Nothing To Do With Books Today

I don't usually give advice about mental and physical health on my Blog, I save that for my day job, but today I'm making an exception.
Like all of us, I meet new people every single day and as I'm older I tend to chat more to folk roughly my age. I am becoming more and more concerned about the amount of folk who do absolutely nothing after reaching retirement.
There will always be people who remain okay, for a while, doing nothing. But, as a rule, in my work and social life, I have discovered that the person who becomes immobile quickest, or dies the earliest are those who do absolutely nothing after retiring, except to "walk the dog." I cannot guess how many times I have heard this phrase over and over again. These individuals go on to talk about the many health problems they have preventing them from doing anything ever since they "retired!"
Because I want people to have the best quality retirement time they can achieve, I'm going to give you some invaluable advice that could improve the quality and/or length of your post-work life.

• NEVER retire immediately, unless you have no choice in the matter. For example, due to health issues, or family commitments etc.

If you can, reduce your hours to part-time. You may only complete a year or two. During that time, start looking for things to fill up your week from various activities, events and hobbies. By the time you are ready to retire you'll have a programme worked out containing the things you WANT to do, that don't count as working because you enjoy them.
Thanet has so many opportunities  it will amaze you,
There are groups for almost every hobby and activity you can think of e.g. knitting, painting, writing, reading, cycling, walking, running, swimming, chess, gardening, making crafts, bowls, tennis, golf, languages. Tia Chi, Karate, (I started at 40 and I'm still going). Music groups from ukulele, guitar, choirs drumming.   
You can do all these on your own, but you are more likely to continue them if you build up a network of friends around you, young and old.
If you would like to do anything, just Google it for Thanet, and don't forget Ageless UK who provide lots of groups, pay for a biker's breakfast each week, (find the Over 55 bikers Page on Facebook).
There are groups to support women like the Women's Institute, Lioness Clubs, and other women related activities and meetings.
There are groups to support men, like the Men Sheds, The Lion Clubs, the Freemasons ( there are 11 lodges  in Thanet alone) Men only Curry Clubs,  Man Space, Men speak.
You can volunteer a few hours a week at an unbelievable amount of organizations and charity shops. NHS League of Friends, Turner Centre, Red Cross, St johns Ambulance, Schools, Honestly I could write a book on all the places available to you.
When you have started filling up your off-work days, then and only then, consider retirement. You will then have a fulfilling retirement life. Retire doesn't = don't do anything. This will send your body, and mind, into shut-down mode and you will age rapidly. You will lose contact with the world around you and you will age faster. Your clothing, your language, your appearance, your state of mind will stagnate and soon you won't have anything in common with those who speak to you, and they will soon stop. Its a very lonely life doing nothing.

What I'm saying is don't, "just walk the dog." Find a dog walking group. Start one up.

If you'd like some help finding a group or activity near you I'd be happy to help. I know some of us aren't very IT savvy. Just leave a comment on my contact page about it.