Most of the time, when we talk about retirement, the first thing that would come to mind is financial preparedness. Other than that, most people don’t think much about retirement either because they’re too caught up in their work, they’re in denial, or they don’t think about it at all.
Many retirees have said that securing their finances was at the top of their retirement priority list because longevity is increasing, and retirement is getting harder and harder to finance as the years go by. It totally makes sense when you think about it because health care costs aren’t cheap, and the older we get, the more compromised our health gets.
But if you really do stop and think about it, the financial pressures of retirement can be significantly reduced if we are in the pink of health. So why aren’t folks simultaneously preparing themselves physically as they prepare financially?
Why physical health and fitness matters in retirement
Health and fitness are essential but often neglected aspects of our lives. We all know the importance of having a healthy body and all the benefits associated with it. But why do a lot of people turn a blind eye to it?
We’re very good at giving out health advice to children, but we don’t really practice what we preach.
We need to have a better understanding of how our retirement can be affected by our health status. If we enter retirement with poor physical health and are immuno-compromised, then all the money we saved and set aside for investments to fund our retirement will probably go to health care and medical bills. And if we continue to live recklessly and not care about our health, then we can either end up paralyzed not wanting to live retirement to the full because we don’t want to be caught in an emergency with no money or end up sick and become a burden to our loved ones.
Who wants that kind of life?
This is why we should take better care of all aspects of our health — emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical.
Retirement and Physical Health
If you’re still a long way from retiring, then you have plenty of time to make lifestyle adjustments and start living healthily. See a specialist at a weight loss center and ask how you can get started on your road to a healthier and fitter lifestyle. Consult your family physician, too, and ask a fitness coach to train you.
Now, if you’re about to retire or have already done so, it’s never too late to make those crucial changes. The process might be a bit more challenging, considering that you’ve probably picked up a bad habit or two that does absolutely nothing good for your health.
It’s okay. There’s still time. It will just take an extra effort on your part, but you can pull it off.
Here are some things that you can do to improve your health:
- Get your shots
Getting vaccinated at this time is very crucial. Take your annual flu shots and talk to your doctor for other vaccines that you might need. - Eat healthily
The road to health and fitness starts in the kitchen. No amount of exercise will do you any good if you don’t alter your diet and make it healthier. If you want to live healthily, you need to start changing your eating habits. - Set aside regular time for exercise
Now just because you’re on a healthy diet doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from exercising. At the very least, the average person should have 150 minutes of aerobic activity in a week. Ask your physician or fitness coach for the right program for you. - Get enough rest and sleep
It may sound funny, but not all retirees can get quality sleep and rest. It is no secret that sleep deprivation has negative effects on the body and mind. - Never skip on your maintenance medicine
If you have an existing physical condition that requires maintenance medication, do your best to take them on time and not skip any of it. Maintenance medicine keeps you at your optimal health. - Get a pet
Getting a pet requires a person to have minimal physical activity, which is always good as we grow older. As fun as walking the dog can be a physical exercise, one of the best benefits of having a petis caring for another living being. It allows people to remain emphatic, kind, and nurturing. - Limit your alcohol intake
Regular alcohol consumption has adverse effects on the human body and mind. It gets worse as we get older. Reduce your alcohol intake to avoid the health risks it can cause. If you can eliminate it, then even better. - Be around people
Lastly, socialize with people. Having people to talk to and laugh with has several health benefits that are good not just for your physical health but for your well-being, too.
Remember that your health will directly affect your finances. If you want to retire with no financial burdens, you need to take good care of your health. Doing so will not only reduce your financial worries during retirement but will also give you the luxury of enjoying every moment of it.
