Your health is an important retirement asset: four tips for healthy aging

Why health is an important retirement asset

Health is one of your most valuable retirement assets—it affects how long you live, how well you live, how independent you can be, and how much you’ll spend on healthcare. Taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health can help you stay active, manage your healthcare costs, and help lower the risk of more serious health issues. And the sooner you start taking control, the better.

The charts below highlight how health compares with traditional financial assets and how healthy habits can support better retirement outcomes.

Comparing financial and health assets in retirement

The examples below show how financial and health assets work side by side to support life in retirement.

How good health supports better well-being in retirement

Four practical tips to include health in retirement planning

Healthy aging isn’t about being perfect or making big, dramatic changes. It’s about making small, steady choices that you can stick with over time.

1 Set health goals alongside financial goals 

You can start by setting a few simple health goals, such as moving your body most days, eating more vegetables, and keeping a regular sleep schedule. Make them attainable and sustainable, then build on them over time.

2 Use the benefits and programs offered by your company

Many employers offer tools that support healthy aging, including mental health resources, fitness discounts, sleep or stress management programs, financial incentives, nutrition support, or caregiving resources. Treat these offerings as part of your retirement tool kit—they can help you build and maintain the health you’ll need later.

3 Make prevention part of your routine

Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations are an important way to protect your future health. Seeing your doctor routinely can help catch problems early and give you more confidence in your health plan. And your everyday choices—how you move, eat, sleep, and handle stress—also play a big role in how well you’ll feel in retirement.

4 Invest in your cognitive and emotional health  

Your mind and social life play critical roles in a healthy retirement. When people’s social circles get smaller, they feel almost 80% less likely to stay healthy and 19% more likely to feel depressed in retirement. Activities such as learning new skills, taking classes, reading, and enjoying hobbies that challenge you can help keep your brain sharp. Spending time on relationships and activities that make you happy and keep you connected supports your emotional well-being and resilience over the long term.

Daily health deposits: a simple way to build a healthy retirement lifestyle 

Just like regular contributions can help your retirement savings grow over time, taking care of your health is an investment in your future. Every walk, healthy meal, good night’s sleep, and preventive visit is like a small deposit in your health account. That’s why consistency matters. A single healthy choice may not seem like much, but when those choices become part of your everyday routine, they can add up over time. When you give your health the same steady attention you give your savings, you're not just preparing for a longer life, you're helping yourself feel your best and enjoy more of what retirement has to offer.

FAQs

Why is health important in retirement?

Good health is one of your most valuable retirement assets. It affects how long you live, how well you live, how independent you can be, and what you’ll spend on healthcare. When you take care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health, you’re more likely to stay active, enjoy daily life, and reduce the risk of serious health issues that can limit your independence.

How does poor health affect retirement savings?

Poor health can increase your healthcare costs and reduce your ability to work or stay active, which can strain your retirement savings. More frequent doctor visits, medications, and hospital stays can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses and less money available for other goals. If health issues force you to retire earlier than planned, you may have fewer years to save and more years to draw from your savings. By investing in your health now, you can help protect both your quality of life and your financial resources in retirement.

What are the best healthy habits for retirement?

Healthy habits you can start doing now to help improve your health in retirement include:

• Move your body regularly (walking, stretching, or other exercise)
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole foods
• Keep a consistent sleep schedule and aim for quality rest
• Make preventive care—check-ups, screenings, vaccinations—part of your routine
• Manage stress through tools like mindfulness, relaxation, or counseling
• Stay socially engaged with friends, family, and community activities
• Keep your mind active with learning, hobbies, or classes

How can you prepare for healthcare costs in retirement?

One of the best ways to prepare for future healthcare costs is to focus on prevention now and have a plan for the bills you might face later. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can help catch problems early and may save money over time. It also helps to set aside some savings for health needs, understand what your insurance covers, and use any wellness programs or benefits your employer offers. The healthier you are when you retire, the easier it may be to manage healthcare costs and avoid some of the biggest expenses.

What's the connection between longevity and retirement planning?

Longevity planning means preparing not just to live longer, but to live well over a longer life. As people live more years in retirement, health, emotional well-being, and social connection become just as important as money. Good health habits and strong social ties can help you stay independent and make better decisions over time, which supports your financial plan. Thinking about your health, lifestyle, and support systems alongside your savings helps you create a retirement strategy that works for a longer, more active life.