Planning on how you are going to stay active and engaged in retirement is at least as important as the financial planning part.

I wrote on this topic last week, citing a research paper that suggested cognitive decline can strike those who have exited the work force even in their early 50s.

The article really struck a chord with readers, who sent me dozens of valuable insights – thanks to all of you – into how they are staying mentally fit in retirement.

This week, I thought it might be useful to share this e-mailed bounty. I’ve used first names for privacy reasons, and edited the responses for length and clarity so that I can fit in more of these inspirational nuggets.

Mark gets a lot out of volunteering.

“I am 76 years old and serve on two performing arts boards. The work is engaging and makes good use of my previous work skills. It also gets me out to performances regularly for further stimulation and engagement.”

Luke has enrolled in online courses to replace some of the time previously spent on social media.

“There are regular quizzes that break up the pace and give a sense of accomplishment. It’s 20-60 minutes per day, which is much less time than I used to spend on Twitter (now X). My theory is that switching what I am learning constantly is providing enough of a challenge for the brain to get a workout.”

Don says that physical activity is the key to a healthy brain.

“I am staying physically active, going to the gym two to four times a week, kayaking and hiking fairly frequently. I think a sound body helps maintain a sound mind.”

Luc’s social activity extends beyond immediate family.

“I engage with many people, including strangers, in my volunteer position and believe that you cannot have too many friends. Social engagement is important to maintaining cognitive abilities, in my opinion.”

Leah found that the freedom of early retirement more than made up for the losses associated with full-time employment.

“Would I be sharper today if I had spent the last six years in the somewhat one-dimensional mental gymnastics required by a demanding career? Maybe. I’d also be less healthy, less well-rounded and travelled, and far less fulfilled.”

Jeff wonders if it’s wise to move to a new area in retirement if it means losing your social network.

“Consider moving to where you want to retire, if at all possible, while still working in your early 40s so you have the local friend network in place.”

Kristin eased into retirement by taking freelance work before taking the full plunge.

“This multiyear period has given me a long, slow and manageable introduction to the next stage of my life. I have been able to develop other interests and friendships and hobbies that I am now confident will take the place of paid work when I begin to find the latter an inconvenience and an interruption.”

David subscribes to the idea of working until you die, even if the nature of your work changes as you age.

“I have been a hobby woodworker since my 20s and I have transitioned from full-time medical practice to part-time medicine to full-time furniture maker.”

Sandra looks less at what is lost in retirement and more at what is gained.

“While job loss can lead to cognitive decline, that loss can also be offset by having in retirement: a) lowered stress and better sleep, b) more time to build and sustain exercise and healthier eating, and c) more time to socialize.”

There you go: A healthy retirement plan in nine easy steps.

I’m still curious about one thing though. If you have retired – or you are planning to retire shortly – did you make a plan...or did you just jump right in? Let me know at dberman@globeandmail.com.