A.J. Griffiths-Jones

There is an old Irish proverb that says ‘A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book’ but, how do we strike that balance in retirement?

It would be very easy to take the attitude that retirement is a time for rest and relaxation with our working days behind us and, hopefully, many years of stress-free living ahead.

But it’s all too easy to fall into a routine of housework, television and socialising, without giving real consideration to what our bodies require on a daily basis. In most cases, this is both physical and mental stimulation.

It’s all very well trying to keep active, but in later years many of us have physical disabilities or impairments that hinder regular exercise, and which can cause strains and pain. The trick is to find what works for you and to do everything in moderation, building up slowly to more difficult challenges, such as short walks on flat roads, gradually taking in a few inclines and uneven paths.

Within Akbuk there are actually two walking groups, one for easier flat strolls and the other being much more arduous, taking in local sights and places of historical interest. For dog-lovers, Didim Animal Shelter is always looking for volunteers to walk their four-legged friends and the joy on the dogs’ faces while out with their human friends is absolutely priceless.

There are also a lot of activities that don’t feel like a heavy workout but still burn off calories, such as playing boules. In fact, Akbuk now has its own tournament, with lots of people taking part on Tuesday afternoons.

For those with muscular or skeletal difficulties, swimming is a great way to keep fit without putting pressure on your joints, with breast-stroke being the best for working the whole body.

For those who lack the motivation to exercise alone, there are various sports and classes in the local area that bring together people of all ages and different backgrounds. One such group is the Didim Walking Football Club. Open to men of all fitness levels, the organisers offer professional warm-ups, interactive play and group socialising with family members. They advertise on Facebook and welcome both new players and spectators.

Many places offer yoga and wellness classes too, which aid mobility and keep the joints supple. It’s just a matter of finding the right activity to suit your needs and interests. If you happen to have membership to a local gym, there are various dance lessons on offer which can be a great way of enjoying exercise with your spouse or partner.

It’s not just physical health that’s important as we age, with experts citing crosswords, sudoku and reading, key elements in the battle against dementia.

Learning a new hobby is also a great way to get the grey matter working and learning a language or how to play a musical instrument can benefit both your mood and mental health. Arts and crafts can also be a fun way of bringing friends together and trying something new, such as glass-painting, pottery, experimenting with collage, knitting or needlework.

Various groups in the area meet up to socialise while crafting and it can be an especially important activity during the winter months.

Finally, my own favourite pastime, reading. Many restaurants and pubs have shelves for swapping books, but there’s nothing better than sharing your favourite plots and authors with other like-minded bibliophiles. Since moving to Turkiye I have discovered so many different novels and look forward to the monthly meet-up of our local book group where I know my passion for reading will be fuelled by other bookworms.

So, check out your local area and see what’s on offer. There might be a new class or group that takes your fancy, or support for an activity that you have never before considered. As the cooler months draw near, why not step out of your comfort-zone and find that new and exciting hobby?