Fifty-six percent of middle-income Boomers say their primary concern is staying healthy to enjoy their retirement.1 Not only does staying healthy mean you can enjoy your Golden Years, but it also helps protect your savings from the high costs of medical care.
Staying healthy starts with healthy habits, so we’re sharing nine healthy habits that help support healthy aging and a healthy retirement. Whether you’re turning 35 or 65, committing to these healthy habits can help you maintain your health—so you can enjoy a long, happy and prosperous retirement.
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Keep up with preventative care
Visit your doctor regularly and keep up with all recommended health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, heart problems, colon cancer and more. Also remember that seniors need vaccinations, too, including influenza and pneumonia.Preventative care also includes visiting the dentist and eye doctor regularly. As you age, your risk for cavities and age-related vision changes increases. Everyone should visit the dentist every six months. Seniors should visit the eye doctor every one to two years, as recommended by your eye doctor.
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Eat and drink healthily
As you age, nourishing your body and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay independent. Focus on a balanced diet containing lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Talk to your doctor about how many calories you should consume. As your metabolism slows down, you may not need to consume as many calories. Also, remember to drink plenty of water!
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Exercise every day
You know what they say: An object in motion stays in motion. As you age, you should focus on four main types of exercise: aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility. Staying physically active will not only help you stay stronger and more agile, but can also help alleviate depression and improve memory and energy. Don’t know how to start your fitness routine? Read our blog post on the best fitness apps to help you get fit.
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Keep your mind sharp
Don’t just exercise your muscles. Exercise your brain, too! Performing regular brain exercises can help your mental health and memory as you age. Word and number puzzles, card and board games, arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles, trivia and more can all help you stay mentally sharp. Have fun with it!
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Stay social
Maintaining an active social life is another way to support your mental and physical health as you age, yet many seniors suffer from isolation and loneliness. Spending time with family, friends and neighbors helps seniors feel connected and more positive. And don’t forget about four-legged friends. Seniors who live alone, but have a pet, feel less loneliness.
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Don’t smoke
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. As you age, smoking can greatly impact your lifestyle and put you at risk for many diseases. No matter how long you’ve been smoking, quitting today can help improve your health, give you more energy, save you money and even add years to your life.
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Catch your Zzzzs
Thanks to hormonal changes, many seniors find it challenging to get uninterrupted sleep. Yet the physical and mental benefits of sleep are huge. Help improve your odds of a good night’s sleep by creating a good environment for sleep. Keep your bedroom comfortable, cool, quiet and dark. Limit use of screens before bed; stop caffeine several hours before bed; limit alcohol; and avoid heavy meals late in the day. Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual and stick to a regular bedtime and wake time.
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Find purpose
If your career is a large part of your identity, then you may find it difficult to transition out of the working world and into retirement. Many retirees struggle to feel useful or happy after they stop working – which can negatively affect their health. There are many ways to find purpose in retirement, such as volunteering, caring for grandkids, getting involved in your faith community or joining a club. You may even consider working part-time. This will not only help you keep your sense of purpose, but can also help support your financial wellness in retirement.
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Consider long-term care insurance
Having a retirement plan for a healthy lifestyle could include long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance can help ensure you’ll receive the care that is right for your needs. Contact us here to learn more.
1Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement, A Growing Urgency: Retirement Care Realities for Middle-Income Boomers, March 2019.
Nothing in this post is intended to be a solicitation of insurance in any jurisdiction. Its purpose is the promotion of interest in Bankers Life and insurance in general. Any inquiries regarding the possible purchase of an insurance policy will be directed to a licensed insurance agent, in which event an insurance agent may contact you.
