BLOG

Why Active Living is Critical for a Happy & Healthy Retirement

02 February 2018

Many of us look forward to retiring, looking at it as a chance to put our feet up and relax.

After decades of hard work we all deserve a chance to take a break, but we shouldn’t take our foot off the accelerator all together.

More and more evidence points to the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle in retirement.

Physical and mental activity, social interaction and healthy habits are associated with prevention of disease and reduced mortality in older people.

A recent UK study on healthy ageing found that people regularly engaging in activities to improve their health and wellbeing, were more likely to lead a socially inclusive lifestyle relatively free from illness or disability.

Further it found that regular physical activity can reverse some effects of chronic disease, improving mobility in older people and their independence.

In contrast lack of physical activity in older age often results in premature onset of ill health, disease and frailty.

Completing regular physical activities such as low intensity walking, and even more active sports and resistance exercises where appropriate, reduce the risks of developing major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity, falls, cognitive impairments, osteoporosis and muscular weakness.

A US study championed the benefits of senior-oriented group fitness programs associating them with better physical, social and emotional outcomes.

However physical activity alone isn’t enough to promote a healthy retirement.

Social interaction and mental activities are just as important – in fact physical health and mental health are dependent on each other.

What next?

For more healthy living tips see the Aged Care website. For advice on retirement planning or Wills and Estates contact Gill & Lane Solicitors.