Retirement can bring a welcome change of pace with a more relaxed rhythm of life. But without structured days, an inconsistent schedule can make it easy to let healthy activities — that were once routine — disappear.
With a little planning and intention, you can build habits to support your health in retirement. Consider these four tips for retirees.
Research shows that physical activity has numerous health benefits in older adults. Walking, for example, has been shown to:1
Physical fitness can support older adults in independent living by improving strength, balance and mobility.2 This can help make daily tasks easier, such as household chores, getting in and out of bed or preparing meals.3
In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, it can also positively affect your mood by releasing feel-good endorphins, which can increase feelings of happiness and reduce feelings of pain.4
Need help staying motivated? Ask a friend to join you! Or sign up for a class or club for activities you enjoy, such as pickleball.
Before starting a new exercise routine, consider talking with your health care provider about activities that are safe and appropriate for you.
What you eat can affect your energy, mood and sleep quality. That’s why it’s important to fuel your body with healthy nutrients throughout the day.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider four tips to eat healthy on a budget:
Preventive care can help identify conditions early with regular checkups and screenings. Taking a proactive approach to your health can increase the likelihood of early treatment and better outcomes. Learn more about the importance of preventive care.
When taking prescription medications, follow instructions prescribed by your health care provider or pharmacist. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about dosage amounts, frequency or potential side effects. Also, give your doctor and pharmacist a list of medications you’re taking. Need help affording medications? Find real ways to save money on prescriptions.
The working years often provide built-in social interaction with colleagues. When work ends and retirement begins, staying connected may require more intentionality, but even small touchpoints can help you build meaningful relationships and maintain a sense of community.
Social interaction can help increase longevity, reduce stress, improve overall physical and emotional health and lead to a greater quality of life!6
Consider these ways to stay connected:
Our vision is that every servant of Christ finishes well, including staying healthy in your retirement years so you can continue serving the Lord. Explore more health and wellness articles for practical tips to help you feel your best. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice, or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
1PMC.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643563
2CDC.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/older-adults.html
3NIA.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity
4MayoClinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
5Heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-can-i-eat-more-nutrient-dense-foods
6CDC.gov/still-going-strong/older-adults/index.html
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• Nov 2, 2026 