Trials and Joys of the Mid-Century Milestone - Turning Fifty!
By Ashley Harrell
Reaching a half-century is a milestone if anything is. And now, in 2009, it can mean more joys and more woes than ever before. Thanks to advances in medicine, you can expect to stay healthy and active with your family, work, and hobbies for years, maybe decades, after this momentous birthday. But some things haven't changed. Around this landmark birthday, many women anticipate menopause, other medical issues begin to rear their ugly heads, and empty nest syndrome may be in full swing as children graduate college and begin families of their own. Celebrating a 50th birthday for most Americans still symbolizes going "Over the Hill," with no chance to turn back.
But turning 50 only means what you make it mean. To help you make the most of the rest of your life, here are some tips, advice, and other information mid-lifers have been using across America to reclaim their 50's as the new 40's. It is essential to take steps now to maintain your health, intelligence, and independence as you cross these important milestones.
First, never underestimate the importance of a healthy diet. This basic aspect of healthy living was crucial as a youngster, significant as a young person, vital as a grown up, and now, it is critical to staving off old age. Focus on whole fruits instead of juice, whole grains, vegetables, getting lots of protein from lean sources like lean meat, fish, eggs or beans, and make sure to get your calcium from low-fat dairy products. As always, limit how much salt, fat, and added sugars you eat. Maintaining a healthy weight is more important as you get older, but also more difficult. Cooking at home and eating raw whole foods can go a long way.
Second, exercise. Just like a healthy diet, I know you have heard this a million times throughout your life. That's because it's true! Strength resistant exercise like jogging or lifting weights can go a long way to prevent osteoporosis. Stretching, yoga or Pilates can help maintain flexibility. And regular aerobic exercise like walking or water aerobics is also important to maintaining a healthy weight and aerobic endurance. Regular exercise can be a lot of work, but if you can make it a habit, you'll still be able to work hard for years to come.
Third, maintain your brain. As we age, forgetting an important date or misplacing our grocery list go from being funny moments to worrisome concerns. But your brain is like the rest of your body; you can exercise it and keep it healthy for years to come. Brain teasers, cross words, matching games, and other memory exercises keep your brain sharp and your mind focused. Even ten minutes a day is a good workout regime.
Finally, your golden age is a perfect time to reconnect and stay connected with friends, colleagues and family. Like everything so far, social, mental and emotional well-being is more important now than ever before. Your relationships are your key to success in those areas. The people in your life can be there for you just like you are there for them. They can give you a sense of purpose, motivation, and direction, that, as you retire and your children leave home, you need now. Do not underestimate the value of contributing to society through the important people in your life. Staying close to your loved ones is a great method to resist depression and listlessness and to stay active and involved in other's lives and your own.
Keeping close with friends can make the good times better and the bad times easier, and a little humor goes a long way. Share your 50 birthday trials and joys with your friends who are experiencing the same things.
Celebrate a 50th birthday milestone with a Happy 50th Birthday Balloon Bouquet from balloonsbymail.com. Balloonsbymail.com has bouquets that are silly or serious, as well as "Over The Hill," or you can design your own bouquet with unique balloons and silly gifts.
Whatever you do for your 50th birthday, don't let your age stop you from having fun and living a full life! |
