Health and Wellbeing Advice
Its never too early...
December 21 2011,
by Paul Pearce, STARplex Fitness Centre Manager
…to start planning for your health in retirement
We often think about planning for retirement by making wise financial decisions but what if your health prevented you living your retirement dream? Are you are investing in your health right now?
Ageing well is about your emotional and physical ability to live a longer and healthier life. Chronic health conditions, common in later life, can be related to lifestyle factors, such as a lack of physical activity and poor nutrition.
For most of us in our 50s and beyond, weight begins to creep up. Women after menopause, for example, tend to accumulate excess weight around their waist.
Over 50s most likely experience joint pain, which may affect their choice of physical activity. Unfortunately, some may just find this all too difficult and become inactive.
COTA, Council on the Ageing, (the peak organisation for older South Australians) offers support to people over 50 and encourages positive ageing through regular attendance in gentle fitness programs, such as Strength for Life at registered venues. Meeting Strength for Life members at STARplex has made me acutely aware of the benefits of positive ageing.
To ensure your long term health risks are minimal, remember the basics – varied diet and regular exercise. Aim to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity on at least 5 days per week otherwise you will need to reduce your energy intake (calories from food). To increase your fitness and wellbeing, be as active as you can throughout the day. If your weight has increased over the years, a loss of as little as 2-3kg can improve your blood pressure, blood glucose levels and cholesterol.
Lifestyle risk factors can be reduced, even with the older population: all it takes is commitment and learning new strategies to replace old ones.
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