From Kiplinger · · 1m 40s
5 Health Habits That Save $100,000+ in Retirement
Healthy habits can save retirees $100,000+ by avoiding long-term care, prescription costs, and medical emergencies.
In brief
Healthy habits can save retirees $100,000+ by avoiding long-term care, prescription costs, and medical emergencies. Retirees saving $100,000+ through healthy habits avoid long-term care, prescription costs, and medical emergencies. Originally reported by Kiplinger.
Healthy habits save retirement money
Eating healthy and exercising may help you live longer and save tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars in retirement healthcare costs.
Healthcare costs rise sharply
Out-of-pocket expenses are poised to skyrocket, increasing nearly 50% by 2050. Medical debt is already a main cause of bankruptcy among Americans.
Key health habits
Medical experts point to several key habits: regular aerobic and strength training, anti-inflammatory diets, restorative sleep, social connections, and healthy markers.
Avoid long-term care
Living a healthy lifestyle may avoid or delay long-term care, saving substantial money on annual costs of $82,482 for in-home care and $76,632 for assisted living.
Lower prescription costs
Managing diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension can eliminate or reduce prescription drug costs and copays, saving $5,876 annually per person.
Prevent falls and injuries
Strength and balance training reduces fall risks, with non-fatal falls costing $80 billion annually and $18,654 per hospital visit.
Reduce joint pain
Maintaining a healthy weight slows joint degeneration, saving $2,969 annually in direct medical expenses and up to $15,000 in total costs for osteoarthritis.
Keep heart healthy
Aerobic exercise and healthy fats reduce cardiovascular disease risks, saving $5,397 annually in direct medical care expenses for older adults.
Health as retirement hedge
Eating well, staying active, and keeping chronic conditions in check protect retirement savings by avoiding doctor visits and prescription costs.
The big picture
Retirees saving $100,000+ through healthy habits avoid long-term care, prescription costs, and medical emergencies.
