{"id":128599,"date":"2024-11-22T00:50:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T17:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=128599"},"modified":"2024-11-22T00:50:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T17:50:47","slug":"how-do-i-stay-healthy-in-my-50s-well-actually","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=128599","title":{"rendered":"How do I stay healthy in my 50s? | Well actually"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\"><span style=\"color:var(--drop-cap);font-weight:700;\" class=\"dcr-15rw6c2\">P<\/span>eople in their 50s can be prone to a \u201cvicious cycle\u201d, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayo.edu\/research\/faculty\/lebrasseur-nathan-k-ph-d-m-s\/bio-00055041\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Nathan LeBrasseur<\/a>, director of the Mayo Clinic\u2019s Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging. The high-stress grind of work and family responsibilities can lead to days when exercise, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/science\/nutrition\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">solid meal<\/a> and good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/sleep\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">sleep<\/a> are bonuses rather than givens.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">When such days become the norm, \u201cwe can see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/health\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">health<\/a> issues start to emerge, sometimes earlier than they should\u201d, says LeBrasseur.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">\u201cThe beautiful thing is that we have such powerful control over the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/science\/ageing\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">ageing<\/a> process,\u201d he says. \u201cThere is plasticity to ageing.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"bf1b0841-17b9-4aba-913c-13807ca7a1b3\" data-spacefinder-role=\"richLink\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\" dcr-1your1i\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:3,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Cortisol face, raw milk and skincare for kids: the biggest wellness trends of 2024&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;bf1b0841-17b9-4aba-913c-13807ca7a1b3&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;richLink&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/article\/2024\/sep\/04\/2024-wellness-trends&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:10,&quot;display&quot;:2,&quot;theme&quot;:4}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Ageing isn\u2019t something that simply starts after you\u2019ve reached a certain year, says LeBrasseur. It\u2019s a lifelong process, and in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/series\/halfway-there--a-column-about-midlife\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">midlife<\/a>, your health needs can change. We talked to experts about how to take care of your health in your 50s.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-normal-signs-of-ageing-in-your-50s\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">What are the normal signs of ageing in your 50s?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">While all bodies age, it is \u201cnot a one-size-fits-all phenomenon\u201d, explains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/about\/staff\/dutta-chhanda\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Chhanda Dutta<\/a>, chief of the clinical gerontology branch at the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Accordingly, there is no standard way to age. Even if two people have similar issues later in life, the pathways and factors that led them there can vary significantly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">LeBrasseur describes ageing as \u201cwear and tear on the cells and molecules in the body\u201d. The accumulation of these changes increases the risk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41392-022-01251-0\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">ageing-related diseases<\/a>, eventually leading to the body\u2019s decline.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Biological age is a measure of these cellular and molecular changes over time. It captures how old your body appears based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.age.mpg.de\/211116\/what-is-biological-age\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">biomarkers<\/a>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2023\/dec\/02\/green-space-ageing-neighborhood\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">telomere length<\/a>, and how well your body is functioning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Biological age is a better measure of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2023\/mar\/28\/healthspan-revolution-how-to-live-long-strong-happy-life\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">healthspan<\/a>, or years of generally good health, than chronological age, or how many years you\u2019ve been alive. The difference between these two measures explains why one 50-year-old might <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41586-018-0457-8\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">seem younger<\/a> than another.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-does-the-body-change-in-your-50s\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">How does the body change in your 50s?<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"5cfe64fd-cbc3-4b63-8b14-677267726899\" data-spacefinder-role=\"supporting\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\" dcr-a2pvoh\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=380&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1300px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=380&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=300&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 980px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 980px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=300&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 980px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=620&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=620&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=605&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=605&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=445&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"An illustration of a woman in yellow and white striped outfit\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ec1e4cc6c4c56196d71dfa5a162d69ffa0496190\/0_0_344_565\/master\/344.png?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"445\" height=\"730.8866279069767\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-1pvqcrw\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span> Illustration: Ananya Broker Parekh\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">There is no specific year we can expect health changes to happen, explains Dutta. This is because factors like activity, smoking, drinking and weight can all influence the trajectory of physiological changes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">According to Dutta, about 30% of adults between 45 and 64 have one chronic condition. Chronic conditions increase with age \u2013 63% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have more than one. Focusing on your health in midlife can help mitigate the chance of developing ill health later, says Dutta.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">\u201cChanges in body weight, body composition and metabolic changes contribute to increased risk for chronic diseases,\u201d explains Dutta.