Living a healthy lifestyle has no age limit. Whether you’re 20, 30, or 60, remaining healthy and fit is extremely important. Not only does it improve your overall quality of life, but it can keep health complications at bay and extend your life by several years. There’s no denying that as you age, your metabolism slows down and your body’s mobility decreases significantly. And that’s why remaining healthy over the age of 50 has never been more important. But if you’re still not convinced, here are 5 more reasons to put your health first after 50.
1. Time With Friends and Family
Most people over 50 have been married for several decades, have grown children, and are hoping to become grandparents sometime soon. Divorced or widowed seniors over 50 may be reentering the dating world, living in a 55 and older community, socializing, and finally feeling established in their careers. Spending time with friends and family has never been more important or valuable. Family vacations, weddings, reunions, holidays, and birthdays. All of these memorable events are ones you won’t want to miss and if you’re not in good health, you may not enjoy them as much as you could or should. Remaining healthy means making the most of every moment with the ones you love.
2. Enjoying Retired Life
People work for 50% of their lives, some individuals getting jobs as early as age 16 and working well into their 60’s. And for what? Most people work with the idea of retirement in mind. The average age of retirement is 65 and this is when a person can focus on doing all those things they’ve been dreaming of doing for so long. This may mean traveling, relocating, taking up a hobby, or simply relaxing. But how can you enjoy retired life if you’re not in good health? Some medical conditions cause health risks that limit a person’s ability to fly, sit in the car for extended periods of time, or engage in risky behavior. By maintaining a healthy weight, heart, and level of physical activity over the age of 50, you’re investing in your retired life and your ability to enjoy it.
3. Reduced Healthcare Costs
It’s no secret that increased health complications require increased care and with that comes increased medical expenses. If you don’t want to spend your life savings on mounting doctor’s bills, you can cut costs by investing time and effort in maintaining a healthy lifestyle over the age of 50. Regular exercise promotes a healthy heart and lungs. It reduces your risk of developing heart diseases, high blood pressure, and medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis. A healthy diet is equally important for preventing weight-related issues. This is especially true over the age of 50 when your metabolism is gradually slowing down. Healthy individuals require less visits to the doctor, less diagnostic testing, less procedures, and less medications. All of these factors result in lower medical bills. Healthier individuals are also more attractive candidates to medical and life insurance companies, which means you can obtain better coverage with a lower price tag.
4. Increased Energy
Increased energy likely isn’t something that comes to mind when discussing life over the age of 50, but it should be! When you invest in your health, you’re actually promoting increased energy. Regular exercise alone boosts your energy levels by increasing your heart rate and releasing endorphins. Other positive effects include heart strength and increased stamina. Maintaining your health over 50 also means increased flexibility and mobility. Often times, senior citizens have difficulty sleeping due to sore muscles, stiffness, and early signs of arthritis. Lack of sleep causes fatigue and feelings of weakness and disorientation throughout the day. When you get a quality night’s sleep, you’ll feel more energized and prepared to tackle the day.
5. Improved Mental Health
Depression is a real problem among elderly individuals. Thoughts of your own mortality can be crippling for some senior citizens. While 50 is far from old or near death, it’s often the age when people start looking toward their future and end of life plans and wishes. Maintaining a positive mental mind frame is extremely important over the age of 50. Did you know that your physical health can also help prevent the onset of dementia and other cognitive disorders? Exercising, limiting your alcohol and nicotine consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of developing dementia after the age of 50. It’s also important to maintain a healthy social life and self-image, which promotes confidence and positivity.
It’s never too soon or too late to invest in your health and well-being. As you enter your later years of life, maintaining a healthy weight, mentality, and exercise level means keeping medical complications and bills at bay, and welcoming more quality experiences into your life.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
