Taking Proactive Steps with Your Health in Your 50s Leads to a Better Quality of Life

If you grew up in the 1970s or 1980s, you probably thought anyone in their 50s or 60s was old. Compare old photographs of people then with people today at the same age. Sure, the clothes were different, but today, we look a lot younger and healthier than those of the same age back then.

However, the term "fragile 50s" still applies today. Many health issues start affecting us in our 50s. These health issues progressively worsen as we age, and our overall health slowly declines.

It sounds depressing, but it doesn't have to be. Medical science advances allow us to delay our health decline and enjoy a better quality of life than we did decades ago.

There are things you can do now to help prevent or delay health problems that start to develop as you age, making your 50s less fragile.

Health Issues That Often Develop in Our 50s 

As we age, we experience changes in our health, body, and mind. Chronic illnesses, accidents, mobility difficulties, dementia, and frailty due to aging can lead to a need for help with daily living activities or supervision. With long-term care costs being so expensive, being proactive with our health and retirement planning is vital. 

Several health conditions start creeping up on us as we enter our 50s:

High Blood Pressure

Two out of three adults over 60 have high blood pressure, and most start getting diagnosed in their 50s. Our blood vessels become less flexible as we age, putting pressure on our circulatory system that carries blood through the body. This strain is not good for our heart either.

Maintaining blood pressure is essential, but high blood pressure is known as the silent killer. Too many people don't get regular check-ups and don't have their blood pressure checked as often as they should.

More aggressive guidelines for hypertension treatment went into effect in 2017, yet too many people fail to get regular check-ups and are unaware they have this serious health problem.

New aggressive guidelines encourage individuals and physicians to be more proactive when dealing with high blood pressure. As we get into our 50s and beyond, hypertension can lead to declining health, long-term care, and premature death.

When we get older, we experience many changes in our health. High blood pressure can be the start of an overall health decline that starts in our 50s. The decline leads to illnesses, many of which can lead to significant health issues, leading to long-term care and even premature death.

Diabetes

You can't watch TV without seeing commercials for some new diabetes medication. The number of people who have diabetes seems to have increased dramatically. About one in ten Americans has diabetes, and your chances of getting diagnosed with it grow as you get older.

Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and make any other existing health problem worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults between 45 and 64 years of age receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the United States, with most of them in their 50s.

Your doctor will use blood work to test if you have the disease. When you go on your annual check-up, they will run a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to test for many things, including blood glucose and A1C. A hemoglobin A1C test is often used to diagnose diabetes. A reading of 6.5 or greater indicates you have diabetes.

Heart Disease

Do you have a family history of heart disease? If so, you are at greater risk, but not having a history does not mean you get to avoid concern. Plaque buildup in your arteries as you get older, and by the time you are in your 50s, it could cause your arteries to narrow, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Yes, annual check-ups will help with heart health, and you can get diagnosed before the problem worsens and before you have a heart attack or stroke.

Osteoporosis

Women may pay special attention to osteoporosis, but the problem is not exclusively a female issue. Over 54 million Americans aged 50 or over have osteoporosis, and others have osteopenia.

Osteopenia is the precursor of osteoporosis. Unlike osteoporosis, your bones are weaker than normal, but they still don't break easily.

Your doctor will order a Dexa scan, the most commonly used test to measure bone density. Most doctors have women get their baseline test in their 50s. Men will get a scan based on a family history of males with bone density problems or due to excessive use of steroids. The results from this test can help diagnose your initial bone loss and monitor the effectiveness of medications and treatment.

Osteoarthritis

Your joints tend to wear and tear due to age, but this is not the only reason we suffer from arthritis and joint problems, which tend to get worse as we get into our 50s.

A lack of physical activity, diabetes, genetics, and being overweight can increase the risk of arthritis and joint issues. One of the leading reasons people need long-term health care is due to mobility problems from arthritis and joint problems, and caring for someone with arthritis and joint problems can be hard on loved ones. 

You can't change your genetics, but you can be proactive about your health to delay or avoid some of the arthritis problems that affect so many people as they age.

Other Common 50s Health Problems

Many other health issues commonly start in our 50s. These problems include hearing loss, vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma, COPD, bladder problems, ED, depression and anxiety, back problems, early dementia, and Alzheimer's.

Ignore these problems - many people do. However, being proactive with your health and regular check-ups will better manage aging.

