I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about retirement is that it is a time to sit back and do nothing.  This is a very dangerous idea.  Let me tell you why.

One of the most important things we can do throughout our lives is move.  I’m not talking about extreme workouts at the gym — just doing something to get our bodies moving.  Get up out of the chair at least once an hour and just stretch or walk around a little.  Instead of spending break time glued the phone, go outside and get some fresh air.

The more we sit the more difficult and painful moving can become.  But then when we decide we are going to move, we tend to overdo so it becomes more difficult and painful to move making it less likely we will do it again.  Thus the cycle begins.

I am always shocked when I hear someone say “I walked enough when I was younger.  I don’t want to now.  I’m retired.”  Of course that is their choice, but it is a choice they will pay for with decreased mobility, increased pain and of course medical bills.

In addition to moving our bodies it is important to keep our minds active.  Talk to interesting people,  learn something new,  start a new career or a hobby, play games, volunteer in your community.

Begin building healthy habits early in life then don’t stop when you retire.  Don’t just sit there, do something!  It’s never too early and it’s never to late.