Ep # 138 - Move More, Live Better: Confidence, Consistency & Commitment with Esther Avant
Joe chats with guest Esther Avant, a health industry expert, who emphasizes the critical role of prioritizing health for a fulfilling retirement. Esther highlights actionable strategies to kickstart a healthy lifestyle, regardless of where someone stands in their health journey. The episode explores the misconceptions about aging and health, practical steps for incorporating physical activity and wellness routines, and the importance of nutrition and sleep. This conversation underscores how consistent, small efforts contribute significantly to long-term well-being.
Key Takeaways
• Prioritizing health is crucial for achieving both personal and professional goals, particularly in retirement.
• Small, consistent actions lead to significant long-term health benefits, similar to saving for retirement financially.
• Incorporating routine and social engagement into retirement can enhance mental health and overall well being.
• It's never too late to begin a health journey, and success stories abound from those who started later in life.
• Understanding and accepting the non-linear nature of health and fitness journeys foster greater success and fulfillment.
Ideas Worth Sharing
• "Our health is the backbone, the foundation of achieving any of our goals." - Esther Avant
• "It's not too late. You can change things starting now." - Esther Avant
• "We have such high hopes for retirement, but our bodies need to be capable of doing those things we've been dreaming of." - Esther Avant
• "The more you teach yourself to be someone who tries new things, the easier it's going to be to continue as you get older." - Esther Avant
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
· Esther Avant's Book: To Your Health
o Learn how to use health as a foundation for achieving lasting success.
· Esther Avant's Podcast: To Your Health
o Covers topics on exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset.
· Esther Avant’s Coaching & Website
o Client-focused coaching to help you reach your health and fitness goals.
o 🌐 Visit Esther Avant’s Website
o 💪 Check Out Made for Me Coaching
· Hal Hershfield on Future Self and Retirement Planning
o Joe previously interviewed Hal Hershfield, author of Your Future Self, on how to bridge the gap between present and future goals.
o 🎙️ Listen to Joe's Interview with Dr. Hal Hershfield
o 📖 Buy Your Future Self by Dr. Hal Hershfield
Why Health Is Your Most Valuable Retirement Asset: Insights from Expert Esther Avant
When planning for retirement, we often focus on financial readiness—but what about health? As health expert Esther Avant points out, "70% of retirees in excellent health report being satisfied with their retirement compared to only 28% of retirees in poor health." This stark difference highlights why your physical wellbeing might be your most valuable retirement asset.
The Foundation of a Fulfilling Retirement
On a recent episode of "Your Retirement Planning Simplified," Avant shared powerful insights about the connection between health and retirement satisfaction. "Our health is the backbone, the foundation of achieving any of our goals," she explained. While many spend decades climbing the corporate ladder at the expense of their wellbeing, this neglect often "comes back to bite them" just when they should be enjoying retirement.
The truth is that all those travel plans, outdoor activities, and quality time with grandchildren require a body capable of keeping up. Without good health, even the most financially secure retirement can fall short of expectations.
Breaking Health Misconceptions About Aging
One of the most damaging beliefs is that declining health is inevitable with age. Avant challenges this mindset: "We just kind of have this belief that some things are inevitable as we get older... It just doesn't need to be true."
She points to countless examples of people thriving in their 60s, 70s, and beyond—including a 99-year-old who set running records after taking up the sport at 75. These stories demonstrate that aging and thriving aren't mutually exclusive concepts.
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
If you haven't prioritized health throughout your career, it's not too late. The key is starting small:
· Take a 10-minute daily walk
· Do five squats before sitting down
· Add one new vegetable to your meals
· Reduce soda consumption
· Practice basic strength training
"The reality is, if you want the changes to stick and you want to still be enjoying your life in the meantime, it's the slow burn," Avant advises. These small habits compound over time, creating significant improvements in both physical and mental well-being.
Creating Structure in Retirement
Without the framework of a workday, many retirees struggle with maintaining healthy routines. Avant recommends establishing some parameters:
· Set a consistent wake-up time
· Begin each day with movement
· Create anchoring rituals like regular breakfast options
· Schedule social activities that combine physical activity
These structures help prevent the directionless feeling many experience when transitioning from highly structured working lives to complete freedom.
Health Beyond Exercise
While movement is crucial, Avant emphasizes that health encompasses multiple dimensions:
· Nutrition: Prioritize protein for muscle maintenance and fiber for overall health
· Sleep: Essential for energy, cognitive function, and controlling cravings
· Stress management: Chronic stress can significantly impact physical health
· Social connections: Loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking
Start Today, Not Tomorrow
"It's not too late," Avant emphasizes. "No matter where you are now or how far you feel like you've come from where you want to be... The absolute best thing you can do is just start now."
By treating your health with the same intentionality as your finances, you're investing in the quality of your retirement years—ensuring you have both the means and the ability to enjoy this rewarding phase of life.