How to Stay in Shape as You Reach Your Late 50s

Staying healthy and fit helps us shine in our everyday lives. But as our bodies age, our needs and abilities evolve. Staying strong, fit, and mobile might not be as easy as it once was, but that just means it’s even more important to look after yourself. Studies show that having a more positive self-image can make you happier, and even extend your life.
Whether you’re reaching your golden years or maybe you know someone who is, these four tips will help anyone stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle… even as they start to move towards the other side of their 50s.
Maintain Your Health
It’s said that if you still have all your teeth at 74, you’re more likely to live until you’re 100. So, keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing daily to avoid gum disease. You should also make sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Taking bone support supplements could also help your teeth, while simultaneously treating and preventing osteoporosis. As you age, your body has more difficulty absorbing nutrients. Taking dietary supplements can help support your system for optimum health. Make regular visits to your doctors and keep up to date with any medication. Don’t ignore any pain or discomfort as the sooner it is addressed, the easier it is to rectify.
Exercise Regularly
To stay in shape, exercising little but often is essential to becoming fitter. Moderate exercise several times a week is the best way to get fit and stay in shape. It will also keep your memory and your mind sharp. Physical frailty is preventable and reversible with exercise. A sedentary lifestyle will lead to your decline as staying active is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Low impact exercises may be the best for you, like walking briskly to build heart and lung endurance, and aerobics like swimming will support joint mobility. You can also do more strenuous exercise but learn and practice proper form to avoid injuries. Exercising with others is a good idea as you’ll push each other to finish. Don’t forget that lifestyle exercise should make up the bulk of your daily exercise, so keep gardening and doing your house work, like germ-proofing your home, for example.
Eat for Health
Understand that food is your medicine – eating in accordance with that is one of the best things you can do for your body. As you get older, your body absorbs nutrients less efficiently than it used to, so has different needs. It is more important than ever, and can take a little more thought and effort. A varied diet made up of nutrient-dense foods is the way to go. Eat whole foods, fruits and vegetables of all colors, with lots of healthy fats like those found in olive oil, fatty fish and avocados. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fiber and protein, too. Antioxidants found in dark colored fruit and veg fight free radicals which can damage healthy cells and make you more susceptible to certain diseases.
Make Time for Yourself
A healthy mind is a healthy body, or at least the basis for one. They are one and the same, after all. Learning how to be content with who you are and your situation can seem like it could be difficult, but learning to appreciate what you have and look forward to in the future could change your entire approach to living. Regular exercise plays in a healthy mind, but so does relaxation.
Meditating can greatly reduce stress and increase stress resilience. This takes place during seated meditation, but also in mindful activities such as walking, gardening, crafts, and dancing. Even cleaning! Essentially, anything that you can focus on. You can focus on yourself and feeling good, too, by getting a massage and practicing self-love. Be sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated. Making time for yourself is taking care of yourself, so take the time to look presentable, moisturize your skin, wear sunscreen, and spend time doing the things you love.
Staying in shape in your late 50s is about moderation, diligence, and feeding your body what it needs.