The best ways to sustain or improve physical, mental and financial wellbeing in your pre and post retirement years are sometimes the simplest.
If you’re in, or are approaching retirement you may be surprised to know when it comes to living a longer, healthier life the best methods are often easy tasks you can turn into everyday habits and routine.
Here are five tips to help you sustain health and create financial freedom in the years to come.
1. Physical activity
Information gathered from the Australian Medical Association shows that regular exercise has potential to:
- Increase life expectancy
- Reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis
- Reduce high blood pressure and risk of falls
- Improve bone health and body mass index
- Ease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression
- Enhance balance and mobility
The Department of Health and Ageing recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, and that time can be divided into 10 to 15 minute slots of activity.
Individual or group exercise may include:
- Brisk walking
- Bike riding or golf
- Gym sessions
- Tai chi, pilates or yoga
- Water aerobics
- Sailing, swimming and dancing
You can locate activities near you via Active Ageing Australia if you’re looking for ideas.
2. Regular check-ups
While many health issues can be aided with physical activity, you may need to talk with your doctor, podiatrist, physiotherapist or local fitness centre about the type and amount of activity you can do.
The Department of Health and Ageing has some great tips on different exercise activities and where to start.
Making time for regular check-ups is a great way to take care of your overall health and is a smart preventative measure to check for any issues before they escalate.
3. Mental stimulation
Researchers believe many age-related changes are in fact lifestyle related. Memory loss, for instance, can reportedly be improved by 30 to 50 per cent simply by keeping the brain active.
Some ways to sustain mental simulation include:
- Taking up a hobby – YourLifeChoices and About Over 50s have lots of ideas
- Getting involved in social activities and excursions through groups like Probus
- Helping others – you can find a national database of volunteer opportunities at GoVolunteer
- Enhancing your tech skills through the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association
- Getting a full or part time job – check out BeNext for suggestions
- Reading, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, card games and chess.
4. Support network
Staying motivated is important so choosing hobbies or physical activities you enjoy, and even having a buddy you can team up with may make it more fun.
By keeping up a regular routine and social connectedness you’re more likely to maintain a greater sense of wellbeing. There are also social support services that can help you to maintain an active social life by having someone visit you in your home, or by arranging visits and outings in the community.
5. Financial wellbeing
With Australians having one of the longest life expectancies in the world today, one of the catches is that a longer retirement will cost you more.
According to an AMP/NATSEM report, the reality is the majority of Australians won’t have enough savings to live comfortably when they retire.
It’s important to think about your finances as well as your health as both will affect how comfortably your current and future lifestyle will be.
Planning ahead can make the world of difference and remember, it’s never too late to get physically and financially fit.
Start a conversation with us today to discuss any queries you may have in regards to your financial plan for the future.
You need to consider with your financial planner (or adviser), your objectives, financial situation and your particular needs prior to making an investment decision. Sensibly Pty Ltd and its authorised representatives (or credit representatives) do not accept liability for any errors or omissions of information supplied on this website
Nick Shanley, Steve May, Luke Styles and Shanley Financial Planning T/A Steve May Financial Services are Authorised Representatives / Corporate Authorised Representative of Sensibly Pty Ltd, AFSL 533923. Please refer to our website at www.stevemayfs.com.au to reference our Financial Services Guides.
