5 lifestyle habits to avoid if you are over 50

 

Excessive carbohydrate intake

 

Consuming an appropriate amount of carbohydrates is essential because they provide the energy needed for physical activity and supply vital nutrients for brain function. However, overeating is problematic. As you age, you should reduce the intake of rice, bread, and noodles. If you are concerned about prediabetes or blood vessel health, it is advisable to reduce carbohydrate intake to about 50-55% of your total diet. Even if the taste diminishes, you should increase the amount of healthy carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat, and oats.

 

Snacks, fried foods, donuts

 

As you age, if you still enjoy processed foods, it is inevitable that your health will suffer. In particular, snacks, ramen, donuts, and fried foods high in trans fats can cause weight gain and increase 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), raising the risk of vascular disease. It is better to consume more foods rich in beneficial unsaturated fats for blood vessels, such as blue fish like mackerel and tuna, perilla oil, olive oil, and nuts.

 

Long nap

 

A nap of about 20 to 30 minutes during the day can serve as a boost of energy in the afternoon. However, excessive naps longer than 30 minutes can actually decrease physical activity levels and interfere with restful sleep at night. Research indicates that taking long naps over an extended period increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. People with insomnia should avoid napping altogether.

 

Supplement dependency

 

As you age, natural foods are the best. They have very high efficiency and safety. It is safe to consume antioxidants that reduce body oxidation (aging) through vegetables and fruits. However, some people excessively rely on supplements. Excessive intake of vitamin C can cause side effects such as the risk of stones, which can lead to severe pain. Various supplements cannot surpass the health benefits of a natural diet. According to the National Cancer Information Center, natural foods like vegetables and fruits also help in cancer prevention. Supplements cannot guarantee their effectiveness.

 

Neglect of health check-up

 

There are people over fifty who avoid upper and colon endoscopies by saying "I'm scared" or "It's bothersome." The fact that many patients still suffer from advanced stomach and colon cancers is due to neglecting regular screenings. Proper participation in national cancer screenings can help prevent cancer and enable early detection. As people age, the risk of developing cancer increases along with aging. Avoiding annual screenings may lead to facing painful chemotherapy treatments.