If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know how badly prepared most people over the age of 50 are for retirement.
Well, hold on. Here’s another area where we boomers are falling on our swords… physical health.
According to the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics, only 42% of Americans ages 65 to 74 meet the minimum standard for aerobic activity.
[ad#Google Adsense 336×280-IA]For those age 75 and older, that number drops to 28%.
That’s not good news. But wait, there’s more…
Strength training!
I didn’t know there was a standard for strength training.
And it seems most other boomers don’t either.
Only 14% of the 65 to 74 group gets enough strength training. It’s 8% for the over-75 group.
Take a look at this chart from The Wall Street Journal…
Only about 10% to 17% of the 65 to 75-plus age group are anywhere close to getting the exercise they need.
And as we age, the numbers get worse. The results of our poor physical conditions take their tolls.
According to a recent editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine…
People who engage in physical activity have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, depression, cognitive impairment and functional decline.
It’s the cognitive and functional decline that caught my eye.
The best way to look at it is from this perspective: All the money in the world won’t mean a thing if you can’t get off your couch or out of bed to enjoy it.
Retirement planning isn’t just about money. Get out there – walk, swim… walk the golf course! Nine holes is plenty, but do something.
Don’t end up in a well-funded retirement you can’t enjoy.
Oh, and you don’t have to carry your clubs. Give a kid a caddy job – or get a handcart. But do it!
Good investing,
Steve
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Source: Wealthy Retirement