Avoid This Mistake Before You Retire

Greetings! I trust that this will find you well and enjoying life.
 
The question often is, is there a biggest mistake people make when approaching retirement? In my opinion, there is a mistake that involves the biggest possible consequences. Many people in their 50s and beyond are making a serious mistake and it has nothing to do with money. The reality is the majority of pre-retirees are focused exclusively on their financial health. Far too few are giving any thought to their physical health. And good physical health is crucial to making the most of life in retirement.
 
Let’s face it, a big nest egg isn’t going to do you much good if you don’t have the health to provide quality of life. Only 42% of American Ages 65 to 74 and only 28% of those 75 and older meet government recommendations for aerobic activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics. On top of that on 14% of ages 65-74 and 8% of ages 75 and older do proper weight training.
 
Exercise isn’t just a good idea it’s critical to your physical and mental health, particularly as you age. A recent editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine sums it up nicely “People who engage in physical activity have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, some types of cancer, depression, cognitive impairment and functional decline.”
 
If you spend at least 150 minutes each week on moderate-intensity aerobic activity and do some type of muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week then keep up the good work. If not, start with the Physical Activity pages on the CDC’s site
(cdc.gov/physicalactivity) to get a firm grip on an appropriate exercise plan for yourself going forward. Becoming physically fit is the single most important step you can take as you approach retirement.
 
If we can help in any way with this information or anything else related to retirement don’t hesitate to contact us.
 
Best regards,
 
Jeff Christian CFP, CRPC
 

Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.
 
Langston Hughes

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