Most people are concerned, frightened and anxious about this new age heading their way. However, turning 50 is an exciting time and symbolizes entering a new phase of life. This milestone is full of feelings often associated with maturity, wisdom, and reflection on past achievements.

It is a time to embrace your true selves and what really matters in your life, and of course the time when you really don’t have to “Give a Hoot” about what others think.

The last 5 decades have been full of love, life, laughter and of course everything else in between. There is no reason why the next few decades should not be the same, but with a little more knowledge about life’s experiences.

Don’t be scared of this new chapter in your life… Embrace it and enjoy it to its full extent.

HEALTH AND FITNESS:

As you age, it is essential to keep tabs on your health and fitness. This includes your physical health, mental health and internal health. Unfortunately our bodies don’t act the same as they did when we were 21, and unless you want to keep going to the doctors for minor issues, it’s up to you to keep your body functioning as best as possible. So a little change to the way we used to do things is imperative.

• Brain Health: One way to help preserve your brain power (and memory) is to follow a Mediterranean diet (one idea) that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive and canola oils. Always eat healthy foods, especially the ones nature has provided for us.

• Mental Heath: Most people think they don’t have to concentrate on their mental health, but many people, especially experiencing the empty nest syndrome, can fall into anxiety or even depression rather quickly without realising it. Unfortunately as you get older, some friends and family members may not be with us any more, leaving a space where once you could talk about your issues and clear your mind. Mental health is extremely important in our later years and should not be over looked. If you are feeling anxious or sad, please talk to a professional or seek some guidance and/or counselling.

  In women, the hormone shift of menopause can also cause changes in mood. Feelings can change dramatically from one moment to the next and can easily disrupt the mind state. If you are having trouble dealing with these menopausal mental issues, there are avenues you can use to research to to seek and help and advise.

  A simple strategy to boost your mood: Sit less and move more. Your chances of mental health issues are higher than if you sit more than 7 hours a day or don’t exercise.

• Physical Health: as we age, our bones and muscles do get weaker, and light physical exercise will help re balance our fitness. It doesn’t have to be a strict gym session or a 50K run, but light to moderate walking and light weight lifting 15 minutes a day will help keep your body from deteriorating too much. A diet high in calcium and Vit D will keep those bones from “cracking”.

• Diet: ageing changes what our bodies need to function better, and it is essential that we eat a lot more of nature’s goodness. It’s not hard or complicated and you don’t have to cut out your fatty or sugary favorites; but it is best to keep these to a minimum. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as fish and chicken. Limit sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. And eat smaller portions. You probably don’t need as many calories as you once did.

  We can’t turn the clock backward. But with patience, care, and smart lifestyle changes, we can make the most of our bodies as we age.

ACTIVITIES:

Now that you have found maybe a little more time on your hands….it’s best you start investing that time on yourself. But what next? Here we have some advise on how to start re investing in yourself and your partner, as you had spent so much of your time before, investing on the children and what they needed. More often than not, your hobbies and interest got put on the back burner, so let’s change this around.

It’s best to start off with some goals for your current and future self. What do you want from this new chapter in your life? Is it a career change, maybe trying out some old hobbies, or trying something new all together. We try to get new Empty Nesters to focus on their own Personal Growth in this new time of life and re focusing our own personal energy.

• Hobbies: was there an old hobby you loved, but just lost time for; maybe try this out again and make extra time for the things you enjoy.

• New hobby: maybe the old hobby doesn’t fit what you like to do anymore, so think about what you do enjoy doing. Try out new things and see what fits you best. I’m sure over the last 25-30 years, you have changed, so maybe your interest have too.

• Focus on your health, both inside and out. Try out a new fitness regimes (keeping it simple to start with), or try out Yoga or meditation. You may not have had time for these things with little kidlets running around, so now is a good time to try these out.

• Community: there are many ways to get active in your local community, you only have to reach out. There are many sorts of clubs and groups (like the men’s or women’s shed) that get together like minded people for activities, gossip and general friendship.

• Volunteer: a great way to get in to the community and make new friendships. Local clubs, gardens and not for profit organizations are always looking for members. This is a great way to make new relationships, friendships and make good use of any free time you might have.

• Relationships: time to reflect on your partner (if you have one), and re kindle that loving life feeling and being together. Go out on dates, take trips together, even taking a dance or cooking class together. As long as you do something you both enjoy, you can once again feel that strong bond that you had before making a family. Sometimes life with children gets busy, and we do forget to love our partner the way we did before children. There is always time to make room for love and partnership.

• Family: also time to re connect with extended family, especially ones that don’t live so near anymore. Take the time to call, SKYPE or even a quick trip to visit family you haven’t seen for years. Its never too late.

