etirees represent a large percentage of Canada's population, and they play an active role in communities and society in general. Of course, retirement brings with it some major changes and adjustments, yet retired people are more active today than ever before.
Retirement represents the closing of a very large chapter in your life; however, you are not retiring from something, you are retiring to something new and exciting. You have worked long and hard for this stage in your life, and how you spend your retirement years will greatly affect your future happiness. In addition to enjoying all your present activities, this will be your time to finally do the things you always wished you could do, but could never find the time. It will be a time to get out and meet new and interesting people, travel to different places, and perhaps go back to your Cape Breton roots.
Your family, friends, and co-workers may provide you with a sense of satisfaction and emotional fulfilment. Once you retire, you can maintain these levels of satisfaction by getting out and getting involved with your community. After all, the name of the game is "retirement living"! One of the major components of retirement happiness involves stimulating recreational activities.
Recreation and Leisure Activities
n Cape Breton, we offer almost every recreational activity, group organization, and sport imaginable. The following are some examples of activities you can do alone, with a partner, or with one of the several groups and organizations you can join:
Outdoor Activities: Fresh and saltwater fishing, hiking or travelling along various scenic trails, golfing amid beautiful ocean views, sailing on the Bras D'or Lakes, scuba diving, whale watching, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, skiing, tennis, or walking along one of the many waterfront boardwalks.
Indoor Activities: A vast array of activities are offered in Cape Breton at our many fitness and activity centres. They include aerobics, skating, rollerblading, line dancing, craftmaking, clogging, various organized card games, bingo, darts, bowling, curling, indoor swimming, indoor tennis, dancing, and many others.
Continuing Education
ontrary to the belief that learning ends after high school or university, learning is a life-long process. Most educational institutions now offer programs for adults and seniors. There are night courses, weekend seminars, and regular day-time classes. Many offer discount rates to seniors on tuition and books. The mental exercise that is achieved from learning will keep the mind fit, thus increasing and improving the memory.
Business Opportunities
erhaps you do not want to retire from work entirely. You may have always dreamed of owning your own business, or perhaps the thought of continuing to work in another capacity appeals to you. If this describes you, then the following are some options for getting involved in the local business community.
- Provide help to associations. You could provide volunteer support to associations and charities. There are plenty of organizations that could use the assistance of volunteers, and some may even provide part time or permanent employment.
- Become a volunteer counsellor or consultant. Use your own experience and wisdom to aid people in need of assistance.
- Open a bed and breakfast. You can turn a country home into a cozy overnight accommodation for some of the thousands of tourists travelling to Cape Breton.
- Plan special events. Many companies and organizations need help in planning, organizing, and running events for staff, customers, and friends.
- Open a small shop or store The possibilities are virtually endless for opening a retail outlet.
- Become a travel tour guide. Many people prefer to travel with escorts. If you have travelled extensively, you may turn your expertise into a comfortable profit.
These are just a few of the options available to an enterprising person. Cape Breton has several government organizations which may provide funding and assistance.
Tips for Keeping Fit and Physically Active
s we age, we become more susceptible to illness and disease. It has been medically proven, however, that even moderate amounts of exercise and physical activity reduce the risks of developing diseases such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Exercising and increasing your heart rate for up to one hour will keep your heart from working too hard the rest of the day. You should strive to be physically active for 30 minutes every day, or participate in aerobic activity for 45 minutes three times a week. However, no matter how long or how often you choose to exercise, you should consult your doctor before engaging in any physical activity. The following are some tips and fitness exercises you can do:
Walking. This has quickly become one of the most popular fitness exercises. It is healthy, effective, convenient, inexpensive, and you can do it practically anywhere, anytime, and with anyone. Cape Breton is filled with scenic routes, boardwalks, beaches, and parks to enjoy the exercise of walking.
Swimming and water exercises. This method of physical activity challenges the muscles and joints, as the water provides just enough resistance to make it a good exercise program. There are public pools in Cape Breton, as well as clean, well- maintained beaches.
Other activities. There are many other activities you can choose from in Cape Breton to become and remain physically active. Some of these include dance exercises, high and low impact aerobics, cross country skiing, tennis, squash, and many, many others.
