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If you retire at age 65 and live to age 85, you have a total of more than 1,040 weeks of retirement left. But not all these weeks are created equal.
Considering how our bodies age, only some of them may be truly healthy and enjoyable. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average lifespan of a “perfectly healthy” adult in the United States is only 63.9 years (1). This means that if you retire at age 65, your health may have deteriorated.
This statistic is a cruel reminder that your golden years may not be as great as you imagine. Thanks to the power of compound interest, your wealth and income can continue to grow in retirement, but your active years are limited by the natural aging process.
With that in mind, here are some ways you can adjust your retirement plans to optimize life in your early retirement years and make you more active and healthier.
When you’re living on a fixed income, every purchasing decision comes with an opportunity cost. Buying a car or luxury item may mean fewer vacations, concerts, or memorable occasions.
In other words, you have to choose between an object and an experience. There are many reasons to prioritize experiences when retiring early.
Scuba diving or a long road trip is more enjoyable when you’re in good health. As we age, many of these experiences will become increasingly out of reach.
Multiple studies show that spending on experiences may be more satisfying than acquiring material possessions (2). The pleasure of buying your dream car or luxury clothing may be short-lived, but the time spent on a European beach with your grandchildren can stay in your memory forever.
By budgeting ahead for vacations, family gatherings, and fun experiences, you can make the most of your most active years physically and mentally.
Choosing to prioritize experiences will certainly help you enjoy your golden years, but you still have bills to pay. Especially without a reliable source of income, burning through your savings can have devastating financial consequences later in your retirement.
That’s why budgeting for your retirement is crucial. Whether you want to take a luxury cruise or backpack across different countries, a financial advisor can help you set aside enough money to fulfill your desires.
They can also help you manage and invest your wealth effectively. Research from Vanguard found that those who worked with a financial advisor saw nearly a 3% increase in net returns compared to those who did not work with a financial advisor (3).
With Advisor.com, it’s now easier than ever to find a reliable financial advisor near you.
Their AI matching tool will connect you with a FINRA/SEC registered, vetted advisor who is best suited for your financial needs.
First, just answer a few simple questions about yourself and Advisor.com will comb its network and match you with an expert. Because their advisors are fiduciaries, they have a legal obligation to act in your best interests.
Have a free, no-obligation consultation with your partner to see if they’re a good fit for you.
Retirement should be a fun season—travel, new hobbies, and experiencing experiences you don’t have time for when work and schedules fill your life.
But whether you spend it on an adventure or finally treat yourself to something you’ve always wanted, it’s worth remembering: You’re withdrawing money from your savings now, and you may not have new income to replace it.
If you want to preserve your wealth rather than just spend it, consider investing a portion of your savings in precious metals, which tend to provide protection against inflation. Precious metals like gold and silver can also serve as a hedge against market fluctuations.
This became evident in 2025, as gold prices surged as investors flocked to the safe-haven asset amid continued market dislocation. In fact, gold has been one of the best-performing assets this year, gaining around 65% (4).
One way to invest in gold is through a gold IRA with the help of Hartford Gold Corporation of America.
A gold IRA allows investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets in a retirement account—combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainty.
To learn more, get your free 2026 Precious Metals Investing Information Guide.
Also receive up to $25,000 in free silver with qualifying purchases.
Read more: Nearing retirement but no savings? Don’t panic, you’re not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast)
Much of retirement planning focuses on minimizing costs, delaying gratification, and optimizing taxes.
This may help explain why investment firm Schroders found that one in 10 Americans is delaying retirement and waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security, when monthly payments are highest (5).
However, if you focus too much on maximizing your savings and investments, you risk sacrificing your earliest—and potentially most valuable—retirement.
Bill Perkins wrote in his book: “People who save often save too much in life before it is too late.” Zero Death: Get Everything from Your Money and Life.
“They are taking away their rights now just to take care of a much older future self – a future self that may never live to enjoy that money.”
Hedge fund manager Perkins believes that people should focus on optimizing life experience rather than wealth in their golden years. That’s not to say you should give up all your saving and investing habits during your busy years.
However, you can greatly improve your retirement by striking a harmonious balance between short-term enjoyment and long-term financial security.
Having an emergency fund is essential for retirement. Experts typically recommend having six to 12 months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund, just in case. Even if you choose an experience-oriented retirement plan, problems may arise, and having a safety net can help you handle those situations with ease.
Wealthfront Cash can help ensure your emergency fund keeps pace with inflation, offering up to 3.90% APR on your unused funds (3.25% base rate plus a 0.65% APR step-up for the first three months). That’s ten times the national savings rate of 0.39%, according to the FDIC’s December report(6).
No minimum balance or account fees, 24/7 withdrawals, and free domestic wire transfers—your funds are always available. In addition, the FDIC provides insurance through program banks for account balances up to $8 million.
To get started, just deposit $1 into your cash account and start building your savings.
While you can’t stop aging, you can prepare for it and possibly even slow it down.
For example, investing in a gym or personal trainer can extend your healthy retirement years.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that even a small amount of resistance training can reduce the risk of death from all causes by 15% (7).
Additionally, paying attention to and improving your diet, i.e. adhering to a Mediterranean diet, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients (8).
Additionally, you might also want to consider joining a senior-focused organization like AARP to get discounts on almost everything—from prescription drugs and dental plans to travel, entertainment, and insurance.
AARP not only provides money-saving benefits but also helps you make smart financial and health decisions. Members get guides to help you get the most out of Social Security, choose the right Medicare plan, and discover other government benefits—which could save you thousands of dollars over time.
Join AARP today and get 25% off your first year.
We rely only on vetted sources and reliable third-party reports. For more information, see our Editorial Ethics and Guidelines.
World Health Organization (WHO) (1); Scientific Guidance (2); Vanguard (3); Treasury (4); Schroeder (5); Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (6); National Library of Medicine (7, 8)
This article provides information only and should not be considered advice. It is provided without any warranty of any kind.
