They say 50 is the new 30, which is a nice sentiment, and in a lot of ways it’s true. Many of us are putting off starting families for careers. Because of that, we don’t start the adulthood clock until we are older. When previous generations by this point would be launching their children, we are still putting them through school or taking care of them. Instead of planning for retirement, many Americans are still caring for family well into their 50s. Family demands, careers, and the stresses of daily life as twilight appears on the distant horizon lead to poor health. Here are some health tips for men over 50, so you can have an active lifestyle for decades to come.
Don’t Ignore Pain
It’s easy to adjust and adapt to aches and pains as we age. The body starts slowing down, and some days it feels like everything hurts. Don’t ignore those aches and pains; they are an indicator that something is wrong. The human body and mind are amazing and can cope with a lot, but living with chronic pain isn’t necessary. There are remedies available, both medical and homeopathic. Get things checked out and diagnosed to be sure there isn’t a larger issue.
Reduce Stress
The 40s and 50s can be a very stressful time for men and women alike. Juggling family and career, worrying about retirement plans, and putting the kids through college all start to pile up. The stresses we put on ourselves will take a toll physically and mentally. Find a way to release that stress no matter how small the activity might be. Ride a bike, go fishing, play a round of golf, or watch the ball game—whatever it is, do it and try to relax.
Eat Right and Exercise
This should go without saying, but it needs saying. Eating right is important because as we age, our body metabolizes things differently. We can’t heap the abuse on it that we did in college and our 20s. Getting regular exercise, just to get the blood flowing, is important, especially if you have a desk job and a sedentary lifestyle. Start adding some light exercise and some healthy foods to your diet every day.
Get Regular Checkups
Go see your doctor regularly so you can monitor your health. Men over a certain age are more susceptible to certain diseases like testicular and colon cancer, and regular screenings can help detect them. At minimum you should have an annual physical and blood work to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
