Health

Benefits Most Seniors Do Not Realize They Have

As we reach our golden years, many of us begin to reflect on the good times we’ve had and the people we’ve encountered along the way. For some, this may mean revisiting old friends and making new ones. For others, it might simply mean taking stock of all the amazing things that have happened in our lives.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: When you reach retirement age, you are afforded a wealth of opportunities that you may not have considered before. In this post, we will list  benefits that seniors may not realize they have. Armed with this knowledge, you can start planning your golden years in the best possible way.

Reduce The Risk of Heart Disease

Discussing heart diseases

What are the benefits of reducing your risk of heart disease?

If you are over the age of 50, you may be at an increased risk of developing heart disease. However, there are many ways to reduce this risk. By following a healthy lifestyle, you can help protect your heart and prevent future problems. Some of the benefits that you may not realize you have if you reduce your risk of heart disease include:

Improving your cholesterol levels – by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can improve your cholesterol levels. This will help to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

– By following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can improve your cholesterol levels. This will help to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Reducing inflammation – by reducing inflammation in the body, you can help to protect your heart from damage. Inflammation is caused by chemicals called “free radicals” which can damage cells in the body.

– By reducing inflammation in the body, you can help to protect your heart from damage. Inflammation is caused by chemicals called “free radicals” which can damage cells in the body. Lowering blood pressure – proper diet and exercise can also lead to lowering blood pressure levels which reduces the risk of stroke.

– Proper diet and exercise can also lead to lowering blood pressure levels which reduces the risk of stroke. Preventing cognitive decline – a healthy lifestyle may also help prevent cognitive decline.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Breast cancer, Asian doctor woman with pink ribbon, symbol of World Breast Cancer Day.

Many seniors do not realize the many benefits they have that reduce their risk of developing cancer. Some of the benefits include: eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Eating a balanced diet is important for reducing the risk of developing cancer. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Eating these foods can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help protect against cancer development. Studies have also shown that people who eat a Mediterranean-style diet are less likely to develop cancer than those who don’t. This kind of diet includes lots of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish as well as olive oil and other healthy fats.

Regular exercise is also linked with a decreased risk of developing cancer. Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and can boost your immune system. It has also been shown to improve mental health and decrease stress levels. Exercise can be done at any stage of life, but is especially important for people who are aging or have a cancer diagnosis or treatment looming on the horizon.

Smoking is one of the major contributors to cancer development across all age groups. The American Cancer Society estimates that every year tobacco use causes more than 1 million deaths worldwide – more than any other preventable cause of death – including 400 000 deaths from lung cancer alone in America each year.

Increased Life Expectancy

Happy senior couple at independent living community looking at camera.

As people age, they may begin to experience a range of health challenges that can impact their quality of life. However, many seniors don’t realize the many benefits they have that extend well beyond improved physical health. Here are five benefits of aging that seniors often take for granted:

1) Increased Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy for a baby born in the United States today is 78 years. For a baby born in the 1950s, the average life expectancy was only about 55 years due to increased rates of death from heart disease and other illnesses. Today’s seniors’ increased life expectancy is largely due to advances made in medical technology and prevention strategies. As a result, according to the CDC, the nationwide average lifespan has increased by more than 18 years since 1900!

2) Reduced Risk of Death from Disease: Infectious diseases cause most deaths among adults over age 65. However, serious lifestyle choices can also significantly reduce your risk of death from disease – even if you’re already infected with a deadly virus like influenza. Smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight are two examples of behaviors that can greatly reduce your risk of dying from an infectious illness.

3) Reduced Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: According to Alzheimer’s Association statistics, by 2050 there will be more people over age 85 living in America than children under 5 years old! While no one knows for sure what causes dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, research suggests that these conditions are related to changes in the brain.

More Money in Your Retirement Account

Senior holding money in both hands

Most seniors do not realize the many benefits they have when it comes to their retirement accounts. Here are four that should be on your radar:

1. Tax-Free Income: Your retirement account contributions are not taxed as income when you make them, and any earnings on those contributions are also tax-free.

2. Growth of your money: If you leave your retirement account invested in stocks or mutual funds, over time the value of your investment will likely grow. This is due to factors like inflation and the growth of the economy.

3. Access to your money at any time: When you retire, you may no longer need your salary to live on each month. In fact, some retirees actually use their retirement savings to pay for early life expenses like college tuition or a down payment on a home! This gives them peace of mind that they won’t have to worry about having enough money when they retire.

4. Fidelity Investments doesn’t charge fees: Many financial institutions offer retirement account services, but few charge fees like Fidelity Investments does (typically 0.75% per year). This can add up over time if you have multiple accounts with different fees. With Fidelity’s unlimited investing options, there is no reason not to take advantage of its low-fee policy!

Inflation Protection

There are many benefits to being a senior citizen that most seniors do not realize they have. Here are five of the biggest benefits:

1. Inflation protection – As a senior, you’re likely to be more comfortable with your lifestyle and budget. This means you’ll be less likely to experience sudden increases in costs, like rent or food prices. You may also qualify for special discounts or subsidies on things like utilities and insurance.

2. Mobility aid – As your abilities decline, it can become harder and harder to get around without help. However, many seniors qualify for government-provided transportation assistance, especially if they live in a rural area or have low incomes. This can make it easier for them to stay independent and connected to their community.

3. Reduced medical expenses – As you age, your health may start to decline more rapidly than it did when you were younger. This can lead to higher medical expenses down the road, but many seniors qualify for government-provided healthcare coverage through Medicare or Medicaid.

4. Financial security – Many seniors find that they have pockets of money left over after they’ve paid off debts, saved up for retirement, and paid other bills related to their everyday lives. This financial security can be a major benefit as you approach retirement years or face unexpected challenges later on in life.

5. Less stress – When you’re retired, there’s usually less pressure scheduled into your day-to-day life.