Best Health Advice for Over Fifty

So you have hit the big five zero! Or maybe you went over the hill a while back, and seem to be flying down the other side faster than you had thought possible. As a youth, I remember thinking how ancient my grandparents looked, and now that I am a grandparent I am hoping that I still have a few good years left.

Here are a few issues that those of us over 50 need to pay close attention to.

Preventing Bone Loss

As you age, bone loss begins to accelerate for a number of reasons. The body becomes less able to absorb the nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, both of which are important in bone synthesis. Also, intake of these nutrients tends to decline. Add those factors to a more sedentary existence, and you have bad news for your bones.

It is increasingly important to do weight-bearing exercises. That does not necessarily mean you need to go to the gym and lift more weights, but you should be up and on your feet as much as possible, so that both the bones and muscles continue to support your body and whatever else you might carry. If you just sit most of the time, the muscles and bones will get weaker and weaker.

Walking is an excellent bone protector and so is running, biking, or dancing (any activity that keeps you on your toes).

Nutritional Needs Change

As metabolism slows, the body also needs fewer calories. The body needs 5 percent less energy per decade between ages 39 and 59, but needs 10 percent less from age 60 to 69 and 10 percent less over age 70. It would seem that you should eat less, but studies have found that older people tend to take in too little of the nutrients they need for optimal health. So, it is increasingly important to eat foods that are low in calories but nutrient dense.

Medication Side Effects

Bet you did not believe you would be taking medication on a regular basis, but most people over 50 are. These drugs can have an effect on things like appetite and nutrient absorption. One cholesterol medication interferes with the body's use of vitamins A,D,E and K which can cause folate deficiency in the body. Each drug you take has its own set of side effects, so it is important to consult your doctor to be sure your medication isn't robbing your body of what it needs.

Vulnerability to Injury Increases

If you think you are still young and over fifty, try standing on your head, doing a cart wheel or doing a flip like you did in the good old days. But be careful, you may end up in the hospital. You need to be more careful and wise when you participate in sports, exercise. Act your age!

Need More Sleep?

Getting enough sleep is particularly important after 50 since a lack can increase the risk of memory problems and depression, as well as nighttime falls.

To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at
Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.

One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'.

Here are the lyrics she used:

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses, Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions, Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin', Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin', And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.