Perhaps you’ve heard of Trump’s megaville recently signed into law. The so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) has gained chatter.
However, although many provisions survived the bill’s initial proposal, some were not. For example, under the initially proposed megaville, gym memberships, and therefore gym pickleball courts, could have been a qualifying cost for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
*HSA is a tax savings account that allows for pre-tax contributions and tax-exempt withdrawal of eligible medical expenses.
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The provision for qualifying gym memberships for HSAs was not registered in the final version of OBBB, but you may be able to charge certain fees to keep them proactive when you retire.
Please retire at an HSA eligible cost
Retirees can use HSAs to save taxes while playing sports at retirement or by participating in other exercises.
For example, as myself as a pickle ball player (or “pickler”), I often put in contact lenses when I go out to play. Prescription contact lenses and glasses are eligible for HSA.
Below are some other examples of HSA eligibility costs for retirees who want to remain active.
Allergy medication for playing outdoor sports such as golf and basketball. The first aid kit is useful for any occasion, but especially for contact sports.
But you may wonder: Is the use of sports equipment or facilities eligible for an HSA? Well, that depends.
Golf costs may be eligible for an HSA if they meet strict guidelines that “golf” is medically necessary for certain conditions and have a “Letter of Medical Needs” (LMN). But it rarely happens and often does not.
Additionally, you can use the HSA fund for unqualified expenses like pickleball without penalty after reaching age 65, but withdrawal is considered taxable income.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the health benefits of staying actively when you retire.
The best sports for older people may extend their lifespan
Exercise can be difficult for all ages, but it can be particularly difficult as you get older. The human body does not function in the same way at age 10, just like at age 70.
However, exercising after retirement can greatly improve your health. American physical activity guidelines released by the US Department of Health and Human Services suggest that 150 minutes of active walking or 75 minutes of weekly running may help you live longer.
According to AARP, 10 different exercises can help you achieve a longer lifespan. This is the top 5:
walk. Almost a third of seniors report taking some kind of lively walk every day. If you have a busy schedule, you can run the time you spend on exercise. One study of 80,000 people found that with each AARP, swimmers were 41% less likely to die from heart disease or stroke. Dancing. According to AARP.Weightlifting, whether it’s a swing, line dance or a ballroom, dancers can have strong muscles, balanced and feel good. For serious motivated people, lifting weights is a great way to maintain retirement physical strength, climb stairs, and help with jobs like carrying heavy groceries, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Vision care, medical devices, and certain medications are eligible for HSAs and can support your goal of maintaining your retirement activities.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Other popular exercises during retirement include golf, tennis and badminton. I tend to be drawn to my own pickleball and aerobics classes (towns and city-led community centers can earn cheaper class fees and feature more seniors than likely individually-led sessions). But it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Of course, like all exercises, it’s important to take things slowly, make sure you’re in the right shape and talk to your doctor if you’re not sure if the exercise is right for you.
Fun retirement ideas to help your tax bill
If you’re looking for a way to save taxes and not that much on fitness, then you’re not a big deal. It adds tax benefits and has plenty of fun activities to do while you retire. Here are some of our favorites:
Volunteer activities. The Urban Institute reports 60% of volunteer adults aged 55 and over. Certain volunteer activities expenses, such as meals, accommodation and gas, may be tax-deductible. Learn new skills. Research shows that education is strongly associated with health benefits. Also, if you’re interested in saving taxes, you can potentially do it through lifelong learning credits. Do you have a secret talent? Would you like to try it as a hobby? Hobby expenses are not tax-deductible, but are not subject to self-employment tax, but you may be owed taxes on your hobby income.
No matter what you try to retire and do, make sure it’s right for you. It can help you save taxes and enjoy health benefits (and possibly the benefits of HSA) by trying new activities and maintaining your activities. Either way, there are plenty of ideas out there to help you get started.
And who knows? Future changes to Capitol Hill will lead to membership in gyms eligible for HSA, as originally proposed in the so-called “one big beautiful bill.” You can dream, right?