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">But bodies do generally go through certain transitions as they age.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">For example, your 50s are flanked by two periods during which the number of molecules and microbes in the body fluctuates. In a 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s43587-024-00692-2\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">study<\/a>, scientists explain that at about age 44, there are changes in the numbers of molecules linked to alcohol and lipid metabolism \u2013 lipids being a group of fatty compounds that includes cholesterol and triglycerides. Then in your 60s, these types of changes influence carbohydrate and caffeine metabolism. The scientists observed dysregulation in the molecules affecting muscles and skin during both periods.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">More research is needed to know the exact consequences of these shifts, but these findings could help explain ageing-related health changes. The study authors also <a href=\"https:\/\/med.stanford.edu\/news\/all-news\/2024\/08\/massive-biomolecular-shifts-occur-in-our-40s-and-60s--stanford-m.html\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">say<\/a> their work suggests we should pay extra attention to our health during our 40s and 60s.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-hormonal-changes-occur-in-our-50s\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">What hormonal changes occur in our 50s?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/2024\/mar\/01\/how-menopause-changes-brain-body\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">menopausal transition<\/a>, also known as perimenopause, usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, lasting between seven and 14 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Studies on menopause have illuminated much of what we know about women\u2019s health in midlife, says Dutta. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swanstudy.org\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">the Swan study<\/a> \u2013 a large, longitudinal study that began in 1994 \u2013 found that bone mineral density loss occurs during the menopausal transition and not after menopause, as it was once thought.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">The menopausal transition is also linked to symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes and sleep disturbances. Menopause-related symptoms are associated with a greater risk for high blood pressure and other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/10.1161\/CIR.0000000000000912\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">cardiovascular risk factors<\/a>. Vaginal dryness is also common before or after menopause, which can lead to increased pain during intercourse and decreased sexual desire.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Women may experience sex drive changes in their late 40s and early 50s, while men may have a similar shift in their 60s and 70s \u2013 though not everyone will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/article\/why-do-older-adults-lose-their-libido\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">lose their libido<\/a>. Declining levels of sex hormones, age-related health problems and the side effects of management medications can all contribute. Men in their 50s might also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.keckmedicine.org\/blog\/your-body-at-50\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">start to experience<\/a> erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-do-i-feel-like-my-body-is-falling-apart\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Why do I feel like my body is falling apart?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">People typically start to undergo age-related <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/003998.htm\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">body changes<\/a> around age 30, losing lean tissue and bone density, and gaining body fat. Age and sex can affect this. Men start to lose weight after age 55, partly because lean muscle tissue is swapped for fat, which weighs less than muscle; the same occurs for women after 65.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength can also begin as early as age 30, says Dutta. This phenomenon is related to age-related hormonal changes, being sedentary, and changes in how the brain and muscles work together. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/health\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Health<\/a> consequences can include mobility issues and an increased risk of falling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Lower bone strength and density are risk factors for fractures in men and women, though there are some ethnic and racial differences in rates. For example, rates of hip fracture are about <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3111798\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">50% lower<\/a> in Black and Asian women than in white women.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Dutta points out that \u201cnot everybody goes downhill as they age\u201d. Some people are exceptionally healthy despite the years they\u2019ve accrued, and the NIA is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/news\/topics\/centenarians\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">studying them<\/a> to see what sets these \u201csuper-agers\u201d apart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">If you\u2019re experiencing new and persistent health issues, don\u2019t assume it\u2019s just a regular part of ageing. Dutta recommends going to a healthcare provider and getting checked out.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-health-tests-should-you-get-regularly-in-your-50s\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">What health tests should you get regularly in your 50s<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Preventive and proactive care can help you extend your health span.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">You can get ahead by screening for specific conditions. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK225245\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">an annual screening<\/a> for anyone over 40. The ACS also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/screening\/screening-recommendations-by-age.html#50-64\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">recommends<\/a> talking to a healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screenings by age 45, yearly mammograms between 50 and 54, and lung and prostate cancer screenings at age 50.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">In the UK, the NHS offers a free health check to people aged 40 to 70 without certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/nhs-health-check\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">pre-existing conditions<\/a>. The check includes blood pressure and cholesterol tests and is meant to reveal if you\u2019re at risk of developing health issues like diabetes and stroke. At 50, you\u2019re also eligible for NHS breast and bowel cancer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/nhs-screening\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">screenings<\/a>. Cervical screenings are offered every five years from age 50 to 64.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-vaccines-should-you-get-in-your-50s\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">What vaccines should you get in your 50s?