Looking after your physical health and fitness
With potentially more free time, retirement could allow you to focus on getting more active and improve your overall health.
Importance of physical activity
The benefits of being active are well proven, especially as you age. It can help:
- control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
- reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers
- manage pain
- maintain and increase joint movement and balance
- improve mental health.
Before making health care decisions or undertaking changes to your physical activity, speak to your local doctor.
They can assess your medical history and advise on the best approach to a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Staying fit in retirement
It does not matter how old you are or what your physical condition is, it’s never too late to get active, including:
- cardio
- strength building
- increasing flexibility
- maintaining good balance.
The amount of physical activity you need to do each week depends on your age and level of health.
As a guide, adults aged 65 or older with no health conditions that might limit their mobility, should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days.
You can find ways to improve your health and fitness at:
- myDr.com.au - healthy ageing in your 50s and beyond
- Get Healthy NSW - a free telephone-based health coaching service
- Nutrition Australia - how to maintain healthy eating habits as you age
- NSW Health - information and tools to help increase your physical activity
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – information and resources on topics related to women’s physical health and mental wellbeing.
See physical activity guidelines for older adults at Healthdirect.