how to set yourself up for a healthier retirement
retirement is a new chapter filled with opportunity, but financial and health-related concerns can get in the way
published apr 17, 2025
last updated sep 23, 2025
5 minute read
5 minute read
taking a proactive approach to your health can help you live the life you want in retirement. getty
this story is advertised by
greenshield
this story was provided by a client for commercial purposes.
approximately three million households in canada are set to retire over the next decade. for canadians approaching this milestone, freedom from work-related stress is the number one benefit they look forward to, according to a new independent survey from greenshield, the country’s only national non-profit health and benefits provider.
also high on the list of anticipated perks are the chance to travel, dive into hobbies and spend more quality time with family. in short, retirement is a time for finally living life on your own terms.
however, the end of a long career can spark new worries, too. finances are the top concern for those entering retirement, with health-related issues following closely behind. almost 60 per cent of retirees say they worry more about health care since leaving the workforce, citing system declines, rising costs and the absence of employer benefits.
“as you enter your 60s and beyond, prioritizing health becomes increasingly essential — it’s what sets the foundation for your long-term ability to live the life you want,” says jp girard, executive vice president and head of greenshield insurance. “but many retirees are seeking more support to navigate their health-care options.”
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here are four of the top health-related concerns for retired canadians, and how choosing the right personal health plan can help retirees thrive.
1. maintaining long-term health
the challenge: in many cases, retirement means less structure and fewer set demands on your time. this sense of freedom can be exhilarating, but new routines might be in order to ensure long-term health.
a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet choices increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other preventable health complications that not only affect quality of life but can also lead to significant medical expenses.
where to start: the good news is, 78 per cent of canadian retirees say retirement has given them more time to look after their health, according to greenshield’s survey. incorporating daily movement — whether through walking, swimming or community fitness programs — is a great place to start as it helps to prevent mobility issues and chronic conditions later in life.
“taking a proactive approach to your health can shape your well-being for decades to come,” says joe blomeley, executive vice-president and head of greenshield health. “at greenshield, we’re committed to improving the health of all canadians. our goal is to make it easier for canadians to start building a strong foundation for long-term health by offering convenient access to personalized nutrition programs, fitness coaching and holistic well-being offerings for every age.”
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2. staying mentally healthy and engaged
the challenge: retirement is a new chapter — one filled with opportunity, but also unexpected emotional shifts. the transition can bring feelings of boredom, loss of purpose, and ultimately: the post-retirement blues.
without the built-in structure of the workplace, some retirees struggle to find fulfillment. that’s why prioritizing your mental health when entering this new life phase is so important.
where to start: commit to regular social activity, whether it’s spending more time with family, joining a community group or participating in activities like book clubs or fitness classes. consider volunteering, which not only helps older adults stay connected to their communities but has also been shown to boost feelings of self-worth and value.
therapy is another way to get the guidance needed to navigate this transition with confidence. “contrary to popular belief, retirement often comes with a host of emotional challenges as we leave behind old routines, relationships and life chapters,” says blomeley.
“you don’t have to navigate this chapter alone. with greenshield, you can access therapists trained to help you navigate new life phases, manage health issues or process feelings of loss without leaving the comfort of home.”
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3. maintaining financial health
the challenge: loss of income is the top concern for canadian retirees and 53 per cent worry about managing their money to ensure it lasts through their retirement. left unaddressed, money stress can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health.
where to start: the best way to avoid financial surprises is to plan ahead. “solid financial planning can significantly ease anxiety and boost overall well-being,” says girard. “with greenshield+, members can quickly and easily check their coverage and get support for maximizing their benefits, making it easier to plan for their financial future and most importantly, their health.”
4. navigating health support
the challenge: navigating care can often feel like a maze: endless paperwork, confusing insurance policies and the stress of coordinating multiple providers. the frustration of managing care shouldn’t stand in the way of your well-being. that’s why having a simplified, guided approach to health care is more important than ever.
with smarter, more streamlined solutions, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on what truly matters: your health. when care is easier to access and understand, peace of mind comes naturally.
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where to start: when seeking health-care or insurance plans, prioritize digital solutions that make accessing health care and benefits simple. “as we age, it’s natural to experience more health issues – but long wait times and confusing insurance policies can create unnecessary barriers to care,” says girard.
“by choosing a seamless virtual health solution that combines coverage and care, retirees can quickly access the support they need to get back to fully enjoying their retirement.”
coverage and care, built around you
health coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. with greenshield’s personal health plans, retired canadians can focus on what matters most knowing their greatest asset, their health, is protected.
our first-of-its-kind digital health and benefits platform provides simple access to insurance as well as health services, including telemedicine, mental health, pharmacy and chronic disease management — all in one place.
here are just a few of the benefits:
- better access: easily connect with a variety of health-care professionals without long wait times.
- better convenience: leverage services anywhere, anytime with effortless digital capabilities and seamless reimbursement of benefits.
- better integration: get personalized care and easier navigation, with services that increasingly talk to each other and to your benefits plan.
- better health outcomes: through preventative care, treatment and data-driven insights, get personalized support that improves health outcomes and lowers your overall health costs. as champions of better health for all, greenshield guarantees coverage on most plans even if you have a pre-existing health condition.
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this story was provided by greenshield for commercial purposes.
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