Common health mistakes women should avoid in their 50s

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Many women think that once they turn 50, it will be all downhill from there. Reaching that age shouldn't stop you from living a full and healthy life. Make sure you're at the peak of your powers by avoiding the following health mistakes.

1. You've lost your purpose.

Individuals often lose their sense of purpose once they've retired, which leads to poor health and well-being. A study reveals that people who have something to live for live longer and have better social relationships.

Engage in activities you love such as gardening, learning a new language, volunteering at a local pet shelter, or even starting a new career to renew that sense of purpose.

2. You don't take care of your heart.

The risk of heart diseases increases with age. And if you've developed bad habits when you were younger such such as smoking, unhealthy eating, and lack of physical activity, your body might have to pay for them now.

Today.com reports that on the average, women's hearts are 5 years older than their actual age. And women with hypertension, have hearts that are actually 18 years older.

According to Dr. Leslie Cho, director of the Cleveland Clinic's Women's Cardiovascular Center, it's not too late to take care of your heart at this point. A gradual change in lifestyle, plus tests such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol testing, will benefit your heart and detect possible heart conditions in their early stages.

3. You take menopause symptoms lightly.

Many women think that menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping difficulties, and vaginal and urinary problems are things they have to endure in silence. Hormonal therapy, relaxation techniques, clinical hypnosis, and improved sleeping habits can reduce the menopause-related discomforts. Bladder problems can be addressed with the righ medication. Ask your doctor for help.

4. You've said goodbye to sex.

When it comes to sex, age is nothing but a number. It improves pelvic muscle tone and enhances over-all psychological well-being. Should intercourse be painful as you reach your 50s due to hormonal changes, over-the-counter lubricants, topical estrogen, yoga, and exercise can help.

5. You've let go of your weight.

As your metabolism slows down, weight gain is inevitable in old age. But it doesn't mean that you can't do anything about it.

Log in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, broken down into a 30-minute session daily. Supplement this with a diet comprised mainly of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

6. You skip medical check-ups.

By the time you reach 50, doctors will start recommending age-specific tests such as as colorectal cancer screening, mammogram, and bone density screening. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so be conscientious in having yourself screened.