To think it’s possible to stay fit and healthy into your 40s and 50s without ailments?

[ForGreatMintDreamer]

I’m 31, fit and healthy, and have always been active. I hope to stay this way after having children and well into old age. However, many people tell me it’s unrealistic and that it’s inevitable I’ll experience health issues as I get older. Some even say if I do remain fit, it’ll be down to genetics (for context, both my parents are in their mid-50s and are fit, active and healthy).

Is this really true? Or are there others here in their 40s, 50s, or older who have stayed very active, fit, and healthy despite what everyone says?

Looking at my parents it depends on your attitude and what fit and healthy means to you. My mum doesn't get out very often, has no hobbies, succumbs to every single ailment she can think of (all leads back to depression and anxiety), is severely overweight, type 2 diabetic and does nothing to help herself with this despite being close to losing her eyesight over it. She's 72.
My dad has high cholesterol which is genetic (I have it too), he sometimes struggles with his knees, but he gardens most days, walks every day, is still very active in the community with a variety of things, and he is nearly 76.
My step mum is you get at 64, she ran her first marathon last year. She started running after she took early retirement in her 50's. She volunteers, has various hobbies. That's not to say she doesn't have the occasional health blip, but she looks after herself.
I think there's a lot to be said for keeping going physically and mentally. Not necessarily in your 40's and 50's, that isn't old age, but certainly beyond retirement.

I’m 58 and I don’t have any health issues. I don’t live a particularly healthy lifestyle, I do drink alcohol, never smoked. I’m very mentally active though, I work full time and have a really busy social life.

I haven’t been to doctors other than for routine checks (smear, mammogram) in years as I rarely get sick.

Maybe it’s just good genetic luck as both my parents still alive in their 80’s. Mum is very healthy other than arthritis. Dad has early dementia however that’s not uncommon at his age.

I have a couple of friends who have heath issues - diabetes and arthritis being main ones but I still see many fit and healthy 50/60 somethings out there.

Absolutely no smugness at all - I accept I’m very lucky to not have any genetic or hereditary health issues that have affected me as yet.

I was fine until I hit my late 30s/early 40s. I was reasonably fit and healthy and thought Oo I’ll be ok.

then I developed high blood pressure (genetic link), congenital heart problem (reared it’s ugly head when dh died) low B12, kidney disease, dodgy knee and I ache all over too. I’m on a fair bit of meds now.

no one knows what’s round the corner unfortunately. I’m 47 now

Funny you should say that as I find it’s the older people who have very gentle exercise schedules ( basically building walking into their daily schedule) who go the longest distance healthwise

@Calliopespa My MIL (82) is very healthy aside from some intermittent back pain, she proudly says that her doctors are amazed at how well she is!

She’s been walking and doing Pilates and yoga for years, she avoids anything that puts too much stress on her body and focuses on staying flexible. I think she’s got the right idea, tbh,

Just turned 46 and in the best shape of my life - mentally and physically.

I eat a very healthy diet in general, avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and UPFs and try to move as much as I can daily. I see no reason why this can't continue.

58 here, no medication, walk 5 miles a day, very active.

The only changes I have had have been post menopausal such as aching joints and stiff fingers. Never been on HRT. Had steroid injections for the fingers and lost 3 stone for the joints.

I'm happy with where I am at. My NHS health check review is due though, ask me again in a few weeks when the results come back!

I am also very grateful. Dad lived until he was 89, mum still doing ok at 88.

I'm 52 and not on any medication. I go for regular smears and the only time I can remember going to the doctor was when I had to have treatment for an actinic keratosis/possible BCC on my arm a few years ago (which was annoying as I am not a sun worshipper). Routine checks say my blood pressure is on the high side of normal so might need tablets for that in time. I had uterine polyps removed in 2012.

All my relatives made old bones, I think the youngest to die was in her late 70s and she'd had a horrible car accident which might have shortened her life. My father died at 93 - he had Parkinson's but I don't think he had that much else wrong with him other than having his gall bladder removed in his 50s but that might have been treated differently these days.

There’s a reason your 40’s and 50’s is known as snipers alley…I’ve been to the funerals of 3 people in their 40’s this year, two cancers one heart attack. All in excellent health until suddenly they weren’t.
Its mostly luck from what I’ve seen, lifestyle no doubt makes a difference to quality of life but I know many incredibly unhealthy people, smokers and drinkers that have made it to late 80’s.

I’m 47 and the strongest I have ever been. I had to stop running due to dodgy knees but now I do three boot camps a week and yoga at weekends. The boot camps use all sorts of unusual equipment that I could never use when younger. So, just keep going and stay motivated.

@Lovetotravel123 Yes, I’m very aware of dodgy knees now as one of my friends recently had a knee replacement at 52!

She’s a slight build and I have no idea what caused the wear, perhaps she did a very strenuous sport in the past. It made me feel rather old when I heard!!

