While you’re planning your new lifestyle, be sure to consider your health. Start by thinking about your exercise routine. Don’t have one? Design one that’s right for you! Moderate exercise is necessary to help maintain your health. While you were working, the demands of your job may have helped to keep you physically fit. If you had a regular exercise routine, your work schedule probably helped keep you on track. Now those sources of motivation are gone, and you may need to find a way to make sure you don’t become a "couch potato."

Just as important is your diet. Again, your three square meals a day may have revolved around your work schedule. With a relaxed schedule, you may find your eating habits relaxing a little, too. Just being aware that this can happen may help you avoid it. Make a point of eating right by taking time to prepare healthful and nutritious meals. Remember to include the recommended daily allowance of fruits, vegetables and grains in your diet.
Before you retire, get a thorough checkup from your doctor. Have your eyes examined and your teeth cleaned and checked, too. Scheduling these visits while you’re still employed allows you to take advantage of your health insurance. After you retire, you may have less coverage. If you have to get new or supplemental health insurance, your rates and coverage will be affected by your current health situation.

Another important thing to do before you retire (and certainly before you reach age 65) is to check on your Medicare eligibility. Call 1-800-SSA-1213 (1-800-772-1213) to get a copy of form SSA7004, which requests information on what Social Security records show about your eligibility. If you don’t sign up for Medicare when you’re first eligible for coverage—at age 65—you have to pay a higher premium for Part B coverage (which covers charges from doctors, surgeons and outpatient providers and also medical supplies). Likewise, if you don’t have enough Social Security credits, you will not get premium-free Part A coverage. There is an enrollment period during the year you turn 65. Check with your local Social Security office for more information and for a copy of the Medicare Handbook or visit www.cms.hhs.gov.

Think of the long term, too. Your health is likely to change over time, and there are a variety of illnesses you’re more prone to with age. So, don’t forgo regular preventive health visits, particularly for blood pressure and cholesterol level checks. Talk to your doctor about your family’s health history and the likelihood that you’ll develop a problem. Ask about the symptoms you should watch out for, and, of course, get medical help whenever necessary.

Also, take a close look at your insurance situation and decide whether you need extra insurance. Choosing a supplemental health policy can be complicated. Do your homework, shop around and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into a quick decision. Long-term care insurance is sold by insurance companies to help pay for nursing home or home-health care expenses. Most states have a counseling program on senior health insurance issues with trained volunteers available to help older adults and their families with questions.