Many men find the age of 50 to be a turning point for their well-being, as it becomes more and more difficult to get away with bad habits like you did when you were younger. During this age, most male individuals struggle to prioritise their health due to family obligations and job duties that often lead to high-stress levels, poor diet and lack of exercise. But as it is already so well known, neglecting your health will always have a negative impact on your life, leading to all kinds of conditions, including diabetes, certain types of cancers, erectile dysfunction and heart disease.

Luckily, the path to maintaining good health as you age doesn’t have to be arduous. If you stick with some habits, you will feel – and look – your best, even as you move toward 60.

Prioritise annual screenings

Unlike women, men aren’t likely to see a physician unless they experience some health issues. However, the condition may have already progressed by that point, making treatment much more complicated. Routine screenings are critical for men – particularly after passing the 50-year mark. So, it’s recommended to discuss with your doctor about the appropriate checkups. These can include cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, eye exam, skin exam, colorectal cancer screening, blood pressure screening, and so on.

Men often hesitate to talk about sensitive matters like erectile dysfunction with their doctor because they may feel embarrassed. But this issue is widespread and usually signals an underlying health issue requiring treatment. However, even if NHS specialists generally do a great job, things get a bit more complicated when it comes to diagnosing and treating low T effectively. This is why patients often choose to get testosterone replacement therapy through a personalised service. This way, they no longer have to wait months for an appointment, at the same time ensuring they will be provided with the right treatment option that works for their individual circumstances.

Pay attention to your diet

Healthy eating should be a priority regardless of your age. But during your midyears and beyond, it becomes even more critical. Good nutrition plays a crucial role in strengthening your immunity and keeping your weight in check, helping prevent several illnesses. Food has a direct impact on your mood, as well as your physical health, so it is paramount to ensure you have a balanced diet that includes plentiful vegetables, fruits, nuts, avocadoes, fish and whole grains. 

Increasing your protein consumption is also essential if you want to stay fit after 50, helping your body repair skin and joint cells and muscles. You want to avoid proteins from processed products like bacon, or hot dogs, which will only put you at risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Inflammatory fats and carbohydrates should be avoided, as they can lead to heart attack and stroke. After 50, it becomes harder for your body to absorb Vitamin B12; however, this vitamin is crucial to ensure your blood and nerves stay healthy. Thus, you should ensure you get 2.4 mg of B12 (the recommended daily intake) either by eating fortified foods or through a vitamin supplement.

Move your body regularly

Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t feel good in your body anymore! While it is true that there will be some physical changes, they don’t necessarily translate into disability and discomfort. You can’t avoid all illnesses, but it is indeed possible to overcome some physical challenges of ageing if you take the time to exercise at least 150 minutes per week. According to research, physical activity is the top contributor to longevity, adding more years to your life – and life to your years.

Exercise is a great way to maintain your agility and strength, and at the same time, it boosts vitality, promotes good sleep, and positively impacts your mental health. It can even help reduce chronic pain, preventing cognitive decline and dementia. If you have a hard time making exercise a habit, you can turn it into a social activity by asking someone to join you. Or, consider doing enjoyable activities, like golfing, gardening, fishing – or simply walking, as these can motivate you to stay active.

Drink enough water

More often than not, men tend to swap water for beverages that have alcohol or caffeine. However, this is a bad habit that not only can lead to prostate cancer but also dries you out instead of hydrating you. Water plays a vital role in your body, so you want to ensure you have enough fluid intake. This can vary from one individual to another depending on different factors, such as activity level, medical issues, as well as ambient temperature.

You can check your hydration status by considering the colour of your urine. If it is clear, that’s a sign you are well-hydrated. On the contrary, if its colour is dark yellow or orange, you likely do not drink sufficient water, and in this case, it’s essential to get into the habit of increasing your daily water intake.

Quit smoking

It is well known that smoking can damage your health, increasing the risk of several illnesses, including respiratory conditions like pneumonia, lung disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Not only that but smoking is also associated with a shorter life expectancy – pretty much the opposite of healthy ageing! So, to improve your well-being and health, consider breaking this habit. Doing so will boost your energy, help you breathe more easily, improve your blood circulation, and decrease the risk of life-threatening diseases.  

While quitting smoking at this age may seem daunting, it is possible to do it as long as you are committed to improving your health. The first days will be the most challenging ones because nicotine is addictive, and you will likely crave a cigarette. You will also start experiencing withdrawal symptoms as you try to resist the urge, but they will fade after a while. Although the process can be difficult, you must remind yourself that you’re doing it to improve your health so that you can have the stamina to play with your grandkids in the park and feel better in your body.

The bottom line

As you get older, you may believe there’s no point in making any positive changes if you didn’t practise these habits in the past. But that’s not true. It’s never too late to improve your lifestyle and enjoy all the great benefits - all that matters is to set this goal and commit to it.