5 Ways to Live Your Best Life at Any Age

Planning your retirement means you'll finally have the time to do the things you never quite had time to do. Whether that means exploring the world around you or simply taking the time to look back on a life well lived and appreciate all that you've experienced, living your best life is possible at any age. Here are five tips for doing just that.

1. Take a Long Trip

Whether you decide to take a road trip or travel abroad to experience another culture, taking a long trip to a place you've always wanted to visit is one way to live your best life. Having the experiences you've always wanted to have and living life on your terms can provide hidden benefits, such as boosting your energy reserves, decreasing your risk of heart attacks, and helping you keep a calm mind. They can also make you happier overall and give you a natural high. Take a vacation and open yourself up to experiences like mountain climbing, snorkeling, or swimming with dolphins.

2. Create a Bucket List and Start Living It

If you haven't already, create a bucket list and start doing as much as you can afford to do. The best thing about a bucket list is that the sky's the limit. You can put whatever you want on it and do your absolute best to make it happen. From going on an African Safari and riding a gondola in Venice to seeing the Coliseum in Rome and visiting the Sistine Chapel, there are tons of things you can add to your bucket list. Dig deep and write down all of the things you've always wanted to do, regardless of how silly you think they might be. Start making your list and coming up with creative ways to make them a reality.

3. Make Sure You Have Good Healthcare

Ensuring you have good healthcare means finding a comprehensive yet affordable plan. In order to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle at 65+ years, make sure you have proper medical and dental coverage. Your healthcare should cover costs like dentures, dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, and other more complex dental and medical services. Finding a good Medicare dental plan means you don't have to worry about finding supplemental dental coverage to add your primary plan. So find a plan that works for you by browsing your options before making a decision.

4. Keep a Gratitude Journal

While getting older has its downsides, focusing on the positive and counting your blessings can make all the difference in your quality of life. While negative things might happen, it's important to look on the bright side of things and try to find the silver lining in all situations. It can help to keep a gratitude journal, listing the things and people in life that have made a positive impact and reflect on your entries whenever you're feeling down. Studies have shown that keeping a gratitude journal can be beneficial to your health, allowing you to sleep better, show fewer symptoms of any illness you might have, and improve your overall happiness.

5. Live in the Present Moment

Instead of mulling over failed relationships and past failures, do your best to live in the present moment. While learning from your past mistakes is a good thing, dwelling on them isn't. Rather than thinking about the things you wish you had done differently, try to think about making better choices moving forward. Being mindful of your thoughts can help you steer your thinking in a positive direction. So when you feel yourself starting to think negatively, gently remind yourself to think positive thoughts and be appreciative of all the things you've done right. 

Living Life to the Fullest

Decide what things are most important to you and start making a conscious effort to live in alignment with your desires. Whether you decide to take a trip abroad, spend more time living in the present moment, focusing on the positive, keeping a gratitude journal, or checking things off of your bucket list, you can live your best life in a number of ways. Figure out what truly makes you happy and start living a happier, healthier life by staying busy doing the things you enjoy.