5 ways to stay healthy in retirement

As physician and author David B. Agus said, “without your health, you have nothing.” Staying healthy will enable you to thrive and do all the things you want to do, and this is particularly true in retirement when you will have more time on your hands.

Health is more than your physical state, it can also be how you are mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. Knowing how to maintain and invest in these areas of your life will contribute to a happy retirement.

How can you stay healthy in retirement?

1. Create connections

Whether you live alone or with someone, creating connections that are fulfilling is important for our mental health. Beyond Blue explains that being connected to others can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.¹ Once retired, you may not see as many people on a daily basis as you did at work. Ensuring you set up opportunities to connect with people regularly can greatly improve your quality of life. There is a well-established link between loneliness and both mental and physical health.²

There are many ways to create connections, including:

• Local community groups
• Classes and courses
• Hobbies and activities

Learn more about making connections

2. Get moving

Physical activity has many benefits, and retirement is a great opportunity to get into an exercise routine. Exercise comes in a range of forms, from jogging to chair aerobics! There are a variety of ways to get moving, no matter what your ability or current fitness level.

The benefits of being active are well-proven, especially as you age.³

It can help:

• control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
• reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers
• manage pain
• maintain and increase joint movement and balance
• improve mental health

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before engaging in any new physical activity. Together you can devise a plan that suits your needs.

As a guide, adults aged 65 or older with no health conditions that might limit their mobility should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days.⁴

3. Do things bit by bit

Retirement is a transition — and it doesn’t have to be done all at once. For some, retiring slowly is preferable. This can look different for everyone. For example, you may decide to move from full-time work to part-time, then gradually transition into retirement. It’s not uncommon for some to retire and then return to work part-time or perhaps start volunteering. There are many ways to retire, and it doesn’t have to be a sudden and drastic change.

4. Do all the things you’ve always wanted

If you’re someone who has been waiting for retirement so you can finally make that trip to the pyramids or take up golf, then make plans to do it. Having ideas of what you would like to do is great, but making them happen can take planning. You may need to review your finances to see how you will manage financially and if you need to set money aside or save.

Financial planners are often associated with numbers and spreadsheets –that’s not wrong! But a good financial planner will happily talk to you about your personal goals. They will discuss your dream to travel or renovate your home and then help you plan how to make that dream a reality.

5. Sort out your finances

Financial planning for retirement is different from financial planning in other stages of your life. Your needs in retirement will be different, as will your lifestyle. When it comes to super, it’s important to understand that everyone’s situation is unique. Setting yourself up financially will mean you can enjoy retirement without experiencing financial stress and worry.

A financial planner will be able to assess your financial situation and help you to best prepare. There’s plenty of advice out there - including that shared by trusted friends and family. But speaking with a professional who can review your assets, any debts, and expenses and plan what you will need for retirement is always recommended. Our team can help provide financial retirement advice and help you achieve your retirement goals.

The NGS retirement calculator is a great starting point.

Start your journey with NGS Super

Our financial planners can create strategies to maximise your financial position and meet your future objectives. They can help you protect your lifestyle and assets through personal insurance and understand what happens to your super in the event of your death, including the impact on your loved ones receiving your super.

Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, help mitigate risk and make the most of your saving opportunities. Having a planner that helps educate you about your choices and options as you plan for retirement will help ensure you feel confident and always informed.