When it comes to longevity, certain habits allow us to take care of our health, especially as we get older. To stay in shape after 50, it’s better to adopt them as soon as possible!
We now live longer, healthier lives. According to INSEE, the life expectancy of a woman in 2021 was 85.4 years, compared to 79.3 years for men. Longevity due mainly to progress in medicine and science, but also to the improvement of our conditions and lifestyles. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), by 2030, one in six people will be over 60 years old.
Protect yourself from diseases that appear with age
A study carried out by researchers from Harvard University and Amsterdam University Applied Sciences, published in the journal The BMJfocused on the factors that increase our life expectancy. The researchers were thus able to establish a list of 5 good habits to adopt to age betterespecially after the age of 50. To arrive at their conclusions, they based themselves on the study of groups of individuals over thirty years.
The conclusions are clear: for women aged 50, following at least 4 of these good habits allows them to enjoy an average of 34.4 years of additional life. Conversely, women of the same age not following any of these recommendations had their remaining life expectancy estimated at 23.7 years. Concerning men, those aged 50 also following, at least, 4 recommendations, had a remaining life expectancy estimated at 31.1 years, compared to 23.5 years for those not paying attention to it.
Indeed, with age the body becomes more fragile and certain diseases can then develop more easily. Among these pathologies favored by age, the WHO cites in particular:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Dementia (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.)
Diseases that certain good habits can help to avoid. Which ones?
5 good habits to adopt to age well
1 – Do not smoke
It is better to avoid smoking to age well, even more so if you are over 50 years old. Indeed, smoking can trigger multiple health problems such as cancer, heart or lung diseases. In addition, smoking also accelerates skin aging.
Also read: Our tips for stopping smoking… and holding on!
2 – Limit time spent in front of screens and exposure to negative news
Another recommendation from researchers to extend life expectancy: do not spend too much time in front of screens and particularly social networks. The latter, designed to monopolize attention, can be sources of mental disorders linked in particular to excessive comparison. In addition, social networks can be vectors of negative information, just like other media whose reading should be limited. The goal is not to “bury your head in the sand”, but to not fall into depression due to increased consultation of information. Advice that applies to all ages!
3 – Restrict your alcohol consumption and avoid drinking high-calorie drinks
Also at any age, limiting your consumption of alcoholic and/or high-calorie drinks is important. As we age, our bodies are no longer able to process and eliminate alcohol, as well as fats and sugars. Excessive consumption of alcoholic and/or sugary drinks contributes to weight gain and the occurrence of other chronic illnesses such as anxiety, depression and cancer.
To refresh yourself, opt for flavored waters or iced fruit teas, perfect for summer!
4 – Eat a balanced diet so as not to be overweight
Another tip that may seem basic, but nevertheless, eating well is essential and it is important to remember it when you feel more tired or anxious. Don’t we say that the intestine is our second brain? The intestine influences all of our behaviors, which is not surprising when we know that the digestive system has nearly 200 million neurons and interacts in multiple ways with the brain. So, a damaged digestive system is reflected in the general condition of a person and leads to numerous physical and psychological disorders: pain, weight gain, depression, anxiety, etc.
A healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet is therefore recommended to preserve your digestive system and achieve a normal BMI (body mass index), between 18.5 and 24.9. An index which varies according to age and should therefore not become an obsession, particularly during menopause when a woman’s silhouette changes under the effect of hormonal changes. Thus, from 55 to 64 years old, the WHO estimates that an optimal BMI can be between 23 and 28. The primary goal: to avoid the accumulation of fat mass in the body, the most damaging to health being located in the abdomen, since it compresses the organs and disrupts their functioning.
Also read: Overweight: added sugars are responsible, not fat
5 – Adopt a good sleep routine
Finally, Sleeping well is just as important to staying in shape. Whatever your age, but even more so as you get older, a sleep routine helps preserve the benefits of a restful night. However, as we age, this routine can be altered by various disruptive elements such as taking medications, nighttime incontinence, a change in schedule with the transition to retirement, etc. It is important to continue to respect regular bedtimes and waking up timesavoiding taking substances that can disrupt sleep, such as tobacco and alcohol. Lack of sleep is also associated with an increased risk of dementia after the age of 50.
Article updated
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Source: www.consoglobe.com
