As we grow older, the impact of our daily choices on our health becomes increasingly significant, and for those over 50, it’s crucial to reassess certain lifestyle habits that may now pose greater risks than before. It might be time to let go of some of these routines in favor of healthier alternatives to enhance your well-being.
Eating an Unhealthy Diet
It’s important to get enough fiber, protein, and vitamins each day to manage your metabolism and muscle mass. Try to focus on calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B. You should also avoid eating too many processed foods, as diets high in these can cause health issues.
Smoking
We know that smoking is bad for our health, but as we age, it has a bigger impact on our bodies. Smoking can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions, or make them worse if you’ve already been diagnosed. Stopping smoking will improve your circulation and your lung capacity within a few months.
Drinking Excessive Amounts of Alcohol
On top of the normal risks of drinking alcohol, for older adults, it can increase the risk of falls, confusion, and accidents. According to the CDC, “excessive alcohol use led to about 178,000 deaths and 4 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2020–2021.”
Ignoring Skin Health
As you age, your skin becomes more susceptible to damage, and it’s more likely you’ll develop skin cancer. Therefore, it’s important to use sunscreen regularly and cover up your skin when you’re outdoors for long periods of time. If you do spot any changes, make sure to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
Not Attending Regular Health Screenings
According to the National Institutes of Health, screenings “aim to detect diseases at an early stage, before any symptoms become noticeable. This has the advantage of being able to treat the disease much earlier.” Adults over 50 should routinely have screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and blood pressure monitoring.
Overlooking Mental Health
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are common in older adults, but the stigma attached to these problems means they often go undiagnosed and untreated. Proactively seeking out therapy or counseling allows you to talk about your thoughts and concerns, while social activities and hobbies will improve your well-being.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
People over the age of 50 need around 7–8 hours of sleep per night to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Not getting enough sleep each night can increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, and depression, so keeping to a regular routine is important. You can also try to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume throughout the day.
Skipping Exercise
Regular exercise helps to prevent chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as improve physical strength and mobility. Livestrong says, “Simply adding walks to your daily routine can decrease your chance of developing physical health complications by 28 percent.”
Not Drinking Enough Water
It’s recommended that we drink eight glasses of water a day, but older adults often find they don’t feel as thirsty, leading to dehydration. This can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and constipation. It can be helpful to build reminders into your day to keep you hydrated.
Stress
We all face stress in our lives, but having a constant high level of stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Try to manage stress by building mindful activities into your day; this could include yoga, meditation, and tai chi.
Overusing Painkillers
Painkillers are useful for managing issues with joints or chronic pain, but it’s important to discuss your use of these medications with a doctor, as excessive use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, or increased blood pressure. You could try some alternative ways to manage your pain, including physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage.
Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
Footwear should support your feet and body as you walk around, as this helps to keep your joints and muscles working in the way that they should. Wearing non-supportive or badly fitting shoes could lead to injury. Make sure your shoes have non-slip soles too to reduce the risk of falls.
Ignoring Vision and Hearing Tests
Issues with sight and hearing generally increase with age, so it’s crucial to attend regular checks so that help can be put in place as and when you need it. Individuals who ignore their hearing loss are more likely to withdraw from social activities or engagement, resulting in cognitive decline.
Isolating From Friends and Family
Studies have shown that isolating yourself from others can increase the risk of early death as much as obesity or being physically inactive. It’s important to make time in your schedule to socialize with friends or engage with your local community to keep you connected and improve your mental well-being.
Not Managing Your Weight
Healthline says, “Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for disease prevention, quality of life, mental health, and more.” Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise are key to managing your weight. If you’re struggling, speak to a doctor or a support group.
Neglecting Dental Health
Dental health becomes even more important as we get older, as we’re more likely to suffer from gum disease and tooth decay, so it’s a good idea to attend regular check-ups and cleanings. On top of this, having poor dental health increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Failing to Plan Financially for Healthcare
Often, the number of medical expenses we have after the age of 50 increases, so it’s crucial to plan for unexpected costs. Make sure your health insurance coverage suits your current needs and protects you for the future to prevent large bills.
Ignoring Professional Advice
Ignoring the advice of medical professionals can make it harder to manage chronic medical conditions or delay your recovery from illness or injury. It’s important to regularly check in with your doctor so they can monitor your health and adjust any treatments as and when they need to.
