The Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: How Exercising During Retirement Can Pay Off

Improved Longevity

Anindicator of long-term mortalitymay beyour aerobic fitness level. The more exercise you do that gets your heart rate up and keeps it up for a while, the more significant benefit to your health, potentially. With just three hours of regular exercise a week, you may increase your life byas much asfive years. Exercisemay also staveoff risks of premature death such as diabetes and cardiac disease.1

Lowered Medical Costs

Medical costs may be one of the greatest financial concerns in retirement as medical expenses continue to rise, andmore and morehealth concerns occur as you get older. Regular exercisemayhelp you lower your risk of many health concerns, which may mean fewer trips to the doctor, less medication, and lower overall expenses.1

Reduced Life Insurance Costs

Life insurancemaybe costly in your retirement years, but the better your health is, the lower you may expect your premiums to be. Exercisecould helpdecreaseyour risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, whichall maylead to higher overall life insurance rates.1.

Reduced Bone Loss

As you age, bone and muscle loss occur, especially for women. You may be able tomanagethe accelerated decline that comes with age by incorporating regular strength training into your exercise routines. Even simple routines with lighter weightsmayhelp you slow your bone loss and help you keep the muscle mass you have.1

Exercises for Active Retirees

It is important to remember that your exercise routine is likely to change as you get older. Youmayneed to be mindful of worn joints and back issues and consider these when creating your exercise routine. Some of the more ideal moderate-level activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, tennis, dancing, and cycling. If you suffer from fewer ailments and are looking to dial up the intensity of your exercise routine, you may want to consider jogging, swimming laps, aerobics, hiking, biking, or intense gardening.2

If you have not followed a regular exercise routine, it is vital to start slowly. Start with 10 to 15 minutes of exercise a few days a week andwork upuntil you get in at least 30 minutes of exercise five to six days a week. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.