Life After 50: Young, Healthy, and Beautiful!

What to do once you reach the age of 50? Life seems to come to a standstill, doesn’t it? Well, this is good, for you get time to focus on other aspects of your life. Till now, your career and family responsibilities bogged you down. Now it is time to do things for yourselves…to live life to the fullest.

This is the age when you may have completed most of the important tasks that life throws on us. You may be tempted to slouch on your comfy sofa and watch television; but this isn’t what you must do…all the time.

Here is a list of things to do when you attain the age of 50. These will help you stay younger, fitter, and happier in the years to come.

How to look 30 at the age of 50?

Cut down on saturated fats

Everybody knows that such fats are bad for heart; but do you know that they are also detrimental to your memory and concentration? So, it is time to reduce intake of butter, mayonnaise, and other such fats and increase intake of nuts, flaxseed, and such good fats. They improve brain power and heart health.

Eat smartly

Metabolism slows down with age. So, your body needs fewer calories. Eat nutrient-loaded food, rather than calorie-dense food. Colorful fruits, dark leafy vegetables, low-fat dairy, fortified foods like milk with Vitamin D and cereals with Vitamin B12 should find a frequent presence on your platter. Bid adieu to empty calories like sweets and sugary drinks. Drink lots of water, preferably 8-10 glasses per day. It will keep your skin beautiful and your body systems free of toxins.

Reduce sodium intake

Blood pressure has a tendency to be on a bit higher side at this age. This is not a hard and fast rule though. The best you can do is reducing sodium content in your diet. The easiest way to do this is banishing packaged foods from your diet. Eat one banana daily. It contains potassium, which alleviates the effect of sodium and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Build muscles

Yes, this is the age. Strength training and muscle-building exercises are not solely for people in their 20’s and 30’s. A study has revealed that strength training in 50+ people can cause genetic alterations in cells, making their bodies become younger and fitter like those in their 20’s.

Protect your knees

Running does not harm your knees. The latest research shows that running can strengthen them; however, if you are already suffering from some knee problem, then please consult a doctor before you start running. Low-impact activities like biking and walking are good for joints and muscles.

Protect your brain power

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age. You can keep it miles away from you through regular exercise. Those who have exercised in middle age are at a lower risk of suffering from thinking and memory issues. Yet, it is never too late to start. Exercise improves blood circulation in brain. It aids in growth of new cells. Simple physical activities like gardening, biking, 30-minute walk, and likewise 5-6 days a week can keep you’re your gray matter in good condition. Certain yoga asanas and breathing exercises are great for boosting brain power.

Keep your balance

This time we aren’t talking about balancing your work and family life. We are talking about real balance…your body balance, that is. People above 50 are more prone to falls and injuries due to bad balance. It is found that people who practice Tai Chi for 5-6 months reduce their risk of falling by half. Well, if you cannot learn Tai Chi, worry not. Do these: walk heel-to-toe at times, supposing you are walking on a beam. Stand on one foot and concentrate. Learn gentle dance movements that focus on body balance. Certain yoga asanas focus on balance and concentration.

Learning never ends

Learn something new like a language, musical instrument, dance form, or other. Play brain games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and more. Travel to new places. Come out of your comfort zone. You will be surprised how your brain grasps new things. This keeps your brain sharp and maintains excitement in your life. These are keys to keep younger after 50.

Sleep well

Take deep sleep every night. It helps your body regenerate itself. You must not feel tired whole day. If you do, there is something wrong. In case you are unable to get a sound sleep, talk to your doctor. Insomnia is not normal at this age. If you feel depressed or anxious, talk to your doctor or somebody close. Cut down your alcohol intake, increase your exercise time, and eat light dinners. Have a cup of warm milk before going to bed. People who keep themselves busy during the day are more likely to catch a sound sleep during night.

Socialize more

Avoid seclusion. This can trigger depression. Spend time with family and friends. Expand your social network. Do some volunteering work. It is found that social butterflies display sharper brain power and creativity and are at a lower risk of memory problems and heart diseases. They tend to live longer and happier.

Get a pet

If your kids have moved out and the house feels empty, get a cat or dog. Pets are found to ward off depression, lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disorders, and keep people happier and busier.

It’s a new start

So what if you did not follow healthy habits in your middle age? This is the time to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The key to being healthy in body and mind at 50+ is to eat healthier and lesser and to be physically active more. It creates a huge difference in your life. You can amazingly cut the risk of cancer, heart diseases, joint pains, and bone fractures that often happen with increasing age.

Life is not what happens to you. Life is what you make it happen to be. Start living…