A guide to staying fit and healthy as you get older

Most people look forward to a relaxing lifestyle as they get older, but that doesn't have to mean being sedentary. In fact, when crossing the middle age threshold, we ought to be more careful with our life choices in order to maximize our health and overall well-being.

Are you in need of a midlife health check? Click through this gallery for the best tips on how to stay fit and healthy.

Middle age health

After 50, it's easy to get relaxed when it comes to taking care of your body, but a lack of fitness and an unbalanced diet can pose a great risk for your overall health, as reported by the BBC.

Supplements

Avoid supplements and rely mainly on nutrients you're getting from your diet choices. Supplements are not only expensive, but they can also have a negative effect on your health, according to the US National Institutes of Health.

Coffee

Too much caffeine can cause dehydration, but moderate coffee consumption can boost physical performance and is thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia, as shown in a study by the University of Eastern Finland.

How much physical activity do you need?

Adults can substantially improve their health with 2.5 hours of moderate cardio a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, according to Healthy Midlife.

Start slowly

It's important to start slowly to avoid injuries, so it might be a good idea to get help from a certified personal trainer.

Moderate aerobic activities

A moderate aerobic activity should be lightly challenging—you should breathe fast without being out of breath, and you should start sweating a bit after 10 minutes. This is the ones beginners should go for.

Vigorous aerobic activities

A vigorous aerobic activity should be physically challenging and demanding—you should be breathing rapidly and intensely, as with jogging or running. These are adequate for fitter individuals.

Find something you really enjoy

Finding a sport you really like practicing is halfway to fitness happiness. That way, you don't feel like you're being forced to workout—you're just having fun!

Find a fitness partner

Having a workout partner might give you the motivation you need to get started, as you can commit to goals together and stick to them.

Set a goal

Setting specific long-term or even short-term goals is key during your fitness journey. Make them attainable and measurable so you don't get demotivated in the process.

Flexibility

Flexibility training is essentially for middle-aged people as your joints and muscles become stiffer with age. Yoga is great for enhancing your flexibility, so give it a try!

Restorative sleep

Try to go to bed at the same time every night so your body can develop natural habits and rest properly. Quality sleep has an effect on both physical and mental health.

Aspirin

A low dose of daily aspirin has been linked to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, but it can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers, so check with your doctor before you self-medicate.

Posture

Poor habits throughout your life can lead to terrible posture at an older age. Try to sit and stand straight as much as possible, and practice exercises like Pilates and yoga to improve your posture.