In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Sim shares a personal anecdote to highlight a crucial, often overlooked aspect of retirement planning: physical health. While many focus on accumulating a target sum of money, Sim argues that a functional, healthy body is equally, if not more, important for truly enjoying one’s later years.
Sim recounts a recent incident where he slipped and fell on a rainy day, landing on his lower back. While he recovered quickly, the experience prompted him to consider the potential consequences of such a fall for an older individual. “When I am older, in my 60s or 70s, the outcome could be very different. A fall might lead to restricted mobility and a much longer recovery,” he wrote.
The Missing Piece in Retirement Planning
The common focus on financial targets for retirement, Sim suggests, neglects a vital component for quality of life. He posits that individuals often have a clear financial goal but lack a corresponding health objective. “For retirement, most people have in mind a target sum of money but not a level of fitness,” Sim observed.
He elaborates on this point, emphasizing that true enjoyment of retirement hinges on more than just financial security. A healthy body enables active participation in life’s pleasures. “To enjoy the magical stage of life, we should focus not just on money but also on good health and a functional body. A body that allows us to hike, travel, and even take an occasional fall without serious consequences,” Sim stated.
Integrating Fitness into a Busy Life
Sim also shared his personal strategies for maintaining physical fitness, even amidst a busy schedule and frequent travel. He highlights a dual approach to exercise that combines structured training with opportunistic activity.
Structured Training and Travel Exploration
When based in Singapore, Sim adheres to a consistent weight training regimen. “When I am in Singapore, I do weight training twice a week,” he mentioned. This regular commitment to strength training forms a foundation for his physical well-being.
During his travels, Sim utilizes running not only as a form of exercise but also as a method for cultural immersion. “When I travel, I go for runs to explore the city. Running serves both as exercise and as a way to experience a place,” he explained. He recently documented a 5k run in Tokyo around the Imperial Palace, a route recommended by the Nikkei Financial Times.
“Today, I did a 5k run in Tokyo around the Imperial Palace. This route was recommended in Nikkei Financial Times’ 10th Anniversary publication. You get to enjoy views of Tokyo’s skyscrapers, the surrounding trees, and the Imperial Palace itself. Very popular with runners.”
Sim also shared a practical tip for runners exploring the Imperial Palace route: “The etiquette to note: run anti-clockwise around the palace.”
A Call to Action for Well-being
Concluding his post, Sim poses a question to his network, encouraging reflection on personal exercise habits. “Do you make time to exercise even when work keeps you busy?” he asked.
Through his post, Eric Sim advocates for a holistic approach to retirement readiness, urging individuals to consider physical health as a critical pillar alongside financial planning, ensuring a more vibrant and enjoyable future.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Eric Sim on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 18, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →