How to reduce your health costs and stay fit when you are over fifty

One of the best ways to save money for the over 50s is to get and stay fit. Your health costs can fall. As wellbeing increases maybe you’ll be less distracted by frivolous purchases.

Fitter people tend to make healthier food choices which can cost less than processed food. You can even sleep longer and deeper meaning less time for shopping. Sex is also said to improve.

A survey out this week from the BT Financial Health Index even suggested a direct correlation between better financial and physical fitness regardless of income.

As I see it there’s only one downside to being fitter. You may actually live longer, be more social and travel further which may all end up costing a bit more.

But seriously being more fit, regardless of your starting point is about much more than mere sex and money. It can become an enjoyable, and in the best sense of the word, a profitable way of life.

There are many experts, some listed below, with good advice on what to do and the sizable pay-offs for the over 50s. They include stronger bones, better digestion and brighter minds.

Naturally there is a checklist older Australians should consider before leaping into any exertion regarding not over doing it, hydration. See more here http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/ten_tips_to_exercise_safely?open

However it’s fair to say the risks of not doing anything active far outweigh the risks of falls, strains or worse if you follow commonness guidance which may include a visit to the GP

While there are many offerings on the market from Michelle Bridges to gyms and personal trainers you do not have to buy anything very much. You just have to start. Don’t be waylaid by excuses.

Lack of time is a favourite. But surely over 50s should of all groups have the incentive of longer, healthier retirements to invest a little time and effort?

My sole advice as a non-expert, but one who believes I have benefited no end from being fitter is to park any excuses and, after the initial hump, see how much better you feel.

It may be walking, swimming or cycling, you just have to move. The medical advice is at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise five days a week. It’s not about competing but partaking

After many years as a jogger, who slowly meandered up hill and down dale, six months ago I became a runner at the age of 57.

I joined a four-week running class at the local community college at very reasonable cost and found a coach, some technique and above all a group who regularly share running.

They range from some athletic youngsters to some admirable seventy-year-olds and a few who very happily amble along at their own pace. The only requirement is to take part. Speed is optional.

Since then I have competed my first half-marathon and look forward to new challenges. There are sticks and carrots. The main incentive is feeling terrific with more energy and optimism.

The stick was the somewhat premature death of my father from a sudden heart attack. Maybe exercise might have killed him too but the longevity statistics are on the side of movement.

On August 9 in Sydney I’ll be running the 14km City2Surf. Like similar but smaller fun runs in other cities it’s a festival of locomotion the very real need of humans, as you can see with any one year-old, to get up, walk and even run.

The FiftyUp Club will have its own City2Surf tent and will be handing out well-earned sausage sambos and prizes to any of you who make the run or walk to Bondi. I’ll be there at the tent catching my breath and sharing my experience of the biggest fun run in the world.