Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Men Above 50 Years

Men over 50 can be just as healthy, fit and active as younger guys. It may take a little more effort, but eating right, exercising regularly and getting your routine health screenings can keep you going strong

What are the healthy lifestyle guidelines for men above 50 years?

The most important guidelines for a healthy lifestyle after age 50 are the same for men and women at any age:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.
• Be physically active.
• Don’t smoke.
• If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks a day (standard drink is: 12 ounces of beer/wine cooler, 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits).
• Get routine exams and screenings.
• Receive and stay current with vaccinations, including yearly flu shot and shingles vaccination (Shingrix).

Following these guidelines can help men age in good health and reduce the risk of many diseases that are more common in older men like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Even men who have not followed these guidelines until now can benefit from making healthy changes. It’s never too late to start making good choices.

What is a healthy diet for men over age 50 and why is it important?

A healthy diet can help men over age 50 reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products are healthy choices. Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts are good sources of protein, too. For heart health and weight management, it’s important to eat foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. A registered dietitian is the best source of information about a healthy diet at any age. (See references for other helpful resources.)