For many people, turning 40 is a bittersweet milestone. While it’s definitely a time to celebrate life’s accomplishments (with many more still yet to come), it also marks the point at which our metabolism starts to slow down and the risk factors for various health conditions start to increase. However, being over 40 doesn’t mean that you have to give up on living an active lifestyle and start preparing for an early grave. With a little planning and some extra effort, you can stay healthy, active and in shape long after hitting middle age. If you’re 40 or older, here are a few tips you should consider:
 

• KEEP EXERCISING: Exercising regularly can help to prevent the natural process of muscle loss and weight gain that typically begins around age 40. If you’re not already exercising regularly, it’s a good idea to get started. While you can’t do anything about your chronological age, you can control your fitness age!
• WATCH YOUR DIET: A healthy diet is critical for continued good health in later life. This means cutting down on junk food and focusing on healthy proteins, complex carbohydrates and, of course, lots of fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to avoid processed foods, refined sugars and foods that contain high levels of sodium as these can lead to a series of health conditions that will only get worse as you age. Fresh foods, a balanced diet filled with a variety of different foods and a healthy dose of fibre all key (high fibre foods can help manage weight and prevent illnesses). Of course, as our bodies change, our reactions to certain foods also change so if you have been or are starting to experience discomfort, it might be a good idea to consider intolerance testing.
• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Staying hydrated is important at any age. Water not only energizes your muscles, which allows them to perform better when you’re exercising, it also helps support your kidneys, ensures normal bowel function and can help keep your skin looking and feeling great.
• GET REGULAR CHECK UPS: Paying attention to your cholesterol levels, your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels is very important after 40. If you don’t already get regular medical check-ups, now’s the time to start doing. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: Sleep is when our body regenerates and when most of our healing takes place. While this is important at any age, it’s even more important as we get older. If you find that you’re having a hard time getting enough sleep, consider cutting out caffeine after 5pm, try to exercising more limiting your screen time around bed (i.e., avoid laptops, tablets, cell phones and television in the bedroom).

 
If you’re forty or older and need help with getting and staying healthier, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Remember, at Physiomed, Healthier Starts Here.