Beyond diet and exercise, where you reside can significantly influence your health and lifespan. When discussing retirement plans or lifestyle enhancements with clients, it's essential to consider their location as a crucial factor.
Moving is a significant financial decision, but other factors also go into it, especially if improving health and longevity is a concern. Here's an overview of factors to consider and cities that may help your clients meet their lifestyle goals while staying on track financially.
Environmental factors that impact longevity
When thinking about living longer, your clients may have exercise and diet top of mind. But where they live can also play a big role in their overall well-being.
So, as you discuss this topic with clients, here are some key factors to consider when picking a new city.
Access to health care — Access to health care is essential, especially for preventative screenings. Encourage clients to also consider the availability of care that focuses specifically on men's health and women's health needs when choosing a location to retire.
Opportunities for exercise — Activity is critical to longevity. Clients should look for cities with ample parks or hiking trails, well-defined bike lanes, and plenty of affordable exercise programs to help them stay active.
Availability of healthy food — What your clients eat can significantly affect overall health and longevity. When choosing a place to retire, clients should consider availability of food items such as fresh produce.
Sleep quality — Noise pollution has been shown to negatively impact health, ranging from loss of sleep and productivity to higher blood pressure. Retirees looking to relocate may want to focus on quieter locales.
Opportunities to socialize — Research indicates socialization is linked to longevity. Finding cities with plenty of activities and opportunities to socialize is another factor for clients to consider.
Stress levels — Stress can severely impact health and well-being. Living in high-stress environments can take its toll. In addition to wanting to reduce financial stress in retirement, clients may want to look for a place that provides a relaxing setting to spend their nonworking years. Of course, what may motivate your clients to move depends on their specific health and wellness goals and their finances. As living costs rise, those factors must also play a role in finding the best fit between longevity and your client's long-term financial goals.
7 Places great for longevity based on health and wellness factors
There is no magic region to live in that can dramatically improve a client's longevity. However, plenty of places across the country combine some of those key factors for well-being, like access to outdoor spaces and socialization, lower stress, and generally healthier paces of life. Here are some metropolitan regions to discuss with clients when considering moving:
Denver, Colorado — Denver is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails around the city. It also has low rates of obesity and Alzheimer's, with good hospitals in the region.
Burlington, Vermont — This college town in the Green Mountains provides plenty of recreation opportunities with low stress and noise pollution. Plus, local farms offer healthy food options.
Durham-Chapel Hill area, North Carolina — The Research Triangle, as this area is known, is home to prominent colleges, research facilities, and health centers providing plenty of activities and healthcare. Plus, the milder winters may be attractive to older clients.
Des Moines, Iowa — Des Moines has below average cost of living and many senior healthcare centers. As the capital of Iowa, it's home to local colleges and opportunities to enjoy social activities.
San Diego, California — There's something to living the Southern California lifestyle, and this city has low rates of depression, obesity, and diabetes. The mild climate also helps ensure there are activities to enjoy year-round.
Austin, Texas — Austin has seen a large population growth over the years, bringing a new community to the area. Home to the University of Texas and many local walking, hiking, and biking trails, it provides recreation and socialization opportunities.
Twin Cities area, Minnesota — If your clients don't mind cold, the Twin Cities provide opportunities for enjoying arts, sports, and community activities. It's also near renowned hospitals and university research centers.
Help your clients meet their needs
Start the conversation and see if longevity is something important to your clients. It helps show you're in tune with their needs and are ready to listen — great ways to build trust with clients. You have the tools to help them find the right fit for their needs and financial situation.
Learn more about how you can help your clients be happier and healthier.
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