Thanks to scientific achievement and advancements in the medical field, today’s mid-life may look quite different than in generations past; today, 50 really can be the new 30. Medically, we know more now about the body and how to maintain optimal health at every age than ever before. And while there are a vast number of changes and improvements anyone can make in order to live a healthier and more full life, here are nine of the most important tips and tricks for feeling young for those in their 50’s and beyond.

  1. Perform Mental Gymnastics. 

    Keeping your mind in tip-top shape is imperative to maintaining your overall good health. Choose activities that keep your analytical skills sharp and always be open and strive to learn new things. Not only does keeping your mind sharp make your day-to-day life more interesting, but it also may help to decrease the chances of dementia later in life.

  2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene.

    Did you know that 3 out of 4 Americans have some form of gum disease? This may be something that many may not associate with good overall health, but gum disease has been proven to be linked to some serious health conditions, including various forms of cancer and heart disease. In fact, there are a number of other seemingly unrelated health issues that can begin to show signs that a dentist may be able to identify.

  3. Increase Exercise.

    Whether you are 20, 40, 60 years old, or older regular exercise has been shown to help one’s overall health in a number of ways, including regulating blood sugar, combating high blood pressure, and more. If you’re not exercising regularly, or find exercise difficult and hard on the joints, it’s always a great idea to consult with a doctor who may be able to help you find a great low-impact regimen or activity you are comfortable with and start from there. It’s also important to keep increasing your exercise activity as you get more comfortable. If you’ve been doing ten laps at the pool for months and it’s easy for you, it might be time to add ten more to make your body work harder. Increasing reps, weights, etc could also help to prevent injury. But before starting any exercise regimen, it is always a safe practice to check with your doctor.

  4. Make Dietary Changes as Needed.

    As we age, our bodies tend to be at a higher risk of developing heart- and pulmonary-related diseases, but there are a number of things we can do to reduce risks— chief among these being a change in diet. As we age, reducing our daily salt intake, cutting down on unnecessary sugars, and adding more natural fruits and vegetables to our diets have proven beneficial dietary changes regardless of age and can play a key role in supporting mental acuity, and high energy levels.

  5. Get Regular and Recommended Checkups.

    Once our bodies pass the age of 50, it becomes more important than ever to make sure that we see our physicians as often as he or she recommends. Many major health problems and risks can be diminished by early detection. Ask your doctor what tests you should expand upon if your family history indicates that you may possess a higher risk for any specific illness.

  6. Get Your Specialty Health Screenings.

    Outside of standard annual checkups, men especially should make certain to get checked for prostate cancer and women should be screened for breast and ovarian cancers in particular. In cases such as these (and in cases of all cancers), early detection is often the key to a successful treatment plan.

  7. Get Enough Sleep.

    No matter your age, getting the proper amount of sleep is crucial to maintaining your overall health. Inadequate sleep puts you at a greater risk for cognitive decline, makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight, and can make it more difficult to avoid type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep has also been linked to an increased risk for depression and heart attack.

  8. Participate in Regular Social Activities. 

    Consistent and regular activity is important to maintaining one’s overall health— physically, mentally, and emotionally. As people age, it’s common for them to sometimes take themselves out of social settings, or just avoid social interactions altogether. This may be due to a variety of reasons including but not limited to depression, anxiety, insecurity in regard to diminishing cognitive abilities, and more. So while retreating from everyday social interactions and activities may sound understandable, the truth is that doing so could be more damaging in the long run to your mental and emotional well-being. Keeping your social engagements in your calendar can give you a boost in overall energy, diminished chances of depression (or worsening depression if you are already experiencing symptoms), and increased mental acuity.

  9. Take Your Vitamins. 

    A great diet is a start, but most people will not get all of the nutrients they need from simply eating well. As we age, it is important to make sure that our dietary supplements contain all of the vitamins we need, such as calcium (for bone mass) and omega-3 fatty acids in order to better maintain healthy brain function.

While not designed to be a complete and comprehensive list, these few tips could definitely help to maintain a healthy lifestyle into your 50’s and beyond.

To check your coverage or to shop for new plans, contact the Members Health Plan team today to get started.