Five years before retirement focus on your well-being. Planning 4

When we were young, many of us engaged in a lot of physical activity. I was involved in several sports, including softball, track, football, soccer, and bowling, to name a few. But as I aged, other interests took over. I was lucky my children loved sports, so I coached them and continued to coach until I was in my forties, both at work and in the community. From personal experience, I know that physical activity is essential for maintaining health and well-being at all ages. When I retired, I took up walking as my exercise of choice. I have friends who go to the gym once a week. I tried that but found I could not make going to the gym part of my routine. Regular exercise keeps you healthy and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

People stop exercising when their lives get busy. So, it's good to start five years before retirement. Walking is just one of many great ways to incorporate exercise into your daily life and it is a good way to start. There are many advantages to being active. People who are active experience improved mood reduced stress and anxiety, and a lower risk of developing depression. Exercise helps the brain work better and reduces the risk of memory loss and dementia.

Being active when retired can help reduce loneliness and offer opportunities for socializing. Being physically active can boost your immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and keep your bones, muscles, and brain healthy.

Physical activity builds strength and creates more flexibility and balance. It also reduces the chances of getting hurt. Starting five years before retirement helps build energy and could be enjoyable. Joining a club, or team, or exploring sports at a local center could help start exercising. For some who need low-intensity activities, water aerobics, yoga and swimming are great options. Talk to your healthcare provider before participating in any activity, especially if you have health issues. Start with light exercises and slowly increase the time and difficulty to prevent injuries.

Starting or continuing exercise routines can be tough, whether you're five years away from retirement or already retired. Joining exercise groups, setting goals, and finding enjoyable activities can help.

Regular physical activity will improve the quality of your life. To do this, you need to get back into the habit of being physically active. Five years before you retire is a good time to start again.