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?

Of course it is possible, but it can be a LOT harder than in your 30s.

I am 52, I’d say I’m fit and healthy and active, but I have fibromyalgia, compressed discs in my spine, and am enduring a horrible perimenopause which is the gift that keeps on bloody giving. I keep fit, healthy and active thanks to a combination of hard work (gym, running etc), planning my sessions in advance, vitamins, counselling, physiotherapy (i.e. spending money!) and tactical rest. Staying active is much much harder and more expensive than it was 20 years ago and it takes me longer to recover. But yes, it’s doable and I will keep doing it!

Ever heard of Sniper Alley? It’s a common nickname for one’s 50s, as one dodges the bullets of illness and injury….

Based on the people I know, a few have a nasty health shock in their 50s or 60s, many start to get all kinds of minor problems during their seventies and most are feeling very tired and/or pretty rough during their 80s. Some remain very healthy into their nineties, but it isn't the majority and it isn't necessarily the people who have led the healthiest lifestyle. I haven't found that ill health usually starts as early as 40, though the menopause can be a grim and long-lasting pain.

I'm 46 and totally fine so far. Yoga and running every day, can walk 12 miles without breaking a sweat. No medication and I haven't darkened the door of a hospital since I broke my arm at 11.

My only issue is occasional lower back pain from a contracted piriformis muscle (thanks lockdown!) But that is getting better with daily physio.

Similarly Mr Monkey is early fifties, no health issues at all - runs at least 60 miles a week and does 3 marathons a year, most under 3.20 hrs.

I have led a fairly healthy lifestyle, never smoked, rarely drank, not overweight. Then got Crohns in my 40's with all sorts of various symptoms. Just bad luck really. No family history. So I think although you can look after yourself which helps, there's a lot of luck in play here too.

Very little you can do to control your genetic legacy, and imo genes are the single biggest factor, though forewarned is forearmed in some cases, e.g. supplements if you expect to be arthritic etc. But besides that there are two things you can do, I think. One is look after yourself, have a sensible diet, keep active etc. The other is not to have children, which really takes its toll on your body and acts as a starting pistol for any latent problems you may be storing up imo. Children are quite stressful too in my experience but ymmv!

Completely agree - health seems to be a combination of genes, environment, lifestyle and luck.

47 here. On the most part I feel ok. However, since 41 weight gain has been a battle plus weird ailments such as dry eyes, headaches, painful legs and feet, plus a terrible spell last year with anxiety. I think it is hormone related but it really does impact my life. Never had an op but just gone on a waiting list for one to repair some childbirth injuries. Things could be better but they could be a lot worse!

It's good to aim to be fit and healthy, and exercise, a good diet and good sleep will really help, assuming you're able to!

Plenty of people get health issues that they can't avoid - I have several friends diagnosed with autoimmune conditions or hereditary conditions or degenerative conditions in their thirties and forties, and I know they've had it tough. But for the common things, like back problems, heart disease, depression and anxiety, there's a lot you can do to reduce the likelihood of being affected

I'm in my forties and genuinely healthier than I was in my twenties!

I have only ever had a broken bone once, when I was about 58. I did Zumba 4 evenings a week until I was 62. Having a stroke at 62 put paid to that, but apart from UTIs, colds, etc., I'm pretty healthy. I'm 65

Read the book Outlive by Dr Peter Attia.

It depends really. It’s a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle as is anything. I work in a care home and have had a few residents in their late 50s in rough shape (addiction or diabetes they didn’t care for properly for the most part) and we also have a mostly independent 102 year old. Also an 87 year old who is the only one at the facility who never uses any mobility aids whatsoever, not even a cane.

So I think it’s certainly possible. I’m 42 and weigh (maybe a lot) more than I should 🫣 but my blood pressure, cholesterol etc screenings are always excellent and I feel pretty good almost always.

My grandparents are in their late 90s with no significant health issues. Definitely nothing in their 40s/50s.

Healthy diet and an awful lot of walking their whole life - plus obviously good genes and a lot of luck.

It’s perfectly possible and many people in this age group are fit and healthy. All anyone can do is adopt a healthy lifestyle- don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, good diet, exercise and drink alcohol in moderation. If you are doing all the things that you can control, there’s no point in worrying about the things you can’t.

It's not inevitable but I do think it's the luck of the draw.

I'm in my 60s. I'm as healthy today as I was in my 30s. Apart from emergency surgery for a trapped bowel a few years ago I haven't seen a doctor for about 8 years. I don't take any medications apart from seasonal antihistamines when required.

