It’s probably never ideal to hear the term “middle age” now, right? But this is around the time when it’s still not too late to make some health changes, this is the time when your health doesn’t have to completely take a turn for the worst. This is the time when even if you have a not-so-great lifestyle, it’s still not too late to focus on preventative health measures like changing your diet, taking up a yoga class, getting more sleep, cutting out alcohol, and so on.
While you may still feel invincible, your body might be signaling otherwise. You have to keep in mind that during this time of your life, it’s not only about exercising; it’s not only about avoiding backaches or knowing what foods can irritate your stomach. Honestly, there are some aspects that unintentionally get overlooked, and some of these can have pretty bad effects. So, with that said, what exactly? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!
Heart Health
Your heart has been your loyal engine for decades, and it’s time to ensure it keeps running smoothly. So, this might seem fairly obvious, but you’d still be surprised how overlooked this is! You have to understand that cardiovascular disease is a leading killer, but it’s also highly preventable- see the issue? You might even have a bad diet without even realizing it either. So, it’s going to be a good idea to start getting those cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked regularly. You should also pair that with some heart-healthy activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling to keep your ticker in top shape.
Stress Management and Mental Health
So younger Millenials and Gen Z are fairly open about their mental health, but for older Millenials and Gen X (and yes, Baby Boomers, too), it’s still seen as more of a taboo topic, or at least theres some limitations on what’s going to be said. Middle age can often bring increased responsibilities that weigh on your mind and body. Maybe it’s career progression, teenage children, or aging parents; the pressure can mount, and it feels like it’s only building up, not alleviating.
This is exactly why you need to recognize signs of depression or anxiety early. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or talk to someone. If you lack time or money for professional help, then try to focus on mindfulness, meditation, and even regular exercise (in the meantime), as these can significantly boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
Prostate Health
It’s debatable whether this is accidentally overlooked or intentionally overlooked due to the sheer amount of discomfort men have when it comes to this health topic. But no matter how uncomfortable you are, you need to watch out for your prostate health!
When you hit your middle years, this is when you especially need to have this on your radar. One common issue is BPH, especially as you head into your 50s and beyond. You’re going to want to keep an eye out for BPH symptoms like trouble urinating, a weak urine stream, feeling like the bladder isn’t completely empty, and frequent trips to the bathroom- particularly at night.
These are just a few of the symptoms, so it’s a good idea to look further into this. If you’re experiencing any of these, it might be time to chat with your doctor about screening and management options.
