Turning 50: Embracing Health, Fitness, Travel, Family, Aging Parents and More

Reaching the age of 50, or celebrating your 50th birthday, is a significant milestone in one’s life. It is a time of reflection, growth, and embracing new opportunities. It’s like reaching the peak of a rollercoaster and realizing you’re still loving the ride. Suddenly, health, wellness, and fitness aren’t just buzzwords; they’re your daily mantra. You start paying attention to those creaks and groans your body makes, but hey, you’re still kicking! And marriage? Well, that partnership you’ve built over the years has aged like fine wine, or not. The kids? They’re not exactly kids anymore; they’re more like friends you’ve raised. And hobbies? Let’s just say that passport in the lockbox might start seeing some action again. Turning 50 isn’t about slowing down; it’s about realizing all the things you have put off because your wants and needs were always put on hold. Well not anymore, now is the time to start doing more of what you love.

I am not the sky is falling type of person, especially when it came to turning 50.  I know it is a big milestone and a big birthday.  I did not freak out by turning 50; however, I did reflect on my life.  Like my family, my daughter and husband, what I have accomplished, what have I done and how I want to live the next 40 or 50 years.   I also took it as an opportunity to take a vacation and treat myself.  I made a promise to myself to take better care of me.  Do more of what I love and what makes me happy.  I want to focus on my health, weight, traveling more and seeing my friends more often. I always put my daughter, husband and family first, which I will still do but only the really important stuff with take precedence over me.

Table of Contents

Introduction

  • Brief overview of turning 50 as a significant milestone

  • Mention the focus on health, wellness, personal development, relationships, community, and advocacy in the later stages of life

II. Health, Wellness and Fitness

  • Importance of preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices

  • Embracing physical activity and exercise

  • Nurturing mental well-being through cognitive stimulation and stress management

III. Travel, Lifestyle and Leisure

  • Pursuing hobbies, interests, and leisure activities

  • Balancing work, leisure, and relaxation in the second half of life

IV. Personal Development

  • Reflecting on goals, dreams, and aspirations

  • Possible career changes, education, or pursuing passions

V. Family Relationships

  • Balancing caregiving responsibilities and maintaining personal well-being

  • Engaging relationships as children grow and parents age

VI. Reflections Life Lessons

  • Reflecting on lessons learned and experiences gained

  • Embracing aging with grace, acceptance, and wisdom

VIII. New Opportunities

  • Keep learning and moving

  • Engaging with communities and finding avenues for meaningful contribution

IX. Conclusion

  • The significance of turning 50 as a time of opportunity and growth

  • Embrace each moment with gratitude, enthusiasm, and a commitment to living you best lives

Health, Wellness & Fitness: Managing High Blood Pressure

In my mind, I am still in my 30’s and think 1980 was only 20ish years ago. I know I need to pay more attention to my health and my mental well-being.  I have always been good about my doctor appointments and taking my prescribed medication but it’s about time I make better choices with my food and physical activity.  I have a membership at my local gym and go a few times a week to walk on the treadmill and do some weights.  Additionally, exploring alternative fitness like water aerobics, yoga, meditation, or acupuncture can enhance my overall wellness and vitality.  With 50 comes a lot of other challenges in a woman’s life such as menopause, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, declining metabolism, hormonal shifts, and an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. I’ve been struggling with extra pounds and other common physical changes at this age, further emphasizing the need for a balanced lifestyle. The risk of heart attack and high blood pressure (which I have) also increases, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health. Hormone therapy can be beneficial in treating symptoms of menopause, such as painful intercourse and vaginal dryness. Additionally, the immune system may slow down but can still effectively fight off illnesses, showing that our bodies are capable of resilience even as we age. I plan on prioritizing my health and adopting a healthy diet, staying physically active, and managing stress effectively, I can mitigate these challenges and enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life well into our later years. Taking my prescribed medications, and supplements and I’ve added Collagen to my health routine. Mental health becomes increasingly important due to all the physical changes we start to go through around the age of 50. I know that when I exercise regularly it not only helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease but also enhances mood, improves sleep quality, and boosts overall energy levels. From walking and swimming to yoga and strength training, there are countless ways to stay active and fit, regardless of age or fitness level.

Travel, Lifestyle & Leisure

I have always been responsible with my money…. for the most part.  I put off traveling because money always had to go to other things.  Well, I will not put traveling aside anymore.  I love traveling, it gives me a sense of joy and rejuvenation like nothing else.  I always feel so free and happy while I am planning a vacation and obviously while on vacation. Traveling doesn’t necessarily mean getting on a plane and spending a ton of money. It can just be a road trip to a neighboring state, which in my case is New Hampshire. I love to go to NH, its beautiful any season of the year.

