Our concept of retirement has shifted to a more active lifestyle. We’re living longer, and for some people, we’re retiring at an earlier age. When I develop retirement plans for clients, I ask about their physical health.

Most people can expect to spend at least 30 years in retirement, with the first 10 years being more active than the latter years. If they’ve lived a healthy lifestyle, they can expect lower health care expenses as they age. But that can easily be offset by poor genetics.

During retirement, they may become more adventurous than they were during their working years. These activities require physical endurance which can be challenging if they have been sedentary most of their lives.

As you start thinking about retirement, list the adventures you’d like to pursue. Here are some ideas to stretch your imagination and help you begin planning:

Backpack through California’s Sequoia National Park

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Cycle Death Valley National Park

Golf the courses on the Robert Trent Jones Trail

Hike the Appalachian Trail

Ice climb New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Kayak the lakes of Yellowstone National Park

Mountain bike in Whistler, British Columbia

Raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon

Scuba dive the Blue Hole in Belize

Ski the slopes in Colorado

As you add to your list, evaluate your current physical health. Think about what you should be doing now to ensure you’ll be physically fit in retirement to tackle your list.

Do you need to build more muscle?
Do you need to increase your flexibility?
Do you need to improve your cardio?

It’s never too late to begin getting fit. If you want to be active during your retirement years, take action now. Use your adventure list to keep you motivated. If you have the financial means to take some of your adventures now, then do so. It’ll help you stay fit while maximizing life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”