What You Can Expect When You Turn 50 Years Old

Signs to Look for When You Turn 50

Don’t be alarmed – we’re not going to start falling apart once we hit 50 and beyond. Yes, natural changes will occur, it’s inevitable. But why not know about them up front? Why not be prepared? And better yet, why not try to prevent them or prolong them? You know what they say – PREVENTION IS THE BEST KIND OF MEDICINE. This is so true – whether it be from doctors, holistic, and of course Gods Grace, you hold a lot of power in your hands. Just make yourself aware and be informed.

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.
~ Lucille Ball

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU TURN 50

IMMUNE SYSTEM
This can be slower to go after viruses and other outside threats. It’s also more likely to attack itself by accident. And your body no longer makes as many “fighter” cells to destroy infections as it used to. Because of all this, you’re more likely to get sick with the flu, pneumonia, or tetanus, so make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines.

BONES
When you’re younger, your body swaps out worn-down bone cells with new, strong ones. By the time you’re in your 50s, you have more broken-down bone cells than can be replaced. This means your bones naturally get weaker. To protect them, eat foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises like hiking and lifting weights can also help your bones stay strong.

HEARING
Up to 40% of people over the age of 50 have some hearing loss. Aside from natural aging, your genes can play a part, and some health issues — like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes — can affect your hearing over time. If you have concerns, ask your doctor about a hearing test. People who don’t hear well are more likely to cut themselves off from loved ones and be depressed.

MUSCLE
After you turn 50, you start to lose muscle at a faster rate. Your physical strength can get weaker, too. The best way to stop this slide is to lift weights or do strength training exercises like lunges and squats 2 to 3 times a week. Not only will you build more lean muscle mass, but you’ll also improve your sense of balance, which will come in handy as you get older.

JOINTS
The tissue and cartilage that cushion your joints begin to thin over time, and you’ll feel the effects of this in your 50s. (Men may notice it sooner.) To stave off joint pain and arthritis, start with your posture. When you slouch, you put pressure on your joints. And keep an eye on your weight, since extra pounds can put pressure on your joints. Also, drink lots of water. When you’re thirsty, your body pulls fluid from joint tissue.

HAIR
Around the time you turn 50, your hair can start to thin and recede, especially for men. It probably will also be turning gray, depending on your ethnic group and your family history. It’s common to feel self-conscious about how “old” your hair looks, but you can color it. You also might talk with your doctor about medicines or hair transplant surgery.

HEART
Once you hit your 50s, your chances of a heart attack go up. Exercise can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy — aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days. (Even short walks count.) Try to keep your weight and blood pressure within a normal range, too, and if you haven’t stopped smoking, now’s the perfect time. Cigarette smoke is a major cause of heart disease.

SKIN
Any sun damage you had as a carefree kid will now reveal itself. You may see age spots and will need to watch for signs of skin cancer. If you didn’t protect your skin when you were younger, it’s not too late to start. Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day, and have a skin cancer check each year. Your skin will probably also feel drier and be easily irritated. An unscented moisturizer (not lotion) can help.

VISION
If you have to squint when you read your phone, that’s because the lenses inside your eyes get stiffer with age. They can no longer quickly switch from a faraway focus to an up-close view. Glasses (like “readers” you buy without a prescription) may help, or you might need a new vision prescription. The older you get, the more your sight will change, so make sure to get regular eye exams.

MENOPAUSE
The average age a woman’s periods stop for good is 51. As your hormones drop, you might notice things like dry skin, hot flashes, and mood swings. Because the lining of your vagina gets thinner and drier, sex could also be painful. If so, talk to your doctor. Plenty of treatments, from antidepressants to hormone therapy, can help. So can lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and using lubricant during sex.

HEALTH SCREENING
Yes, your risk for health issues goes up in middle age, but certain tests can spot early signs of trouble. These will likely include a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer. Women also need yearly mammograms, along with a Pap smear every 3 years, and men should be screened for prostate and testicular cancer every 3 years. If a disease runs in your family, let your doctor know. They may want you to have other tests as well.

Well there you have it – What You Can Expect When You Turn 50 Years Old. Nothing to be alarmed about as long as you’re armed with information and knowledge on what you can do to make aging enjoyable. Come back and read up as I go into detail about each sign and offer some preventative action you can take. Until then – CIAO 🙂