Humans in the western world have had it easy for a long time. Since the Enlightenment, the average lifespan has increased. Now, people living in the developed world can enjoy relatively good health past ages where just 400 years ago, we can expect to see the end of our lives. But with abundance comes a variety of problems – not least of all taking our healthy life for granted.
A recent report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that the average person can expect their health to start failing from around the age of 47 in some parts of the country. Most other areas were an average 13 years longer than that with some registering more than 20 years.
Why was Healthy Life Expectancy So Low?
It’s important to note that the low age (47.1) came from Bloomfield in Blackpool and highlighted a problem with social inequality. In comparison, residents of Knightsbridge in London showed an average 79.1 years of Health Life Expectancy. The gap between the poorest and the richest in society has widened. It followed a similar report last year, also from the Office for National Statistics, that showed a strong link between poor diet, heavy smoking and drinking, and poverty. With around half of children in some areas living below the poverty line, it’s seen as a ticking time bomb.
Lifestyle Choices and How to Stay Healthy
No matter your income, there are steps you can take to improve your overall health as you head into your 50s.
Quit Smoking
It’s never too late to stop smoking. Studies have shown that your health will begin to see improvements a matter of days after your last cigarette. Oxygen levels return to normal, carbon monoxide is filtered out and mucus begins clearing the debris. After 3 months, lung functions begin to return to normal. After one year, your risk of heart disease drops; lung cancer risk drops after five years.
Regulate Alcohol Intake
Nearly everyone likes a tipple and some studies suggest physical health benefits drinking a small amount of alcohol each week. Adversely, too much alcohol can create a myriad of health problems. Merely reducing your alcohol intake to the recommended maximum number of units per week will improve your physical and mental health. At the very least, you’ll reduce your calorie intake and lose weight.
More Vegetables and Fruit
The NHS is always pushing the need for all of us to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. They are a good source of minerals and vitamins, all vital for healthy living, but they are also low in fat and calories which can lead to increased weight and health problems. There is wisdom in ensuring we all get our 5-a-day. Most importantly, they are all a good source of fibre which is necessary for gut and bowel health.
Regular Exercise
In your 50s, you may never get fit or strong enough to compete professionally but taking up exercise at any age can only be good for you. It’s good for healthy bones and muscles; exercise makes your body physically stronger and improves circulation (reducing potential problems with the circulatory system). The NHS Couch to 5K is a great way to help people start running although if you have congenital problems in your legs and knees, running may not be ideal for you.
A Proper Sleep Pattern
We all underestimate our need for plenty of sleep. Most of us simply are not getting enough. 8 hours is typical, although some people can get by quite happily on 6 or 7. While it won’t improve your overall health, a lack of sleep can cause medical problems such as depression, heart disease and diabetes. The reason for the last one is that deprived sleep affects glucose levels.