The Foundational Pillar: Health in the New Retirement

 When my buddies and I sit down for lunch once a week, we talk about our health. All of us agree that the most critical for living well in retirement is our Health. We are not alone,  according to research by Edward Jones, an overwhelming 97% of us say health trumps wealth. This sentiment grows even stronger with age. But “health” in the New Retirement isn’t just the absence of disease; it’s the vitality to live life on your terms.

Thanks to medical advances, life expectancy continues to rise. However, our healthspan, the number of years we live in good health, hasn’t kept pace. Today, the average Canadian can expect to live over 80 years, but may spend nearly a decade of that in declining health, often managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis.

This gap highlights a crucial goal: to not just live longer, but to live better longer. Proactive health management is the key to compressing those years of decline and expanding our active, vibrant years.

Our perception of health evolves. For those ouf over 50, being “healthy” is increasingly defined adaptively. This is about the ability to do the things you want to do. Importantly, most of us believe one can be healthy while managing a chronic condition. It’s about function, resilience, and quality of life, not perfection.

As you may know, I lost two friends to Early-onset Alzheimers, and one of my close friends has Dementia and he is holding his own, but every week he loses some sense of who he is. He knows who he was, and that helps a lot. The condition most of those who are retired fear most isn’t cancer or heart attack; it’s Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This fear is understandable, but it’s also a powerful motivator. The great news? We have more control over our cognitive health than we once thought. The Alzheimer’s Association promotes “10 Ways to Love Your Brain,” emphasizing lifelong learning, cardiovascular exercise, social engagement, and a healthy diet. These aren’t just good habits; they’re investments in your cognitive reserve.

"The majority of retirees believe it’s never too late to improve their health, but many struggle to act. Only half exercise regularly, and a third don’t maintain a healthy diet. The trick is to start small and make it social. Having a partner or friend to walk with, for example, significantly increases exercise consistency.

Here’s uplifting news: while physical health may naturally require more maintenance, mental and emotional health often improves with age. With experience comes emotional maturity, resilience, and for many, a welcome reduction in daily stressors. This strong psychological foundation is what allows retirees to cope with physical challenges and savour their later years.

Your health is the bedrock of your retirement experience. It influences where you can live, how you engage with family, what purposeful activities you can pursue, and how your finances are spent. Investing in it, physically, mentally, and cognitively, is the most important step in building a retirement you can truly enjoy.

Next: I will explore the pillar that provides our greatest joy and support: Family & Relationships.