Approaching your later years in life never has to be as scary as it’s made out to be. If you maintain your health and add a few important habits, then you’ll ease into your 50s with strength, vitality, and energy to spare. Here are a few more tips for upping your health game in your 50s.
Get your greens. We’ve all been told to eat our vegetables, and that is especially important in your 50s. It will do your body wonders to add a daily salad with spinach and Swiss chard, as these veggies help fight cardiovascular disease. Feel free to toss on some fruit, fish and poultry as well, as they too, aid in healing the aging body. In a study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health, women who noshed heavily on veggies, fruit, fish and poultry, had a third fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease. Blend spinach with water and a granny smith apple in a high speed blender and you will have a wonderful healthy refreshing shake.
Write it down. If you are on a mission to eat better, then it certainly pays off to write down all food and drink items that you put in your mouth. We do this, so we figure out what is, and what is not working for you. Be honest in your food diary, and you will be greatly rewarded for your efforts. When we put it out there to see, it raises our awareness and makes us less likely to snack on sugars and processed meals. By making our food choices front and center, we are more likely to eat better, and maintain a healthy weight. By keeping your weight healthy over time, you reduce inflammation and keep blood glucose levels steady, and this weight maintenance can lower your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Give back your time. As you approach your 50s, you may find that you have a lot more time to yourself. The kids are likely at an age where they can tend to themselves or they may already be off at college. You’ll want to stay busy in those extra hours outside of work, because, like we’ve said before, a busy life is a happy life. One of the best things that you can do for your mental health is to pay it forward and volunteer your time helping others. Believe it or not, helping others may contribute to a longer life. Research shows that those who are engaged in volunteer work, have a 44% less risk of dying over five years, than their less-helpful counterparts.
Stay updated on necessary tests. As you embark on your later years, it’s extremely important to keep up to date on your medical tests. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended the following exam schedule:
∙ Eye exam: Every 2 to 4 years
∙ Pap test and pelvic exam: Every 1 to 3 years
∙ Mammogram: Every 1 to 2 years
∙ Blood pressure: Every 2 years
∙ Thyroid: Every 5 years
∙ Hearing: Every 3 years
∙ Blood glucose: Every 3 years
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