How to Stay Healthy After 50

Several false beliefs about aging exist, one of which is that you should slow down or abandon healthy practices. In reality, there are a number of things you can do once you reach 50, 60, or 70 that will improve your health and boost your chances of living longer.

Here are several types of behaviours to adopt (or abandon) beyond the age of 50.

Keep Your Social Calendar Packed.

Do you spend too much time alone? Believe it or not, loneliness can have a significant influence on our emotional and physical health, and older folks are especially vulnerable because many lose touch with family and friends due to relocation, physical constraints, or death. Social isolation has been related to a variety of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. According to a recent Surgeon General's advice, social separation can reduce life expectancy by about the same amount as smoking 15 cigarettes daily.

Looking for some methods to stay relevant as you get older?

Keep in Touch with Family and Friends.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can stay engaged via audio and video calls. AARP provides tutorials for people who require technical support. Your local library could also be able to help. Volunteer. According to research, volunteering improves older persons both physically and mentally. A 2020 study conducted by researchers at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that older persons who volunteer for as little as two hours per week can considerably lower their risk of premature death. If you're interested in faith-based organizations, look for one in your town where you may participate in activities and meet new people.

Learn Something New.

Many public and private organizations offer low-cost classes (think woodworking, music lessons, dancing, etc.) for older adults. Picking up a new pastime is not only beneficial to your social life, but studies indicate that it can also benefit your brain. Consider adopting a pet. According to studies, adopting a pet can help older folks stay physically active while also preserving their thinking and cognitive skills. Just be careful to get a pet that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you are rarely at home or have difficulty going out for walks, a cat may be a better option than a dog.

Have Your Eyes and Ears Tested.

You're used to coming to your primary care provider for your annual check-ups but don't remember your vision and hearing, which require specific care as you age. A major reason: people who have difficulty hearing and do not have it fixed are more likely to acquire dementia. Furthermore, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that vision loss can raise your chance of falling, among other health problems. Signs of hearing loss include having to crank up the TV level or having difficulty comprehending discussions in the presence of background noise. Some causes may be changeable (such as an ear infection or earwax build-up), but in most cases, it is just the body's aging process.

If you have problems hearing, consult your primary care physician; they may refer you to an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Many people find that they need hearing aids, which can now be obtained over the counter. (For further information, please visit the AARP Hearing Centre.) Vision loss is also prevalent as we age, and it can be caused by cataracts (clouding of the eye's lens) or age-related macular degeneration (disease of the macula, a region of the retina). If you are over the age of 65, you should have your eyes tested every one to two years by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Unless you have certain medical conditions, original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. However, many Medicare Advantage plans, and other insurers will.

Be Mindful of Your Mouth.

Cavities aren't only for children. Tooth decay and gum disease can occur at any age and have been associated in studies with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease (such as pneumonia). Poor dental health has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. You know the drill: Brush your teeth twice a day (with fluoride toothpaste) and floss regularly. It would help if you went to the dentist twice a year.

Conclusion

In summary, as we age, it becomes especially important to retain social relationships, participate in meaningful activities such as volunteering or learning new skills, consider pet adoption for companionship, and prioritize regular check-ups for vision, hearing, and oral health. These preventive behaviors not only improve our quality of life but also contribute to our general physical and mental health as we age. Taking care of these areas can help to increase longevity and promote a healthier, more fulfilling aging process.