It’s true what they say about good health…if you have it, you have everything. With good health, the possibilities are still endless… to write that great American novel, travel, cook, love, and live. Now that we are over 50, we want to keep good health, and even though it takes a some doing, here are some pretty easy (hey, nothing’s perfect) tips on how to stay healthy after 50.
We Are What We Eat
It can be tough giving up some of the foods that got us here–hotdogs, ribs, pasta, etc., but we really know better. The good news is that we don’t have to completely relinquish our favorite foods, we just have to moderate…a lot. There is nothing wrong with an occasional cinnabon or slice of pepperoni, as long as we eat healthier most of the time. And by most of the time, I mean 9 out of 10 times.
Yes, we are what we eat, and a healthier diet is ground zero for staying healthy after 50. Even if we work out 7 days a week, we can’t outwork a bad diet. It’s common sense and its the foundation for our bodies to get the nutrients and vitamins we need to function.
What do we eat?
We already know.
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean Proteins
- Whole Grains
And to the extent possible, we should avoid processed and refined foods, while moderating alcohol and sugar.
We Got To Move It, Move It
Okay, I had to google the song “Move It” to make this reference, but we all get the point. Exercise–regular excercise–is essential to good health at almost any age. We don’t have to overdo it because there are many low impact options that actually get our heart and cardio system working and that help build endurance and bone density–all without even having to join a gym.
Some simple and effective exercise options.
- Walking for 20 minutes a few times a week.
- Strength training.
- Low impact cardio
- Yoga
- Stretching. (You’d be surprised)
The Zzzzzs Have It
7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is optimal, but hard to attain these days. Do you know ANYONE who actually gets that much sleep? Doubtful. So what do we do? The best that we can.
How do we get more sleep?
- Get a sleep routine and go to bed at the same time.
- Make sure to wind down before bedtime.
- Avoid bluelight from tablets and phones.
- Make the room dark and a little cool.
It Starts At Home
Many times we prioritize the needs of our children, or our spouses, or our adult parents over ourselves. It’s just part of the journey and of our sense of doing the right thing. But sometimes we have to prioritize ourselves if we want to stay healthy. It makes sense…if we aren’t okay, how can we make others okay?
Self-care is not a myth. It is important factor in any healthy lifestyle. Self-care is important for our both our physcal and mental well-being.
How can we self-care?
- Manage stress (see above) through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
- Work on stopping bad habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Laugh more. Stream a comedy or read a funny book.
- Talk to a professional.
No One Is An Island
None of us get through this thing we call life all by ourselves. And even if we could, who would want to? Connecting with family and friends is important for us to stay healthy. We have to take time for relationships with people and the world around us… for our own well-being.
How do we stay connected?
- Have conversations and listen.
- Take up a hobby or an activity. Join a class.
- Use the phone to call family and friends
- Be present with friends and family. Pay attention
So there we have it…eat a little healthier, exercise a little more, try to get better and more sleep, manage stress and stay connected to friends and family. These are all keys to staying healthy after 50, or at any age. We welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to leave your feedback below.
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