Dads over 50 can be just as fit, active, and healthy as younger men. It may take a little more effort, but exercising regularly, getting routine health screenings, and eating right can keep our beloved fathers strong.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most important guidelines for a healthy lifestyle are the same for men and women at any age after 50. They want dads and moms to eat a healthy diet, stay at a healthy weight, get seven to eight hours of sleep, be physically active, avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks a day, get routine exams and screenings, and receive and stay current with vaccinations.
Following these said tips can help dads age in good health and reduce the risk of many diseases that are more common in older men like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Fathers over the age of 50 who have not followed these guidelines until now can still benefit from making these healthy changes as it is never too late to start making good choices.
Healthy diet and physical activities important for dads over 50
A healthy diet can help dads over age 50 reduce their risk of obesity, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Poultry, fish, beans, eggs, lean meats, and nuts are good sources of protein while whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are healthy choices as well, according to WebMD.
It is important for older dads to eat foods that are low in trans fats, cholesterol, saturated fats, salt and added sugars for their heart health and weight management.
Physical activity is the best way for fathers over the age of 50 to improve their muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and heart health. It also helps reduce the risk of some diseases, including dementia.
Cardio or aerobic exercise is important for older dads as well as it gets the heart pumping and uses large muscle groups. Examples of aerobic exercises are walking, biking, and swimming. Strength training involves using weights to build up muscle mass, one example of which is working out with dumbbells.
It is important to mention that older dads who have not been active should consult their doctor first before starting an exercise program. They should also select physical activities that they enjoy to increase their chance for success.
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Health screenings important for older dads
It is never too late for older dads to quit smoking as such a decision lowers the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack. These are diseases that are more common in men over the age of 50 than in younger men.
Health screenings are also important for dads over the age of 50 as they help look for diseases in their early stages. Among the most important screenings for fathers over age 50 are blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, according to SingleCare.
