Good credit is like a muscle: You either use it or lose it. And that can be an issue for a lot of empty nesters and retirees.

Empty nesters, baby boomers and retirees have a big advantage when it comes to credit. Not only do they have a long history of using it -- a big plus for the credit score -- but often they also have deep-sixed a lot of their debt.

"(They) are probably financially in a much different position than younger cardholders, from the standpoint that most of their debt has been retired," says Norm Magnuson, vice president of public affairs for the Consumer Data Industry Association, a trade association for consumer reporting companies.

But empty nesters and retirees also have some special credit needs and concerns. While they might not use credit as much as they did in their 30s and 40s, their scores -- which can determine what they pay for insurance, if they pass muster with leasing and utility companies and whether issuers will maintain credit limits -- are still important to their financial well-being.

Want to keep your credit strong and vital as you sail into and through retirement? Here are seven strategies to help.