There’s a reason retirement is often referred to as the golden years – this season, when your time is your own and you’re free to spend it any way you like, should be one of the best of your life. And by following these five simple steps, there’s every chance it will be.

1. Be positive
Research shows that maintaining a positive attitude as you grow older reduces the risk of dementia, improves mental and physical health and can lower the incidence of heart attacks and depression. Small wonder then that there’s been a move in recent years towards positive aging, a philosophy that rethinks the way society sees old age and places a strong focus on the positives that come from years of experience.

2. Stay up-to-date
It takes time and effort to stay in touch with the world around you – especially when it comes to technology which seems to change almost daily – but it’s worth it. Getting to grips with apps like Skype and FaceTime mean you can stay in touch with friends and family that live far away, while online shopping and banking take the hassle (and long queues) out of your day. Technology aside, having a handle on current news is also key as it keeps your world from becoming so small that conversation is limited to day-to-day activities.

3. Find purpose
It’s important to have a reason (or many) to get up each day and one way to ensure that happens is to bring structure to your waking hours by putting a routine in place. Think about how you’d like your schedule to look and allocate time to showering, meals, coffee breaks, checking email, reading, visiting friends, and exercise. How structured you make your schedule depends entirely on you, just remember to allow time for spontaneity too.

Another way to find purpose is to think about what you’d like to give your time to. Perhaps it’s helping out with your grandchildren by lifting them to or from school, volunteering for a cause close to your heart or spending time enjoying a hobby like knitting, painting, or gardening. If you’re a resident at Evergreen Lifestyle Villages, you’ll find several clubs, societies and special interest groups that meet regularly and cover everything from books and bird-watching to walking and wine.

4. Stay connected
Perhaps one of the most important ways to grow old happily is in community. And being part of an active one like those at Evergreen Lifestyle Villages, where residents enjoy wonderful opportunities to connect in our welcoming Lifestyle Centres, is an excellent way to socialise and stay connected.

5. Keep healthy
Being in good physical and mental shape is key to keeping you independent for longer. So, include regular exercise in your daily routine, get enough of the good stuff in your diet – fruit and vegetables, whole grains, protein and water – and make sure you’re getting at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.