If you're inactive, you'll likely spend more money on health care.* But, if you hurt yourself while exercising or playing sports, that can cost you money as well. So what's a body to do? The key, as always, is to take the middle of the road.

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Even if you think you're in good shape, age has a sneaky way of taking its toll on your body without your permission.

Among baby boomers, sports injuries have increased so much in recent years that they're called "boomeritis." Over the past 10 years, medically-treated sports-related injuries in aging boomers have increased 18 percent.**

Sports injuries add insult to injury by costing you money, too. Out-of-pocket costs for injured backs or knees, casts, metal pins, and rehabilitation can fracture your household budget.

Some injuries can mean months and years of expenses. For example, a broken wrist means immediate medical attention and may require surgery and physical therapy down the road.


So should you just sit and avoid exercise? Of course not. Years of inactivity can lead to serious and costly health problems. One study reported that adults 50 or older who increased their physical activity to 90 minutes a week reduced their annual medical costs by $2,200.*

Adults 50 or older who increased their physical activity to 90 minutes a week reduced their annual medical costs by $2,200.*

No matter how old or young you are, it's always a good idea to ease into a new sport. Consider participating in a sport that doesn't push your body to its limits. For example, swimming, walking, hiking, and low-impact aerobics generally allow you to set your own pace and still get a vigorous work-out. Volleyball and similar team sports give you the benefits of exercise without your having to do all the work. However, rugby and football - well, these might be more strenuous.


Ever pull on a cold rubber band and watch it break? Your muscles can tear the same way if they're not warmed up before exercising. Always warm up before stretching or exercising, because warm muscles stretch more easily than cold ones.

Stretching improves flexibility but doesn't prevent injuries, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On the other hand, research shows that a warm-up can help prevent injuries.


Warm-ups work the larger muscle groups, while stretching lengthens tissues and improve flexibility. A good way to warm up is to walk while gently pumping your arms or do a favorite exercise, like riding a bike, at low intensity for 5-10 minutes.

Stretching improves circulation, relaxes tight muscles, and helps you maintain full range of motion in your joints. So it's a good way to "cool down." Follow your warm-up or work-out with stretches. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds, and up to a minute for a very tight muscle or problem area.


Stay active! To reduce your chances of injury - and your costs for medical care - plan, prepare, and participate sensibly in sports and exercises.