In a new research paper, researchers suggest if you’re a middle-aged or older adult saving for retirement, it’s never too late to think about adding physical activity to your investment portfolio.
They say much like individuals plan for their financial future through savings, 401K, and IRA accounts, physical activity is a potent form of investment for health and fitness.
The research was done by a team from Grand Valley State University.
The team’s article includes practical tips for those who want to start investing in a healthier retirement on combating physical inactivity.
While many people clearly see the need for financial planning, few realize that the same care and attention are needed for their body, which is also brought into retirement.
Middle age is often a time of missed opportunities to invest in future health and fitness – and thus to delay the functional declines that can directly impact the retirement years.
According to the researchers, it’s never too late to start investing in health and fitness.
That’s true for people in midlife building their health and fitness “nest egg” for the future, as well as older adults looking to make “catch up” payments toward a healthier retirement.
The team says regardless of baseline fitness, the human body has tremendous potential to regain function and health, incorporating lifestyle modifications incrementally.
Much as a financial advisor would recommend different strategies for investors in different circumstances, the authors outline a “diverse fitness investment portfolio” tailored to the individual’s current situation and goals:
The Conservative Investment portfolio targets those who have limited physical capacity or have been inactive for some time.
Look for opportunities to increase activity levels during routine household tasks, start a walking program, or consider the benefits of stretching, such as yoga.
For a Moderate Investment strategy, focus on activities combining a range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Dance is an activity with a wide range of benefits, including emotional and social health.
Resistance training plays an important role in maintaining muscle strength; the authors discuss options for building strength in people of all ages and activity levels.
More Aggressive Investment strategies may be effective for older adults who have become physically deconditioned.
High-intensity interval training – alternating brief periods of vigorous exercise with longer, lighter-intensity periods – has shown “fantastic” results in some groups of high-risk patients.
The researchers hope their tips will encourage middle-aged and older adults to make a sound investment in their future health and fitness.
The authors of the study are Chris Dondzila, PhD, and Steve Glass, PhD, FACSM.
The study is published in the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.
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