Hobbies and hazards in retirement — what to know
Last updated on 15 January 2024
Key points:
- There have been 1,294 cyclist fatalities recorded in Australia over the last three decades
- Although the number of cycling deaths has decreased by 1.1 percent annually, the number of fatalities has increased 3.3 percent yearly in those aged 60 years or over
- The proportion of cyclist fatalities for over 60s in Australia increased from 8.6 percent of all cycling deaths in 1991 to 45.7 percent in 2022
Retirement is often considered a time to get out and enjoy life — do all of the things that a person can do with the spare time they’ve been working towards for so long. Unfortunately, the average age of retirement in Australia is 56.3 years. For women, the average age of retirement is 54 and for men, the average age is 59.3.
Hobbies, such as cycling and physical workouts, including cardio exercises or weight training, may carry a greater risk for retirees than they would at an earlier age.
New data published today in the journal Injury Prevention highlighted a significant increase in single-vehicle cycling deaths — fatal accidents involving cyclists just by themselves. The number of single bicycle fatalities increased by 3.7 percent per year for all cyclists and 4.4 percent each year for those aged 60 years and older.
Lead author of the study Associate Professor Soufiane Boufous, an injury epidemiologist and director of the University of New South Wales Transport and Road Safety Research Centre, said there was a stark contrast in the age range of cycling deaths.
“The rise in cycling fatalities among those aged 60 years and over seems to be related to the ageing of the population rather than an increase in cycling participation,” Assoc/Prof Boufous said.
“Though one of the challenges is we don’t have a lot of great data on just how many people are cycling.
“Part of it is older people are frailer, so if they do have an accident, they’re more likely to sustain and die from serious injury,” Assoc/Prof Boufous added.
“Older cyclists may also be more likely to underestimate the likelihood of severe injuries due to single-bicycle crashes, so it is essential to raise more awareness of these risks.
“During the 1990s, about one in 10 older cyclist deaths in Australia were associated with single-vehicle crashes, while that figure has been nearly one in three since 2010.”
Additionally, data from Healthy Bones Australia’s Know Your Bones Community Risk Report, Third Edition, 2023 revealed that half of all fractures occur in adults aged 50 – 69 years and nearly a quarter of respondents over 70 years with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis have not undergone a bone mineral density test.
Retirees are encouraged to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, making the most of their health and extending their lifespan through physical activity and a balanced diet. Cycling offers many different benefits that can build muscle strength, increase tone and improve overall well-being, but like any form of exercise, consider speaking to your doctor before strapping on the helmet.
Physical activity has been shown to:
- improve mood;
- reduce stress;
- improve cardiovascular health;
- improve your quality of sleep
- and increase social interaction.
Aside from visiting your doctor, consider the following recommendations:
- familiarise yourself with the infrastructure or facility you intend to use;
- consider your existing health status — receive a check-up to address concerns;
- bring a friend, partner or specialist along to have your back.
It is incredibly important, that activities such as weight training — which is critical to increase bone density and prevent the onset of osteoporosis — are done with supervision, as dropping a weight, getting trapped under a heavy object or losing your grip can be deadly.
Hobbies that are not as physically strenuous may also be rewarding, although they may pose their own series of hazards. A slip of the hands whilst you are woodworking, a grease fire while cooking a new recipe or slipping near a swimming pool can all prove to be just as dangerous.
The best way to stay safe before picking up a hobby
Retirement is a chance to enjoy life again and it allows you to share all of your adventures with other people. Let people in your life know that you’re about to head off on a backpacking trip and that you’ve taken up cooking or weightlifting.
It gives your family and friends the knowledge that they need to know that you’re capable and safe, along with giving you the chance to brag about your next new accomplishment.
For more information about exercise in retirement, please visit the Department of Health guidelines to stay in shape and up to date!
What hobby have you picked up or made a full-time passion in retirement? Let the team at Your Retirement Living know and subscribe to the YRL newsletter for more information, news and updates.
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