Some people may consider age 50 to be “over the hill” and the digression point from there on out, but it doesn’t have to be the case when you know how to be fit over 50.
Being healthy and fit over 50 is absolutely possible, just look at Tony Horton or Jack LaLanne.
Taking certain steps to maintain your health or even achieve better health both mentally and physically can make a difference in your quality of life. Good health can help you live longer and be proud of your body. We’ve laid out some tips for men and women to keep fit over 50.
Fit Over 50: What Does it Take
1. Read A Book
Being fit over 50 doesn’t mean just physically fit, but mentally fit too. Reading helps to keep your mind active and constantly absorbing new information. It also taps into your imagination, which helps your creativity remain sharp as you age.
Reading one book a month that excites you and keeps you invested will help to keep your brain active and also can help reduce stress. Books can be a form of escape from daily stresses, so live it up in another time period or another world and see your health improve.
2. Find Your Favorite Exercise
If you haven’t yet, finding an exercise that you love to do daily will make a workout less of a chore and more of something you look forward to.
Hiking, biking, walking, or golfing are all great exercises that get you outside and moving regularly. Keeping active for at least 30 minutes a day will reduce your risk of high blood pressure or stroke while it can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Finding a group to exercise with, whatever your choice is, will help you to feel a greater drive to keep it up and push yourself. Many gyms offer classes such as swimming or aerobics that make exercise enjoyable.
3. Reduce Salt
While your body needs salt, too much of it can lead to high blood damage or kidney damage. Eating it within the recommended range of 2,400 mg a day will help you fight off signs of aging including high blood pressure.
As you age, the risk of high blood pressure increases naturally, so taking steps to avoid excessive sodium can be a key to keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Cooking at home more often and reading nutrition labels will help to reduce salt consumption and put food preparation in your control.
4. Take Vitamins
A large number of Americans don’t get the amount of daily vitamins they need because they don’t eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamin supplements can help to boost energy, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall body function.
Adults over 50 tend to lack b12 vitamins, so adding those to your daily intake will help you remain healthier. This is especially important if you do not eat a lot of fish or meat since those are primary sources for b12.
5. Keep Up on Your Health
You can take care of yourself the best you know how, but if you don’t check your blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate (for men), or get mammograms (for women) regularly, then it could all be for not.
Keeping up with exams will help you stay fit over 50 and prevent or catch any health issue before it becomes any worse. Even physically strong and active people can have heart attacks or strokes or have other health problems that could be prevented with a regular check up.
Resources
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/05/5-tips-to-stay-fit-after-50-2/