Introduction
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to health issues. Unfortunately, many of us don’t realize that our lifestyle choices can have a major impact on our health. According to science, there are certain foods and habits that can lead to poor health after the age of 50. In this article, we’ll explore the #1 causes of bad health after 50 and provide tips on how to eat better and stay healthy. We’ll also provide some helpful advice on what to avoid in order to maintain good health. So, if you’re looking to stay healthy and active after 50, read on to learn more about the #1 causes of bad health after 50 and how to eat better.
The #1 Causes of Bad Health After 50, Says Science — Eat This Not That
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to health issues. According to science, the number one cause of bad health after 50 is poor nutrition. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
The good news is that you can make simple changes to your diet to improve your health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Here are some tips for eating healthier after 50:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and other important nutrients.
- Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods. These foods are high in calories and low in nutrients.
- Choose lean proteins. Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and beans are a great source of protein and other important nutrients.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for overall health.
Making small changes to your diet can have a big impact on your health. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.
No one wants to admit they’re getting older and the machinery isn’t quite what it used to be. Plenty of us keep our heads in the sand, avoiding healthy best practices like we did in our 20s. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the serious flaw in that philosophy—as the body ages, it becomes more vulnerable to illness. The good news is that you can slash your chances of serious illness and premature death by avoiding a few high-risk habits. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Studies have found that adults over 50 are drinking more than ever. That can result in real problems. Excessive alcohol consumption raises your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and at least seven types of cancer—and the incidence of all of them already increases with age. To reduce your risk, experts advise that men have no more than two drinks a day, and women have no more than one.
In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 95 percent of those who died were over age 50. Effective vaccines have slashed the rates of severe illness and death. If you’re over 50, get fully vaccinated against COVID, and the CDC recommends you get a booster shot. Research from Israel found that in older people, booster shots provided four times more protection against COVID infection—and five to six times more protection against serious illness and hospitalization—than the first two shots alone.
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Being sedentary raises your risk of several life-shortening health conditions that increase in frequency after age 50: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, just to name a few. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN medical correspondent, says you should consider physical inactivity to be as serious as a disease. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise) each week.
Although type 2 diabetes can strike at any age, risk increases significantly after age 40. Left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and dementia. The American Diabetes Association recommends a regular diabetes screening for all adults over 45. Get tested ASAP, and if you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s recommendations about medication and lifestyle changes to get it under control.
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According to American Family Physician, the first risk factor for high cholesterol is being over 55. As we age, the body produces more cholesterol, which can build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Experts advise getting your cholesterol checked every five years, but older adults may need to get it done more frequently. Your total cholesterol level should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), with an LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL and an HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher.
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High blood pressure is one of the most serious health risks there is. Over time, it can damage blood vessels, increasing your chances of a heart attack, stroke, erectile dysfunction, kidney problems, and dementia—just to name a few. What’s more: According to Harvard Medical School, more than 70 percent of men older than 55 technically have high blood pressure, defined as a measurement higher than 120/80. Get your blood pressure checked every year, and follow your doctor’s advice about improving it if necessary. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.