As people live longer, the conception of age and aging is changing around the world. In fact, the idea that 50 is the turning point of middle age is now outdated and no longer corresponds to reality: the "fifties have become the new forty". However, after this age, people may not necessarily know how to appreciate life, but by exploring the world and staying healthy, they can discover how good it is to live after 50.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Involved with the World
Step 1. Feed your curiosity
If you are over 50, you probably won't have young children, you will be retired, and you will have more free time. Therefore, give yourself the opportunity to explore the world by doing what you like best, such as traveling, tasting different foods or taking some courses.
- List your interests and anything you could do when you have the time and money. For example, suppose you want to take a flight license: find the necessary information and, if the idea appeals to you, learn how to fly an aircraft. Similarly, let's assume you've always wanted to visit Germany. Begin your "journey" at home, studying books and consulting tourist sites that describe this country, and plan a trip or a long stay.
- Considering your age as an opportunity to fuel your curiosity, you would realize how wonderful and powerful it can be to grow old if you let yourself go and take care of yourself.
Step 2. Engage in new and exciting activities
Look into something you've never tried before or spend more time with the people you love. In this way, you will give more flavor to life and you will be able to have new and wonderful experiences, but also new acquaintances.
- For example, you might engage in painting, dancing, or collecting coins; practice a new sport, such as pilates or yoga. Anything that gets you moving and staying physically active can help you stay young on the inside. For example, maybe you love medieval art: learn how to illuminate manuscripts.
- Try to be open-minded when trying something new, especially if such a proposal comes from your partner or friend. By embarking on new experiences in the company of another person, you have the opportunity to appreciate who is next to you and what you do together.
Step 3. Travel where you have the option
The quantity of places to visit is unimaginable: from foreign countries to the nearest cities. Traveling allows you to be active and dynamic and keep your mind busy - it's another way to stay young inside.
- Enjoy all the places you can go, even if it is a few cities a few kilometers away. You will have the chance to broaden your view of how others age and live after 50.
- When traveling, choose the least busy route. Limiting yourself to more touristy destinations won't be as exciting and interesting as getting to know new places. For example, if you go to Germany, visit the smaller towns or villages that are less traveled by tourist destinations, such as Würzburg or Bad Tölz, instead of going to the large metropolitan areas, such as Munich.
Step 4. Enrich your cultural background
Take a course on a subject that interests you or improve your professional training. By stimulating the mind, you will keep yourself busy and prevent the brain from aging.
- Attend courses, attend conferences, attend seminars or other professional development programs to keep your mind active. There are many "third age universities" or institutes that publish online courses.
- By following courses and deepening your professional training, you can open yourself up to new and exciting experiences.
Step 5. Participate in the activities of your community
If you become an active part of the city or neighborhood where you live, perhaps through an association that promotes and protects the rights of citizens, you will be able to lead a dynamic life in the name of social solidarity. This way, you will also have the opportunity to meet other 50-year-olds who wish to enjoy their age as much as you do.
If you contribute to the political process through school committees or local initiatives, not only will you have something constructive to do, but with your common sense you can also help others
Step 6. Volunteer in your city
With simple gestures of kindness and solidarity you will demonstrate your civic and human commitment, while you can make your wisdom and experiences available to people. By volunteering, you will also have the opportunity to see life and your dedication to society from a better perspective and, consequently, enjoy your 50 years.
- It is very likely that over the years you have developed specific skills regarding business or life in general. Share them with others as a mentor or teacher.
- Volunteer at a local school, hospital, or association.
- Offer to help friends and family if they need it.
Step 7. Interact with new people
Many find that tastes and perspectives change after the age of 50. If you expand your network of acquaintances, you have the opportunity to get involved in the reality in which you live and undertake new and wonderful experiences. You may even come to create a valuable group of people who care about you and your well-being.
- There are various ways to meet new people. You could take this opportunity at a public event held in your community, on a road trip, or by casually talking to other customers at the supermarket. Be open and willing to chat with anyone over 50 or younger.
