You have always been active. You have worked for forty years. You are about to retire. Everyone asks you: “But what will you do with all your time?” Be assured, this will not be a problem. Here are tips on how to stay active, healthy and contribute to society in your older years.

Determine how much sleep your body needs a night and then make sure you get it. Lack of good regular sleep is a possible cause of premature aging. Just because you're getting older does not mean that you need less sleep. Our bodies function better when they have had a full nights sleep. Studies have shown that it is very hard to recover from a sleep deficit so keep to a pattern as much as possible.

Don't get caught feeling and acting old! Spend time with children! Volunteer at a daycare or a church nursery where you can feel useful and engage in childish activities. Keep in touch often with grandkids and have them visit often. Children will make you feel young and joyful again!

If your health is good, be sure to preserve it. If it is not so good, do what you can to improve it. Your body is your life vessel and should be cared for as if your life depends on it, because it does. Get the help that you need to improve any health issues that you may have.

Be alive while you are alive. Many sad things are going to happen in your life. You should take the time to grieve and then endure the pain that you experience. Do not spend too much time holding onto those painful feelings. They will surely bring you down and out.

Learning new things can help you keep your brain active. Older individuals are often wise and you should always try to learn. Take a local college class, maybe about computers, or settle in with a crossword puzzle.

For healthy aging, consider grazing over six smaller meals, instead of three big ones. Studies have shown that this helps your body absorb more nutrients, control its weight and decrease the potential for heartburn. In fact, some studies have shown that eating the same amount of calories in six smaller meals has led to considerable weight loss!

The appearance of your skin is a key element to looking and feeling younger, so take care of your skin by using moisturizers. This will keep the skin hydrated and soft. Sometimes it will help to work with a professional dermatologist to determine the right type of lotion and moisturizer that is best for you.

A key to aging well is to maintain a good relationship with your physician. By getting yearly preventative checkups as well as any checkups that are necessary in between, you are taking a proactive approach to aging. There are many diseases that when caught early are highly treatable. Early disease treatment will definitely slow down your aging process.

Now you have heard tips on what to do in your later years. Look for what truly suits you. You worked for other people all your life. Now you have a new range of choices. Whether it is as a volunteer helping others or launching a new career, your life experiences qualify you to forge ahead and meet new challenges.