6 Anti-Aging Lifestyle Tips for Men 50 and Over

For men 50 and over, entering our “middle-age” may begin with noticing changes in our appearance. While aging is a normal part of life, the visual side effects do not need to be drastic or permanent. In many ways, aging is treatable and can be altered and slowed down. So, if you are looking in the mirror and wondering what you can do to visually turn back the clock on aging, we can help with this article on 6 Anti-Aging Lifestyle Tips for Men 50 and Over.

Men’s grooming (we use that term in the general care of our body and looks overall) is a global, multi-billion dollar industry, surpassing $50 billion USD in 2018 alone. And while we can and do use products that are specifically designed for our looks, we can overlook some basic steps that can help without breaking the bank. The six anti-aging lifestyle habits listed below have been scientifically proven to drastically slow the effects of aging.

1. Stop smoking

If you smoke then this is the first habit you need to kick if you want to be serious about slowing the effects of aging. Not only does smoking exponentially increase your risk of cancers, but nicotine is toxic to the body in more ways than one. Smoking destroys the collagen and elastin in your skin and narrows your blood vessels – the very components which keep your skin looking youthful. Aside from the other illnesses, smoking leads to premature aging, deep wrinkles, brittle, stained teeth, and an uneven complexion.

2. Get a good night sleep

Sleeping and aging are intricately connected. Poor sleep can speed the aging process where quality deep sleep will slow the effects of aging. If you are not getting a good night sleep, this is high on the list of things to prioritize. If you feel like you have tried everything, then it might be worth a trip to a sleep clinic to get some professional support. Catching enough z’s will do for your skin and aging what no other anti-aging product can do, so whether that means buying an ergonomic, orthopedic, memory foam pillow like this one or getting tested and treated for a sleeping disorder, the point is getting quality sleep is worth the hassle.
Read more: Men Who Sleep Well Age Well

3. Invest in quality skin-care products

The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it is important to give it the care it deserves. Even if you do not yet have deep wrinkles, it is never too early to start an anti-aging skincare regimen. The sooner you start taking care of your skin, the later in life the wrinkles will start to show. Not sure what products to use? We’ve got you covered. Check out our suggestions in this article on the top 7 best anti-aging products for men.

And while we’re on the topic of skin-care, make sure you consider the affects that exposure (specifically too much exposure) to ultraviolet (UV) rays can do to your skin. Remember that UV rays can still reach you through clouds, reflect off of concrete, water, and snow, and are emitted from tanning beds or sunlamps. Know your local UV Index and make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen if you plan to be outside for long periods without access to cover.

4. Exercise and practice flexibility

As we age, keeping our bodies physically active is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, and even our mental health. But as we get older, particularly in men, muscles can weaken, and flexibility can be quickly lost. Challenging our fitness levels appropriately is only one check in our daily routines, just make sure you don’t push yourself too hard and risk injury. Taking time to stretch and prepare (warming up) for exercise can go a long way in keeping you active. Check out our piece on the Importance of Stretching for Men over 50.

5. Eat a healthy diet.

We are what we eat, and most of your hormones along with over 70% of your immune system are controlled by your gut. That is why when it comes to anti-aging techniques, what you eat in the kitchen is arguably just as crucial as the exercises you complete at the gym. Hence, your longevity is strongly linked to the quality of your diet and digestion. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods is one of the most important dietary habits for optimal health and anti-aging, and the more varied your diet is with high-nutrient whole foods and vegetables, the better. Read more: The Low-carb lifestyle

6. Brush your teeth.

There’s more to oral hygiene than having a great smile. Did you know that people who consistently brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each brush reduce their risk of gingivitis and Alzheimers? Many studies such as this one from Science Advances journal found that there is a connection between dental health and other serious illnesses such as Alzheimers, Down Syndrome, and even heart disease. Taking the time to care for your teeth and gums as you age doesn’t just keep the dentist off your back, but prevents illnesses and your quality of life.

Final Thoughts on 6 Anti-Aging Lifestyle Tips for Men 50 and Over

If you’re ready to get serious about slowing down the effects of aging on your body, then the six anti-aging habits listed above are a great starting point. If you want to take it a step further, there are many other habit patterns that can reduce the effects of aging such as meditation, intermittent fasting, and positive social interactions, more of which we’ll cover in future posts.

As always, we hope that you’ve found some useful information with our piece on 6 Anti-Aging Lifestyle Tips for Men 50 and Over. Make sure and subscribe today for relevant content affecting the lifestyle, health, and wellness of men 50 and older! If you don’t see something here you want us to cover, feel free to reach out to us directly through our Contact page or leave a comment below. Stay healthy and look younger!