Add good health to your retirement plan This content is categorized as: Plan for retirement Studies suggest that leaving the working world behind can trigger major health shifts for some retirees—boosting the risk of heart disease and other medical conditions by a whopping 40 percent or more. But (thankfully) that’s not the whole story. Other retirees experience a burst of physical and mental energy, say European scientists who kept tabs on 14,104 women and men in the years before and after retirement. What might make the difference: People who plan their retirement are less likely to feel depressed or have difficulty adjusting to this new stage, according to research. Steps to consider when mapping out your healthy second act: Re-create your social network. You’ll miss the easy camaraderie around the office water cooler. So plan to replace it by spending more time with family, friends, and neighbors. Build social connections by getting more involved with your house of worship, clubs, or community activities. Social isolation can raise your risk of depression and other health conditions, researchers point out. But staying socially connected cut the risk of cognitive