Now that my daughter is older and graduating high school soon, I find myself with more time.  I have been thinking about my passions and interests. Aside from traveling what are my hobbies and interests?  I have always enjoyed writing, hence the start of this blog. I love helping people, hence this blog about turning 50. Aside from those 2 things, I also enjoy quiet moments of relaxation and sitting outside in the sun (when it's out and with sunblock). I choose to embrace this phase of life as an opportunity for self-discovery and enrichment can lead to a newfound sense of fulfillment and joy.

Personal Development & Mental Health

Turning 50 marks the beginning of middle age, a significant life stage characterized not just by age but also as a time of personal growth and reflection. It’s a chance to reassess our goals, dreams, and aspirations, and to chart a course for the future. Whether it’s starting a new career, pursuing further education, or embarking on a long-held dream, the second half of life offers ample opportunities for reinvention and self-discovery.

I have always wanted to volunteer and help people and animals. During this time of my life, I have more free time to give back. I will reach out to local shelters and find out where they need help. Donating my time and resources will give me a sense of purpose, well bigger purpose. Helping others makes you feel better about yourself. As we get older and go through milestones in our lives our mental health goes through changes as well. I am prioritizing myself and my mental health during this next stage of life. Being aware of your mental health and your feelings is crucial during this time. There are so many changes happening, your children are not children anymore, they are young adults. Your parents are aging and now need you more than they ever have. This is added stress to your life that you need to be aware of.

Family & Relationships

While turning 50 is a huge for me it is also huge for my parents.  Knowing their baby is 50 puts into perspective their own age. They are getting older and need more attention, there health is declining, and they have more doctors’ appointments. Being their only daughter has put a lot of pressure on me to take care of them and plan for what the future will look like for them and me. This will play a big part in my life for the next 10 or so years. I need to be aware of this and not let it affect my health and wellness.

Also, my daughter will be going to college next year.  We will have to start college touring, financial aid and coming to terms with being empty nesters. It feels like just yesterday she was graduating from middle school, a moment that marked the beginning of her journey towards independence and our adjustment to the evolving dynamics of our family.

As we enter our 50s, nurturing meaningful connections with family, friends, and community becomes increasingly important. Whether it’s scheduling regular gatherings, sharing hobbies and interests, or simply reaching out to offer support and encouragement, investing in relationships enriches our lives and provides a sense of belonging and purpose.

Reflections & Life Lessons

As we reflect on the first half of our lives, we're inevitably drawn to the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the moments of triumph and defeat. Embracing aging with grace and acceptance means embracing the wisdom gained from decades of lived experience and using it to navigate the road ahead with resilience and purpose.

We may also contemplate the legacy we wish to leave behind. Whether it's through our work, our relationships, or our contributions to our communities, each of us has the power to make a positive impact on the world around us. By living with intention, compassion, and integrity, I am hoping I can inspire my daughter to live her life with purpose.

Exploring New Opportunities

Entering the sixth decade doesn’t mean slowing down or settling into a stagnant routine. On the contrary, turning 50 can be a time of exploration, adventure, and new beginnings. By embracing change and remaining open to new opportunities, we can continue to grow, learn, and evolve throughout our lives.

Engaging with our communities and advocating for issues that matter to us become increasingly important as we age. Whether it’s volunteering, joining advocacy groups, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, being an active participant in our communities fosters a sense of belonging and purpose that enriches our lives immeasurably.

Conclusion

Turning 50 is not the end of the journey but rather the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise, growth, and opportunity. By embracing health and wellness, nurturing relationships, pursuing personal development, and engaging with our communities, we can make the most of this stage of life and create a legacy that inspires others for generations to come. As we embark on this journey together, let’s embrace each moment with gratitude, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to living our best lives possible.

Turning 50 is a milestone worth celebrating—a time to reflect on the journey thus far and look ahead to the adventures that lie ahead. By prioritizing our health and well-being, nurturing meaningful relationships, embracing new opportunities, and leaving a legacy of love and kindness, we can make the most of this exciting stage of life and create a future that is rich in joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Remember, age is just a number, and turning 50 should not define our capabilities or limit our aspirations. As we embark on this next chapter together, let us embrace each day with gratitude, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to living our best lives possible.