People in 50s should focus on 4 big health factors
People approaching 50 should be aware of the ‘big four’ health factors when it comes to keeping healthy in later life.
If you look after yourself now, it will really help you, as you get older and more frail.
1. Self-help and screening
Self-help (being a ‘good’ patient)
Take medication as prescribed (and don’t run out), turn up to all appointments, and adhere to lifestyle changes suggested by your doctors.
Screening – prepare for the future
Part of self-help is screening.
Those reaching mid-life should take advantage of screening, including those for breast, cervical and bowel cancer, which become available to most people from 50 onwards.
But you can also request regular screening from your GP (or organise it yourself) – for diabetes, CKD, cholesterol, PSA (for prostate cancer in men) – and have your blood pressure measured. MyHSN recommends these every 6 months.
Either way, if you are invited for some sort of screening, please take it up – because a stitch in time saves nine.
Doctors can do more for people who present early in the course of a disease.
2. Lifestyle – diet, smoking and alcohol
Diet
Being overweight increases the risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, hip and knee replacements, the lot. It also decreases self-esteem. Try to get your weight down, if you are overweight. We understand that losing weight can be hard for some people.
Smoking
This one of the big things that is going to cause you illness and premature death. Please try to stop.
Alcohol
People should drink sensibly. Try to stick to the governments 14 units/week recommendation.
[“Ok Ok, the odd binge is alright.” Ed]
3. Exercise
If you can do something every day – walk the dog, go to the gym, cycle, swim, whatever – that would be really good for you going forward.
4. Mental health and work
Its OK to say you are anxious, depressed, whatever. Seek help.
If you are over 50 years old, why are you working 5 days a week (or more)? If you can cope financially, go to 4 days, then at 60 years, go to 3 days. This also provides time to focus on lifestyle and exercise.
