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Good Health After Retirementby Paulette Avery, RN, MSN, IBCLC |
The topic of health after retirement seems like an appropriate choice because December 21 will be my last day of work as a regular employee at Kaiser Oakland. I am retiring after more than 42 years as a registered nurse. |
I’m excited about the new level of freedom I will enjoy and slightly apprehensive about the changes. I wonder about the change in our finances and what I will do with all the extra time. But considering the busy schedules most of my retired friends maintain doing things they enjoy, I’m not too concerned about the latter. Of course I hope for many happy, healthy years in retirement and am grateful for the good health I currently enjoy. Here are some of the things to keep in mind to help maintain good health at retirement age and beyond. Before you retire, check out your health care options. Will you receive health care from your former employer, or do you need to find private insurance? If you are eligible for Medicare, have you signed up? Do you need to find a Medicare supplement plan? If your spouse is still working, will he or she provide health care coverage for you? If so, you may want to delay signing up for the parts of Medicare that involve costs to you that are deducted from any Social Security benefits you may be eligible to receive. Lots to think about, and getting it all settled will improve your mental health during retirement. Stay informed about health issues. There are lots of good sources for health information, such as Prevention magazine and numerous websites, both private and government-sponsored ones. Your health insurer may also offer health information online or through a Health Education center with books, pamphlets, and videos. Three of the most common health problems as we age are heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Family history can give you a clue as to which problems you are more likely to develop. But we all can improve our odds by maintaining a healthful lifestyle. If you don’t already know your cholesterol and blood-sugar levels, ask your health care provider, or look the information up online if your health insurer allows you online access to your health records. If either your cholesterol or blood sugar is too high, discuss this with your doctor and find out what you can do to lower it. If you smoke, do your best to quit. Maintain your weight at a healthy level, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get regular exercise, and practice relaxation or meditation techniques to improve your mental and physical health. And if you haven’t already, get your vitamin D level checked and take supplements as needed to raise it to a healthy level. See www.vitamindcouncil.org for more information. And to all my readers, retired and otherwise, may you have a joyful holiday season and a happy and very healthy new year! Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer who specializes in health issues. |
