​50s—young at heart

By the time you reach midlife, you may start to devote more time to doing things you enjoy like new hobbies or connecting with old friends. When you reach your 50s, you may feel a new sense of who you are and what you want to do with your time. But this decade can bring some unique health concerns.

This age brings an increased risk of certain diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes or certain cancers. Now, more than ever, you need to take charge of your health. Good eating habits, weight bearing exercise and a good night's sleep can help keep you feeling young.

Your hormones levels are changing and this can cause many other changes within your body. If you don’t have one already, it’s important to have a physician as a partner on your path to health and wellness. Your doctor can help you navigate through any changes, health concerns or questions you have about your health.

Recommended screenings

Staying healthy is a combination of caring for yourself and getting the right medical care decade by decade. Here is a guide to help you keep track of recommended routine screenings.

Health screenings in your 50s:

• Annual wellness visit

• Annual eye exam

• Annual flu vaccine

• Annual screening for coronary disease

• Baseline colonoscopy

• Bone density test for women at high risk for osteoporosis

• Clinical breast exam every year

• Low dose CT scan for lung cancer at age 55 if a smoker

• Regular dental exams and cleaning
  

Additional screenings depending on your health status:

• Annual skin check

• Cholesterol screening

• Fasting plasma glucose test starting at 45

• Mammogram every one to two years
  

• Pap test and HPV test with pelvic exam 
  

Health tips

The key to maintaining a healthy and balanced life is to make small changes daily to see improvements in your health and energy levels. Here are some health tips for your 50s:

• Do not smoke

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Eat well

• Form a relationship with a physician you like and trust and have regular exams

• Get 1,000 mg of calcium with vitamin D per day

• Get 30 minutes of exercise daily

• Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies

• Reduce stress

• Watch for signs of depression

• Wear sunscreen
  

Conditions and services in your 50s

As a woman, you may develop different health issues throughout your life that need medical attention. Below is a quick reference about medical concerns and services in your 50s.

It's never too late to make positive changes to your health and lifestyle. Make your 50s your healthiest, happiest decade yet.