Preventive measures that you can take when you turn 50

When you are above 50, that impacts your lifestyle directly affecting the functions of your body. But you can still live a healthy life if you take a few precautionary steps. Let’s break this down –   

At what age do Cardiovascular Changes start taking place?

As you age your heart muscles get rigid, causing your heart to put in extra effort to circulate blood. As a result, it makes your heart rate go high while performing any kind of activity, leading to risks of hypertension or high blood pressure.  

Lifestyle changes- 

Work out regularly: Activities including walking, swimming, dancing, or jogging is always a good idea. Make sure you avoid intense workouts or activities above your limits.  

Healthy food regimen: Include sources of proteins in your diet along with green vegetables & fruits. You can add fiber to your food with whole grains. Avoid fat-rich, unsaturated or trans-fat and avoid high salt intake.  

Stop smoking: Smoking will intensify the process of arteries stiffening and high blood pressure. Seek professional help for best results.  

Stress management: Numerous heart conditions are associated with stress and ageing. Take a wise step and start meditation and exercise to reduce stress. 

Sleep: Rest is the key, and sleep allows your body to rest. It is recommended to have at least 8-10 hours of sleep. 

Medical tests to diagnose cardiovascular issues: 

  • Blood pressure 
  • Lipid panel 
  • Electrocardiogram 
  • Echocardiogram 
  • TMT or treadmill test 
  • CT scan 

If you are looking for physicians immediate care near your location you can book an appointment at Premier Medical. 

Bones, Joints, and Muscle issues-

Your bones start losing density as you age. Muscles tend to lose strength and flexibility; this leads to impacts your body’s coordination. Here are some preventive measures you can look into at this age. 

Lifestyle changes- 

Supplements: Seek a doctor to take the recommended amount of calcium supplements in your diet. This is the best way of maintaining bones and muscle strength. Foods like broccoli, salmon, and dairy products are rich in calcium.  

Vitamin D: The best source of vitamin D is the sun besides that some other sources include eggs, tuna, and supplements.  

Medical tests to check bones and muscles: 

  • X-Ray 
  • Dexa scan, measure bone density 
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

Changes in the Digestive System- 

The most common digestive problems are constipation and bloating. Lack of physical activities, inadequate fluids, and fiber in the diet are the factors affecting your digestive system.  

Lifestyle changes- 

Healthy diet: Consuming food rich in fiber is the best way to manage digestive issues, including gas and constipation. Drinking water in an adequate amount will always maintain digestive health. 

Medical tests to diagnose digestive problems: 

  • Ultrasound 
  • Upper GI endoscopy 
  • Colonoscopy 

Bladder and Urinary Tract issues

As you age your bladder loses elasticity, resulting in conditions like urinary incontinence. In this condition, you don’t have control over your bladder and this leads to the urge to frequently urinate. The weakened bladder also makes it difficult to urinate.  

Lifestyle changes- 

Perform the Kegel exercise: Squeeze the pelvic muscles for three seconds and then relax for three. Perform this exercise at least 10-15 times, three times a day to strengthen and prevent any bladder and urinary tract issues. 

Avoid: Food items such as caffeine, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods can worsen urinary problems.  

Apart from the preventive measures you can also go ahead and get checked up. 

Medical tests to diagnose bladder and urinary tract: 

  • Urinalysis 
  • Bladder function tests 

Memory Skills Changes

Your memory and thinking skills can be affected by some structural changes in the brain. Some of the common symptoms are forgetting familiar names or the inability to multitask. 

Lifestyle changes- 

Exercise & Meditation: in your daily routine include meditation and physical activities to help ease stress. This helps in relaxing and minimizing any potential memory problems. 

Mentally active: In order to sustain your memory, keep your mind active. Things you can do- Reading, playing word games, talking with people, taking up new hobbies. Social interactions, spending time with your family and friends is a good idea. 

Medical tests to diagnose memory problems: 

Cognitive testing 

Blood tests looking for specific deficiencies 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 

Electroencephalogram 

Eyes and Ears Weakness

Weaken eye retina will cause trouble focusing on objects and besides that, you will also experience trouble hearing in crowded places.  

Lifestyle changes- 

Precautionary measures: In order to aid visual or hearing troubles one must take early preventive measures. For example, wearing sunglasses when you are going in bright sunlight areas. In the same way, you can use earplugs to avoid loud sound waves. 

Frequent check-ups: The eyes and ears are sensitive areas and it is best to take regular check-up appointments with your doctor to keep a check on what’s going on and get early detection.  

Medical tests to diagnose issues in eyes and ears: 

  • Visual acuity test 
  • Retinoscopy 
  • Refraction test 
  • Keratometry test 
  • Peripheral visual field test 
  • Intraocular pressure measurement 
  • Otoscopy 
  • Tympanometry 
  • Audiometry 

Keep in constant touch with a doctor so that you are always updated with your health conditions. Whatever your needs are, you can always reach out to Premier Medical Associates for the best treatment by the best doctors.