If you are a man over the age of 50, it is natural for certain changes to take place as a result of the aging process. Physiologically, your body is not the same as it was when you were younger. Wisdom and worldly knowledge are commonly accrued traits of an older male, but so are other not-so-positive traits, typically within the physical aspect of things such as strength and endurance, but sometimes within the mental aspect as well.
According to
greatestphysiques.com, it is important for an older man to consider how his body has changed over the years, and these changes can often take place in response to how you've used your body. It is natural for men over 50 to experience a decrease in testosterone, which can contribute to muscle loss and a reduction in bone strength. Additionally, joint tissue is liable to become inflamed more easily, and if you spend a lot of time sitting down indoors, these age-related changes can occur faster.
Can a Man Prevent Age-Related Changes?
The changes that often accompany aging are not something that happen entirely out of your control. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, a proper and balanced diet, and ensuring you get enough sleep can help lessen or ward off these unwanted changes. Additionally, the right supplements can help a man round out his healthy lifestyle, and keep his strength, mobility, clarity, and sense of manhood well past age 50.
The Best Supplements to Benefit a Man Over 50
Saw Palmetto: You might not have heard of saw palmetto, but this small palm tree that grows in some southern U.S. states has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, per
readersdigest.ca. Saw palmetto is known for its benefit to the prostate gland, specifically in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is fairly common in older men. BPH occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, often leading to painful urination and other issues. Saw palmetto is thought to alter hormone levels that affect the prostate. Additionally, evidence suggests saw palmetto might help treat alopecia in some men.
Omega-3s: This is a supplement known for its heart-healthy benefits. Per
aarp.org, taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement might help prevent an irregular heartbeat, thwart plaque build-up in your arteries, and keep your blood-sugar levels in a healthy range. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, omega-3s might be of great benefit to your brain by preventing memory loss and brain fog, and reducing inflammation, which commonly happens in old age and can lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial, and serves many benefits in your body. As explained by
aarp.org, your body's ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight tends to decline as you age. Therefore, taking in vitamin D directly is important over age 50, and especially so after age 60. Research has shown that Vitamin d can help prevent chronic pain, heart disease, and may even help to prevent cancer. Over age 70, vitamin D intake is crucial, as it helps to ward off against illnesses and infections.
Whey protein: This one might come as a surprise. But considering the tendency for aging individuals to lose muscle mass, and the absolute necessity of protein for many processes in your body, whey protein can be very beneficial.
Greatestphysiques.com explains that muscle mass tends to decline 3-6 percent on average, every decade, for individuals over 30. So at 60 years old, whey protein could be the key to help ensure your muscles stay healthy. Getting sufficient protein means better bone health and immune system health, among other things. Fortunately, whey protein is a common and relatively cheap supplement, and it could serve you well.
Probiotics: As recent science has shown, gut health is very important. Your gut contains a myriad different living bacteria, and these can be either good or bad (if you're healthy, most of them are good). Per
aarp.org, your body becomes more susceptible to unhealthy bacteria as you age, and an unhealthy gut is less able to absorb positive nutrients, including the nutrients in the supplements you consume. Therefore, a probiotic supplement might help resolve this by introducing good bacteria into your gut. This way, your gut remains healthy, and you are able to better absorb the nutrients you take in, even as you age.
