Aging Well for Men & Women Over Fifty
Is 50 the new 40? It certainly seems that way. But with changing times and the pressure to ‘stay young’ how we age can be significantly influenced by our lifestyle choices. For men and women over 50, adopting healthy self-care habits and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial for aging well.
That being said, where do we start to make positive changes? In my day to day job in the salon, chat invariably turns to the strategies that can help individuals thrive as they age, be it self-care in the form of a few beauty treatments, physical exercise, mental well-being, or social engagement. Here on The Roseland its always clear theres a fantastic amount of support we can get in our local community.
A really important place to start is our general health, I spoke to The Roseland Surgeries Practice Manager, Nicola Davies to see what types of screening are available and it turns out there’s quite a bit. There are not only annual and bi-annual health checks for people with long term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, but they also offer free NHS health checks for people between 40 and 74 if they don’t have a long term condition The surgery also offers all the Government advised immunisations, weight monitoring, support to stop smoking, and they now refer for very specific weight management support for patients with diabetes. The main thing Nicola stresses is to take up the offer for these free checks when you get the invites! Prevention is always better than cure.
We all know regular physical activity is the holy grail of ensuring a healthy ageing process. Exercise improves cardiovascular heath and enhances mental well-being however sometimes the thought of getting in our gym gear and getting stuck in can be daunting. This is where I personally find fitness apps are amazing. I got into Yoga a couple of years ago, and I have to say it changed not only my physique but my mindset for the better. Practices like Yoga and Pilates are not only helpful for the physical body. but encourage mindfulness and mediation which do wonders for emotional health and in aiding restful sleep.
Finding something you really enjoy can also help you to build social connections, and maintaining strong social ties can significantly impact emotional well-being and longevity. The Roseland Surgeries Patient Group host regular Ping-Pong, a choir, walking with friends, and social cafes in Veryan, Portscatho and St Mawes.
It’s stating the obvious, but a nutritious diet is fundamental to aging well. For those over 50, it’s important to focus on whole foods, lean proteins and fats, staying hydrated and consuming foods high in essential fatty acids for brain health, Calcium and Vitamin D for bones, and fibre for gut and bowel health. For fuss-free recipes to make sure you are getting all of the above, I always recommend to my clients “The Midlife Kitchen. Health Boosting Recipes for Mid-Life & Beyond” by the fabulous Mimi Spencer and Sam Rice.
Overall, ageing well for the over 50’s involves a holistic approach that includes physical activity, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, social engagement, and regular health check-ups. By adopting these strategies, individuals can improve their quality of life, maintain independence, and enjoy a fulfilling and healthy aging process. Embracing these habits not only enhances longevity but also ensures that the years ahead are vibrant and rewarding.
A final tip you’ll hear me shouting from the roof tops about is to protect your skin from sun damage and maintain a good skincare routine year-round, because after all those healthy habits, we all want to look as vibrant and young on the outside, as we feel within.
By, Sally Evans
Of SEVAN, St Mawes