From One Pill to Many: The Rise of Prescription Drugs in Older Adults

As we age, we need more medications. A 2019 KFF (formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation) health tracking poll found that nearly 9 in 10 (89%) adults aged 65 and older reported currently taking prescription medications.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found that 57.6% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over used at least one dietary supplement in the past 30 days. However, supplement use increased with age, with 80.2% of women aged 60+ reporting using them.

A compounding pharmacy, like Mediverarx Compounding Pharmacy in Iowa, can be helpful. A compounding pharmacy is a specialist pharmacy that creates customized medications tailored to an individual's needs. Unlike regular pharmacies that dispense mass-produced medications, compounding pharmacies take various ingredients and combine them in specific dosages and forms to address unique medical situations.

Here's how compounding pharmacies can be particularly beneficial for adults over 50:

• Dosage Adjustments:  As we age, medication needs may change. A compounded medication can be adjusted to a lower or split dose that might be easier for a senior to tolerate.
• Customizable Forms:  Some older adults may have difficulty swallowing pills. Compounding pharmacies can create liquid, chewable, lozenge, or topical medications for easier administration.
• Flavor Options:  Not everyone enjoys the taste of medication. Compounding pharmacies can create flavored versions of medications, making them more palatable for seniors.
• Discontinued Medications:  If a medication a senior relies on is no longer commercially available, a compounding pharmacy may be able to recreate a similar formula.
• Allergy Workarounds:  For individuals with allergies to inactive ingredients in standard medications, a compounding pharmacy can create an alternative formula that avoids the allergens.
• Combination Medications:  A compounding pharmacy can combine multiple medications into a single dose, simplifying medication regimens for seniors who take several medications daily.

Compounding pharmacies offer greater flexibility and personalization in medication management, which can significantly improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes for older adults. 

Being Proactive in Your Fragile 50s

As you enter your fragile 50s, adopting a proactive approach to your health is crucial. While your doctor may offer specific recommendations tailored to your needs, here's a comprehensive guide to help you stay on top of your health:

Regular Health Screenings and Assessments

• Annual check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring and lab work (CMP)
• Osteoporosis risk assessment
• Dental check-ups to maintain oral health
• Heart disease risk assessment
• Mammograms and cervical screenings for women
• Colonoscopy to detect early signs of colorectal cancer
• Pulmonary function tests to assess lung health
• Comprehensive eye exams
• Skin cancer screenings
• Prostate cancer screening for men
• Depression screening to monitor mental health
• Stay updated with immunizations, including vaccines for COVID-19, flu, shingles, and pneumonia

Financial and Family Preparedness

Being proactive isn't just about managing your health; it's also crucial for preparing your finances and family for the future. Have you considered how the rising costs of long-term health care might impact your retirement plans?

Where would the money come from to pay for quality long-term care services? Which of your adult children will make those decisions or have to provide some or all of your care as they attempt to juggle their career and family responsibilities while being your caregivers?

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can provide current and projected costs for various care services in your area. For example, if you plan to retire in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, anticipate that in-home health care services could cost over $12,000 a month in twenty-five years. 

Assisted living and nursing home expenses are likely to be even higher.

These costs could significantly affect your income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy. For your loved ones, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of your future long-term care will be difficult to cope with.

Addressing the Cash Flow and Family Challenges 

Long-term care poses both a financial challenge and a family burden. Long-Term Care Insurance can offer a solution by providing the resources to choose the type of care you prefer, thus alleviating the potential caregiving burden from your loved ones. 

What Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover?

Health insurance, including Medicare and its supplements, will only cover short-term skilled care, meaning without a plan, you could put your savings at risk and impose a heavy burden on family members who might need to step in.

Regular doctor visits, a nutritious diet, exercise, and strategic planning—including securing Long-Term Care Insurance—can help manage these risks effectively. Most people secure coverage in their 40s or 50s when they are still in relatively good health, which is critical since every insurance company has specific underwriting requirements.

However, if you are in reasonably good health and in your 60s or older, you can still find affordable options, but seek professional advice from a qualified LTC Insurance specialist. 

Being proactive in both health and financial planning can prepare you for the costs and burdens of aging, minimizing the impact of long-term care needs. As you navigate your 50s, consider consulting with a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to find affordable coverage that meets your needs.

Don't overlook the importance of taking proactive steps now to ensure you can enjoy the years ahead with peace of mind.