Health After 50: Simple Tips for Healthy Aging

Everyone wants to live -not just longer, but also live better. According to Dr. Katz at the Prevention Research Center Yale University, everyone wants to add years to their lives; but they also want to add life to their years. There is no secret sauce that you can have to live a long life, but there are a few important things you need to remember to maintain health after 50 and live better and longer.

A peek into most communities with people, who live extraordinarily fit, extended lives, will show us they share a few things in common:

Moderate Physical Activity Every Day:

You don’t need to be an athlete or a sprinter to know that you have made time for physical activity in your life. Not all those who live long claim to be spin enthusiasts or training for the IronMan Triathlon. They have been physically active because that is what their occupation demands from them whether they are fishermen or farmers or even construction workers.

Growing old does not mean giving up on things you liked doing, especially a morning jog or a walk. There are many who believe a run after 50 could damage their knees, but the exact opposite is true. It tends to add strength and stability to the knees. Research suggests that light to moderate exercise helps to add strength to your muscles, decrease pain and better support your joints if you are suffering from arthritis, joint injuries etc.

What you can do:

Make sure to add a movement whether it is a walk or a stretch or just practicing yoga whenever you can. If you are in a job that needs you to work from your desk, then moderate exercise or joining the gym to stretch your limbs every day is a must for healthy aging.

Stay Connected Socially:

You will find people who live longer are often an integral part of any community, especially its celebrations and festivities. Social connections matter whether it is sharing each other’s happiness or sorrows. These interactions often help you stay happy and focused.

What you can do:

If you have let friendships go, rekindle them. Spend more time with friends and family, it will keep your mind sharper and leave you feeling joyful. Science says people who are socially connected are better thinkers and have fewer issues of health after 50. You can also try volunteering your time to help others; it helps to lower heart disease risk and help you live longer. Make sure you do not wait to retire to do what you love, rather the earlier you start the better you can maintain your health as you grow older.

Do Something Constructive:

People, who are happy and satisfied with their life, generally tend to live longer. That is because they are determined to live life to the fullest while doing what they enjoy.

What you can do:

There are absolutely no rules you need to follow, as it is all about what makes you happy. If you love cooking –cook. If you would like to explore then do something different instead of doing what you are accustomed to. Travel to places you have never thought of going to before, learn something new. When you learn something new, it creates new paths in your brain keeping it agile aiding healthy aging.

Eat Healthy:

This is something you are going to hear from everyone around you especially your physician. While it may be a common refrain, it is absolutely true that eating the right anti-aging food over a period of time can help you live longer. People who live an extended life tend to eat simple, nutritious food in moderate quantities, while their intake of supplements, quick processed foods, and high-calorie intake is almost nothing.

What you can do:

Add beans, greens, fruits, nuts, seeds, other vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Turn around your plate and eat your salad like the mains while eat meat and dairy as accompaniments to your food. Saturated fats are harmful to the heart and the arteries, but did you know they also hamper your memory and concentration. To maintain better health after 50, cut down on your intake of red meat, cheese, butter while adding fats from fish, flaxseed, and nuts. Lower your intake of sodium rich packaged and ready to eat foods to keep blood pressure in check and instead eat bananas to get your fill of sodium.

Other Things You Can Do for Healthy Aging Are

• Keep a track of your health and get regular checks done. Maintain a chart of how you feel, what you eat to understand what works to keep you healthy.


• It is never too late to start exercising to lower your risk of health issues like cancer, fractures, heart issues etc. If you did not do it when you were in your young age, there is no reason why you can’t start now.


• Increase your intake of calcium-rich food, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, and cut down on sugary drinks and sweets.


• Use sunscreen diligently, it helps to avoid wrinkles. Make sure it is at least 30 SPF


• Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep. If that is not the case then you should avoid alcohol, exercise more. You should also discuss your medicines with your doctor before you start taking them.

Here is something to cheer you up. The older you grow the more gratified and happy you may feel. A few reports state that people in their 80’s are happier than those in their 70’s. It’s time you look forward to life and health after 50, instead of fearing it.

All things said and done if you find that you are not feeling well, or find yourself contemplating forgetting small details, thinking of the past too much, sleep less than normal, or feel sad for no reason then it is time to visit one of the Best General Physician in Hyderabad and get the right treatment immediately. After all healthy aging is the key to live better, longer after 50!