Being physically fit after 50 will help improve your health as you age, but it can also benefit your body, mind and wallet in ways you might not realize. Money Talks News’ recent article entitled “7 Surprising Benefits of Staying Fit in Retirement” says that maintaining muscle health can also help improve energy levels, decrease the risk of fractures and speed up recovery from illnesses.
Her are some big potential benefits of staying in shape in your 50s (and well beyond that) you might not have considered. But visit your doctor for a checkup before beginning a fitness program and work your way into any exercise routine to avoid injuries.
- Thinking More Clearly. In addition to building muscles, exercise can help with brain function. Exercise can improve mood and sleep and decrease stress and anxiety. These can indirectly help with overall cognitive function.
- Spending Less On Medical Care. The average retiree household spends $6,800 a year on health care. However, with a regular exercise regimen, you can improve your health. That means you may be able to spend less time and money at the doctor’s office. The Mayo Clinic says regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems, such as stroke, high blood pressure, depression and cancer.
- Save On Life Insurance. If you stay fit, you may save money on life insurance because underwriters generally base policy costs on your risk of death. Overweight seniors will pay higher rates but maintaining a healthy weight and strong vital signs could reduce your premiums.
- Feel Happier. There’s a strong link between physical fitness and happiness. In addition to boosting your energy, exercise can elevate your mood. Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that can make you feel more relaxed and less anxious. You may also feel better about your appearance, which can raise your self-esteem.
- Decrease Muscle And Bone Mass Loss. Regular strength training can help women to reduce the loss of bone and muscle mass that happens as they get older. This condition is more pronounced in women than men, since menopause accelerates this decline. Weight-based exercises are intended to thwart these conditions, which can impact a woman’s ability to perform daily activities.
- Keep Your Independence. According to the National Council on Aging, regular exercise can help older adults stay independent. Certain types of exercise, such as tai chi, can even reduce your risk of falls, which are the top cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors.
- Live longer. Aerobic fitness is a dynamic indicator of long-term mortality, and the more aerobic exercise you do, the greater the benefit. Three hours a week of regular exercise may potentially extend life by as much as five years. However, not exercising creates a risk of premature death that is equal to or worse than cardiovascular disease, diabetes or smoking, according to a large study published in 2018 in JAMA Network Open.
Reference: Money Talks News (December 25, 2020) “7 Surprising Benefits of Staying Fit in Retirement”
