Fit as a Fiddle... Even after 50!
The phrase “fit as a fiddle” is a simile that means being in good health; something that’s in sound condition. Example: After a routine health checkup with his local physician, Jeremy’s doctor concluded that he was healthy. In other words, he was fit as a fiddle.
Fiddle refers to s stringed musical instrument, especially the violin, which must be kept in good working condition. The phrase was recorded in a book entitled, ‘English-men for my Money’ written in the year 1616 by Haughton William.¹
As I shared with you last week, staying in shape has always been a priority to me and a vital part of my daily checklist; doing something daily for your Spirit, Mind and Body. But if you’re like me, you’ve wondered recently, “How’d I get to be 60 already? Wasn’t I just 50?” and "what should I do now to keep healthy in this stage of life?”
They say, “50 is the new 30” so here are a few suggestions to make the best of living a healthy lifestyle in your 50’s and beyond:
Keep Learning - Surprise yourself. Instead of sticking with what's familiar and comfortable, tackle something new. Go to out of the ordinary places. Make new friends. Learn a musical instrument or a language. New experiences will build new pathways in your brain, keeping your mind healthy as you age.
Make a New Start - So you didn't have the healthiest habits in your 30s and 40s. Maybe you ate too much and exercised too little. That's OK. The key is to do better now. Changing your lifestyle in your 50s and beyond — exercising more and eating healthier — can still make a big difference.
Make Smart Food Choices - As you get older, your metabolism slows down and you need fewer calories. So make the ones you get count. Choose foods packed with the nutrients you need. Eat dark leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables. Increase low-fat dairy to get calcium for bones.
Cut Sodium - Is your blood pressure higher than it used to be? That's not unusual. It tends to rise as we get older. Since sodium can drive your readings up, cut down on salt in your diet. The worst sources are pre-made and packaged foods. Bread and rolls can also have a lot of salt.
Eat Healthy Fats - You already know that saturated fats are bad for your arteries and heart health. Instead, add more fatty fish and fats from plants, like flaxseed and nuts. These healthy fats may have extra benefits for your heart and your brain.
Stay Balanced - Having good balance is one of the best ways to prevent a fall — and potentially serious injuries. Make these exercises part of your day. Stand on one foot or walk heel to toe — as if you were walking on a beam. The gentle, dance-like movements of tai chi are another helpful option.
Stay Social - Spend more time with friends or family. It can help keep your mind keen. Social people have sharper thinking and they're much less likely to have memory problems as they age. Or try volunteering. It's linked with a lower risk of heart disease and a longer life.
Sleep Sound - you might need a little less sleep these days than you used to. That's normal. But if you're getting less than 7 hours a night, or feel worn out during the day, something's wrong. Insomnia isn't a normal part of getting older. Exercise more, drink less alcohol, and discuss your medications with your doctor.
Enjoy the Rewards of Age - Here's some good news: The older people get, the more content and satisfied they are. People in their 80s report being more satisfied than people in their 70s. So, look forward to the future. It could be a time of great happiness.²
This list seems very do-able and it would seem that life can get better as we age? So, what are you waiting for…let’s get started and make whatever decade you find yourself in…the healthiest yet!
Remember, at Conizo we want to be with you through every season of life! We believe that through the seasons & generations of life — wisdom and hope can intersect to help you live that well-lived life!³
Thanks for stopping by…Live Life Well!
Notes
Fit as a Fiddle, Google, https://www.google.com/search?q=fit+as+a+fiddle&oq=Fit+as+a+Fiddle&aqs=chrome.0.0l7j46j0l2.3840j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Eat Healthy, Stay Fit, and Live Well over 50,WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-live-well-over-50?ecd=wnl_day_041121_&ctr=wnl-day-041121-_LeadModule_title&mb=5gic29QhYpaWYJSSR9rtDD1DljKhcfJteFs18Msbwq8%3d
Conizo Living & Wellness, www.Conizo.com