Yesterday, I listened to the Retire Sooner podcast while out running errands. This week’s episode (#173) was about the how much good health contributes to a successful, happy retirement. The guest discussed how the USA pays the highest amount per capita in the world for healthcare, but our health stats are near the middle to lower tier of developed nations. He went on to list several reasons why he thinks this might be the case. Very interesting reasoning. Our country is more apt to “take a pill” to fix whatever ails you rather than doing preventative things that take more time and effort like eat a healthy diet and exercise. Of course Big Pharma, the food companies and the government all play a role in our health outcomes. He reasoned it would take politicians willing to do the hard work needed to fix our healthcare system and not be concerned about re-election before anything meaningful got accomplished.
So what can we do? We don’t know when our last day on earth will be, but people have a lot of power in their own hands to make sure they are as healthy as possible up until that time. The average age before aches and pains start to set in is 66. The average life expectancy is about 77. If you eat right, maintain a healthy weight. exercise/move and enjoy meaningful social connections, there’s a much better chance you’ll be enjoying a longer, active life in retirement.
This message really hit home. My recent physical was a mixed bag. I knew something was off going in, but couldn’t tell exactly what it was (menopause, BP meds, general aging). Side effects from my BP meds were reflected in some of the bloodwork, so we changed it. It’s taken two weeks, but I finally feel more like myself again. Increasing my water intake and getting outside for about 1/2 or more each day seems to have helped in addition to the BP meds change.
Don’t know about you, but I plan to be active and independent for as long as possible. My primary care physician told me a lot of that rested in my hands. Losing 30# and incorporating more movement (walking, yoga, dance, etc.) would have the greatest impact for me.
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