By Jolie Biernacki
You’ve probably heard the saying before—health is wealth.  Maybe it was in a fortune cookie, or perhaps it was something that an eccentric relative used to say at family get-togethers after a few too many visits to the punch bowl.  Whatever the case, the fact remains that most Americans today are not living balanced lives, and that, in turn, is affecting their health. Living stressed lives, not scheduling regular medical check ups, and ignoring chronic conditions could prove costly in later years.  With Baby Boomers comprising a large portion of the population, they need only look to their parents to see what may lie in wait for them if they don’t change their habits quickly.

Of course, if you have a major health concern during your working years, you may have good insurance and/or a benefits program to fall back on, which can deflect some of the immediate economic sting.  However, for those in their twilight years, the prospect of experiencing a major trauma can be even more frightful, financially speaking.

According to a 2003 study done by Ohio Sate University, healthy senior citizens are more likely to retain their wealth in retirement than those who develop health problems.  Those who develop new and serious health problems later in life will feel the financial repercussions—whether it is due to a major catastrophe that claims a large portion of their savings (since Medicare typically only pays about half of medical costs), or because of a chronic illness such as diabetes that will diminish wealth incrementally for the rest of their lives.

What can you do to avoid the pitfalls of health-related debt?  Make lifestyle changes now, and plan your retirement with health costs in mind. 
Making small changes in your daily lifestyle can help move you in the right direction.  Fitness is one of the more effective ways to change your health-related course in life, and no, you don’t have to be an athlete to be fit!  Moderate exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day can improve your health and may lower your risk for heart attacks, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 

Some people opt to join health clubs or community centers, go hiking, or sign up for dance classes to keep exercise interesting.  If you don’t have the means or access to any of those, taking stairs instead of elevators, parking at the far end of the lot, and walking or riding your bike when doing errands are also great ways to “sneak in” exercise.
(Of course, consult your physician before beginning any new program.)

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