Good Things About Turning 50
If you're wondering about good things about turning 50 and getting older, remember that everyone deals with aging differently. It's easy enough to get down on yourself, but a brighter perspective can make you realize that 50 is a time of celebration and acceptance. If you've been lucky enough to live a full and enjoyable life, you are fortunate. Turning 50 might mean it's time to create some new goals for the next 50 years.
The Importance of Age 50
Remember age 40 when all the talk was about being "over the hill?" Well, age 50, you might say, is over the hill, past the meadow, and on to bigger and better things on the other side. When you're over 50, you can leave many cares and worries behind and embrace life. Of course, new problems and ailments are bound to come your way, but that is the case no matter what your age. A person at age 50 can create better health habits and become even healthier than earlier in life. After all, "age is just a number."
50 Good Things About Turning 50
- You're less fearful
- You're not afraid to have opinions
- You know yourself
- You have a greater appreciation of life
- It's easier to laugh at yourself
- It's easier to laugh at others
- It's easier to take life less serioulsy
- You stop caring what other people think
- You stop sweating the small stuff
- You have a lifetime of wisdom to help you make decisions
- You are more at peace
- You're less critical of your body and weight
- You know that eating right and exercise are the best medicine
- You embrace your imperfections
- You make jokes more often
- You get to use the excuse, "I'm set in my ways"
- You have a reason for forgetting things
- You have a reason for losing things
- You have a reason for telling the same stories
- You can be as grumpy as you wish
- You can learn to dance
- You can learn to sing
- No one cares if you're a bad singer
- People expect you to be a bad dancer
- Your inner confidence shines
- You can go home early without offending anyone
- You can enjoy being settled in life
- With kids out of the house, you can be more spontaneous
- Your kids stop expecting big gifts from you
- AARP discounts are everywhere
- Other age-related discounts and free stuff for seniors
- Younger people will help you more
- You have more time to explore new hobbies
- You can wear red hats that don't match your clothes
- You can wear glitter or funny sweaters and laugh at yourself
- You can wear glitter or funny sweaters in public with pride
- You can go gray with your hair
- Retired life is just around the corner
- Relaxation
- Nap time is fun again
- Waking up too early and watching a sunrise
- Resting feels natural
- Buying more comfortable clothing
- Less comparisons to younger folks
- The amazing things you've seen that younger people have not
- Your wisdom
- Your advice
- Your ability to let go
- Your ability to forgive others
- Your ability to forgive yourself
Make Your Own Age 50 List
As you can see, there's an abudance of good things about turning 50, as long as you look for them. As you celebrate age 50 with a big birthday or a quiet celebration, make some lists of your own. From "50 things I know" to "50 things to be grateful for," the number has many possibilities.
THE 20 RULES FOR TURNING 50
By Catharine Lumby
Martin Amis’s mid-life memoir is called Experience. Now I know why. Turning 50 recently, I realised that experience is something you acquire, not something you seek.
As a woman, 50 is an age you’re supposed to dread. So much so, that I know a few smart confident women in their late 30s who are already scared of revealing their age. Fifty-year-old women, we’re told, start to become invisible to men and 18-year-old shop assistants. Personally, I can’t wait for the latter.
Fifty we’re told, is the beginning of our long slide into physical decay and social irrelevance.
Well, screw that sister. I celebrated my 50th with an entire month of travel, dinners, lunches and a loud party. I may even crack out the black dress from 1984 at the back of my closet one night and dance on a table with my girlfriends.
That’s what experience does. It gives you permission to say: ‘This is how I am. The best and the worst of me. I don’t need your approval. I’ve already given myself permission to succeed and to fail.”
So what does my experience tell me about living well? As a birthday present to myself and for all the lovely post-50 women out there, I made this list.
1. At 20, you will think that you and your partner have invented sex and that you’ll lose all interest when you turn 30. Hah!
