Here are 6 habits that people in their 50s should not ignore.
1. Check eyes and ears
Many people get annual health checkups but pay little attention to their ears and eyes. However, as we age, we need to pay attention to these two parts.
People with hearing loss who don’t get treatment are at increased risk of developing dementia. Additionally, vision loss can increase the risk of falls and other problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you need to turn up the TV volume or have trouble hearing when talking, tell your doctor, according to AARP .
Vision loss is also common as you age, possibly due to cataracts or macular degeneration. People over 50 should have an eye exam every 1-2 years.
It's never too late to improve your health and longevity.
2. Pay attention to your teeth
Tooth decay and gum disease can occur at any age and according to research, both increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. Poor oral health has also been linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and see your dentist twice a year.
3. Focus on sleep
Older adults often have difficulty sleeping. Poor sleep leads to many problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even early death.
If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.
Some tips you can apply to sleep well include: Sleeping on a fixed schedule, not sleeping when hungry or too full, avoiding coffee or alcohol in the evening, keeping the bedroom dark and turning off devices before going to bed, relaxing before going to bed...
4. Weight control
As people enter middle age, they often gain weight. But according to research published in 2022 in the medical journal JAMA Network Open , being overweight in middle age may lead to an earlier death.
To avoid weight gain, reduce food intake and take a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day.
5. Pay attention to muscle training
Older adults need to exercise their muscles to maintain strength and practice balance to reduce the risk of falling. According to the US CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults.
To work your muscles, try squatting, says the CDC. And to practice balance, try standing on one leg.
6. Regular cancer screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that people 50 and older be screened for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung cancer if they have ever smoked, and prostate cancer, according to AARP .
Ask your doctor when and how often you should have these tests.
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