(HealthDay)—Although aging may mean more physical problems, retirement can help people lead healthier lives, a new study from Australia suggests.

Researchers found that when folks retire they tend to increase their physical activity, sit less and sleep more soundly.

"Our study paints a positive picture of retirement," said lead researcher Dr. Melody Ding, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Public Health. "Retirees [in the study] were acquiring a healthier lifestyle. Factors that may have contributed to this include availability of time to be physically active and removal from sedentary jobs and work-related stress."