Health-Your Most Valuable Asset.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with some younger clients several years ago now. They had plans to retire early and sail around the world, big dreams. Towards the end of our meeting, I made a passing comment that their biggest need was to be healthy enough to pull it all off. A few weeks later, he fell off his roof and narrowly missed a boulder that was part of their landscaping. He was fine, but confirmed that the first thing he thought about was my comment that his health was the most important piece of their plan.
Retirement is best enjoyed when you have the energy, strength, and clarity to live fully. Think of your health as your most valuable investment account.
We all know the things we ought to do to be and stay healthy, but it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. There are four questions I have used and found helpful to know what the best next step might be.
Start, Stop, More, Less
Regarding my health, what should I start doing that I’m not already doing now?
- Lifting some weights, planning meals, learn a new hobby that keeps me active
Regarding my health, what should I stop doing that I’m already doing now?
- Eating late at night, putting off medical check-ups, that activity that keeps me sedentary for too long
Regarding my health, what should I do more of that I’m already doing now?
- Drinking more water, going on more walks, spending more time outdoors
Regarding my health, what should I do less of that I’m already doing now?
- Curbing that overindulgence, less screen time (phone and tv), sitting for long periods of time
But Landon, don’t you know that aging is hard?! Of course I do, and I consider it a privilege to walk down this road with each of you. Evaluating your health is important at every age. As seasons of life change, so do our priorities for staying healthy. As we get older, seeing the right physicians becomes more important, and making decisions about housing, exercise and social networks are increasingly valuable. This is why we serve ourselves well by stopping and asking what we might start or stop and what we might do more of less of going forward.
If we boiled it down, we might all agree that no matter our age, knowing how to best stay active, keep up with preventative care and prioritize nutrition, sleep, and social connection would serve us all well and help us enjoy our days to the fullest!
Any opinions are those of Landon Vick and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete; it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and it does not constitute a recommendation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decisions.
