Consider, if you will, the following facts: -

- The British National Health Service is stretched to its limits with up to a million people on waiting lists at any one time. - Few other countries in the world offer any form of free medical treatment, if you are thinking of retiring abroad bear this in mind. - In retirement most people live on a fixed income which does not allow for exorbitant and ever increasing health care costs. - As we get older our bodies need more TLC and fine tuning, and age makes us more susceptible to ill health and increases average recovery and recuperation times.

These facts show why it is important to consider health care costs when it comes to retirement planning. And in considering health care costs and retirement, factor in increasing health insurance premiums if you have insurance.

Factor in health care costs if you are relocating abroad without insurance. Factor in the potential need for private treatment back home for serious conditions, and also consider the fact that you or your spouse may need long term, full time care later in life.

But dont panic!

At this point many people panic and decide to do nothing. (Guilty?) They can only see a potentially huge cost that they simply cant afford. But health insurance comes in many forms. Find a reputable company to advise you, get a second opinion and shop around! And while you may not be able to afford the platinum 5 star package you may still be able to afford a little peace of mind and an acceptable level of care should you need it.

The Emotional Aspect.

How come some people seem old at 40, while other people can exude youth, life and vitality that belies their age?

Presuming good health, I can only assume that mental attitude is at play here!

So how can we make sure were the ones full of beans in our 80s rather than the ones on tranquillisers in our 40s?

Learn to love life! Life knocks us all about sometimes - and at times weve probably all felt like weve gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. However take some time to consider the good things about your life. Make an effort to reflect upon the positive; enjoy lifes simple pleasures and create a balance that always leans towards the positive and not the negative.

Keep your mind active! Keep learning and developing throughout life. Never feel that youre too old to learn new skills - its simply not true that you cant teach old dogs new tricks!

Focus on positive emotions rather than negative ones! Negative emotions bring mental and physical disharmony and ill health. If you dwell on regrets, disappointments or resentment you will be weighed down with bitterness and miss out on life. People who can forgive and love will remain youthful simply because they will have anticipation and excitement in their lives. And if you dont love or feel loved youll quickly start to age and feel lonely.