No matter what age you are, prioritizing your health is always important. However, it becomes paramount as you grow older and reach your 50s, and have the chance to fix things before permanent health consequences creep in. Adding some of these things doctors wish you’d do in your 50s and beyond is a great way to stay healthy, preserve cognitive function, improve quality of life, and stave off disease. Check out these six things to add to your habits below.
6. Monitor Blood Pressure
Starting our list of things doctors wish you’d do is monitoring your blood pressure. While it may seem a little silly, blood pressure is a great way to stay on top of your health. If you have high blood pressure, it can affect not only your heart but also may have serious and long-lasting consequences for your kidneys. If you’re blood pressure starts creeping up, some ways to help lower it include eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and minimizing sodium intake.
5. Mental Exercises
Fifth on our list of things doctors wish you’d do in your 50s is mental exercise. While physical exercise is talked about more, mental exercise is just as, if not more, important. Finding activities that engage both the brain and body can improve brain health, manage stress, and prevent falls. Social activities are also highly encouraged, as they can help with cognitive health. Puzzles, brain games, trivia, and reading are great ways to train your brain.
4. Screened for Cancer
Next on our list of things doctors wish you’d do is get screened for cancer. Increased age also means an increased chance of cancer, no matter what type. This is why screenings are so important when you reach your 50s. Key screenings to get at this age include mammograms, prostate exams, colonoscopies, and others recommended by your doctor. Regular physicals and screenings ensure you’re on top of your health.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Rounding out the top three things doctors wish you’d do in your 50s is prioritizing sleep. Getting between seven and nine hours of sleep per night has endless benefits. In addition to preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and depression, sleep also helps you feel great throughout the day. Getting quality sleep can reduce fatigue and allow your body time to rest and recuperate between your daily activities.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Second on our list of things doctors wish you’d do is eat healthy, whole foods. When you get older, some of the junkier foods you enjoyed in your younger years may begin to catch up with your health. Our bodies weren’t designed to digest all of the heavily processed, sugary, and fatty foods that dominate today’s market. The best way to avoid this is by adding whole foods whenever you can, and reading food labels to see exactly what you’re putting in your body.
1. Consistent Workouts
Last but not least on our list of things doctors wish you’d do in your 50s is getting exercise. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is the best thing for your health. It can lower the chance of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, mobility issues, obesity, and more. The best type of workouts are those centered around resistance training and lifting weights, as they help increase muscle mass, strength, and prevent falls. Working out can also help with cognitive function and keep you mentally sharp and physically strong for years to come.