Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst

Aging is inevitable, but how you age is not. You can choose to age gracefully by adopting healthy habits that will help you live your best life and enjoy it. Here are 10 habits that you should drop after 50 for a happier and more fulfilling life.

1. Neglecting your skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it needs proper care to stay healthy and youthful. You should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside, get yearly skin cancer screenings, use gentle products in your anti-aging skincare routine, and stay hydrated.
2. Being sedentary. Regular exercise can lower your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and help you retain your mobility and independence longer. It can also improve your mood, sleep, skin, and bone health. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week.
3. Eating poorly. A balanced diet can provide you with the nutrients you need to maintain your health and vitality. You should eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products, and limit your intake of processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt.
4. Ignoring your mental health. Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. To keep your mind sharp and happy, you should spend time with friends and loved ones, have a pet, pursue hobbies and interests, learn new things, and seek help if you experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
5. Smoking and drinking excessively. Smoking and drinking can damage your organs, increase your risk of diseases, impair your cognitive function, and accelerate your aging process. You should quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
6. Stressing too much. Stress can negatively affect your health, mood, sleep, and quality of life. You should learn to manage your stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or massage. You should also avoid unnecessary sources of stress and seek support from others when needed.
7. Sleeping too little or too much. Sleep is essential for your body and brain to repair and rejuvenate themselves. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can impair your memory, concentration, mood, immunity, and metabolism. Too much sleep can also have negative effects on your health and well-being. You should aim for seven to nine hours of good quality sleep per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
8. Living in the past or the future. Aging gracefully means living in the present and making the most of each moment. You should learn to appreciate what you have now and not dwell on what you have lost or what you fear losing. You should also cultivate gratitude, optimism, and resilience to cope with life’s challenges and changes.
9. Isolating yourself. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, cognitive decline, and increased mortality. You should stay connected with your family, friends, community, and society by engaging in social activities that interest you and make you feel valued and supported.
10. Giving up on your dreams. Aging gracefully means never losing your passion and purpose in life. You should pursue your goals and aspirations that give you meaning and fulfillment. You should also challenge yourself to try new things and explore new opportunities that enrich your life experience.

By dropping these 10 habits after 50, you can age gracefully with health, happiness, and dignity. Remember that age is just a number and you are never too old to live your best life!