<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"24550e61-98e5-41d9-a1f1-8039aa3721e4\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\" dcr-5h0uf4\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-1pvqcrw\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span> Illustration: Ananya Broker Parekh\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/shingles\/about\/index.html#:~:text\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">shingles vaccine<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/immunizations-and-vaccines\/vaccinations-and-older-adults\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">pneumococcal vaccination<\/a> once you\u2019re 50. The NHS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/vaccinations\/shingles-vaccine\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">recommends<\/a> the shingles vaccines for adults 50 and over with a weakened immune system and for all adults turning 65.<\/p>\n<figure data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.NewsletterSignupBlockElement\" class=\" dcr-173mewl\"><a data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" href=\"#EmailSignup-skip-link-36\" class=\"dcr-jzxpee\">skip past newsletter promotion<\/a><\/p>\n<aside aria-label=\"newsletter promotion\" class=\"dcr-av5vqf\">\n<p class=\"dcr-1xjndtj\">Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life<\/p>\n<p><gu-island name=\"SecureSignup\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;newsletterId&quot;:&quot;well-actually&quot;,&quot;successDescription&quot;:&quot;Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life&quot;}\"\/><span class=\"dcr-1eusqlu\"><strong>Privacy Notice: <\/strong>Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our <a data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/help\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"noreferrer\" class=\"dcr-1rjy2q9\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google <a data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy\" rel=\"noreferrer\" class=\"dcr-1rjy2q9\">Privacy Policy<\/a> and <a data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms\" rel=\"noreferrer\" class=\"dcr-1rjy2q9\">Terms of Service<\/a> apply.<\/span><\/aside>\n<p id=\"EmailSignup-skip-link-36\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"after newsletter promotion\" role=\"note\" class=\"dcr-jzxpee\">after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-keys-to-longevity\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">What are the keys to longevity?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Paying attention to heart health is vital. Postmenopausal women experience a decline in estrogen, which can increase the risk for heart disease. The chance of heart issues also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/files\/health\/jhm_heartpdf_1_16.pdf\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">increases for men<\/a> in their 50s. Speak to a healthcare provider about any unusual symptoms that might be related, including fatigue, leg cramps and nausea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Poor nutritional habits can accelerate ageing, says LeBrasseur, and healthy eating can help a person extend their biological age. He recommends avoiding fad diets and sticking with what\u2019s known to work. When it comes to health benefits, \u201cthere\u2019s nothing more proven than the Mediterranean diet\u201d, he explains. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/food\/2022\/jul\/25\/20-best-easy-mediterranean-recipes-pasta-sardines-chicken-lemon-fish-kebabs\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">plant-rich diet<\/a> also emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, and lean meats such as fish and chicken. It\u2019s been linked to better <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/science\/2023\/mar\/29\/mediterranean-diet-can-reduce-heart-attacks-in-people-at-higher-risk\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">heart health<\/a> and may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/2023\/mar\/14\/mediterranean-diet-may-lower-dementia-risk-by-a-quarter-study-suggests\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">protect against dementia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Exercise is crucial. \u201cThe two biggest midlife health risks are that we\u2019re not active enough and we don\u2019t make dietary changes that help us age in a healthier manner,\u201d says Dutta.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">She recommends diverse physical activity that hits four critical areas: endurance, cardio, flexibility and balance. It\u2019s important to enjoy what you\u2019re doing \u2013 if you don\u2019t like running on a treadmill, you won\u2019t stick with it. Go for a hike or take a dance class instead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Progressive resistance training, yoga and tai chi are excellent for people who are especially concerned about muscle loss, says Dutta. The latter two can reduce stress too, \u201cwhich is equally important for maintaining good health\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Social connectedness and meaningful relationships are also crucial for healthy ageing, says LeBrasseur. Studies <a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12889-022-12567-5\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">show<\/a> that socially active adults experience less <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/books\/article\/2024\/jul\/08\/the-big-idea-why-your-brain-needs-other-people\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">cognitive decline<\/a> as they age.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">It\u2019s never too soon to start adopting healthy habits that protect against ageing, and consistency is key, LeBrasseur explains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">\u201cWhat you do in a week isn\u2019t going to make a huge difference, but what you do over the course of years will,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p><gu-island name=\"InteractiveBlockComponent\" priority=\"critical\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/interactive.guim.co.uk\/uploader\/embed\/2023\/10\/archive-zip\/giv-13425WMrLo2pc9VIk\/&quot;,&quot;scriptUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/interactive.guim.co.uk\/embed\/iframe-wrapper\/0.1\/boot.js&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;The Well Actually signup widget&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:10,&quot;display&quot;:2,&quot;theme&quot;:4},&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;743d945b-12c0-4e89-9759-b415b7308258&quot;,&quot;isMainMedia&quot;:false}\"><\/p>\n<figure id=\"743d945b-12c0-4e89-9759-b415b7308258\" data-alt=\"The Well Actually signup widget\" data-testid=\"interactive-element-The%20Well%20Actually%20signup%20widget\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"element element-interactive element--inline element-inline dcr-w422y2\"><a data-name=\"placeholder\" href=\"https:\/\/interactive.guim.co.uk\/uploader\/embed\/2023\/10\/archive-zip\/giv-13425WMrLo2pc9VIk\/\" class=\"dcr-1eupayo\">The Well Actually signup widget<\/a><\/figure>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-you-keep-the-brain-healthy-as-you-age\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">How can you keep the brain healthy as you age?