One of the things I like best about writing this column is hearing from readers of all walks of life. Quite a few of you have reached out to me with comments or ideas for articles and these thoughts are appreciated because they all inspire content in one way or other.

This week’s effort was inspired by a regular reader who lives in Somerset. Now well into his eighties, he and his dear wife have weathered more than one hurricane in their lives and are no strangers to making tough choices. Through it all he maintains a keen interest in looking out for the welfare of others and in sharing what he has learnt.

I found the following advice from one of his e-mails regarding how best to spend the day in retirement particularly poignant. It highlights my firm belief that the best way to enjoy life is to adopt a leisurely but steady pace while keeping the heart and mind engaged in a variety of pursuits.

He advises that the secret to a long life is to keep moving and to divide your day between “doing something and not doing nothing” as follows:

Have fun working in the morning. Do what you have to do but take your time, as time no longer matters. Do odd jobs like dusting. Avoid bending over. Never go down anywhere that you cannot get back up on your own.

Establish a routine but take many breaks. Work in the garden or cut some flowers. Sort out shoes and clothes.

Reorganise the kitchen. Never do what you do not feel like doing. You have got to do only what you want to do.

Cut your workload in half or quarters — you do not have to do it all in one day.

Prepare a meal that will last for the next day.

Sort out your medicine chest; you must know where everything is, especially the aspirin.

Make a written inventory of all of your possessions.

Make a list of pending jobs.

Know this, not every day is a work day.

Some days are vacation days and who does not like a vacation?

Play in the afternoon. This is the time to have some fun.

Visit friends. Get on the telephone. Watch TV.

Sit on the porch. Play some music or listen to it.

Resume a former hobby.

Stay out of the hot sun. Wear a hat. Only go for a short walks.

Leave all money at home in a safe place.

Above all, make friends with yourself.

• Robin Trimingham is an author and thought leader in the field of retirement who specialises in helping corporate groups and individuals understand and prepare for a new life beyond work. Contact her at www.olderhoodgroup.com, 538-8937 or robin@olderhood.com