and stay socially active. Besides the physical health benefits, golf improves flexibility, helping seniors maintain an active lifestyle.

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7. Try Lawn Bowling

Lawn bowling is a great way for retirees to stay physically active while learning new skills in a relaxed environment. It’s not just about competition but also about enjoying the outdoors, gentle exercise, and improving coordination and strategic thinking.


It’s perfect for those in their golden years, offering a way to stay healthy without high-impact activities. The camaraderie and friendly competition in the game also provide mental benefits, promoting overall wellness in retirement.

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8. Stay Socially Connected

Maintaining social connections in retirement is important for emotional well-being and physical health. Being socially active encourages participation in various activities, keeping the mind and body engaged. Retirees should spend time with friends, join community groups, or participate in social activities to significantly enhance their quality of life.


Building and nurturing relationships contribute to a sense of belonging, which is vital in this phase of life. It’s not just about staying busy; it’s about cultivating meaningful connections that enrich the retirement experience.

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The Advantages of a Lifestyle Village for Staying Active

Retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Still, it’s also essential to stay physically and mentally active. Lifestyle villages, such as The Links Over 55s Lifestyle Resort, offer a unique solution for seniors looking to maintain an active lifestyle in their golden years. These communities offer benefits tailored to retirees, including physical activities, social engagements, and overall wellness.

Built-in Amenities

Lifestyle retirement villages have fitness centres, swimming pools, and other facilities tailored for seniors.

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Organised Activities

Regular events, classes, and group activities ensure there’s always something happening to keep seniors active and engaged.

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Like-minded Neighbours

Being surrounded by peers prioritising staying active offers a natural motivation and support system.

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Safe and Accessible Environment

Safety and accessibility are paramount in these villages, ensuring seniors can be active without worries.

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Stay Active at The Links in South West Rocks

Staying active during retirement is essential for physical and mental well-being. Being active helps us stay healthy, make friends, and enjoy our days. Where we live can play a role in our level of physical activity.


The Links in South West Rocks understands this and offers a variety of activities such as swimming in heated pools, bowling, golf, and exercise facilities. Located in South West Rocks, The Links provides easy access to nature and opportunities to stay active with friends.


It’s not just a place to live but a vibrant community encouraging daily fun. If you want to make the most of your retirement, consider The Links and discover a place designed for active living.

Frequently Asked Questions

While they offer several perks, retirement villages come with challenges. This includes notable entrance and departure costs, potentially intricate fee arrangements, and constraints on owning property. Moreover, certain individuals might not appreciate the village regulations, feeling a lack of variety or sensing an exclusive social scene.

The value of joining a retirement village largely hinges on one’s personal context and inclinations. They present numerous advantages like a sense of community, safety, and handy facilities. Nonetheless, they might come with substantial expenses, including entrance and exit charges, regular service fees, and other unexpected costs. Thoroughly weighing these expenses against one’s financial health and living preferences is pivotal before deciding.

The primary distinction is the type of agreement over the property. In retirement villages, the arrangement usually concerns the building itself, so you’re paying a fee to reside there without owning your space. On the other hand, in over 55 lifestyle villages, the contract is about the land, granting you ownership of your house while you lease the underlying land for an extended duration. This setup often offers more financial predictability and adaptability.

This decision is contingent upon individual preferences and needs. Living in a retirement village provides community, security, and easy access to amenities and services. Staying at home offers familiarity, potentially lower costs, and perhaps more independence. Assess your desires, financial situation, and long-term objectives to make an informed choice.

The Links primarily operates under the land lease retirement village model, allowing residents to own their homes while leasing the land for a long duration. This transparent structure eradicates any exit fees, meaning residents can enjoy any profits from a sale without deductions.

The Links stands out because it emphasises community, lifestyle, and superior facilities. Residents can indulge in diverse recreational activities, from its year-round heated pool to a professional-sized bowling green and fully-equipped gym. Moreover, the vibrant community ambience and state-of-the-art amenities like the 450m practice putting and chipping greens make The Links the epitome of lavish retirement living.

A Deferred Management Fee (DMF) is a charge incurred by residents upon exiting a retirement village, often deducted from the sale price of their unit or their initial contribution to the village. This fee, which might also be termed an exit or departure fee, is generally a percentage of the initial contribution or the sale price and can vary based on factors like the length of residency and accessed services. The DMF’s structure and percentage are stipulated in the contract, and it aims to cover the village’s management and operational costs, ensuring the community’s maintenance and sustainability throughout the residents’ stay.