From joint issues (osteoarthritis) and bone loss to becoming more susceptible to dehydration, when you hit your 50s your body begins to undergo changes that can’t be ignored. That’s on top of things such as keeping tabs on heart, eye, and colon health. Yeah, there’s the diminished sex drive, too, but saying healthy and mobile becomes more important than getting laid (so we’ve heard).
We’re not saying that at 50 you become some decrepit old coot that can’t velcro his loafers with assistance. Not at all, but to avoid becoming that there are certain things you have to do to keep the body firing on all cylinders.
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Just as it is when you’re young, exercise is important. No longer do you need to worry about squatting heavy weights, but cardiovascular health — walking or jogging — and yoga can help increase stamina and mobility. Tightening up the diet is another must. Your metabolism slows as you age, so the bounce back from binging on greasy food or a weeklong booze bender is going to take longer.
The easy thing is to reach for a supplement, and there’s no shortage. Vitamins for energy, vitamins for you boner, vitamins for hair growth — you name it, they’re a pill or potion for it. But the goal should be to get your nutrition through whole foods whenever possible. that said, adding a multivitamin can be a smart move. The research is conflicting as to just how beneficial vitamins are, but if you’re depleted in minerals or vitamins, they’ll fill in the gap. These are a handful of important ingredients to look for on the multivitamin label:
Calcium
Men who are between the ages of 51 and 70 need 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day, according to the National Institute on Aging. The mineral aids vascular contraction, nerve communication, and muscle function. It also helps hormonal secretions.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports good vision, and it stimulates your immune system. At 50-plus, aim for 900 milligrams per day.
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels can screw up how your body absorbs calcium. Additionally, low vitamin D levels may play a role in depression and might help protect you from heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a number of autoimmune diseases. Take in 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, which is also known as pyridoxine, helps your body form red blood cells and supports healthy immune system function. After 50 you’ll need 1.7 milligrams of the substance each day. If you go overboard and take too much, expect to experience numbness. do. Be sure to avoid taking too much because it can cause numbness. When you take the proper amount, the vitamin will build up your immune system.
Remember, vitamins can be found in pill or drink form. Check out daily wellness drink, Morning Complete as one option.
Now check out some of the best vitamins for men over 50 …
If you’re looking for a multivitamin, one of the best for older men is Centrum Silver Men 50+ ($13 @ Amazon.com). This well-rounded vitamin provides the complete spectrum of nutrients, including folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, which all work to support heart health. It also contains lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, all of which promote healthy eyesight, and it additionally supports colon health by providing adequate amounts of Calcium, Vitamin D and antioxidants. Finally, it contains essential vitamins and minerals to help boost immunity and energy levels, which men of all ages could use.
As mentioned, vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for men over 50, because it helps bones absorb calcium, and has been found to reduce risk of cancer and heart attacks. One A Day Men’s Health ($13 @ Amazon.com) has nearly twice the recommended daily amount of Vitamin D (which isn’t dangerous; it’s good for you, we swear) — plus it offers a healthy dose of magnesium, which fends off migraines, high blood pressure, and possibly stroke and diabetes.
You hate swallowing pills? Don’t swallow pills. These adult gummy vitamins are easier to take and way more pleasant than popping a pharmacy of pills. Nature Made Multi Adult Gummies ($7 @ Amazon.com) in orange or mixed berry have a tastier flavor and fewer calories than your average vita-gummy — plus, they’re rich in B12, a vitamin that becomes harder for the body to absorb naturally after 50. Other important nutrients the gummies include are Vitamin A (4000 IU), Vitamin C (60 mg), Pantothenic Acid (10 mg) and Zinc (5 mg).