Of course it’s possible.
I’m early 50s and have a few chronic health issues that all started in the past 10 or so years. Two tend not to bother me on a daily basis but are horrible when they flare up. One is much more annoying but none are specific to ageing, although I think covid/perimeno combo did not help.
I also have the usual middle aged aches and pains - joints etc.
They do say your 60s are sniper alley as far as serious illness goes!

Gosh, I am so sorry. This brings it all home, thank you for posting.

I’m late 50’s and in last 3 years I’ve lost 4 friends of similar age (2 heart attacks, 1 cancer and 1 suicide) and another 2 with a terminal cancer diagnosis.

So 50+ is the age where it’s starting to happen more and more definitely

It's a lottery at the end of the day. Look at Chris Hoy, literally one of the fittest people on the planet. He has terminal cancer at 48. He was super fit, healthy, great diet, regular medicals.

My Dad, no medications, no health issues, never been to hospital, slim, fit. Dead at 68 from Pancreatic cancer only 6 weeks after diagnosis.

My Mum, skin cancer, breast cancer, hysterectomy, gall bladder surgery, life time use of valium, and anti depressants. High blood pressure, TIA's, heart stent.

She was actually fit and healthy, mobile and independent until she was 92.

I was listening to a health podcast which was saying that the people that started strength training in their 40s and 50s did the best in old age. Those who had been active and fit from their 20s started experiencing joint problems by their 40s and 50s especially if they had been doing things like running for 20+ years. There is definitively a moderation is key element to exercise rather than more is better.

Focus on what you can do now to maintain good health and don't worry about the factors you can't control. Make the most of each day, and each opportunity as it comes, whatever your health is like then.

10, 11 ... 20 years ago my dad would whinge about his health. Now he'd love to be as well as he was 10, 11... 20 years ago. Didn't appreciate what he had.

I want to push back a little on people saying "mostly genetics" for health as we age. Factors like smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, other mental illness - dramatically increase odds of poor health. I have ~25 aunts & uncles. On average, the ones who smoke have had much worse health issues. I give cigarettes 33% of the blame for my mom's death in her early 60s. Depression & alcoholism take the 67%. Her actual death certificate said cardiac arrest with pneumonia as contributor.

I'm amazed how few people think they would have survived without modern medicine/NHS.

I'm on no meds (seems unusual).
Not even contraception.
Never taken antidepressants, or opioids other than childbirth.
No stitches, no broken bones.
No adult surgery.

I have taken antibiotics probably a dozen times but never for anything more than dental/ flu.

I don't even think I'm that healthy!

This.

Of course people should try to stay healthy but at the end of the day it's just luck and genetics.

I don't think you could get much healthier than Chris Hoy and sadly he's now terminal in his 40s.

Enjoy life where you can.

Yes of course it is! Genetics play a part big but my family have always been fit and healthy.

The most important thing is never put in weight. I read all kinds of rubbish on here about women blaming the menopause for their weight gain rather than address their over eating and lack of exercise!

Excess weight puts a strain on your joints, your organs and your digestive system. It's very important as you get older to be flexible and mobile and for your digestive system to be functioning well.

I'm amazed how few people think they would have survived without modern medicine/NHS

I am not sure I would have survived childbirth. Or I might have done, but had birth injuries that might have led to an early death. Also I only had one child - query what might have happened if I had more than one in the days before modern medicine.

Other than that, well I've had infections that have needed antibiotics a couple of times - who knows if those infections might have progressed to something life-threatening?

While obesity is a cause of many illnesses I think in old age it's better to be slightly overweight. Better chance of recovery from illnesses and less risk of osteoporosis/brittle bones.

I do not believe that being 'slightly overweight' will help you in old age, nor will it reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The best preventative strategy is to stay fit and strong, and keep within - or at least close to - a healthy BMI. I accept BMI is a somewhat crude measurement, but coupled with body composition it is still a useful guide. What you want to prevent or address at all cost is visceral/belly fat.

One thing I would urge all women, of whatever age, is to invest in is strength and resistance training. Find a good online trainer and do at least 3 half hour sessions with reasonably heavy dumbbells a week. There are many on YouTube: Caroline Girvan is the best, but if you are new to this look at Growingannanas, Fitness Blender, Heather Robertson.

Your future muscles and bones will thank you 💪🦴💪

I disagree. You are much more likely to have medical issues, and in fact die, if you are thin as you get older. You are frailer, your skin is thinner, and you have fewer reserves if you are poorly. Also, gaining weight in menopause is directly linked to hormonal changes, not over-eating. Being slightly over-weight as you get older is overall beneficial to longevity.

Generally? i can't say but on my Mums side, plumpish, pear shape... death in late 70s early 80s... Dads side.... thin as rakes, never ill.... death in 90s, aunt still going (just) 99...

But i'm more interested in my health in my 60s and 70s, who cares if i live in to my 90s but can't do much... as per my dads side... mums side...? ... active and then quite quickly gone.