As a man over 50, you may be feeling like you’re starting to slow down. You may not have the energy you used to, and your joints may be aching more than they used to. This is all normal, but it doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do about it. You can do plenty of things to stay healthy and active, even as you age. Here are some tips for staying healthy and fit.
Go For Regular Checkups
One of the most important things you can do for your health is going for screenings often. This will help you catch any potential health problems early before they become serious. It’s a good idea to see your doctor at least once a year and more often if you have any health concerns.
If you’re a man over 50, the American Cancer Society recommends these cancer screenings annually:
- A colonoscopy or a less invasive test such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonography every five years
- A mammogram
- A prostate exam
- A skin exam
Avoid the Sedentary Life
It’s important to stay active as you age. Exercise can help maintain muscle mass, bone density, and balance. It can also help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that men over 50 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise every week. They also recommend strength training at least two days a week.
Choose activities that you enjoy and fit into your schedule to be more likely to stick with them. Walking, biking, swimming, and gardening are great exercises for men over 50.
Take Supplements
As you age, your body absorbs nutrients less efficiently. You may also need more of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, to maintain your health. Taking supplements can help ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.
Remember to consume multivitamins as well. They’re a type of supplement that contains a combination of vitamins and minerals. They’re available in many different forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders. Aim at choosing the best multivitamin for men over 50 on the market. Besides, it’s important to select one that’s tailored to your specific needs. For example, multivitamins are designed for men and women over 50 and people with specific medical conditions.
You can buy multivitamins at most pharmacies and supermarkets. You can also find them online. When choosing a multivitamin, it’s important to focus on quality. Look for a supplement certified by an independent organization such as the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NSF International.
These organizations test supplements to ensure that they meet certain standards. It’s also good to choose a multivitamin made by a reputable brand. Read reviews to find out what other people think about the quality of the product.
Eat Healthily
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important as you age. As you get older, your body becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food. This means that it’s even more important to eat nutrient-rich foods.
Some tips for eating a healthy diet:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains.
- Limit your saturated and trans fats intake, and replace them with healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado.
- Choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, or tofu.
- Limit your intake of salt and sugar.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Value Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for your physical and mental health. As you age, you may need more sleep than when you were younger. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are several things you can do to improve your sleep quality:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up simultaneously every day, even on weekends.
- Create a soothing bedtime routine. Avoid using electronic devices in the hour before you go to sleep. Instead, do something calming, such as reading or taking a bath.
- Create a comfortable sleeping environment. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
Following these tips can help you stay healthy and fit as you age. Remember to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to your diet and supplements and listen to your body when it comes to exercise and sleep. You can maintain your health and vitality well into your golden years with a little effort.