2. Don’t f**k with your hair. (If you need reminding why, then pull out your 80s photo albums.)
3. Experimenting with fashion needs to stop at 30. Never be tempted by photo spreads in magazines you’re reading while getting your hair dyed back to its natural colour. You know what works.
4. Your close friends are more likely to give you unconditional love than your family. (See number 5).
5. You will never please your mother. Stop trying.
6. Being financially secure really is better than being ‘bohemian’. Owning a house doesn’t tie you down – it gives you a handy place to sleep, eat and watch bad tv.
7. Staying in backpacker hostels doesn’t make you morally superior to people in five star resorts. It makes you prone to bed bugs and STDs.
8. Learning to say ‘no’ is just as important as learning to say ‘yes’. Keep a list of excuses on the wall above your computer. My current one includes: “My llama just died and I’m still grieving.”
9. There are people who are all about themselves. And after 50 years on the planet you start to see the pattern. Avoid them.
10. Good parents take little credit for their children. Bad parents can contribute to f**king them up. Good parents know their major role is confined to love, support and the all-important role of door bitch.
11. If you live your life on the basis of what people who don’t like you or your opinions think about you, you’ll live your life in the shadow of the least important people.
12. You may look older now. But you’re more comfortable in your own skin. (Mental flashback to 16 will confirm that one.)
13. Never have long-term sex with anyone who wants to renovate your body or your ideas.
14. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you what to do with your body. Your choice. Go the gym everyday if you want. Have Botox. Lie on the couch and read gossip magazines and eat chocolate. Whatever.
15. Be happy about the fact that younger generations of women have even more opportunities than we had – at least in most parts of Australia. Lobby hard to change inequality for women wherever it happens.
16. Reading James Joyce’s Ulysses three times when you are 21 does not make you any smarter. Smart women are everywhere and many of them never finished high school.
17. Good women are the people who know to call you when something bad is happening to talk you through it. They’re not the one who call when everything is shiny and air kiss you.
18. Read and listen to people you disagree with – being sceptical and informed means opening your mind to other views and being open to change.
19. Generosity is the most important thing in life, work and friendship. It’s what outlives us.
20. It’s a messy business being human. Enjoy.
*Professor Catharine Lumby is the Director of the Journalism and Media Research Centre at UNSW. A former journalist, she is the author of seven books and a researcher in the fields of media and gender studies.
Aging: What to expect
You know that aging will likely cause you to develop wrinkles and gray hair. But do you know how the aging process will affect your teeth, heart and sexuality? Find out what kind of changes you can expect in your body as you continue aging — and what you can do to promote good health at any age.
Your cardiovascular system
What's happening
As you age, your heart rate becomes slightly slower and your heart might become bigger. Your blood vessels and your arteries also become stiffer, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.
As you age, your heart rate becomes slightly slower and your heart might become bigger. Your blood vessels and your arteries also become stiffer, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.
What you can do
To promote heart health:
To promote heart health:
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and lessen the extent of arterial stiffening.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium. A healthy diet can help you keep your heart and arteries healthy.
- Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
- Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
Your bones, joints and muscles
What's happening
With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density — which weakens them and makes them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength and flexibility, and you might become less coordinated or have trouble balancing.
With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density — which weakens them and makes them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength and flexibility, and you might become less coordinated or have trouble balancing.
What you can do
To promote bone, joint and muscle health:
To promote bone, joint and muscle health:
- Get adequate amounts of calcium. For adults ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70, the Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. The recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day for women age 51 and older and men age 71 and older. Dietary sources of calcium include diary products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products, such as tofu. If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from your diet, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.
- Get adequate amounts of vitamin D. For adults ages 19 to 70, the Institute of Medicine recommends 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day. The recommendation increases to 800 IU a day for adults age 71 and older. Although many people get adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight, this might not be a good source for everyone. Other sources of vitamin D include oily fish, such as tuna and sardines, egg yolks, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplements.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis and climbing stairs, and strength training can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
- Avoid substance abuse. Avoid smoking and don't drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day.