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Midlife is associated with some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cell.com\/trends\/neurosciences\/fulltext\/S0166-2236(24)00017-1?3Dtrue\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">changes in the brain<\/a>, including the shrinking of the hippocampus and decreased connectivity between different regions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swanstudy.org\/womens-health-info\/cognition\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Swan study<\/a> revealed insights into brain health for women between their mid-40s and their 70s. Tests on verbal and working memory and cognitive processing speed found that \u201cdeclines in all domains of cognitive function were evident by age 60\u201d, says Dutta. Rates of decline in women exposed to financial hardship and women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease were the fastest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">This illustrates that \u201cit\u2019s not all tied to hormonal changes\u201d, Dutta says. \u201cExternal and biological factors influence how our cognition and physiological systems age.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">But there are some gains, too. Research also suggests midlife brains are calmer and less neurotic, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2011\/04\/mind-midlife\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">can outperform young brains<\/a> on cognitive tests. Older brains are also better at making rational decisions and have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/why-you-should-thank-your-aging-brain\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">better impulse control<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Diet, sleep and exercise are good for your brain as well as your body, says LeBrasseur. Genetic factors play <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/brain-health\/cognitive-health-and-older-adults\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">a small role<\/a> in brain health, but lifestyle factors like limiting alcohol, not smoking and managing high blood pressure can also help.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-you-slow-ageing\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Can you slow ageing?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">While you can\u2019t go back in time, some recommendations for ageing well, like eating healthily, can influence biological age and \u201cactually slow your rate of ageing\u201d, says LeBrasseur.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">For example, a 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2821611\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">paper<\/a><em> <\/em>published in Jama Network<em> <\/em>found a link between younger biological age and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals while low in sugar. The study\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucsf.edu\/news\/2024\/07\/428121\/healthy-diet-less-sugar-linked-younger-biological-age\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">results suggest<\/a> that eliminating 10 grams of added sugar daily, if sustained over time, is comparable to turning back the biological clock by 2.4 months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Research <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0091743517301470\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">shows<\/a> that exercise can also slow biological ageing \u2013 even <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/acel.13841\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">small regular doses<\/a> can help.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-you-stop-worrying-about-getting-older\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">How do you stop worrying about getting older?<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"936e6035-9ca5-4660-b173-d5693cf5cbcf\" data-spacefinder-role=\"supporting\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\" dcr-a2pvoh\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-1pvqcrw\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span> Illustration: Ananya Broker Parekh\/The Guardian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Getting older can be stressful. But LeBrasseur hopes that realizing we can influence the ageing process eases concerns. Taking control over lifestyle factors, holding yourself accountable, and setting varied and realistic goals are foundational to ageing well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">\u201cSomething I especially see 40 and 50-somethings fall victim to is using the bathroom scale as their only readout of success,\u201d says LeBrasseur.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chhs.colostate.edu\/bio-page\/allyson-brothers-2358\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">Allyson Brothers<\/a>, a lifespan developmental scientist and associate professor at Colorado State University, also says it\u2019s important to remember we have some power over how we age. Ageing comes with difficult hardships and losses, but we can choose how to psychologically and behaviorally navigate this time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Our views on ageing can have a direct impact on health. Higher awareness of negative age-related changes is <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s10433-021-00673-z\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">linked<\/a> to having worse mental and physical health. A <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12150226\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">study<\/a> of 660 people aged 50 and older found those with more positive self-perceptions of ageing lived about 7.5 years longer than those who viewed ageing more negatively. In another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2666386\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">study<\/a>, researchers found that participants under 50 with more negative views on ageing were more likely to have a cardiovascular event later on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">The association between a positive view of ageing and better health exists partly because people with that outlook tend to do more to age well, Brothers says. They go in for annual check-ups, monitor their blood pressure and seek out social support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Developing a more positive view isn\u2019t about looking through rose-colored glasses \u2013 rather, consider gains and losses in parallel across different areas of life, Brothers explains. Perhaps your back hurts more than it used to, but your sense of self is much stronger than in your 20s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">If you\u2019re anxious about getting older, it can be helpful to start planning, Brothers says. For example, if work provides most of your meaningful connections, but you\u2019re about to retire, you need to prepare for your social future just as you did your financial one.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-11uwh1i\">Take some time for self-reflection, and identify what it is specifically about ageing that you\u2019re worried about, Brothers says. \u201cDay-to-day behaviors matter more for ageing than most might think, but people also have more control over those behaviors than they realize.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/wellness\/2024\/nov\/21\/how-to-stay-healthy-in-your-50s-ageing\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People in their 50s can be prone to a \u201cvicious cycle\u201d, says Nathan LeBrasseur, director of the Mayo Clinic\u2019s Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging. The high-stress grind of &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=128599\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128599","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=128599"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128599\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=128599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=128599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=128599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}