We all know that a 30 year old doesn’t have the same health challenges as a 50 year old. Here is a practical guide for staying healthy through each decade of adulthood.
In your 30s
In your 30s, you may believe that you’re too young to worry about chronic illnesses. However, Board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Saresh Akmal with Georgia’s Northside Hospital says the reality is that many chronic diseases start to form during these years, such as prediabetes, high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. This is the best time to work on having a well-balanced diet and a consistent exercise routine.
Also, visiting your primary care physician and receiving the appropriate screenings based on your risk factors will be key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, this is the age when social media exposure is most influencing people’s health choices. You should always be skeptical of information online. There is no magic vitamin that will cure everything. I recommend always verifying credentials, and if someone is trying to sell you something, beware.
In your 40s
Dr. Akmal says that in your 40s, most people assess their health based on how they feel. However, many people in their 40s “feel great” and do not have symptoms until it is too late. This is why cancer screenings are so important, especially for breast and colon cancer. For women specifically, they may start to notice mood changes, menstrual cycle changes and hot flashes suggestive of perimenopause around their late 40s.
The sooner something is identified, the sooner it can be addressed. Allowing time and space for these changes and discussing a proactive plan with your doctor will be important. Additionally, knowing your family history can give you a picture of what you may need to worry about or whether you need to be screened earlier. Prevention and early detection can make the difference between life and death.
In your 50s
In your 50s, you have a pretty good idea of who you are and know your body well. You have built your community and have your habits down pat. However, Akmal says you may start to notice subtle changes in your body, which can be a result of natural aging, genetics and hormonal shifts.
You will start to see more skin changes, experience bodily aches and pains or hear that your friend developed shingles. You may develop arthritis over the years from wear and tear, and it is important to remain active and strengthen your muscles. The risk of skin cancer increases after age 50, with one in five people developing skin cancer by age 70. She recommends scheduling a yearly skin check with your doctor.
There are also vaccines you qualify for after 50 that prevent shingles and pneumonia, which many should consider. Embracing your body changes and meeting yourself where you are is an important part of aging.
No matter what stage of life you are in, at the end of the day, what you do now can influence your life for years to come.
