If you are a man, who’s recently hit the massive milestone of his 40th birthday, then firstly, congratulations, and secondly, how do you feel? This isn’t a trick question but more a cautionary query.
Aging is, unfortunately, inevitable, and even though we are on the whole getting better at avoiding the resultant issues that come with getting older, we shouldn’t ignore the signs that we are no longer as young as we used to be.
Men are well known for ignoring health concerns, and it could come at a cost, and a man in 2021 should be far more open to staying on top of their health and overall well-being than at any point.
The older we get, the more issues we need to be cautious of, and it’s always best to be ahead of the problem as this gives you time to alter your habits or to treat any issue that may be detected.
There’s no shame or stigma in being cautious, and to help you in the quest for a more healthy outlook, we’ve compiled some useful key tips that should keep you in fine shape for the next decade or so.
Take Care of Your Eyes
One surefire sign of aging is your eyesight. You may have had a great vision for all your life, but frankly, when you hit 40 and over, the chances of you not needing some sort of assistance with your eyesight are slim. So why not get ahead of the potential problem?
Regularly check your eyesight and consider the use of progressive lens glasses as an option, which is particularly useful for those with a need for vision correction of more than one type. This is something that will become more and more relevant as you age, so make sure to have your eyes checked as often as possible.
Check Your Diet
You may still be eating as if you are a twentysomething, but your body will not be thanking you for it. It’s possible that you have the constitution of an ox and the metabolism of a teenage gymnast, but pretty soon, it’s something you will pay the price for. Middle-age spread is a real thing, and sooner or later, your bad eating habits will catch up with you.
If you are turning 40 and don’t pay much attention to your diet, then you need to do so right away. Clearly, a good diet is in the best interest of anyone at any age, but when you turn 40 and over, your body will start to become less able to deal with a poor diet.
Get Plenty of Exercises, But Remember You Are Not Twenty Any Longer
Keep yourself in trim and do as much exercise as your body and circumstances allow but don’t overexert yourself; stay within your limits. You won’t get a medal for trying to outdo the guy next to you at the gym, especially if he happens to be young enough to be your son.
Adults over the age of 40 are recommended to do three to four hours of exercise a week, but frankly, we feel that number should be a tad higher. That exercise can be in the form of a friendly jog or a long walk or a gym workout. The key here is to keep the body moving, and this is as applicable to those who have always worked out as it is to those who haven’t done enough of it before now.
Keep Stress Low
This seems easier said than done, but you are no longer in your twenties, and the physical manifestations of stress are far more pronounced the older you get. In other words, the anxiety you might be suffering won’t only be affecting you mentally (which is an issue that is clearly still important to deal with) but will have physical repercussions.
When you hit 40, and over you will typically have more issues to deal with, whether that’s higher-level work issues or a family to support and care for. Being fit and healthy in terms of your body is one thing, but your mind also needs to be well looked after.
Try to use meditation or exercise forms that help bring your well-being to the front and center. Maybe try yoga or pilates to help keep your life and mind in balance.
Take Into Account Family History
Issues that may affect your health can be, for the most part, tracked by your family history, and you’d be surprised how your genetics can shape your life, especially once you’ve hit that 40 age barrier.
This is particularly important in relation to cancer and heart disease but also relevant for other issues that can cause you more issues later in life.
Get a Full Check-Up
Maybe you are well taken care of and haven’t had to visit a doctor very often over the course of your adult life. However, don’t be complacent. Book yourself in for a full check-up just to make sure you are in good condition. As we age, our bodies may have signs of wear and tear that are visible or below the surface.
A good overall physical exam will give you the peace of mind to take on in the coming years, and if there are issues to deal with, then you’ll be better placed to take on that challenge when armed with the knowledge you receive from the diagnosis given by a professional.
Don’t Give Up!
Finally, don’t give up. You are only 40, and that means a whole new avenue in your life is opening up, and clearly, hitting this benchmark is entirely different from when your father hit the golden number.
The steps and tips above are about maximizing your potential, both mentally and physically speaking, and are not chores to be wary of but challenges that will stand you in good stead for the coming years.
