These common health mistakes not only showcase behaviors to avoid, but they also demonstrate how healthy lifestyles impact quality of life as one grows older.
Aging brings a myriad of changes to the human body. To thrive, people must adapt and evaluate health and lifestyle choices. Seventy-five-year-old Nancy explains, “I used to stay up late to watch television and never lacked energy the following day. Now, I prefer to go to bed on the early side. I find I’m more productive the next day with a good night’s sleep.” Like Nancy, many individuals aged 50 plus must rethink and adjust lifestyle and health practices to positively impact health and wellness. Here are some common health mistakes folks over 50 must avoid:
- Poor dietary choices. For years, Henry ate sweets. Over the last two years, he has gained thirty pounds. At his last medical checkup, he discovered he is prediabetic. This means that his blood sugar levels are higher than normal. It’s serious as it is often a precursor for type 2 diabetes, a chronic medical condition in which levels of sugar, or glucose, build up in the bloodstream. Per Healthline, “As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and can cause some potentially dangerous complications.” People over 50 are particularly vulnerable to health issues and cannot continue to eat the same way they did when they were young. People aged 50 and up are encouraged to assess their diets and avoid junk foods that lead to obesity. It is widely known that diets rich in fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and other healthy foods can help mature adults maintain optimal weight.
- Insufficient physical activity. Paula was active in her younger years but gave up running due to bad knees. She began a sedentary lifestyle, ignoring doctor’s orders to seek physical therapy. Unfortunately, she began experiencing increased joint stiffness and decreased flexibility typically associated with declines in physical activity. This negative experience served as a wake-up call. She is currently initiating physical therapy to regain strength. Paula shares, “With assistance, I exercise in the pool. The exercises I do are low-impact and slow paced but help me keep moving.” Staying physically active is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall mobility. Working with a skilled physical therapist can help people maintain physical strength. This is of particular importance for senior citizens who are at increased risk of falls and fractures associated with health declines.
- Ignoring regular health screenings. One of the most significant mistakes made by people over 50 is neglecting regular health checkups and screenings. With aging, risks of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer increase. Greg shares, “I have hypertension. I knew I had high blood pressure, but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I ended up having a stroke and it took me quite a while to get back to normal.” Per Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure can quietly damage the body years before symptoms occur. They expound, “Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to disability, a poor quality of life, or even a deadly heart attack or stroke.” Thus, getting regular health checkups is essential to good health for all ages – and is essential for older people to reduce the risk of chronic or life-threatening diseases.
- Neglecting mental health. For full health benefits, it’s necessary to devote time to mental health and wellbeing. People over 50 experience significant life changes that can affect how one feels. Factors that impact mental health include the act of retirement, loss of a loved one, or decreased social interactions that may lead to isolation, depression, or loneliness. Alexis fully anticipated retirement, yet she failed to enjoy the transition from working full-time to complete work stoppage. Upon leaving the workforce, this former CEO felt restless. She explains, “I lacked a sense of purpose, and that feeling was unfamiliar and uncomfortable. I felt like I was no longer wanted or needed.” With the help of a therapist, Alexis found ways to channel this negative energy into doing good for others by volunteering. Seeking professional help and finding ways to stay engaged and socially active helped her through big life changes.
Adjusting one’s sails
Like sailboats, people must learn to adjust their sails to the changing tides and winds of life. Folks over 50, and particularly those entering the retirement phase, not only have a lot of life experiences under their belts, but they also face times of significant change. Mature adults can maintain or improve their health and well-being by avoiding common health mistakes. Eating a balanced diet, getting daily physical exercise, participating in regular health screenings, and paying attention to mental health can lead individuals to higher quality of living as they age – and a better experience through and through.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.