Imperial, California - A new report published by Ameriprise Financial shows that retirees will need an average of about $230,000 per household for out-of-pocket health care costs in their old age, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens.

However, Pat O'Connell, executive vice president, Ameriprise Financial, notes that "Boomers understand that health care costs will be a significant expense in retirement, yet many haven't planned - or simply don't know how to plan - to fund these expenses."

The study also found that the great majority of individuals who are approaching retirement age believe that by making healthy lifestyle choices now, they can reduce the amount of money they'll need for health care when they do retire.  In fact, 62% of those who took part in the Ameriprise study said that they were starting a diet and exercise program as a means of reducing future health care costs.

But, says AMAC, the older you get the more apt you are to require medical attention for a variety of age-related ailments and so planning for health care needs is a wise choice no matter how healthy you feel today.