5 Health Tips for Your 50s
Your fifties is an era that can be incredibly empowering, enlightening, and quite possibly some of the healthiest years of your life.
If you raised children, they are likely grown and if your career is likely established. At this point in your life, there are fewer distractions and things have settled down so you can finally focus on yourself.
No longer is turning fifty considered a gateway to old age. Instead, it’s marked as a period that you have the resources, time, and ability to focus on getting yourself in the best shape of your life.
Take Care of Your Heart Health
Heart health is a critical area that you should pay particular attention to once you turn 50. The stark reality is that heart disease is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 65.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to a heart disease that could otherwise be managed.
Pay special attention to any changes such as fatigue, weakness or dizziness, especially during physical activity. If you notice any changes in your heart rate, then be sure to bring it up to your doctor.
At this point in your life, the best thing you can do is remain as active as possible and follow a healthy diet. Developing a healthy lifestyle will help your heart stay healthy and strong.
Keep Your Brain in Shape
One of the best things about aging is that you have lived through many life experiences. This is a good thing! Because you’ve already used your brain to problem-solve, store and process information, and cultivate memories, you are actually in the prime of your life mentally.
It’s normal for the processing time to slow down a bit, but people at this age generally possess better judgment simply because they’ve experienced more.
To keep your brain in tip-top shape, be sure to continue cognitive training. Cognitive training is when you work out your brain through various mental activities such as working a crossword puzzle. You can actually “workout” your brain to process information and recall information faster.
This is also a great time in your life to take on a role as a teacher. This can mean many things such as actually entering a classroom or simply giving a speech about something you know about. It’s been proven that taking on a role of a teacher helps to keep your mind active.
Don't Be Afraid to Talk About Libido Changes
Many people enjoy an active sex life in their fifties. A lot of this has to do with the fact that you simply don’t have the same time constraints that you used to.
However, there are also many bodily changes during this period that may influence your sex drive.
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Hormone levels in men and women start to decline which can impact libido. Though, it’s important that you are honest with your health professional about any changes such as vaginal dryness for women or erectile dysfunction for men.
Either of these can be signs of underlying health concerns.
Find Ways to Keep Your Bones Strong
If you diligently worked out in your younger years, then your fifties is when you will reap all the benefits.
Maintaining an active lifestyle will reduce the chances of your bones weakening once you get older. Aging and inactivity do not go well together. In fact, this is the reason that many people develop arthritis or achy muscles.
To maintain your bone health, you should invest your energy into a regular workout routine. This should include a combination of strength training, stretching, and cardio. Not only will you keep your bones strong and healthy, but you’ll maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health.
Focus On Your Mental Health
The good news about aging is that studies show that most people get happier as they get older.
This may have to do with years of experience and better understanding of what really matters in life. Likewise, studies also indicate that older people feel less sadness and anger.
This is probably because older people can better identify negative impacts in their life and avoid or ignore them accordingly.
However, if you do experience changes in mood or state of mind, make sure that you bring it up with your doctor to ensure there aren’t any mental health concerns or underlying conditions.
The Bottom Line...
The fifties bring on some health changes that people should be aware of, but it is also a time that your body and mind can thrive.
Putting in the extra effort to be active, eat a balanced diet, and participate in mind-building activities can go a long way in preserving your youthfulness.
The choices you make today will be the reality of your tomorrow.
