Your fifties are a prime time to start taking your health more seriously. Watching out for common health issues that can affect this age group will allow you to catch conditions in their infancy and manage their symptoms better. Here are five health issues that might crop up.
Osteoporosis
While osteoporosis affects primarily women, men over 50 should also mind their bone health. A loss of bone density caused by aging can increase the risk of fractures, so getting a scan is recommended.
Heart Disease
As you might know, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., and your risk of developing this condition increases as you age. The best time to start a prevention plan is yesterday. Appropriate lifestyle changes can lower your risk and ensure you remain strong and healthy well into your senior years.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure checks become increasingly important with age. Much like in the case of heart disease, certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, consulting your doctor on any necessary changes is key to preventing this condition.
Brain Atrophy
The brain is not exempt from aging, which can manifest in memory issues after you hit 50. However, these symptoms aren’t unrelated to other conditions. Managing sleep disturbances, chronic pain, depression, and others can all mitigate brain atrophy.
Loss of Hearing
Your hearing may get worse with age, which is called presbycusis. This condition often goes unrecognized for a long time as it develops slowly. However, it shouldn’t be brushed aside, as it can affect your overall quality of life. Don’t sacrifice communication and risk depression – effective hearing enhancement options are available today.
Make sure that you’ll be able to enjoy your golden age fully by watching out for these health conditions and consulting your doctor about how to best manage them.