Reaching the age of fifty, this significant milestone often signifies that you have achieved many accomplishments in your career and personal life. However, at the same time, various “small parts” of your body may start to show signs of wear and tear.
Many chronic diseases quietly emerge during this period, often without obvious symptoms, putting your health at risk without you even realizing it. If you are about to turn fifty or are already in your fifties, it is crucial to pay special attention to your health, particularly to the seven diseases that are most likely to develop at this age.
This article will provide a detailed introduction to these seven diseases and how to prevent them through proactive health management.
1. High blood pressure
One common condition among people in their 50s is high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
As we age, our vascular system changes. Arteries become less elastic, leading to increased pressure. Middle age often brings extra weight and stress, which can also raise blood pressure.
The high blood pressure can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. However, because it often has no symptoms, many people are unaware they have it. In fact, nearly one-third of adults with high blood pressure don’t know they have it, according to the CDC.
You can buy yourself a blood pressure cuff, which costs around $30. Pharmacies and health fairs often provide free checks, and your healthcare provider can also measure it for you.
2. High cholesterol
High cholesterol is also a factor that contributes to heart disease. It can accumulate inside blood vessels, forming plaque that slows or blocks blood flow. This plaque can break loose, causing blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.
Like high blood pressure, the risk of high cholesterol increases with age. It also has no symptoms, so it’s important to monitor your levels regularly with a routine blood test at your doctor’s office. Diet, exercise, and medication can help lower cholesterol.
3. Diabetes
When you get your cholesterol checked, your healthcare provider may also screen you for diabetes, a common condition in your 50s. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, mostly type 2, and those in middle age are particularly at risk, according to the CDC. Additionally, 96 million Americans have prediabetes.
Diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise, and sometimes medications are needed to control blood sugar levels, says Kate Lorig, professor emeritus at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, diabetes often has no noticeable symptoms, making screening essential. If untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health issues, including kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease.
4. Arthritis
One condition that often appears in your 50s but is frequently overlooked is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. This “wear-and-tear” arthritis happens when the cartilage between joints gets damaged or breaks down.
It can be bothersome even before age 50, but it’s especially common after 50.
If you experience joint pain or stiffness from daily activities, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s not rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease.
Treatment for osteoarthritis varies. Increasing physical activity can help prevent further pain and disability. Your healthcare provider might also recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to ease discomfort.
5. Osteoporosis
Women, in particular, need to focus on their bone health after turning 50, as osteoporosis becomes more common. Nearly 20 percent of women over 50 have osteoporosis, according to the CDC.
This is largely due to menopause. When our body stops producing estrogen, bone density typically decreases. In the U.S., the average age for menopause is 51, according to the Mayo Clinic.
To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking and upper-body strength training. It’s also important to maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D levels, both crucial for bone health.
6. Cancer
As you age, your risk for cancer increases, making routine screenings crucial in your 50s.
It’s necessary for women to have regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests one every two years. For men, they should discuss prostate cancer screenings with their healthcare providers. Additionally, both men and women should get regular screenings for colon cancer.
7. Anxiety/depression
Whether it’s teenagers, work, aging parents, or all of the above, midlife can be stressful. This stress can impact your mental health, which in turn affects your physical health.
Our blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and cancer risk are all influenced by our behaviors, which are rooted in our emotional health.
According to the CDC, about 20 percent of people aged 55 or older experience mental health concerns, with anxiety and depression being the most common.