Your digestive system
What's happening
Constipation is more common in older adults. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids and lack of exercise. Medications — such as diuretics and iron supplements — and certain medical conditions — such as diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome — also might contribute to constipation.
Constipation is more common in older adults. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids and lack of exercise. Medications — such as diuretics and iron supplements — and certain medical conditions — such as diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome — also might contribute to constipation.
What you can do
To prevent constipation:
To prevent constipation:
- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your diet includes high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit meats that are high in fat, dairy products and sweets, which might cause constipation. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation and is important for your overall health.
- Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Holding in a bowel movement for too long can cause constipation.
Your bladder and urinary tract
What's happening
Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) is common with aging. Medical conditions, such as diabetes, might contribute to incontinence — as can menopause, for women, and an enlarged prostate, for men.
Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) is common with aging. Medical conditions, such as diabetes, might contribute to incontinence — as can menopause, for women, and an enlarged prostate, for men.
What you can do
To promote bladder and urinary tract health:
To promote bladder and urinary tract health:
- Go to the bathroom regularly. Consider urinating on a regular schedule, such as every hour. Slowly, extend the amount of time between your bathroom trips.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
- Do Kegel exercises. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for five seconds, and then relax for five seconds. Try it four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.
Your memory
What's happening
Memory tends to becomes less efficient with age. It might take longer to learn new things or remember familiar words or names.
Memory tends to becomes less efficient with age. It might take longer to learn new things or remember familiar words or names.
What you can do
To keep your memory sharp:
To keep your memory sharp:
- Eat a healthy diet. A heart healthy diet might benefit your brain. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.
- Stay mentally active. Mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and might keep memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument.
- Be social. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others.
If you're concerned about memory loss, consult your doctor.
Your eyes and ears
What's happening
With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts).
With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts).
Your hearing also might dim. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.
What you can do
To promote eye and ear health:
To promote eye and ear health:
- Schedule regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices.
- Take precautions. Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when you're outdoors, and use earplugs when you're around loud machinery or other loud noises.
Your teeth
What's happening
Your gums might pull back (recede) from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can also cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection.
Your gums might pull back (recede) from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can also cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection.
What you can do
To promote oral health:
To promote oral health:
- Brush and floss. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth — using regular dental floss or an interdental cleaner — once a day.
- Schedule regular checkups. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.
Your skin
What's happening
With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common.
With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common.
What you can do
To promote healthy skin:
To promote healthy skin:
- Be gentle. Bathe in warm — not hot — water. Use mild soap and moisturizer.
- Take precautions. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking contributes to skin damage, such as wrinkling.
Your weight
What's happening
Maintaining a healthy weight is more difficult as you get older. As you get older, your muscle mass decreases and body fat takes its place. Since fat tissue burns fewer calories than does muscle, you need fewer calories to maintain your current weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is more difficult as you get older. As you get older, your muscle mass decreases and body fat takes its place. Since fat tissue burns fewer calories than does muscle, you need fewer calories to maintain your current weight.
What you can do
To prevent unwanted weight gain:
To prevent unwanted weight gain:
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit sugar and foods high in saturated fat.
- Watch your portion sizes. You might not need as many calories as you used to.
Your sexuality
What's happening
With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance might change. Illness or medication might affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence might become a concern. It might take longer to get an erection, and erections might not be as firm as they used to be.
With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance might change. Illness or medication might affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence might become a concern. It might take longer to get an erection, and erections might not be as firm as they used to be.
What you can do
To promote your sexual health:
To promote your sexual health:
- Share your needs and concerns with your partner. You might experiment with different positions or sexual activities.
- Talk to your doctor. He or she might offer specific treatment suggestions — such as estrogen cream for vaginal dryness or oral medication for erectile dysfunction.
Remember, it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can't stop the aging process, but you might be able to minimize its impact by making healthy choices.
