5 Tips for Enjoying Retirement In Mexico

What comes to mind when you think of retirement? Do you imagine sitting peacefully as you read a book or engage in a crossword puzzle as you comfortably relax? While these tranquil hobbies are in no doubt super satisfying for some people, there is so much more out there if you want to live life to the fullest. How do you plan to make the most of your retirement in Mexico? Villa La Estancia residents listen up! It is time to enjoy your second youth to the fullest by implementing the below 5 tips for enjoying retirement in Mexico.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 1: Exercise and Eat Healthy 

Regardless of whether you are retired or still in the workforce, daily regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial. Keeping your body and mind fit are some of the benefits of regular exercise, and it will certainly make your life better. Get outdoors and enjoy nature at the same time and you reap double benefits. Swimming, walking, hiking and yoga are great activities to stay in shape regardless of your current fitness level. Thanks to Villa La Estancia’s ideal locations in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas, you have convenient access to walk some of the best beaches in the area right at your front door. In addition to exercise, eating healthy is especially important during your older years. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to limit your intake of processed foods. Treat yourself to your favorite foods and drinks, but remember everything in moderation.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 2: Travel

For many people, travelling is one of the best parts of life. Exploring new locations and seeing different cultures is interesting and enjoyable. For those lucky enough to enjoy retirement in Mexico, you are fortunate to have access to a bounty of great places to visit. Beachside towns, quaint mountain towns, and colonial towns are all found in this incredible country. Which places interest you most? Take the time to do some research and hit the road and make your travel dreams during retirement in Mexico a reality.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 3: Get a Part Time Job or Volunteer

Have you heard that some people experience a feeling of loneliness when they retire? It is very common to feel a bit lost or useless when you first retire. However, to avoid the retirement blues, get a part time job or volunteer at a local organization. It’s a great way to stay busy and socialize as human connection and interaction with others is very important. Also, you now have the freedom to choose something that really interests you. Spend time doing something you love whether it is working with children, animals or an environmental organization. Give back to your community and you will enjoy a more fulfilling life at the same time. Ask Villa La Estancia front desk if they have any suggestions on activities and organizations who could use a helping hand.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 4: Take Up a Hobby

Did you spend your years working without having time to devote to a hobby or pastime? Now that you’re enjoying retirement in Mexico, take advantage of your free time and take up a hobby. What comes to mind when you think of your favorite hobby? Is it music, arts and crafts, painting or something else? Do you want to finally write that great novel you’ve been daydreaming about, or get serious and learn photography through a class or workshop? With retirement, you have the chance to discover your passions. Try out a variety of activities so you can find something that will make your retirement in Mexico even more enjoyable.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 5: Prioritize Family Time

Time spent with family is one of the greatest rewards to enjoy during retirement in Mexico. If you are lucky enough to live in paradise at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, it will be easy to invite your family to visit… in fact, you may even have to kick them out if they get too comfortable at your incredible beachside oasis. While adult children often have busy lives that make it difficult to visit, prioritize family time now that you’re enjoying retirement in Mexico and try to connect regularly. Do you have grandchildren? If so, take extra time with them to create lasting, special memories that both you and them will treasure forever.

Make the most of your second youth by using these 5 tips for enjoying retirement in Mexico to the fullest!

You should read:

Moving to Mexico Checklist

Travel Tips for Expats in Mexico

Life in Mexico Compared with USA

It’s becoming more and more common for residents of the USA to consider a move to the sunnier climes of their closest southern neighbour, Mexico! If you are one such American you will no doubt have done plenty of research into your chosen towns, and you may even have vacationed across Mexico before. If you want to have an idea of the lifestyle you’re buying into you’ll need to think like a local. Here are some things you might not realize about the life in Mexico:

Slower Pace of Life

Everything seems to be done at a much slower, more relaxed pace in Mexico, and for some people this is a true blessing. Retirees, in particular, love this, and if you’re seeking to get away from the harried pace of life that some of the bigger cities in the USA offer you’ll definitely love it.

Punctuality

With the exception of work and medical appointments, punctuality is somewhat less of a priority for many in Mexico. If you’re meeting for dinner at 7 you can reasonably expect that some members of your group will not show up until 8:00, or even later! Likewise, if a handyman is coming to fix something the same mentality will apply; if you’re planning construction work be prepared for it to outlive the quoted time. No disrespect is meant, it’s simply the way life goes here. If this is really going to stress you we suggest that you plan for it by showing up later yourself, or even just accept that it will happen and pack a book.

Priorities of the life in Mexico

Some people are very surprised to find that the average working week for most Mexicans is actually 6 days long! That’s right – the average person in Mexico has only one day off each week. To those of us who are used to a longer weekend this may seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but in fact most Mexicans don’t let it get in the way. Downtime is precious here, so when people aren’t working they pack their social lives full with family feasts, social gatherings, and adventures. You may be required to work more hours when you move to Mexico, but you won’t be expected to take your work home or be a slave to your job; your social life will no doubt thrive!

Transportation

This one is especially key for drivers; be prepared for a culture shock when you begin driving in Mexico! Transport laws are not heavily enforced, so drivers, especially experienced drivers, tend to make up their own rules. From passing anyone, anywhere to driving the wrong way down a one-way street, Mexico can be a wild ride. Just stay alert, use common sense, and pass with caution, and you should be fine.

Public transport isn’t much less exciting, either, and in fact it may be more so! The buses in Mexico let all kinds of characters on board from beggars and street performers to animals (though this is at the discretion of the bus driver). In cities public transport can get very crowded at peak times, too, so be prepared for some jostling. You’ll get used to it pretty quickly, but be ready for the culture shock and please, please don’t forget your seat belt!

Keep this in mind and you should settle into life in Mexico without too much trouble.

Related articles: 

Mexican Benefits for Foreigners Over 60

Checklist for Relocating to Mexico