Protect Your Health: Retire Early
One of the best reasons for retiring early is to reverse the effects of many years of a sedentary lifestyle. There are probably many people who have a similar situation.
Working a high stress job can increase the challenge of keeping in shape. Without enough time or inclination at the end of a hectic day, it is difficult to remain dedicated to an exercise program. Real life can get in the way, too, with things like a normal social life or an occasional family emergency.
With every passing decade, it seems there is a new health issue to manage. Gaining a few pounds contributes to high blood pressure, then maybe arthritis or some other pain condition.
As I approached 50 years of age, arthritis became more and more of a problem. At last the pain became unmanageable without medication. I was able to continue working as long as I continued managing the pain with medications, but I found that I needed to be careful not to overdo things or the pain would become unmanageable.
I was able to continue working a challenging full time job, but not much after that. Working overtime, or an otherwise busy schedule could put me out of work for several days. The combination of limiting my activities and taking pain medications also caused me to put on extra weight. Over about 3 years like this, I gained about 15 pounds.
Finally, when work and rest was all I could manage, I decided it was time to get out of full time work and started to plan my semi-retirement. This is where I am now.
It is my hope that I will be able to reduce my pain level by building more muscle as well as reverse the effects of sedentary office work.
Fitness and health will become my full-time job, as well as losing the extra weight. In whatever time I have leftover after exercise, I plan to enjoy my hobbies and spend extra time with family. Even if it means accepting a more modest lifestyle, I refuse to spend all of my remaining capacity working for a paycheck.
I love my work for the most part, but there are things I’m required to do that I don’t love. The requirement to put in 40-50+ hour weeks is one thing I resent. There doesn’t seem to be an option to work fewer hours for less money, but after a sabbatical, maybe I can do consulting work once in a while to get more of what I like about my work and less of what I don’t like. A consulting project now and then will be a vacation from retirement, although I doubt I will need one 
Getting in shape now will reduce the chances of accumulating additional health problems such as additional weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and possibly even diabetes.
Another benefit of early retirement will be more time to be outside in the sun. This is also a health benefit since vitamin D comes from sunshine. Vitamin D is important for bone health and in managing pain from arthritis, among other things.
Even better, retiring now could mean reversing the health issues I have accumulated. This could mean postponing many health problems and slowing the rate of aging.
This website discusses things to think about before you retire, like how to spend your time, places to visit, and planning early retirement. Check it out to find out how other Real People are doing it.
Plan Healthy Vacations
For my birthday a few years ago, we spent 8 days in Paris. We walked everywhere! Our tiny hotel room was near the Sorbonne and we walked to the River Seine near Notre Dame Cathedral and headed in all directions on foot or sometimes by water taxi. We visited the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Le Rive Gauche (pub), and lots of interesting and unique museums. It was wonderful! Tons of exercise, too!
Is there a fountain of youth (in Chicago maybe)? Chicago is also a great city for walking! Every chance we get!
About the Author
In planning for her own retirement, the author has become quite knowledgeable and familiar with many aspects of retirement planning.
She has worked many years in information technology. Other interests include making pottery on wheel and kiln, and genealogy.
Grant Hill Takes Issue With Fab Five Comments – Jalen Rose Responds on First Take
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