Many of us who are considering retirement go to financial planners and believe that if we focus exclusively on financial planning, we will have a fulfilling retirement. However, in doing this we may relegate physical and mental health to secondary concerns and believe we will address them “later.” Financial security is essential, but it goes hand-in-hand with health. If your health is compromised, no amount of money will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your retirement. Use a balanced approach to retirement planning that includes health and wellness alongside financial strategies. Investing in your health is just as important as investing in your portfolio.
Some people may not realize
how much physical and mental health can change after retirement. In the last
few years, I noticed that I had been slowing down, not exercising as much, not
golfing as much as I used to, and I was getting tired faster. put it down to
ageing. When I finally discussed the issues with my doctor, he sent me for tests
and about a month later I was having a heart procedure as I had a 100% blockage
in one artery and 50% in another. You may believe you will feel the same as you
did when you first retire, but remember that aging is a gradual process, and
starting health and wellness practices early can keep you feeling energized,
active, and independent. Talk to your healthcare professionals to get
personalized advice on managing health as you age, including regular exercise,
nutrition, and mental health strategies.
People may think that once
they reach a certain age, making changes to their health habits is futile. They
might feel that improving physical fitness, losing weight, or managing mental
health challenges isn’t achievable later in life. It’s never too late to make
positive changes. Many studies show that improving diet, increasing physical
activity, and managing stress can significantly enhance well-being no matter
what age you are. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant
improvements. For instance, I have started back on the road to god health by starting
with short daily walks and doing simple stretching to help improve my mobility and
mood.
I was not aware of subtle declines in my health, as the changes happen gradually. I dismissed
the symptoms of my heart problem, like fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or
increased stress as normal parts of aging, rather than signs of underlying
issues. I am not alone in this attitude. However, regular health assessments can
help track changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. Monitor your physical and
mental health regularly through routine doctor visits, where you tell the
doctor about changes that are happening to you, health screenings, and mental
wellness check-ins. Keeping track of symptoms and seeking help early can
prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
If you feel healthy now, you
might assume you don’t need a proactive health and wellness plan. A false
assumption to make is what has worked in the past will continue to work
indefinitely. While feeling good now is great, health needs change over time,
and what worked at age 40 or 50 may not work at age 65 or 75. Staying ahead
of potential issues ensures that you can maintain good health long-term. Developing
a wellness plan is a way to future-proof your health, so you can continue to enjoy
activities you love.
Some of us come from
environments where taking care of our health proactively is not emphasized or
encouraged. They may believe that aging “just happens” and that it’s something
to endure rather than manage. Look around for those who have successfully
embraced a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to change habits and many communities now have wellness programs tailored to older adults, offering
social engagement and support alongside physical health improvements.
No comments:
Post a Comment