Jun 18, 2017

What does your health now have to do with your retirement?

Well, frankly, there's not much point investing in your retirement if you won't be around to enjoy it. 

And even if you are around, how much will you enjoy your retirement if all your savings go towards medical bills?

According to a study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australians are now living about 25 years longer than we were 100 years ago.

That’s good news, right? Yes, but the research also shows that diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes etc. are the leading causes of disability, illness and death. In fact, these diseases were responsible for 90% of all deaths in 2011! The findings showed that we are not eating enough veggies (only 8% of the population are eating the recommended amount), less than half of us eat enough fruit and more than half of us are overweight.

Such deadly conditions could possibly be avoided altogether by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you don't look after your health now, you can likely expect some hefty medical costs in the future (and insurance also becomes more costly, which we wrote about here). Instead of paying for an exotic holiday you'll have to shell out for hospital stays. Those brand-new golf clubs? No no, that money is needed for a hip replacement or two. Your plans of living the high life at the finest culinary establishments in favour of paying for all those medications.

Retirement is about more than saving money. It's about saving your body so that you can enjoy it. Ready to start rethinking your priorities? 

Read on for more tips on how to enjoy a restful and healthy retirement.

Exercise Your Brain

Challenging activities can cause new brain cells to grow or make existing cells form new connections. A 2003 study published in the New England Journal found that the most effective activities for preventing cognitive decline are dancing, playing board games, playing a musical instrument, doing crossword puzzles and reading, in that order. Apparently the more often you do these activities, the greater the benefit to your health. 

Catch Up With Friends 

Keeping socially active with family and friends is associated with better mental and physical health. Of course, you don’t have to be a social butterfly. Simple things like occasionally enjoying a nice meal in a restaurant, volunteering or taking a class may just be what the doctor ordered. 

Don’t Stress!

Stress can damage your immune system and make you more susceptible to disease. Relax! Take some time to do the things for yourself that help you unwind. Take up yoga, get a massage or take a walk along the beach. 

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Choose the stairs instead of the lift, opt for wholemeal bread instead of white, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. According to a 2016 Sleep Health Survey of Australian adults by the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, around 45% of us are not getting enough sleep. Researchers believe adults should be sleeping 7 to 9 hours each night. Have alcohol in moderation and cut out smoking. Try to get at least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise and follow a balanced diet. 

What Next

Get expert advice about your personal situation.

Contact us or call 08 8373 3333 to arrange a free, no obligations appointment. 

Written by Ben Calder, Private Client Adviser at Calder Wealth Management.

 

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