As the years go by, health becomes a significant concern. In your 50s, you’re more likely to experience age-related changes and worry about your future health.
If you lived a relatively unhealthy lifestyle in your younger years, now is the time to make changes to protect your health. Here are six things you should do in your 50s to stay healthy:
Have a Complete Physical Exam
As you age, have regular physical exams. Discuss your family health history and any concerns you have about your health with a specialist.
Go for personalized, comprehensive, accessible healthcare options to make the most of these appointments.
Work with facilities or health care practices that go the extra mile to ensure you feel comfortable and informed every step.
For instance, at erinreesemd, you get personalized care that focuses on your individual needs, whether you want to improve your overall health, lose weight, or manage a chronic condition.
Mind Your Diet
What you eat has a significant impact on your health. Focus on eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
If you need help making dietary changes, talk to a registered dietitian. They can create a nutrition plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Pay attention to how you feel after eating because you’re more prone to food allergies and sensitivities as you age.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your digestion or have new symptoms after eating.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is vital for overall health at any age, but it’s especially crucial in your 50s. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves mental health.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. It can include walking, biking, swimming, or other activities you enjoy.
If you’re not used to being active, start slowly and gradually increase the workouts’ intensity and duration.
Before starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor if you have any health conditions or injuries. They can guide you on what types and how much exercise is safe for you.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death, and it increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Talk to your doctor about medications and other treatments that increase your chances of success. You can also join a smoking cessation program.
Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also lead to weight gain, anxiety, and depression. Most adults require seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. They can help you find the underlying cause and treat any sleep disorders you may have.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading, to help you wind down at the end of the day. Additionally, ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to create an ideal sleep environment.
Manage Stress
When stressed, you’re less likely to make healthy choices. Chronic stress can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. To manage stress, start by identifying the triggers.
Once you know what causes the stress, develop coping strategies. Some stress-relieving techniques include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
You can also try journaling or talking to a therapist.
Healthy Choices Prevent Chronic Illnesses
Making healthy choices in your 50s will help you stay independent and prevent chronic diseases.
You can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle if you start early and develop good habits. If you haven’t already, start making healthier choices today.
Photo by Anna Shvets at Pexels
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