We all have big plans for retirement. Whether you’re anticipating a trip around the world or more time with your grandchildren, retirement can be exciting. But if joint pain is holding you back from your dreams, it’s time to do something. Try these joint-friendly exercises. They just might become your new favorite hobby and can improve your joint health to help you achieve your retirement dreams. GOLF Consider this permission to hit the links more often. Golf is great for those who want to improve their balance, cardiovascular health, and strength. When your body is stronger, balanced, and limber, your joints reap those benefits. Plus, the walking, full-body swings, and low- impact movements of golf can cause less damage to the joints than other activities. Protect your joints by stretching properly before and after you play and take breaks as needed. If you experience pain, adapt your swing to a healthier position to limit the strain. WATER SPORTS Water relieves the pressure that gravity puts on your joints, so forceful exercises like squats, arm rotations, and even walking become less strenuous when done underwater, but they’re just as beneficial. You can start by water walking, which involves walking in waist-high to chest-high water. Slowly adapt to add squats, arm rotations, and even swimming or water aerobics. Your body will get stronger, your joints will move in a healthy way, and you’ll feel more capable of doing the activities you love. Plus, what could feel better on a hot North Carolina day than a dip in the pool? BIRD-WATCHING If you are a nature lover, use retirement to observe some of our greatest creatures in the wild. Bird-watching is not only a fun hobby, but it can also be extremely beneficial for conservation. The Audubon Society relies on bird counts and observations for research and ecosystem maintenance. And because of the walking involved in catching a glimpse of feathered beauties, bird-watching can be great for your joints, too. Like walking during golf or in water, your joints move in a healthy, low-impact way, which can strengthen them and ease the pain. So, whatever you do while walking, the best decision you can make for your joints is to move! WITH THESE JOINT-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR RETIREMENT GET MOVING
WEEKNIGHT CURRIED APPLE PORK CHOPS
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by The Primal Desire
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or ghee • 1 cup onion, diced • 1 tbsp garlic, crushed • 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 cup water or apple juice
• 2 tbsp hot curry powder • 3 cups diced apples (peeled or not, your choice!) • 6 pork chops • Cilantro, roughly chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt coconut oil or ghee. 3. Add onions, garlic, ginger, and salt. Sauté for 10 minutes or until onions are soft and mixture is fragrant. 4. Mix in water or apple juice and curry powder. Then add apples, ensuring they get coated in sauce. 5. In an oven-safe dish, arrange pork chops, cover with sauce and apple mixture, and cook for 20 minutes (if using bone-in chops, cook for an additional 10 minutes) or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. 6. Garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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