Getting ready for your nifty fifties: tips for healthy ageing

Taking care of yourself when you’re getting into your later working years is important. You might be coming up to retirement or you might have some grandchildren on the way. Whatever your plans, it’s important to ensure that your body is as fit as it can be so you can enjoy the golden years. The key to this is healthy ageing; knowing exactly how your body is going to change and what you’ll need to change when it does. 

This month, insurance broker Pacific Prime Singapore gives us some tips for keeping our bodies healthy for our own well being.

What happens after fifty?

Generally, people talk a lot about how they have to slow down as they get older. The wobbly tennis knee, painful golfer’s back, or those stiffening green fingers from gardening can all be signs of human wear and tear. When it comes to the health of your body, many common health concerns grow in risk. Those of you coming up to the golden decade should look out for:

• Higher blood sugar levels
• Anxiety, high blood pressure
• An increased risk of heart disease
• Increased risk of cancer
• Menopause
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bladder and prostate issues
• Digestive problems
• Thyroid issues
• Vision changes
• Skin problems (such as age spots, wrinkles, and dry skin)

These are all things that can occur at any time in your life, however the changes in your body do mean that you’ll have to watch out for these more than before. It doesn’t mean you actually have to slow down though. Living a full and active life after fifty is the norm for many these days and staying healthy can be really simple.

The simple steps of healthy ageing

There are no shortcuts, unfortunately. Many of these tips are applicable throughout all the stages of life, however you may want to consider these more than you have in the past:

• Good nutrition: As your metabolism starts to slow, you’ll need to adjust your eating habits to ensure you’re getting the fuel you need to work throughout the day, but you’re not eating excessive calories and putting on fat. Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Good exercise: If you were active before fifty, now is not the time to stop. While it might take more effort to run that hill or swim that extra length, don’t let your age hold you back. Most people in their fifties will have more free time with the kids out of the house, and if you’re not an active person already; get moving!
• Good choices: There’s absolutely no excuse for smoking anymore. We all know they’re bad for us and if you’re still smoking on your 50th birthday, now is the time to stop. You should also be moderating your intake of other vices, such as alcohol and chocolate. It’s alright to dabble now and then, but don’t overindulge.
• Good rest: Sleep is always important, but the quality of sleep is essential now more than ever. Consider replacing your old bed with one that is more supportive as your body changes, and make sure you’re getting good rest during the night. Sleeplessness can often be a sign that something is wrong, so get any abnormal sleeping behaviours checked out with your doctor.

Beyond taking good care of yourself, the beginning of your fifties can also be a timely reminder to book in some important medical checkups.

Medical tests and exams

Another key to healthy ageing is acknowledging that you’ll probably be getting to know your doctor better. Regular health checks and routine examinations are extremely common these days due to people recognizing the need to catch illnesses early. They can include:

• Physical exams
• Dental exams
• Eye exams
• Blood pressure screening
• Cholesterol screening
• Diabetes testing
• Skin exams
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Breast, pelvic exams; mammograms, Pap, HPV, and bone density tests for women
• Testicular exams and prostate screening for men

It’s also a good idea to check that you’re up to date with your immunizations. As we age, our immune systems get weaker and fighting illnesses and infections can be harder. See your doctor to help you plan what medical checks you’ll need to maintain a healthy ageing process, as well as how frequently you’ll need them.

Reviewing your insurance needs at fifty

Finally, reviewing your health insurance policy is another important step to safeguarding your health as you get older. Your body isn’t the same as it was ten, twenty, or even thirty years ago, so your health needs will have changed too. The terms of your current plan may not accurately reflect your current life situation too; you may have chosen lower limits in order to save money, whereas now you’re more financially stable to cover higher benefits.

Reevaluating your healthcare plan can be simple if you use an insurance broker. Experienced intermediaries, such as Pacific Prime Singapore, can help you work out what changes your policy might need to make to better serve you in your golden years. Their expert consultants can help you negotiate a great rate for a better plan if you want to stick with your current insurer, or find you a suitable plan elsewhere for a great price.

04 Sep 2017
Travis Jones