Healthcare Technology Featured Article

July 15, 2019

Ways to Remain Healthy After 50


Wear and tear on the body and poor lifestyle habits can cause you to become a prime target for certain diseases and conditions as you grow older. After 50, many people start to experience reduced stamina, added weight, shortness of breath, intolerance to certain foods and chronic pain. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help heal the body and improve your quality of life. 

Reducing the Pain 

Many people after the age of 50 develop areas in the body that produce chronic pain. It may be the neck, the back or your legs. Regardless of the pain location, chronic pain can debilitate and cause you to miss events or even perform day to day tasks that once were easy. While a visit to the doctor may provide relief through prescribed medications, taking them daily can often do harm to other parts of the body or create a co-dependency. However, you have other holistic options. For instance, if you live in New York City, you can visit a center specializing in Reiki in Manhattan

Discarding Bad Habits 

Unhealthy habits like smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol are bad for people of any age. However, after many years of abuse, it can lead to a serious illness such as COPD or different types of cancer. Kicking the habit now, while you still feel good, will reduce your risk significantly of developing cancer or reduced lung function. 

Slowing Metabolism 

Once the children leave home much of your daily activity comes to a screeching halt. As a result, you naturally burn fewer calories and need to consume a smaller amount of food. Unfortunately, after many years of piling the plate high, you still consume larger amounts than your body requires. In addition, your metabolism also slows, making it much easier to gain weight. The extra pounds can cause all sorts of medical problems including stress on the joints, type 2 diabetes, and reduced levels of energy.   

Dietary Needs Change 

After 50 your dietary needs change. You need to eat less, however, the proper foods. Thankfully, modifying your diet to include healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats especially those rich in protein, and high amounts of fiber will help you to maintain a healthy weight, keep regular bowel movements and give your body restored energy. 

Your Physical Health 

Remaining active through your golden years will help your body to function properly, prevent joint stiffness, maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of obtaining a serious injury due to a slip and fall. Exercising regularly can also help thwart off heart disease and improve your overall health. 

Mental Health 

Your mental health is just as important as physical fitness in your overall health. Entering a new phase in your life and experiencing the empty nest full-force, many people become depressed. Instead, use the lack of responsibilities and new free time to try something new. Take up a hobby like painting, join a yoga class, or do volunteer work in your community. 

Boosting Your Immune System 

Older Americans deal with much of the same problems as infants and young children. With an immune system compromised, taking steps to boost your immune system is essential. Take advantage of the offerings to seniors such as an annual flu shot and practice washing your hands frequently especially when out in public places. Stress can also break down the body so remaining positive and surrounding yourself with good people will also help to keep you healthy. Additionally, regular doctor's visits will reveal if something is happening in the body and prevent it from turning into a life-threatening event.

Your body changes after 50, however, that doesn't mean that you have to stop enjoying life. If you take steps to promote good overall health, you can live a longer, and better quality of life. 



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