AARP released a poll last year that says that more than half of working Americans over age 50 don’t think they’ll have enough money for health care after retirement. 

What happens if you retire, and the next thing you know, your medical bills start eating away at your savings like rust on an old Rambler? It’s not a pleasant question to face, but if you don’t want to get caught short in the money department, it’s one that every prospective retiree should think about. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times based on a report by Fidelity Investments tackled the question head on, and depending on how much money you are socking away during your working years, the facts can be alarming.

For example, Fidelity found that nearly half of a study group consisting of people aged 55 to 64 estimated that they’ll spend about $50,000 on healthcare in retirement. In reality, the average figure is more than double that amount. Also, more than 70 percent of people surveyed believed that their health in retirement would be better than expected. But considering that about 35 percent of Americans are obese and that only one in five gets enough exercise, that view seems optimistic, to say the least. But don’t go asking your in-laws for a loan just yet.

The good news is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle—which includes getting plenty of exercise, staying away from cigarettes and excessive alcohol, and eating a sensible diet, including a healthy dose of zero-cholesterol plant-based foods—can take a big bite out of those future medical bills. In fact, according to Fidelity, unhealthy retirees can expect to spend in excess of 20 percent more money on medical bills than retirees who maintain their health and treat their bodies with respect.

Another great way to maintain good physical and psychological health is keeping active, which can help fend off the sadness and depression that sometimes accompany retirement after a lifetime of getting up and going to work every day. I’ll assume that because you’re reading this blog, you already care about animals and good health. PETA has more ideas for getting active to help stop animal suffering than butter has calories.

So continue saving or investing, avoid fattening animal-based foods, and stay active. From all of us at PETA Prime—to your retirement and to your health!