You want to enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous lifestyle after fifty? “The increase in human life expectancy in the West and the aging of the American population has drawn increased attention to the factors that contribute to aging well. People are not only interested in longevity, but also in how to maintain the best health in his later years.” say Jane Fowler and Mark Kunik, MD, from the University of Montana. Here are five things you should never do after age 50, according to experts. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Getting enough calcium and protein is important to help prevent osteoporosis. “We absorb less calcium as we age, and some women’s ability to tolerate dairy, the best sources of calcium, also declines as they age.” says Jason Ewoldt, RDN, LD. “Dark green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified orange juice are other good sources. Healthy plant-based diets that don’t include meat, a major source of protein, can still provide plenty of protein if you make smart choices.”
Maintaining healthy relationships is key to healthy aging, doctors say. “Basically making sure you have healthy relationships with your partner, your spouse, kids, friends, all of those things, because having good social health really does have a positive impact on any other illnesses you might have.” says Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones, a family physician from the University of Utah. “So, that’s a big key to keep in mind.”
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, especially as we age. “Sleep is essential for optimal memory, learning, cognition and mental health.” according to Sophie Seward, MS, and Josiane Broussard, PhD, from the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging at CSU. “Sleep deprivation is associated with an elevated risk of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and motor vehicle accidents.”
Keeping your body active is incredibly important for healthy aging, doctors say. “So, that seems pretty easy, but that’s very important,” says dr jones. “So that’s exercise, that’s proper diet, making sure you’re eating the right things, drinking plenty of water, trying to avoid junk food, soda, things like that. That’s the biggest thing that’s going to help prevent cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and other things. So if you take those things into account, you’ll age in a healthier way. You’ll feel much better and you’ll be happier too.”
Getting the right amount of vitamin B-12 is crucial for brain function after age 50, experts say. “The best sources of vitamin B-12 are eggs, milk, lean meats, fish, and fortified foods like cereals and grains.” Ewoldt says. “Vegans, in particular, will need to choose more fortified foods, but even older people who eat all foods can have difficulty absorbing enough vitamin B-12.”
Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health, and wellness writer who is passionate about making information backed by science and research accessible to a general audience. Read more about Ferozán