- Arrange a meeting with your new friends. For example, you might meet each week for coffee or sign up for a tai chi class together.
- Getting to know and dating new people, but also deepening friendship with old acquaintances, is useful for well-being and mental balance.
Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of Your Health
Step 1. Plan your days
Give your days some structure by following a schedule. People often start to feel a lack of responsibility if they have too much free time and few things to respect. This can make you feel unproductive and less useful. Make your day full of activities you enjoy or need.
Step 2. See your doctor regularly
As the years go by, needs change and people may be more prone to other ailments and diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. By undergoing regular medical checks, you can nip the risk of any health problems in the bud and keep fit so that you can enjoy life after age 50.
Observe the physiological functions of your body carefully and take note of anything that seems a little "strange". Report it to your doctor as soon as you notice, bringing your symptoms to attention, how long they last, and how you manage to relieve them
Step 3. Eat healthily and regularly
Eating regular, healthy meals is key to staying healthy after 50. Nutrient-rich whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can give you the energy to make you enjoy life and minimize the risk of disease.
- Typically, around 1600-2800 calories per day are needed at this age, depending on gender and lifestyle.
- Eat 180-260g of fresh fruit every day. Try raspberries, blueberries, or pineapple. Try to consume whole fruit and not fruit juices, which are not very satisfying. Vary your choice to get a wide range of nutrients.
- Eat 380-450g of vegetables per day. Try broccoli, sweet potatoes, or zucchini. You should also vary your choice of vegetables if you want to be sure you are getting a wide range of nutrients.
- Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, needed by those over the age of 50. Fiber keeps the gastrointestinal system healthy and can decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Eat 140-220 g of grains per day. At least half of them should be whole, sourced from sources such as brown rice, pasta or wholemeal bread, oatmeal, or breakfast cereals.
- Eat 140-180g of protein per day, sourced from foods such as beef, pork, chicken, beans, eggs, peanut butter, or nuts and seeds. Protein also contributes to maintaining muscle tone.
- Eat 450-600g of dairy products every day, from different sources such as cheese, yogurt, milk, or even ice cream. These foods promote bone and muscle health - especially after the age of 50.
- Limit your consumption of sodium, sweets, sugary drinks, and red meats, as they can cause health problems.
Step 4. Get regular cardiovascular activity
Cardiovascular exercises, performed systematically, promote psycho-physical well-being. Any kind of moderate-level movement, such as walking, will be of great benefit to you and can also lead you to make new acquaintances or stimulate you to try new activities.
- Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. If necessary, divide this time into 10-minute sessions.
- Consult your doctor before starting any kind of physical activity.
- If you've just started exercising or prefer a low impact activity, try walking, yoga, or swimming. If you want, you can also gradually increase the intensity of exercises that require more energy, such as running.
- Listen to your body when you exercise. If you feel a little weak or bruised, rest until you have regained strength.
Step 5. Practice muscle strengthening exercises
In addition to cardiovascular exercise, consider increasing the strength of your muscles. It has been found that by strengthening the muscle structure and keeping the osteoarticular system in training, it is possible to reverse the aging process, as well as avert the risk of age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis.
- Consult your primary care physician and sports coach before starting a muscle strengthening program.
- Gymnastics must be designed to train the whole body and meet the needs of age. For example, exercises to strengthen the legs must reinvigorate the musculoskeletal structure of the lower limbs in order for them to be able to support the body.
- Try training with bands if the weights are too heavy.
- Take a yoga or pilates class: in addition to relaxing you, it can strengthen and stretch your muscles.
Step 6. Listen to your body
During any kind of activity, whether it's traveling or exercising, pay attention to your body and how you feel. This way, you will be able to identify the onset of any health problems.
- Rest whenever you feel the desire or the need. If you are tired or do not want to train for a day, do not hesitate to take a break: rest is important for mental health and serenity.
- Stop as soon as you feel lightheaded, headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, irregular or fast heart rate.
- Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night to protect your body and mind.