My mum was similarly robust until she reached her 70s and then her health went downhill fast so I'm aware similar could happen to me any day. So I'm doing as much travel as I can and having as much fun as I can while my good health continues.

Carpe Diem.

Some luck, some genetics, some lifestyle, some reality.

As with all things, it's nature and nurture. If you're lucky, it's easy to attribute it all to lifestyle. But one car accident, one bad fall, one gene out of place, and all the lifestyle in the world won't make you 100% fit and healthy.

I think you need to take more care with you health, yes

More sleep
Better diet
Less alcohol
More water
Get outside

Etc

Early 50s. Run, yoga and gym regularly. Menopause hit me hard, but HRT has made a big difference.

Genetics is the main factor, my mum takes nothing except a multi vitamin.

I'm 60 and don't have any medical conditions. I take HRT which is great, wouldn't be without it. I'm more tired than when I was younger. Or rather if I do physical things I'm likely to be tired and it takes me a little bit longer to recover. Do lots of swimming would be my suggestion, no weight on your joints.

I've been rather unfortunate with serious illness in the past and arthritis currently, I'm 56, but am otherwise fit and well now. My DH is annoyingly healthy at almost 65. Never ill, takes no meds, fit as a flea with the lungs of a 34 year old apparently - so he was told at a recent health check! He has amazing genes with fit and healthy siblings in 70s and 80s whereas my genes are not so good! So I think that can make a massive difference.

All the healthy living in the world can't stop that ONE rogue cell from mutating.

While I do believe in moderate exercise and minimal crap like processed stuff and sweeties/cakes, I've seen a lot of my friends' children now in their 30s being completely obsessed with the gym and running. They are up at 5.30 am or so to do their workout and go to work a long day after that. Or do the opposite, and work hard all day and spend a couple of hours at the gym. Weekends are parkruns here there and everywhere.

I suppose I'm envious of their energy levels! But to me that is punishing your body and mind in pursuit of something or other. I think it's too much. Moderation in everything is a good bet. A lot of the health advice these days comes from influencers and whatnot and you have to have the right gym gear/bag/water bottle to fit in and so on. And all followed by a high protein shake and a vegan skinny latte. Am I right or just a tosser who is envious of them? I wonder how good all this gadding about really is for body and soul.

Look, I know I'm older now and probably not up to speed on the latest fad, but since when has walking and swimming been replaced with a sweat filled theatre of grunts and groans! Anyway each to their own and let's hope a long enjoyable life is our fate in the end.

I am 52 and fine so far. Have good genes and a healthy diet. I don't smoke or drink
Could exercise more.

I’m 46 (and didn’t realise I was in ‘old age’, thank you very much. FWIW, you won’t think you are either, 15 years from now) and don’t have any health issues and not on any medication.
I took up yoga a year ago and can honestly say my body has never been in better shape - I have a lovely toned core and muscly arms, which I’ve never had before. I’m inspired by some of the women in my classes who are well into their sixties and have incredible strength and fantastically toned bodies. One of whom runs ultra marathons and has recently taken up rugby!
So it’s not over just yet. Eat well and exercise.

I live in a village full of active people - it's a lifestyle choice. Most are slim and fit regardless of age - my friends range from 30 to 75 and all are active, although many have had various health struggles (cancer, infertility, menopause, depression, thyroid issues, anaemia...etc.). I think a lot of illnesses are more easily recovered from if your 'normal' is fit and active.

I do know a couple of folk who've been badly injured though and are unable to do the sports they loved (horse riding, running) - they both walk a lot, and are fit and healthy, but they do miss their previous level of fitness and ability. I imagine it must be awful to lose the ability to do the thing you love, and I really admire them for carrying on and staying healthy. It must be incredibly tempting to sit on the sofa watching telly!

Mid fifties, and I have hypertension (controlled with meds) and my back has a tendency towards sciatica. Insomnia caused by menopause has been sorted with a super low dose of mirtazipine. HRT helped with all the rest.

I exercise every day for core strength and walk a lot with my dog. Probably fitter than I was in my 30s tbh - I was chronically addicted to substances in those days and didnt take care of myself at all.

My mother's 90, and she's still fit as a flea in spite of a long-standing alcohol addiction, which she manages well I suppose.

Generally it's down to genetics, luck then lifestyle, or job type even (mine's played havoc with my back). My friend in her 50's has cancer, lives a holistic lifestyle, healthiest person i know. Her parents are late 80's and the picture of health. Sometimes it's just bad luck.