EXERCISES FOR THE BRAIN.<\/strong> Dementia is the most feared problem of old age. It can be warded off by brain games like puzzle solving, learning a new language, or even new technology. Creativity with painting, gardening, or \u2018do it yourself\u2019 jobs like electrical, carpentry, masonry also keep the brain active. Writing about experiences, writing blogs, or even making educational videos keeps the brain healthy. Games like Chess, Billiards, and Bridge are equally good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIET.<\/strong> The appetite for food is reduced post-retirement as we do not go for a full-time job. But sitting at home one is tempted to snack often on unhealthy foods. This trend is dangerous and a cause of obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. A balanced diet with a generous helping of vegetables, fruits, and salads is nutritious provides adequate vitamins and roughage. A handful of nuts\/seeds provide minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEDIA.<\/strong> Keep abreast of news and general knowledge by any means. Do watch a few shows on subjects of interest on the TV or laptop beside the usual ‘soaps’. However, do not become a couch potato. Sitting for more than an hour in one place is more dangerous than smoking a cigarette. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ADDICTIONS.<\/strong> Smoking or other abusive drugs a big NO. Alcohol should also be taken in moderation and that too, no more than 3 to 4 times a week to give rest to the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.<\/strong> . A group of friends or relatives in the locality are a great source of building social networks in the final place of residence. Helpful neighbors are an asset. Participation in the residents’ welfare association is another method of remaining socially active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SENSE OF PURPOSE.<\/strong> This fulfills the desires of the soul. Our helpful behavior gives us inner satisfaction. It may be teaching poor children, helping poor or disabled patients in hospitals, or illiterate persons in the post office. It can also be mentoring the ex-colleagues in the jobs we were highly trained and experienced in. It could also be writing educative articles for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RELAXATION AND SLEEP.<\/strong> Yoga has been in vogue for many years now. Meditation or prayer in a quiet room is also good. A good night\u2019s sleep is rejuvenating. Some persons find an afternoon nap also to be extremely relaxing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEX LIFE.<\/strong> A healthy sex life ensures continuity of affectionate life with the spouse. Love should be the central idea, not the vigor in the performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n MEDICAL ATTENTION.<\/strong> ECHS has come as a boon, especially to those staying in remote places where Military Hospitals are not located. One may think of another health insurance only if there are no approved hospitals nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without the AME, many of us fail to get ourselves medically examined for long periods of time. Some land up with a Stroke for untreated hypertension, others come in diabetic come for not getting simple blood and urine tested, free of cost. There is no need for expensive Executive tests of private labs, but a wise medical officer of the ECHS can check many killer diseases free of cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another issue is preventive vaccination. In many countries, senior citizens are advised of many vaccines that have proved effective. Diseases like Herpes Zoster, Measles, Tetanus, and Pneumococcal pneumonia can easily be prevented. Persons who have free time should read about some diseases of old age from the Internet in their free time. These are hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Tobacco abusers should be aware of the oral and lung diseases it may cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, prepare the house for the living of senior citizens- like having anti-skid tiles in the whole house, grip rails on stairs, grip handles in toilets and security devices on main doors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To sum up, one must first be aware of the challenges one can face post-retirement. Then one can make plans for a second innings of employment or for leading a relaxed but healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all age is just a number, we are as young as we feel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maj Gen Krishan Chauhan is a second-generation army officer. He studied in Sainik School Kapurthala, graduated from IG Medical College, Shimla and did his MD from AFMC\/Pune University. He has served in the Army Medical Corps for 36 years and retired as the Addl DGMS army. He is an avid marathon runner and a writer. He first wrote articles for children in The Young Chronicles. Later, he started writing his own blog as Genkris, on WordPress where over 25 articles on various subjects can be accessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vayuacademy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/PHOTO-2020-11-26-16-55-36-840x480.jpg\")