Exercise, the Secret to Better Retirement Health
The impact of exercise on health has long been documented. New research now shows it’s especially beneficial to retirement health.
Unfortunately, too many middle-age adults cut back on exercise at the exact time that it could benefit them the most. The top reasons among those over 55 for cutting back on exercise: declining health, cost and access to age-appropriate activities, and lack of interest, time and energy.
Exploring the relationship between exercise and the early years surrounding retirement, researchers from the University of East Anglia, England surveyed over 1,000 people 55+ online about their current fitness level and their fitness experiences as early retirees. They also held focus groups and interviews with older employees and newly retired people about their physical activities as they transitioned into retirement. Employers were also interviewed about their current and possible future role in supporting exercise programs for retiring workers.
In the study, “Physical Activity and Retirement Transitions,” lead researcher Dr. Charlotte Salter noted,
“Adults are spending more years of their life working than ever before. Retiring is a life-changing event which provides all sorts of opportunities — but it coincides with declining physical activity, health and wellbeing.”
The report highlighted the need for workplace policies and health centers to establish physical activity programs specifically tailored to people 55 and older. Conducted in conjunction with Active Norfolk, a British organization dedicated to increasing physical activity, the research suggested increasing awareness of age-appropriate activities. It also recommended making such opportunities more accessible to older workers who are approaching retirement.
Exercise has long been associated with improved health—both physical and mental. Specifically, it has been linked with lower blood pressure, improved mobility, reduced depression and anxiety, and more recently, lower Alzheimer’s risks.
Oxioma Okonkwo, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, has conducted several studies to understand how physical activity impacts Alzheimer’s. Among his findings is evidence of brain changes linked with cardio and aerobic fitness.
The National Institute of Aging in the United States has developed an infographic to encourage seniors to move more. Titled, No More Excuses! Overcome Exercise Barriers, the promo offers answers to typical excuses for not exercising. Some tips include: incorporating fitness into daily routines, walking as an alternative to joining expensive gyms, and moving more often and regularly to combat stress and fatigue. With depression, suicide, and alcohol and drug abuse increasing among seniors, the potential for exercise to support seniors’ mental health should not be ignored.
At Silverman Financial, we strive to support healthy and fulfilling retirements for our clients. We meet regularly to establish flexible and realistic financial retirement plans to provide comfort, security and longevity for our clients.
