19 Rules to Throw Out When You Turn 50

Societal values ascribe specific rules based on different situations, but as you reach a certain age, like when you turn 50, there are “rules” you need to disregard. You only live once; why not live it as you wish.

RELATED: Turning 50 | An Honest Talk About What to Expect

19 Rule to Disregard for a More Fulfilling Life When You Turn 50

1. Gray Hair Is for Old People

If celebrities can rock their grays proudly, then you can too. There is also a reason why young people dye their hair gray – it is edgy and stylish.

2. 50 Is Too Old for Certain Activities

While you may use the “I’m too old” card to avoid doing some things when you turn 50, and it shouldn’t be a restriction you put on yourself. You are not too old to live a purposeful life, so you should explore and do as much as you want.

3. Quit Dairy

Quitting dairy to keep your weight in check is the worst thing to do to yourself after turning 50. Bone mass starts decreasing in your 50s, making dairy vital for providing you with the needed calcium.
What’s more, vitamins in dairy help keep your hair, skin and general moods in check as you age.

4. Processed Foods Are As Healthy As Fresh Ones

Beans and vegetables are a vital element in your 50s diet which is why you need the freshest and most organic quality you can get. Canned foods are soaked in sodium which can cause issues with your blood pressure.

Tip: Consider freezing your vegetables and cereals to extend their shelf life. Better yet, buy in smaller quantities to ensure you get the freshest in the market.

5. Forget Your Carbs

Carbohydrates are more often than not associated with weight gain, but that is not always true. Your 50s diet needs to contain fiber which you can readily acquire in carbs like pasta, whole wheat bread, rice and oats. Women especially need several grams of soluble fiber a day to help lower age-related cholesterol.

Note: BMI requirements change with age as therefore, you should shy away from consuming the right quantity of carbohydrates.

6. Don’t Eat After 8 PM

You have probably heard about this for some time – you might have even lived by it. However, your body’s dietary needs change when you turn 50 and therefore, a healthy late-night snack will not cause any harm. The goal is to keep it healthy and in the right quantity.

7. You Have Lived Out Your Best Days

Well, it is said that life begins at 50 for a reason. If anything, you have dealt with life's greatest challenges, such as raising children, owning a home, building your career by the time you hit 50. Therefore, you have all the time you need to live your best life and focus on what you have always wanted.

8. Love Finds You When You Are Not Looking

One of the biggest life changes, when you turn 50 is that you experience reduced attention from the opposite sex. That means that you have to be proactive if you are looking for love. This means joining various dating sites and actively making an effort to meet new people.

9. Be Dignified

Well, age is just a number, and life is never that serious. Feel free to embrace your inner child and do what makes you happy. There is no better way to live out your golden years than with a smile, laughter, fun, playfulness and a sense of humor.

RELATED: 13 Things To Look Forward to If You’re Turning 50 in 2021

10. Times Have Changed

Your son or daughter might try to convince you that you do not understand what they are going through in their dating life. Well, the truth is that you have been there and done that, and you have 50 years’ worth of experience up your sleeves.

11. You Can Eat as Much as You Have Been Doing Before 50

The truth is that new intolerance and allergies to food can develop with age. Therefore, consider getting a medical checkup if foods you enjoyed before are now making you feel sick.

12. Dressing Up Is for Youngsters

Well, you are only as old as you feel. What’s more, dressing up makes you feel great about yourself, which effortlessly boosts your confidence. Do not stash away those stiletto heels or your V-neck T-shirts. As long as you are comfortable in it, then you can rock it.

13. It Gets Better with Time

Nothing heals the pain of loss like time, but that does not mean that you should not be proactive about your mental health. There is no shame in seeking help from a mental health specialist when you face a tragedy. You can also join support groups or get yourself an emotional support animal to help you process your feelings.

14. There’s No Point in Quitting Addiction Now

Assuming you have been smoking for 20 or 30 years, the most likely thought process is that there is no point in quitting now. Contrary to what you may think, quitting cigarettes reduces your chances of developing Alzheimer’s and other preventable diseases.

Note: This also applies to alcohol.

15. All or Nothing Exercise Approach

Easy and consistent exercise is just as effective as high-intensity interval training. Instead of exercising for one hour once a week, consider taking walks, doing squats and other manageable exercises for at least 30 minutes each day.

16. You Have Enough Friends

You may already have well-founded friendships when you hit 50, but that does not mean that you should close yourself off to making new ones. Close friendships have been associated with prolonging life which is why you should broaden your network of friends.

17. Learning Window Is Closed

The fact that you have not been the best cook, singer, pianist or swimmer in your previous years doesn’t mean you can’t be one in your 50s. You can take many online classes to perfect your skills, especially now that you most likely have a lot of time on your hands.

18. Avoid High-Fat Foods

The trick is not to avoid high-fat foods; it is in adding food rich in healthy fats to your diet. Replacing saturated fats like butter with healthier fats like avocados, nuts, salmon, and oils is a dietary requirement for people over 50. It has also been associated with improving your cognitive functions, thereby preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

19. There’s Shame in Turning 50

Five decades is not a short time to be alive. It is such a blessing which is why you should wear your 50 years of being on earth proudly and with honor. If anything, it is such a pity not to hold such a blessing with the value and regard it deserves.

Watch this video by Dominique Sachse on top 10 things I don't worry about over 50:

There you have it. There are many rules and stereotypes around turning 50. Remember that you have not lived this far to downplay yourself or live your life through other people’s eyes. Pay zero attention to what is said and expected, and live your best life yet.

What other rules did you throw out the window when you turned 50? Let us know in the comment section below!

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