It’s never too late to put your health first, even if you are in your 50s. In fact, there are many ways to elongate your life and make yourself healthier. So, let’s explore 17 things you should start doing at 50 to feel even better at 80.
Getting Regular Exercise
Incorporating aerobic activities like walking or swimming into your life at 50 can pay off in the long term. In fact, The Guardian suggests that adopting such lifestyle changes, along with eating well and getting a good night’s sleep, could add more than 20 years to your life!
Eating Healthily
Balancing the amount of fatty and unhealthy foods with healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make you feel instantly better at 50. Additionally, limiting processed foods, sugar, and sodium, as well as staying hydrated, can set you up for feeling great at 80.
Maintaining a Social Circle
Just because you are 50 and reaching retirement age doesn’t mean that you have to give up your social life! It’s important to join clubs or groups based on hobbies or interests so that you can have supportive individuals around you when you turn 80.
Engage in Mental Stimulation
Exercising the mind at 50 is incredibly important as it means that your brain at 80 will be more stimulated and active. You can do many activities that promote mental stimulation, such as reading books, solving puzzles, or playing brain games to challenge your mind. They’re fun, too!
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Having a good night’s sleep is equally important at 50 as it is when you are younger. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help you destress, meaning you will feel better and more well-rested at 80.
Regular Health Checkups
Staying healthy means scheduling regular physical exams with your healthcare provider—don’t skip this! Medical professionals can give you detailed information on your health and tips on how to elongate your life, meaning that you will be more informed at 80.
Manage Stress Effectively
According to CNBC, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 76 years, which is far lower than 80. However, don’t be alarmed; by managing your stress with mindfulness meditation, detaching from work, or relaxation techniques at age 50, you may be able to lengthen your lifespan until you are far over 80!
Pursue Hobbies
Many people who have yet to reach retirement age still neglect their hobbies and interests because work becomes a priority in their lives. However, pursuing hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment can help you cultivate a sense of self, allowing for a happier life at 80.
Embrace a Positive Outlook
Having a positive outlook on life at age 50 can completely transform your life by age 80. You can achieve this by practicing gratitude daily, reflecting on things you’re thankful for, and surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting people. Trust us–you’ll thank yourself later!
Invest in Relationships
ed ones at age 50 can make all the difference at age 80. You will be able to build bonds with others while making an effort to resolve conflicts, giving you a stronger support network to enjoy in your old age.
Take Time to Relax
It’s vital to take time to unwind and detach from things that are stressing you out, especially work. Setting aside time each day to relax by reading your favorite book or engaging in mindfulness exercises can help you cultivate a sense of inner peace, keeping your mind and body young.
Keeping Hydrated
As mentioned earlier, eating healthily is going to be essential if you want to feel good at 80. However, this will be worthless if you don’t keep hydrated! The National Institute of Health claims that “Adults who stay well-hydrated develop fewer chronic conditions and live longer,” so it’s more important than you might think!
Keep Learning
Although you will have left school if you are 50, there are still benefits to continuously dedicating yourself to education. Studying in your 50s can help to sharpen your brain as you learn new things and challenge yourself intellectually, a habit that you can even keep up at 80.
Strength Training
Harvard Health reminds us that after age 40, lean body mass can decline significantly, with this rate becoming faster every year. To combat this, you should incorporate strength training into your daily routine, as lifting weights can help maintain muscle mass, making you more agile and capable at age 80.
Don’t Engage in Drama
Drama can cause unnecessary stress and can make you feel anxious at an age when you should be relaxed. Instead of getting caught up with toxic people or situations, it’s important to surround yourself with positivity and let go of toxic relationships as you age. Your life will be so much easier!
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care means shifting your priorities so that you can feel your best at 80. If you always put others above yourself at age 50, it’s advisable to start taking care of yourself physically and mentally first, setting boundaries to dedicate time to yourself–not just others.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Finally, staying connected with loved ones will always make you feel better, especially between ages 50 and 80! Making time for regular communication with friends and family is imperative, as these people will be the ones looking after you when you are 80, and it will ensure you have a life full of socialization and love.