Some adults may have to make changes for a healthy retirement

Most people know that one of the building blocks for healthy aging is staying active, but despite the fact that this is common knowledge, some adults may not be doing all they can to maintain their well-being. Experts say that many baby boomers can do more to make sure they stay healthy as they age, the Observer-Dispatch reports.

Marvin Jones realized he needed to make some lifestyle changes when he had a heart attack at 54. After a series of smart choices including better eating habits and regular exercise, Jones lost 60 pounds in just one year and has found himself in much better shape than he was before the heart attack.

"I haven't been in this good shape in probably 20 years," Jones told the newspaper. "Once I changed, it's very easy to stay with it. I mean, now it's part of my lifestyle."

His changes were not anything too drastic, either. Instead of going out for fast food with his coworkers, Jones began eating salads instead. Furthermore, he makes a point to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day while also going to the gym several times a week.

Of course, diet and exercise are just two of the components to living a healthy lifestyle. A considerable amount of people eschew regular doctor checkups for many common ailments that impact older adults. In fact, a recent Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield survey of adults in upstate New York found that just 31 percent of men between 60 and 65 have been screened for colon cancer in the past year and only 15.3 percent of adults in the same region reported getting enough physical activity.

If you're looking to make a few changes to your lifestyle to ensure a healthy retirement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a few guidelines. Most adults need about two and a half hours of physical activity per week and some experts suggest working in two days of muscle-strengthening exercise. Luckily, there are many different activities that can give baby boomers the opportunity to get in the right amount of exercise.

This is especially true at active retirement communities in Florida such as Stone Creek by Del Webb, which offers homeowners plenty of chances to partake in a wide variety of activities. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, the community has eight bocce courts, eight pickleball courts and both indoor and outdoor pools.