Are You Physically Ready To Retire?
People typically prepare financially for retirement, but they often overlook its physical aspects. When you retire, you want to be in good physical shape to enjoy your life. This article discusses being physically ready for retirement.
Planning for a Healthy Retirement
Just as you prepare financially for retirement, you should prepare for a physically healthy retirement as well.
While you should always be taking care of your physical well-being throughout your life, it is important to take extra steps before you retire. For example, you should schedule a pre-retirement medical checkup, including bloodwork, chest X-Ray, EKG, colonoscopy, and any other tests your doctor believes is wise to do.
By the time you retire, you will probably have some physical limitations. You will probably not be able to do all the heavy physical work that you did around the house when you were younger. You should plan to do a little less, and hire someone to do the “heavier lifting” that is required to keep a home going.
You should also consult your doctor about the proper diet for yourself, to help keep you as healthy as possible. Also, ask your doctor about vitamins and other supplements that can help keep you in good health. Watch your calories and eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and other foods with large amounts of fiber. Make sure you get enough calcium every day, and limit your sodium intake.
Exercise is Crucial
If you don’t exercise regularly, it’s a good idea to plan more exercise, whether it’s bicycle riding, walking or running, joining a health club, doing yoga, or any other moderate physical activity.
You should have an exercise agenda. As you age, your metabolism will inevitably slow down. You need to exercise to burn excess calories and prevent gaining weight. Being overweight can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and clogged arteries. Schedule a regular time to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, join a gym or walking club or sign up for fitness or yoga classes in your community.
Continuing to Work for Physical Well-Being
If you are in good physical health, you may want to continue working. For some people, retirement shock can create a variety of health issues, including depression, heart attacks, strokes and a sense of feeling useless. Continuing to work will help keep you physically fit and help you feel better about yourself.
The bottom line is: pay attention to the things that will keep you as healthy and physically fit as possible going into and during your retirement. Consult your physician to get his or her opinion on how much exercise you can reasonably do. And consult a physical trainer at your local gym or health club.
