When young and energetic, you never really think about "old age" and how your actions can affect your quality of life. Old age always seems a long way away when in your 30s and 40s, but as you get to your 50s, it suddenly hits you that you're not so young anymore.
While you can't do much about the aging process, you can take steps to make sure your old age will be one of comfort and security. Here are five things you can do now to protect your old age:
Keep Healthy
Good health in your 50s allows you to continue working and enjoying an active life even after retirement. There is a lot you can start doing in your 30s and 40s to ensure you'll be healthier, stronger, and in better shape when you hit your 60s and 70s. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, don't smoke or do drugs, get enough sleep and stay out of the sun, just to name a few.
The most critical health concerns as you age are cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. Make sure you don't expose yourself to harmful chemicals such as asbestos and radiation. If you think you've been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life, you might need a mesothelioma prognosis early enough to rule out the condition.
Creating an exercise regime while young will enable you to continue it for the rest of your life. After retirement, exercise will help you combat loneliness, anxiety, and isolation. You'll also be more robust with better mobility.
Have Regular Medical Check-Ups
Most health problems, when detected early, are manageable and can be treated or prevented. Have regular medical checkups and screening tests for diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and high cholesterol. Also, have your teeth checked regularly to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. If you're concerned about certain conditions in your genealogy, get a genetic test.
Get Your Financial Life in Order Now
To have security in old age, make sure to have a stable income. Get a permanent job or business so that you don't need to worry about pensions or social security when retired. The sooner you get your financial life in order and start saving for retirement, the greater the peace of mind you'll have when you're old and retired.
As you will realize, it's not too late to start thinking about your retirement when 30 or 40 years old. Look at the financial options that are available to you and make a plan. Budget wisely, save for retirement, and get life insurance.
At this age, there are many retirement saving plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s. Maximize your contributions to these plans if you can afford to do so. Invest intelligently, allocate money to worthy long-term developments and stay disciplined.
Take Good Care of Your Family
Whether it's your spouse and children or parents and siblings, a family should always be a priority. If you're raising a young family, your relationship now, how you invest in your children, and the decisions you make will not only affect the kids but you too in your old age. If you want to be happy, surrounded by successful and responsible children and grandchildren, you need to look after your family now.
Remember that children learn from observing you. If you're responsible, hardworking, focused on family, loving, and kind, your children will likely replicate those qualities and do the same for their own families.
If you're irresponsible, spend most of your time at work, are not involved with family, or treat others poorly, you should not be surprised if your children grow up the same way. If your children love and adore the relationship you have, they'll keep the relationship strong as you age. You'll not end up lonely, sad, and regretful.
Build Strong Relationships
Friends and family are an essential part of your life and should always be a priority. Many changes happen in your relationships with friends and family members, such as children moving away to college or work as you get older.
Make the most of the time you're younger to stay in touch with everyone so that when you age, there will still be people who care and like spending time with you. You'll be less lonely, and your life will be more fulfilling.
There are many ways to stay in touch with family and friends: attend their games, recitals, or plays, call them on the phone and meet up regularly. Show your spouse that you still love and appreciate them setting the foundation of a strong relationship in your old age.
In conclusion, when young, take care of your health, get financial security in place and make sure to keep close ties with family and friends. You'll have a more comfortable, peaceful, and fulfilling life.