There’s no denying that your body will undergo all kinds of changes as it ages – some of which will become quite apparent as you enter your 50s.
For some people, the idea of reaching their 50s means they’ll look and feel “old” – particularly when faced with more gray hair coming through with every passing year.
Being in your 50s is probably one of the best decades of your life. You might be older and wiser, but you’ll also have a more positive outlook on life and experience fewer medical complaints than you did in previous decades.
However, it’s worth noting that there are some things you should look out for once you reach your 50s. Take a look at these seven examples:
1. Menopause
As a woman, one thing you will notice about entering your 50s is the end of an era.
When you approach menopause (the average age is 51), the hormone levels in your body drop, and apart from no longer having periods, you’ll notice other changes, such as experiencing hot flushes, mood swings, and dry skin.
Some women can also experience depression and pain during sexual intercourse.
It’s worth talking to your doctor about any changes that cause you discomfort or pain due to menopause, as they can prescribe treatments from antidepressants to hormone replacement therapy.
2. Mental Health
While many people in their 50s will say they feel satisfied and fulfilled with their lives, some will experience mental health problems. Many women, in particular, will experience mood changes and could increase the likelihood of alcohol or drug abuse.
Always keep an eye on your mental health and see your doctor if you feel a sharp decline in it. They can also help you with choosing a recovery center if you have a problem with excess alcohol or drug usage due to depression or other factors like a hormone imbalance.
3. Hearing
Did you know that most people experience hearing loss the older they get? Around four in ten individuals in their 50s are likely to experience significant hearing loss, and as you can imagine, it can have a negative impact on their daily lives.
Of course, other factors can play a part in hearing loss when a person reaches their 50s, such as genetics and even pre-existing medical conditions.
If you begin experiencing significant hearing loss when you reach your 50s, schedule an appointment with a local audiologist to get an accurate diagnosis and details of options available to you, such as hearing aids.
4. Bone Strength
When you were younger, your body would have undoubtedly swapped outworn bone cells with new ones rapidly, and that would have meant the chances of experiencing a fracture due to weak bones were significantly slim.
The thing is, all that changes when you reach your 50s. Your body can no longer swap out worn bone cells as the production of new ones would slow down significantly due to the aging process.
Thankfully, you can help keep your bones in tip-top condition by consuming food and drinks that are rich in Vitamin D, along with getting plenty of exercise.
5. Muscle Strength
As you reach your 50s, one thing that will become apparent is how you feel weaker than you used to.
Heavy items you once lifted with ease when you were younger are now more challenging to pick up and hold for extended periods. The reason for that is simple: your muscles have got weaker.
Again, it doesn’t have to be that way because you can improve your physical strength by weight lifting and doing strength training exercises, either at your local gym or at home.
6. Heart Health
Ever since you were born, your heart has worked non-stop to keep you alive, healthy, and circulate your blood around your body. In essence, your heart is your body’s personal power generator and must never shut down.
Make sure you get plenty of daily exercises – even if that only involves going for a short walk around the block. Watching what you eat, and giving up smoking are just two things you can do to combat any potential future heart problems.
7. Skin Laxity
One last thing you’ll notice as you reach your 50s is changes to your skin laxity – especially on your face. Your skin loses its firmness and structure that it enjoyed when you were younger, and the reason for skin laxity is solely down to the aging process.
You can have some cosmetic procedures carried out to tighten your skin and stop it from being saggy.
