Although many seniors see retirement as an event that will have a negative impact on their life, a recent study out of the University of Sydney shows it has quite the opposite effect. This Australian study followed the behaviors of about 25,000 individuals (both retired and still in the workforce), with results that show retirement is actually good for your health!
Increased Physical Activity
Study data revealed that retirees were able to increase their physical activity by an average of 92 minutes per week, showing that with the right attitude, retirement really can be a beneficial change.
Retirement provides you with plenty of extra time to fit exercise and interactive hobbies into your day. So whether you are taking a brisk walk every morning, working out at the gym a few times a week or taking a fitness class like yoga or Pilates, there are so many great opportunities for you to stay or get more active during retirement.
Healthier Sleep Patterns
A little bit of extra sleep each night is just the boost you need to feel refreshed and awake each morning, and this recent study revealed retirees were able to enjoy an extra 11 or so minutes daily.
Without having to wake up at a certain time to make it in to work, retirees have the option to sleep in a little bit, ensuring they get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night for healthy brain function.
Reduced Sitting Times
Especially for individuals who work in an office setting, it is common to spend a lot of time seated, which makes it understandable that retirement can decrease your sedentary time by an average of 67 minutes a day. This equals out to more than seven hours a week – a huge benefit to your overall health.
With more time to dedicate towards their favorite hobbies, exercising and getting active in the community, retirees are able to increase their physical activity and decrease their sedentary time while still getting more sleep than their working counterparts. These factors combined can lead to great health benefits, showing that when done right, retirement really can be good for you!
If you are having a difficult time staying active and performing certain tasks around the house, BEK Medical offers a wide variety of home medical equipment to make your retirement a healthy and enjoyable one. From orthopedic care items to bathroom safety products, we are able to help with every facet of care. Shop with us online or call a representative at 915-599-1129 for assistance finding the right products for your lifestyle.
