Turning 50 feels different because you could be hauling furniture easily one second, and the next, you’re grunting trying to tie your shoes. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should pretend to be 25. You just have to know when to ditch stuff that doesn’t work anymore. Here are 16 things all men should give up once they turn 50.
Lifting Like It’s Still 1995
In your 30s, bench pressing your body weight might’ve been a flex. That’s not the case anymore. If anything, it’s a guarantee for a torn shoulder, as your joints just aren’t prepared for the same level of workouts anymore. Lighter weights and controlled movement are much better. You should also try doing fewer ego lifts so that you can stay out of physical therapy.
Sleeping Less Than 6 Hours a Night
Pulling all-nighters or running on fumes doesn’t help you much anymore, and if anything, it just makes you grumpy. You’ll become more forgetful and more likely to doze off mid-conversation. Men over 50 need proper sleep. You know, the solid, uninterrupted kind of sleep where you wake up feeling genuinely rested afterwards. Think of it as maintenance, rather than laziness.
Sleeping On an Old, Sagging Mattress
That’s not all for sleeping. Hanging onto that mattress from when your kid was in middle school is a terrible idea because your back’s not built for that anymore. After 50, sleeping on a lumpy surface will cause major problems for spinal support and joint comfort. It’ll also make muscle recovery much harder. Waking up stiff or sore every day could be a sign that your bed’s the problem, not your body.
Having Only Male Friends
Hanging with the guys is great, especially during poker nights or when you’re having backyard beers. But it shouldn’t be your whole circle. When that happens, it might be time to widen the net because research shows that mixing it up socially could actually help your mood. It’ll help your brain stay sharp, especially since your female friends may talk about different topics that stimulate your brain.
Letting the Gut Grow
Those “dad jeans” you’re wearing aren’t lying to you, and this issue goes beyond vanity. Belly fat after 50 tends to move inward around your organs, and that’s the kind that makes doctors worried. You don’t necessarily need to be skinny. But you should try keeping the spare tire from becoming a tractor tire.
Wearing the Same Boxers For a Decade
Nobody’s underwear drawer should be full of stretched-out elastic and mystery stains, especially not when you’re older. It’s time to throw the old ones out. Yes, old boxers get gross, but they’re also a serious health problem because synthetic fabrics can cause sweat buildup. This leads to all sorts of uncomfortable issues down below, so it’s better to go for a cotton pair. They’re breathable and simple.
Eating Like a Teenager
Once upon a time, you might’ve lived on a diet of pizza and milkshakes, as well as late-night chili dogs. But it wasn’t a good idea back then, and it’s definitely not a good one now. Poor diet fuels heartburn, and your digestive system isn’t what it used to be. It’s slower and less forgiving. That doesn’t necessarily mean your food has to be boring, just maybe a little less greasy and deep-fried.
Skipping Stretching
Stiff knees and a back that feels like it belongs to an old lawn chair could be caused by not stretching daily. It’s no secret that your mobility declines in your 50s. But most people don’t realize how serious this can be, and how they can avoid it by staying on top of stretching. You don’t have to do yoga on a beach at sunrise or anything. Just a few minutes of stretching while waiting for your coffee to brew is enough.
Driving Long Distances Without Breaks
You might feel fine behind the wheel. However, your legs and lower back would like a word. Long drives without stretching can affect your circulation and may also stiffen joints, so don’t think that you’re being weak by pulling over. It’s what your body needs. Why cause more problems for yourself when you don’t need to?
Using Hair Products From the 80s
That crusty gel you’ve been using since high school isn’t doing your hair any favors, especially if your hair’s thinning. In fact, old products may just make your hair look greasy or patchy. You should go for something lighter that’s appropriate for your age and adds texture without the shine. Don’t forget that “less is more” is a good motto for your scalp now, too.
Competing With Younger Men at the Gym
You don’t need to match the guy half your age slamming weights in the corner because that kind of pace doesn’t make sense anymore. Your recovery’s slower, and your joints don’t bounce back like they used to. You have nothing to prove, so stick with workouts that leave you feeling good the next day. That’s much better than feeling broken.
Believing Weight Gain is Always From Eating Too Much
Of course calories matter, but they’re not the whole story once you turn 50. Any weight gain could also be due to changes in your hormones or a decline in muscle mass. There’s also the fact that your metabolism isn’t what it was, which means you could eat the same way and still put on weight. It’s time to give up the old-school mindset and look at the actual science of aging. It goes beyond your plate.
Taking Too Many Over-The-Counter Medicines
You get sore more often when you’re 50, and that’s completely normal. However, it’s not normal to reach for ibuprofen every day because it’s bad for your body. Your stomach lining and kidneys can’t take this every day. It’s not good for your blood pressure, either. Painkillers aren’t meant to be a daily habit, so you should figure out what’s causing the pain instead of just silencing it.
Avoiding Pelvic Floor Exercises
Leaking when you laugh or feeling like you can’t make it to the bathroom in time aren’t problems people like to talk about. They’re usually caused by weakened pelvic floor strength, which happens naturally with age, especially after 50. As such, you should remember that Kegels aren’t just for women. Doing a few targeted exercises could actually fix the issue, so skip the embarrassment and just do them.
Having the Thermostat Set to 68 All Year
There’s really no need to tough out the cold anymore, as feeling cold more often isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s simply caused by your body adjusting to lower hormone levels, or perhaps the side effect of certain medications. Staying chilly is terrible for your body. It can slow recovery and tighten your muscles, while also messing with circulation.
Wearing Tight Belts Over the Gut
You might not want to admit it, but continuing to wear belts from 2008 in your 50s is quite harmful. A belt that’s digging into your stomach could be making reflux or bloating even worse. After 50, your belly fat shifts. Your waistline’s not sitting in the same place, so let go of the belt that barely buckles and buy pants that actually fit. You’ll breathe easier. Quite literally.
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Now 50 and still sizzling hot (and getting hot flushes), and your head? FULL of what nobody ever speaks aloud. We are not here for whispering, though. We are here to scream out those midlife thoughts that you’ve suppressed behind false smiles.
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