If retirement is on your horizon, then living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for the transition. While the health of your finances leading up to and during retirement is critical; so too is the notion that living a healthier lifestyle increases your odds at a longer life.
Fortunately, there are a number ways you can increase the odds of having a healthy retirement.
Here are just a few healthy lifestyle changes you can make now to prepare for your golden years:
Stay Fit
Whether retirement is years down the road or right around the corner, it’s never too late to get into shape. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to stay in good health and, no matter what age you are, it’s easy to come up with a fitness routine that works best for your needs.
To get the most out of exercising, aerobic activities will make the biggest difference, especially in terms of heart health. So skip the weights and concentrate on moderate aerobic exercise such as jogging, power walking, and elliptical machines.
If you’re looking for low-impact exercises that won’t hurt your joints, water aerobics is a great option.
No matter which fitness route you take, just make sure you get on a schedule. You’ll benefit the most from regular exercise that takes place 30 to 60 minutes a day 5 to 7 days a week.
Eat Healthy
Exercise won’t do you much good if you don’t eat healthy too. As the following article looks at, part of staying healthy for retirement is making sure your diet also promotes health.
Foods that are high in saturated fats, sugars, and salt can cause major health problems down the road, including heart disease and diabetes.
To avoid many health issues during your retirement, try eating healthy foods that are high in protein, fiber, and iron.
Vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains are great meal options that offer plenty of variety. It is okay to eat comfort foods every now and then, just don’t make it a habit.
Visit the Doctor Regularly
Sometimes health issues are out of your hands, especially when you reach retirement age. That’s why it’s so important to visit your primary care physician on a regular basis. You should also consider extra help from companion care in East Wilson if you live away from family and friends so that you will not be alone for long periods at a time.
By having regular checkups, you can catch health issues early and have a better chance of avoiding major problems.
Most hospitals offer senior care checkup plans, which can help keep you on a schedule of regular checkups and health screenings.
If your doctor or hospital doesn’t offer something like this, then it’s wise to schedule your checkups ahead of time for the entire year.
A minimum of two checkups a year is a good place to start, but your physician may recommend more.
Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health
Staying sharp leading up to your golden years can make a huge difference when retirement finally does roll around.
If you aren’t doing so already, it’s important to maintain your mental health by participating in “brain games”. Brain games can be anything that stimulates your mind.
Crossword puzzles, number puzzles, and reading regularly are all great ways to stay sharp and keep your mind active well into retirement.
By keeping the suggestions above in mind, you can make sure you have a happy, healthy retirement.
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including senior living and health.