DIARIES AND JOURNALS FOR GOALS, BUDGETS, AND LIFE:

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Stop saying, “Yeah…but..”

This is just an excuse not to do something and move forward. If you don’t move forward, you’ll be stuck in this uncertainty and never truly feel happy and at peace. Just get up off that couch and do what makes you happy!

If you need further guidance, please reach out via email, and we’ll be happy to help

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BEAUTY AND CARE:

As with the rest of our internal health, we must look after our external health too. This includes things like our skin, hair, face, eyes, ears and other such things we take for granted.

• Skin: any sun damage you had as a carefree child will now reveal itself. You may see age spots and will need to watch for signs of skin cancer. If you didn’t protect your skin when you were younger, it's not too late to start. Your skin will might also feel drier and be easily irritated, so we must moisturise every day.

  You should wear sunscreen of at least 30+ SPF every day, and have a skin cancer check each year. Always cleanse and moisturise (this goes for you “blokes” too!), your face and hands and neck, and well pretty much any skin that is exposed to the sun.

  After basic care, you can try, retinol, vitamin c, niacinamide and AHA exfoliant have the best/longest evidence behind them. But start any new routines with new products slowly, to see if they suit you and to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to any of the products!

• Eyes, and Ears: of course as we age, both our hearing and sight will deteriorate. Wear sunglasses when outside and, ensure to get regular check ups for sight and sound will help with any issues and thus helping to avoid triggers of depression or anxiety over not being able to see or hear correctly.

• Hair: between men and women, hair loss or “greying” can cause issues of insecurity and anxiety. Talking to other people about your concerns can help with advise, beauty tips or even just the confidence to let “Nature do It’s Thing”. Only some of us will have the pleasure to grow old, so try to enjoy it in all its glory.

• Health Supplements: If you are unable to eat a nutritious natural diet, health supplements are a great alternative. Talk to your doctor or food specialist for some advise on what is best for you. As long as its a natural supplement, it will be fine for your body

• External Beauty: to keep your internal confidence up, it always essential to keep your external beauty up. I’m not talking about Botox and being like Models in Vogue, but more about what makes you feel good. Get that new haircut, try dyeing your hair, get try those new nails you have been looking at, and even research into buying or changing your wardrobe. As long as you feel good outside, this will help your body feel great inside. We are all connected internally and externally.

HOBBY IDEAS FOR EVERYONE:

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GOALS:

Time to refine your goals in life. What do you want, where do you want to be. How do you get there?

• Personal: Redefine yourself and ask yourself what you now want from life. I can guarantee it will be different to what you wanted when you were 20. Write a list, then add details on how you might achieve these goals. Just remember, if everything was easy, everyone would do it. Just keep at it, and you will get to where you want to be. You just have to start.

• Career: Once again, your career choice might be different now, and even how much time you want to work may have changed. Decide on what you want to do and what you are good at. Decide on how much you want to work. You may wish to only have part time job, or push to get that full time promotion you always wanted. You may even choose to work from home just to add that extra income in to the budget. The choices are endless and sometime daunting. But if you sit and make a list, you can achieve anything you really want to.

• Financial: This ties in to our other page of finance tips and advise. But it’s time to see where your budget is at, and what/where you want your finances to be in 5 years. Try to have a 5 year plan, with mini goals that are achievable. But first decide on the sort of lifestyle you want to live now and in 15 years time when you do retire (if you want to retire of course)

• Travelling: A lot of people when the children leave home want to travel as there first goal. Of course this is doable, but make sure; especially if your travelling with a partner, that you start with small trips. Nothing worse than going on your first 3 month holiday without the children, then realizing you don’t know how to spend so much time together alone. And yes, this does happen. So before you plan a trip around the country together, make sure you like being together alone without the children!!

Self-Confidence and Self-Acceptance:

Clearer Perspective and Priorities:

There's a shift in what is considered important in your new found life; leading you to a focus on meaningful relationships, personal passions, and your own well-being.

Enhanced Freedom and Empowerment:

A sense of liberation often accompanies this age, including the freedom to politely decline unwanted commitments and to pursue personal interests without guilt.

Deeper Connections and Forgiveness:

Relationships may become more authentic, with a greater capacity for empathy and easier forgiveness.

Appreciation for Time and Life:

There's a heightened awareness of the gift of time and the importance of savoring experiences, whether it's spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies.

Validation of Life's Journey:

This age can bring a sense of fulfillment and validation, recognizing the growth and evolution that has occurred, including seeing children grow into adults. 

HEALTH AND BEAUTY FOR OVER 45’s:

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SO WHAT NOW..? HOW DO I EMBRACE THIS NEW CHAPTER OF MY LIFE?

DIET CHOICES FOR THE OVER 50’s: