Pulse Points
Investing for the Now and Later
BY Steve Gruenwald , Director of Worker Wellness
Investing , planning , reaping benefits — these sound like terms describing sound financial health in retirement . They are , but they ’ re also the terms used to describe good physical health going into retirement .
Planning financially for your retirement and having good health in retirement are clearly linked . The problem is that many people aren ’ t paying attention to either their health or their wealth as they work toward their retirement years . To compound the issue , poor health can reduce retirement savings because of increased medical expenses and can possibly reduce earnings if you ’ re forced to stop working early .
The research is clear on the importance of caring for your health now for a healthier retirement later :
• A Fidelity study of people aged 55-64 found that people in poor physical health may need 20 percent more in annual retirement income than those in good health .
• According to Money magazine , people aged 45-64 who eat better , maintain a healthy weight and exercise a few hours a week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35 percent , thus reducing the cost of cardiovascular disease treatment .
• A 25-year study of 5,900 men and women by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Aging and Population Health found that people aged 65 and older
$ 6,000 $ 5,000 $ 4,000 $ 3,000
Average Annual Healthcare Costs for Individuals on Medicare
Age 65
Age 70 Age 75 Excellent Health Moderate Health Poor Health
Estimates provided by Healthview , June 2011
who have “ the highest level of health habits ” could expect to live 80 percent of their remaining years disability-free . In contrast , those with “ the lowest level of health habits ” could expect to live only 55-60 percent of their remaining years disability-free .
• Finally , according to the Insured Retirement Institute , a 65-year-old male in excellent health can expect to live to age 87 , but only 81 if in poor health . A 65-year-old female in excellent health has a life expectancy of 89 , but only 84 if in poor health .
Keep in mind , however , living longer due to healthy living isn ’ t a given . You don ’ t know how long you have on this earth before God calls you home . Besides , it ’ s not just about living longer . It ’ s about continuing to serve your church , your family and your community during those retirement years .
Investing in your health at any age is important to helping you carry out your ministry and service to others . Any improvements in your healthy behaviors now will have lasting financial and physical benefits later , and that financial and physical stability will ultimately enable you to serve others well into your retirement years .
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