There are many things we don't think about and one of them is what life will be like when we're 40, 50 , 70 or even 90. We think for the moment and live in the present which is an amazing thing to do but there are certainly some things we should give some serious thought to in order to slightly prepare ourselves for our later years. I've compiled a list for you and these things come from friends and acquaintances of mine that are in their 50s's (Just so you didn't think I made these up myself).
1. Quit smoking.
This again. I know you smokers don't want to hear this but honestly, if you think you are doing ok now as a smoker it won't be so ok by the time you hit 50. You will look 20 yrs. older than you are, your teeth will be seriously gross, you'll have… well I could just go on and on about this but really. Quit now.
2. Spend more time with friends and family and less time on your cell phone.
Your phone will not replace human interaction and if you are always on your phone you will have fewer friends in 20 years. No one will want to hang out with you. Human interaction is pretty important.
3. Never stop learning.
Take courses, learn online, read educational material, learn learn learn. Don't ever stop. The more you know, the more it will come in handy when you reach 50. And all that information can be used for many things, perhaps some cool freelance work so you can retire early?
4. Save money now.
Even if it's only $10/month start doing it. Put it in a savings account, or any safe investing resource your bank representative can suggest for you. No matter where you put it, put it somewhere. You will need it when you get older. Trust me on this one.
5. Eat healthy but don't deprive yourself of treats.
Make sure you maintain a healthy well balanced diet but have treats every now and then too. Life can be too short to not enjoy treats. Have that ice cream or that extra piece of pie if you want to. Everything in moderation too, right?
6. Don't spend too much time with losers.
You have some friends that are never going to get anywhere in life. Don't hang on to them for too long. They will suck the life out of you. Start hanging with likeminded people. You can help each other grow, not crumble.
7. Visit the dentist regularly.
Get your teeth cleaned and checked at least once a year. If you don't, they will start to get pulled out whether you like it or not. Take care of your teeth. A lot of health issues stem from oral health. Do yourself a favour. Book your appointment today. You may not like the dentist now but if you don't see him/her regularly, you will like them less in 20 years.
8. Be kind and generous.
If you start doing this now it will become a natural part of your daily routine and you will become a much more compassionate and loving person by the time your 50 and the world needs more of those kind of people.
9. Take chances.
Many. If you have the opportunity to do some very random and exciting, yet scary and adventurous, things, do them. Life is short. You may not have the chance when you hit 50 and life is way too short to say "I wish I would have…."
10. Exercise regularly.
Stay healthy. Exercise at least 4 times a week. Your bones and muscles will thank you for it when you hit 50. The consequence to not is osteoarthritis/porosis. Not fun from what I'm told. Do weight training and cardio. You don't have to be a machine, just fit. Period.
I could probably write a book about things we should do while we are younger so we can live healthier when we are in are 50's and older but these 10 tips are probably the most important that shouldn't be ignored. It's never too late to start breaking bad habits and start learning new habits. You can form new habits even if you are 70 years old, but why wait until then. Change is scary but the rewards are mind blowing. Send your fear packing and get started working towards a happy and healthy 50 year old you.
Some Amazing Comments
Comments
