There is no denying it. At 50+ years old, we are not as young as we used to be. That does not mean that we have to stop living life well. Fifty is a great time to turn your attention to your total wellbeing. For many people turning 50 can be an even higher hurdle than when they turned 30. They begin to think of themselves as old and dull. It does not have to be so. This can be the best time of your life. You can have a life full of health, vitality, and happiness after 50 and beyond.

Get moving. This is no time to sit down and allow your joints to stiffen up. Get up and get out there. Walking, outside if possible, is one of the greatest exercise ever. There is nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get you motivated and clear your mind so that you can handle any stress the day throws at you. Breathing, don’t forget to breathe. Breathing exercises strengthens your lungs and keep them working at maximum capacity. The deeper you breathe, the more oxygen you take in. The more oxygen you take in, the more energy you will have. The more energy you have, the better you will feel. Try this simple breathing exercise for getting your lungs into shape and making the most of the oxygen available to you. It is simply called Deep Breathing:

(1) Sit or stand straight, pull your elbows back firmly, and inhale deeply.

(2) Hold your breath for 5 counts

(3) Exhale slowly and completely.

You, of course, choose your own exercise regimen. Whatever course you decide, walking, yoga, aerobics, or swimming, stick with it and keep moving.

Oh the dreaded ‘D’ word. It really does not have to be that bad. Diet does not always mean low fat, low sodium, no taste. This is, however, a time when extra pounds do not just melt off, it may take a little extra effort. It is much easier to face the word ‘diet’ if we focus on the do’s and not the don’ts. So, do add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Keep fruits out on the table or counter or in the front of the refrigerator, easily accessible. You will reach for the most handy foods available when you want a snack so make sure the healthier foods are the handiest.

Do turn to whole grain foods. Whole grains add lots of vitamins and minerals to your diet. They are loaded with antioxidants and yield much needed fiber to your diet.

And do eat more fish. Fish are the best source of omega 3 fatty acids which help keep your blood flowing smoothly thereby promoting good circulation. When blood can circulate unimpeded through out your system, all of your vital organs function better. You will feel better from the inside out.