Living Older, Living Better in Your 50s!
by Katrina Gwinn, MD
In our fifties, aging well becomes an articulated, defined goal.   This is not merely physical, but also, spiritual in many ways for
many baby boomers.  As baby boomers, we have a chance to change what it means to age.  We don't think of ourselves as old at
age 50; many of us are dating again, others of us, deepening our relationships with our existing life partners.  As we enjoy our
sixth decade, it is important to assure that you maintain and improve your health in a number of ways:
  • If you don't have an exercise regimen, start one now.  Focus not only on strength, but also, stretching and balance, which
    will protect you against injury.
  • Develop a spiritual strategy: what does this mean?  If you are religious, this may be a time to deepen or explore your faith in
    new ways.  If you are not particularly religious, this means find time to meditate, explore alternative views of what it means to
    be a human being existing on this planet, for a limited time.
  • Develop relationships:  friendships, romantic partnerships, family all can be tackled in a deeper, more flexible, and very
    meaningful way, as you are generally no longer bearing responsibility towards others in the same way: you can have more
    of a give and take relationship with those around you.
  • Develop your hobbies.  You may have devoted the last two or three decades to your career and/or to raising a family.  Now
    is a good time to think about things you enjoy outside of those endeavors; these hobbies and interests will sustain you as
    you head into the next phases of your life.