As you age, you naturally go through body changes, and you'll probably start to feel different. Here's a list of what to expect as you turn 50 — and what you should do about it.
RELATED: Turning 50 | An Honest Talk About What to Expect
13 Ways Your Body Changes at Age 50 | What to Expect When Turning 50
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1. You Lose Muscular Flexibility
As you get into your 50s, your movements start to slow down. Your physical strength might get weaker. You may also have problems getting off your couch or bed.
These are the results of your muscles stiffening up. Your body loses its flexibility and elasticity, which can lead to muscle injuries.
If possible, go to the gym, and perform a workout routine composed of weight training and cardio exercises. You can do squats and lunges two to three times per week.
These will help loosen up your muscles and give them endurance 'til you get to your 70s and even 90s. Additionally, they can enhance your sense of balance.
2. Your Body Water Declines
As you reach 50 years old, your body consists of 50%-59% water on average, for females and males, respectively. However, when you're over 50, your body water declines to 47%-56%. This means that your body would require more water to function properly.
Increase the amount of water that you drink. This is also a way to cleanse your body and make your skin glowing. Lack of water in your body results in dehydrated skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
Drinking three liters of water per day can aid in your overall health. However, it may not be for everyone. Consult your doctor before you increase your water intake.
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3. Your Libido Decreases
Decreased testosterone is one of the male body changes at 50. This can lead to increased body fat, reduced libido, and lower energy levels.
For women, you'll begin experiencing menopause around 51 years old. As your hormones drop, you might observe having mood swings, insomnia, dry skin, hot flashes, and lower sex drive.
Get in the gym, and start resistance and high-intensity interval training. Working out and getting enough sleep can improve your testosterone levels.
4. Your Memory May Weaken
Along with your body changes, your brain is affected with age as well. This entails changes in your memory and thinking skills.
You might notice that it's difficult to remember details that you just learned. You might also forget familiar words or names, which can affect your daily tasks.
Add regular exercise to your routine. This improves the flow of your blood to your body and boosts brain function.
Apart from working out, you also have to exercise your brain. You can play word games, learn how to play a musical instrument, and engage in memory-boosting activities.
Additionally, you can try to do new things and step out of your comfort zone. Bringing change to your routine activities can sharpen your mind and slow down aging.
5. Your Metabolism Changes
Your lean muscles are responsible for burning calories. However, your muscle mass decreases as you age. With this, your metabolism slows down.
Your body then starts to keep more fat than muscle. You'll probably add a few pounds and have a hard time losing them. What you used to eat during your 30s might result in weight gain in your 50s.
To cut calories, you have to watch what you eat and your portion sizes. You can also do aerobic exercises such as running or cycling to manage your weight.
6. You Might Lose Your Hearing
When you turn 50, you might experience hearing loss. Apart from aging, genetics, as well as your health issues, can also affect your hearing.
It's important to note that people who can't hear well might distance themselves from their loved ones. This can lead to depression and other mood disorders.
Talk to your doctor to gauge how well you're hearing. He might conduct a hearing test to check your ability to identify words and sounds.
7. Your Bone Loss Accelerates
In your younger years, your body replaces worn-out bone cells with new and strong ones. However, when you reach 50, more bones might be broken down than can be replaced. This is because your bones get weaker.
For women, the drop in their estrogen levels can lead to bone density loss. This puts them at a higher risk for osteoporosis.
Additionally, you might shrink as you age. This isn't just because of your stance but because of the vertebrae starting to dry out. This leads to spine compression.
To keep your bones strong, you can do resistance exercises and activities such as climbing stairs and dancing.
RELATED: 9 Lifestyle Changes That Ended My Fear Of Turning 50
8. Your Hair Weakens
When you notice some strands in your hairbrush, don't panic. This is because the production of your hair pigment cells isn't as efficient as when you were younger.
As a result, your hairline begins to recede. It can also break often, become thinner, and grow more slowly.
You can improve your hair condition by keeping it away from harsh chemicals and knowing the right products to use.
9. Your Skin Changes
With age, your collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin elastic and firm, decreases. In effect, your skin becomes dry, wrinkled, thinner, and more fragile.
Additionally, any damage caused by sun exposure since you were a kid is now visible. You might notice dark areas or sunspots on your skin.
The good news is that it's not too late to protect your skin! Apply sunscreen with at least 30 sun protection factors (SPF).
You also have to be wary of skin cancer symptoms. Consult your doctor or dermatologist, and have a scan to examine any abnormalities on your skin.
10. Your Eyesight May Weaken
You may have to look closely when reading a book since the lenses of your eyes harden with age. You might also have difficulty seeing in darkness, which is common in older adults.
This can affect your ability to drive at night. For your safety, try to avoid the road once it gets dark.
There are changes in your tear glands, too. This means that there is a decrease in the supply of tear fluid in your eyes. This can lead to dry and itchy eyes.
Once you reach 50, you may also not be able to differentiate hues. Your eye lenses might start to discolor, affecting your recognition of colors.
You may have to see an ophthalmologist for eye exams and to help you get glasses.
11. Your Bladder Control Decreases
Your pelvic floor may become weaker, and your bladder may become less stretchy when you turn 50. This may result in involuntary leakage of your urine or the need to pass water frequently.
To aid in your bladder health, you may do Kegel exercises. Also, talk to your doctor to learn how you can improve your urinary tract health.
12. You Might Have Dental Health Issues
For older adults, there is a higher probability of getting some serious tooth damage. Your teeth may be at risk of breaking, decaying, and getting infections. This is due to the enamel wearing off with decades of munching and crunching.
Visit your dentist and schedule checkups to take care of your oral health.
13. Your Breasts May Sag
As you experience menopause, your estrogen levels decline. With this, the structure and tissue of your breasts change as well. They become less elastic, losing their fullness and firmness.
Also, keep in mind that you might be at risk of developing cysts and fibroids. It would be best if you got mammograms at least once a year to check for early signs of breast cancer.
Here’s an infographic guide. Don’t forget to download, save, or share this handy infographic for reference:
It's a fact that your body changes in your 50s. While you can't avoid these changes, you may respond to them and slow them down.
One of the noticeable body changes at 50 is weight gain. If you wish to lose some pounds, watch this video by Fit Father Project – Fitness For Busy Fathers:
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What other body changes do you expect as you age? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
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