Who says men over 50 can’t be just as fit, strong, and active as guys half their age? We’ll show you how you can be at your best no matter your age.
Time and time again, we’ve heard that age is just a number.
It’s such a cliché, we know.
But clichés are so because they’re true.
That said, men aged 50 and above don’t necessarily need to wind down their active lifestyles just because they’re older. If anything, middle-aged men should be more active than they are.
That’s because men in their golden years can be just as fit and strong as men half their age. It will surely require more effort on their end. But sticking to a winning formula of the right diet, getting routine health checkups, and exercising regularly can – and should keep you strong throughout your golden years.
It’s not rocket science, either – the same guidelines that doctors recommend for a healthy lifestyle in adults are the same at any age.
Here are some of the best practices:
- Eat healthily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Target 6-8 hours of sleep a day.
- Keep an active lifestyle.
- Quit smoking.
- Cut your alcohol intake to no more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day; better yet, cut it out entirely from your diet.
- Routinely get health exams.
- Stay on top of your vaccinations.
Following these best practices may help you age more gracefully, and reduce the risk of age-related chronic diseases.
The best part? It’s never too late to start. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose by following these principles. What’s not to love?
Let’s explore the top 5 health, lifestyle, and diet tips for men above 50.
Why is a healthy diet essential for men over 50?
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products is a proven way to cut down your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
Moreover, foods low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars are important pieces of the heart health and weight loss equation.
Consider seeing a registered dietitian determine the best course of nutrition for you, regardless of your age.
What activities are beneficial for men over 50?
When it comes to physical activity, something is better than nothing. There’s simply no substitute for exercise. And it’s a surefire way for men over 50 to improve cardiovascular health, improve muscle stamina and power while promoting better flexibility and mobility. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of mental illnesses such as age-related dementia.
Moreover, cardio gets your ticker pumping the right way and engages the large muscles. Biking, swimming, and walking are among the best exercises middle-aged men can opt to take, considering its low impact yet highly-rewarding aerobic results. On the other hand, resistance training involves lifting weights, dumbbells, or machines.
Medical professionals recommend both. However, if you haven’t hit the gym or lifted in a while, you should consult your doctor before going on any exercise program – particularly when you have a history of chronic diseases, or if you are on any medication.
Will quitting smoking in middle age make a significant difference?
Like anything, it’s never too late to ditch the cigarettes once and for all. And the good thing is that the body almost instantly heals the damage caused by smoking the minute you decide to stop.
Former smokers can notice the difference in breathing, energy, smell, and taste, and lose the smoker’s cough that is so often associated with the practice.
Smoking cessation greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks, which are diseases common in men over the age of 50.
Moreover, getting rid of cigarettes will help you be more active, feel, and look better at any age. It’s simply good advice to snuff it out.
What health checks are crucial for men aged 50 and above?
Health screenings are a series of tests that attempt to detect diseases in their early stages before symptoms start to emerge. The frequency with which men should get screened depends on genetic, lifestyle. and health factors.
If you’re over 50, consult your doctor if you need the following screenings:
- High Blood Pressure may lead to increased heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease risks. Blood pressure checks are painless and non-invasive and can be done anywhere.
- High blood cholesterol levels. Raised cholesterol levels increase heart disease and stroke risk. Blood tests are used to check for cholesterol.
- Prostate cancer. The PSA blood test is a prostate-specific antigen test that can detect early prostate cancer. All men over 50 should talk to their doctor about getting one and understanding more about the test.
- Colon cancer. Individuals may avail of various types of screening to check for polyps in the colon, which may eventually lead to colon cancer. Men with a family history of colon cancer should inform their doctor and ask if they should get screened even at a younger age.
Does being 50 have any effect on sexual health?
Chronic diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes affect sexual prowess. In general, the higher the severity, the more likely it is to cause severe erectile dysfunction. If you are over age 50 and have some concerns about performance in the bedroom, talk to your doctor to determine if there is a legitimate underlying medical condition responsible for the problems.
