Are You Fit For Retirement?

Advances in medical technology have made it possible for you to live a third of your life after retirement. Back in Roman times life expectancy was a mere 25 years. Today, life expectancy in Canada is 77.1 years for males and 82.2 years for females.

It's a challenge to keep your body fit enough to enjoy those extra years. In fact, most Canadians live a sedentary lifestyle. An astonishing 57 percent of adults are not active enough to benefit their health. In the 65-plus bracket, the inactivity level increases to 62 percent. That's an alarming statistic for an age group where quality of life is so closely linked to maintaining an active lifestyle.

One of the best ways to keep healthy and fend-off certain diseases and disabling conditions is to lead an active lifestyle. That calls for making active living a normal part of your daily life. Whether it's gardening, walking, swimming, cycling, a friendly game of tennis, taking the stairs instead of the escalator, or walking to the corner store instead of driving, it all adds up to active living.

Health Canada say that as a minimum you should engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity 4 days a week. And those 30 minutes can be accumulated in 10-minute segments. A brisk walk for example is 'moderate' activity. An active lifestyle will improve your health and your quality of life, boost your sense of self-fulfilment and increase your energy level. Keep active and retirement will become the most enjoyable time of your life.

Pause for a moment, reflect on your own situation, and answer this question:

In your present lifestyle, are you active enough to benefit your health and keep your body fit? Yes or No

If you answered yes give yourself a pat on the back. You are achieving health and fitness benefits, by meeting Health Canada 's minimum exercise requirements.

If you answered no, you probably live a sedentary lifestyle usually in a sitting position: at your desk, on the phone, in your car, at the computer, watching television or on the proverbial couch. If you are part of this group, give serious consideration to changing your lifestyle now before it's too late. If you want quality years during your retirement you must be active. There is no time for delay.

In 2002 the World Health Organization said:

Sedentary lifestyles increase all causes of mortality, doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity and substantially increases the risk of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, and anxiety.

Scary stuff. Why not take the precaution of becoming active now before you are beset with health problems that will prohibit you from doing so later in life. Here's one way to get started.

Do something that will get your body moving. Pick an activity that you will enjoy and get started. Walking for example is the favourite activity for 70% of our adult population. Walking is safe, inexpensive and one of the best exercises around. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and the willpower to Get Up and Go.

If you haven't exercised for some time, start off slowly with 15 minute walks and build up gradually until you walk for a total of 30 minutes, four days a week. As you build up strength and endurance, add another five minutes to your walk every couple of weeks.

Always consult with your doctor or health care professional before beginning an exercise program.You're not looking for just 'more' years during retirement; you want 'quality' years that provide enjoyment and self-fulfilment. Once you make active living an essential part of your life, quality and the self-fulfilment will follow just as sure as day follows night.