Tips from people who live longer (and healthier) lives
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What does it really mean to age well? Do you just need to eat healthy foods and stay active? Those things matter, but they’re only part of the picture. Here are three common challenges people face as they age, and some tips to help you navigate them.
Key takeaways
- Understand how chronic stress can affect your health over time and explore practical ways to reduce financial and emotional stress before and during retirement.
- Learn why strong social connections may be just as important as physical health when it comes to aging well.
- Explore ways to build a sense of purpose beyond work and family roles, and why having meaningful goals can support a higher quality of life.
- See how small lifestyle changes today can help you maintain independence, resilience, and fulfillment as you get older.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our editors.
One of the world’s longest studies of adult life, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, found that meaningful social connections may matter more to long-term health and happiness than diet and exercise. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s healthy aging report had similar findings. In its focus groups, Canadians associated healthy aging with independence, strong support systems, and opportunities to do things that feel meaningful to them and their community.
You can’t control every part of getting older, but we’ll explore some habits (backed by research) that you can control to feel better prepared for the future.
Challenge #1: Chronic stress can put your health at risk
Almost half of Canadians say they’ve lost sleep due to financial worries. For many, money can be the greatest source of stress, even more than work, health, or relationships.
The good news is that you can get help with financial stress by speaking with an advisor. Our internal data showcases that Canadians with a financial advisor are 51% less likely to worry about upcoming financial difficulties. You could also use our tools and calculators to better understand your financial goals and how to achieve them. Both approaches can help reduce the uncertainty or insecurity you may feel about having enough money for your long- and short-term goals.
Challenge #2: Loneliness can decrease a person’s quality of life
Social isolation and loneliness are recognized as public health issues, and they’re increasingly affecting seniors, with 41% of Canadians aged 50 and over at risk of social isolation.
Being part of a community is essential for your physical and mental health, and for many people, the workplace plays a big role in fostering community and meaningful connections. It’s a place to chat with colleagues and build friendships, so take time to consider how you’ll continue to cultivate that sense of community in retirement.
Will you see your friends and family more often? Help with the grandkids? Volunteer or start a hobby? Make new friends?
The rise of multigenerational households in recent years is one example of families cultivating a closer sense of community. This is partly a response to affordability issues, but it also brings families together, which could encourage a stronger sense of belonging.
Challenge #3: Identity is usually tied to family and work, so what happens to your identity when your kids move out and you retire?
Purpose can come from many different places, and in the research on healthy aging, it’s closely associated with a higher quality of life. One way you could develop a stronger sense of purpose beyond work is by trying something called ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese word that roughly translates as 'purpose', and the way to find yours is to ask yourself: What am I good at? What do I love doing? What does the world need more of? And if you’re looking to keep earning in retirement, you can also include: What can I get paid for? When you find an activity that captures all of these ideas, that's your ikigai.
We have resources on our Retirement Redefined page that can inspire you to explore this concept further by identifying what you want to focus on in retirement, and how much money you’ll need to fund the type of lifestyle that will bring you a strong sense of purpose in the long run.
It’s never too late to plan for a better future
When planning for your future, the most important thing to take away is that it’s never too late to build habits that support a longer, healthier life. By cultivating strong social connections, building a strong sense of purpose, and integrating a daily stress relief practice into your life, you’ll establish a solid foundation to carry into retirement. And you’ll be able to prove to yourself and to your community that living longer can also mean living better.
FAQ
Stress can affect health over time, especially when it becomes ongoing or difficult to manage. Chronic stress may contribute to poor sleep, unhealthy habits, lower emotional well-being, and a higher risk of certain health concerns. In retirement, reducing financial uncertainty, building routines, staying socially connected, and seeking support when needed can all help manage stress.
Intergenerational living can help people of different ages share support, connection, and everyday responsibilities. For retirees, this may mean more social interaction, stronger family ties, shared caregiving, and a greater sense of belonging. It can also help families plan for housing, costs, caregiving needs, and support systems in a more connected way.
Friendships and social connections can support healthy aging by helping people feel engaged, supported, and less isolated. Strong social ties may encourage healthier routines, provide emotional support during change, and make retirement feel more fulfilling.
The commentary in this publication is for general information only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice to any party. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals to ensure that any action taken with respect to this information is appropriate to their specific situation.
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