In our previous blog, we compiled a few healthy living tips for people in their 20s and 30s. Today, we’d like to continue this series by focusing on the next age ranges. So, if you’re in your 40s or 50s (or if you’re nearing that age), keep reading!
As always, if you’re looking for top-tier medical services in El Paso, visit Adult Primary Care & Pediatric, today!
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Your 40s are a Time for Change — Prepare Accordingly!
By the time you reach your 40s, you should be earnest about taking your health in stride. Men, for example, may being to experience a 1% decline in testosterone levels on average per year at age 40. Women may experience low estrogen levels at this age, which is often seen as a sign that menopause is approaching.
Testosterone encourages bone growth, promotes muscle development, and stimulates red blood cell creation. Estrogen is responsible for bone health, cognitive health, and a handful of other bodily processes. Testosterone and estrogen are present in both men and women, but men tend to have higher levels of testosterone while women have more estrogen. So a decline in either of their levels will undoubtedly be noticeable.
While these changes may seem scary, it’s possible to counteract the negative effects by keeping your health in check!
Eat Healthy Foods & Drink Plenty of Fluids
In your younger days, you might’ve indulged in unhealthy, greasy foods without a worry about how they may impact your weight or overall health. While your fast metabolism may be responsible for this, you should know your body will undoubtedly change as you reach your 40s.
Make it a habit to eat healthier foods, use fresher ingredients, and replace sugary/fatty snacks with alternatives like dried fruits or granola bars. Drink plenty of water, especially right when you wake up and before you drink your first cup of coffee. By staying hydrated, you can:
- Regulate your body temperature
- Prevent infections
- Maintain proper organ function
- Improve sleep, mood, and cognitive function
Don’t Stop Those Annual Checks!
Your 40s are a time for you to be as proactive about your health as possible. Don’t skip your annual checkup, as this is when you need to get your immunizations and lab work done. Women should get their annual pap smear and mammogram, while men should have an annual testicular exam.
These tests are never fun, but this is the age when early prevention is crucial to your overall health. By keeping up with these checks, you’ll be able to catch signs of disease or infection early so you can receive the treatment you need as early as possible.
Continue Exercising!
Anything from stretching in the morning and going for walks around the neighborhood to lifting weights and swimming can do wonders for your body and mind. As we age, we get used to sitting around and relaxing after a long day at work. While rest and relaxation are necessary for an overall positive life, you should also make a habit of getting your body moving.
Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive attitude can do wonders for your health, both mentally and physically! Some great ways to stay positive include:
- Surrounding yourself with positive people
- Partaking in habits you enjoy
- Learning something new
- Smiling and laughing as often as possible
- Making goals
- Being grateful and making a habit of gratitude
How’s That Retirement Plan Going?
Making sure your finances are in order can greatly improve your outlook on life. Even if you’ve been working on a retirement plan for the past few years or decades, why not speak with a wealth manager to really get your finances in order? This is also a great time to start being more mindful of your spending habits. By cutting down on costs wherever possible, you’ll be able to save more for an early retirement!
Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond
Make Sure Your Diet is Healthy & Balanced
In order to achieve a “healthy, balanced” diet as you enter your fifth decade of life, you must cut out unhealthy foods such as red meats and butter. These foods are high in saturated fats, which can negatively affect your heart health. Consider replacing these unhealthy foods with oily, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and trout as well as plants like walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, or Brussels sprouts. These foods are great sources of Omega-3 and other healthy fats that can benefit your heart and brain health.
Stay Active, But Be Aware of Your Limits
As stated previously, staying active is a great way to boost your mental and physical fortitude. But as you reach your 50s, it’s necessary to be aware of your limits. Don’t overexert yourself, as this can cause injuries, sprains, or even fractures. Take it easy, and have fun while staying active!
Some safe, low-impact ways to stay active include:
- Going on short walks
- Yoga
- Gardening
- Swimming
- Cycling
Staying active can lower the risk of memory loss or cognitive decline by increasing blood flow to your brain, helping new blood cells to grow. Similarly, you can strengthen your knees and muscles by partaking in these activities.
Keep Visiting Your Doctor
This goes without saying, but don’t skip your doctor’s visits! Yearly checkups in your 50s and beyond become crucial for your overall health. During your visit, you can expect the following:
- Physical exam
- Complete blood count
- Blood pressure check
- Diabetes screening
- Cholesterol screening
If you’re unable to visit your doctor due to health or mobility concerns, then you can consider Adult Primary Care & Pediatrics house call provider services. We make it as convenient as possible to provide everyone in El Paso with the health services they need. Give us a call today to learn more about what our clinic has to offer!
Choose Us As Your Primary Care Clinic Today for a Healthier Tomorrow!
No matter your age, it’s always a great idea to keep your health in mind. At Adult Primary Care & Pediatrics, we continuously provide our patients with the best medical care, right when they need it. As a walk-in clinic in El Paso, we’re always available to help you achieve your health goals.
Give us a call today to schedule your annual check. We can’t wait to help!
