Fifty is the new forty, or so the saying goes. These days we’re all a little more health conscious and pay more attention to the things we need to do to live longer and healthier lives. Our body at the age of fifty simply doesn’t work the same way as it did in our twenties. Muscle mass starts to deteriorate, we’re much more likely to put on weight and illnesses like cancer and heart disease may catch up in the coming years. The good news however is there are some steps you can take to stay healthy, happy and wise and here are just a few of them.
Watch What You Eat
Good nutrition is one of best ways to stay on top of your health. Sticking to a healthy diet that is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and fats (the good kind) can help keep your body in shape and boost your immune system. A healthy diet should also include vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Vitamin D and Omega-3. Women are more likely to get conditions such as osteoporosis as they get older and both Calcium and Vitamin D can play a protective role in reducing your risk.
Omega-3 which is found in fish like Salmon and Mackrel can keep your heart healthy, protect against stroke and improve your heart health if you’re currently suffering from heart disease [1].
Hormonal Treatments
By the age of 50 most women have gone through menopause or will be in the process of going through it. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life where natural fertility declines and the body no longer produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones help to regulate many bodily functions and the absence of them can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness or weight gain.
This can be an extremely difficult time for many women. If these symptoms are interfering with your lifestyle or interrupting your day to day activities make an appointment to speak to one of our doctors. We may be able to suggest a few different treatment options.
Exercise
It should come as no surprise that as you head into your fifties and sixties exercise is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Regular exercise keeps the muscles loose and limber, improves your joint flexibility and increases your cardiovascular fitness. You don’t have to take up extreme sports, climb mountains or run a marathon -unless you want to! Instead start slowly with things like walking, jogging, swimming or yoga. Join a walking club or exercise group in your neighborhood to make it a more social and fun event.
Sex and Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
Sex at fifty comes with slightly different obstacles than it does in your 20’s and 30’s. It is normal for couples to have problems with issues like libido or sexual gratification. Procedures like Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR®), a one-hour outpatient surgical procedure that is designed to enhance sexual gratification or G-SHOT treatments are short procedures that may help solve these problems.
Care for Women offers these and other unique treatments that women may find beneficial.
Go for Routine Checkups with Your Doctor
Make it a point to see your OBGYN for routine check-ups. They are a great opportunity for your GP to monitor things like your blood pressure and cholesterol, help to manage any existing medical conditions you may have and ask about any new symptoms you’ve noticed in the past few weeks or months.
Seeing your doctor regularly also means you’re able to get your pap smears, mammograms and other screening tests on time. Take a proactive approach to your health and stop problems before they start.
Reaching the age of fifty is a milestone for many different reasons and as we all live longer it’s more important than ever to make sure that we’re living longer with good mental, physical and emotional health. Use some of the tips above as a guide to doing just that.
References
1) Medline Plus. Omega-3 fats: Good for your heart
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000767.htm