How 50 Can be the New 40…Really!

Learn how 50 can be the new 40 with some ways to stave off aging decline. All it takes is a few adjustments and you could be running with the pack well into your 70’s and 80’s.

Don’t laugh, USA Today just reported how a 100 year old woman celebrated her birthday by skydiving. Recreate or maintain a strong body and mind for a future of optimal health.

Look Under the Hood

First and foremost when you turn 50 get a full checkup including a colonoscopy. Getting a good take on where you stand physically will set the template of how to approach your future years. Once your results are in you can apply them to your new routine.

Always get clearance from your doctor before attempting any alternative approaches.

Take a LAP

Committing to better health is a lifetime adjustment protocol (LAP). It’s never too late to take a LAP and at 50 years old, slowing down aging while ramping up energy is possible. Yet, at first, attempting this could be discouraging. Finding the perfect fit is essential.

For example, exercise is obviously a common recommendation for good health, yet finding a routine you like is important. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a few variations of diet and exercise until you find what works for you.

Time to Spin

Cardiovascular exercise is optimal for keeping you young and virile. Whether fast walking, jogging, rowing, bicycling or jump rope (to name a few) getting your heart rate above 150 beats per minute is optimal for burning excess fat as well as enhancing systemic circulation.

The current craze of spin classes across the globe just may be your best choice. These stationary bicycling sessions are short of cult-like, and for good reason.

Researchers at Arcadia University concluded in a small study that patients suffering from osteoarthritis showed significant improvement when using a stationary bike twenty-five minutes, three times per week.

Look for a beginner class if you’ve never tried it. Your oxygen and circulation improvement alone will certainly give you a nice jolt.

Bone Up

Strong bones may assist in less joint, muscle, and/or nerve pain. According to Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, Ph.D., head of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, strength training will certainly strengthen your bones.

Schedule a weekly weightlifting workout for three, one hour sessions. A push-pull approach is a good way to cover a variety of exercises without taxing your body. This entails switching between a pushing activity and a pulling activity.

Feed your Frame

Maintaining a diet after 50 requires 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. This breaks down to:

• One 8-ounce glass of milk (300 mg)
• 6 ounces of yogurt (300 mg)
• A handful of almonds (150 mg)
• 2 ounces of Swiss cheese (540 mg).

Make sure your diet consists of high calcium choices or supplements for a strong frame. In addition, talk to your doctor about protein, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and healthy fat options for your specific health history.

Stay away from processed foods such as those containing white sugar, white flour, excess salt and the laundry list of preservatives that seem to permeate practically everything you eat. Stick to fresh produce, legumes, nuts and fruits.

Mind Body Balance

Training for a triathlon at age 50 is possible, but for most it isn’t realistic. Therefore, in addition to cardiovascular and weight training workouts, adding in a balancing routine can be highly beneficial. Committing to a yoga or Tai Chi class can help strengthen your balance and flexibility, an essential combination as the body attempts to slow down.

According to Eva Norlyk Smith, yoga teacher and Managing Editor at YogaUOnline,

“When your body functions better, you’re going to feel better…You’ll have more energy, more vitality, and most yoga practitioners will say that regular yoga practice helps even out one’s moods.”

These simple tips are great habits to start and maintain. Add in some daily face cream with 15-25% spf to avoid aging sun damage and you just may be smiling from less pain and less wrinkles than many of your peers.