When you are younger, it is easy to overlook your health. After all, your body can withstand your unhealthy habits. However, as you get older and your age starts catching up, you may fall ill more often. After you cross 40, you are at risk for many different diseases. You may develop heart conditions, gain weight quickly and have joint aches. These do sound terrible, but that doesn't mean you can't live a fulfilling life as you age. 

It would help if you had the proper guidance and direction to start restructuring your life and form healthier habits. Having a healthy lifestyle is all about your willingness, sure indulging in unhealthy treats may make you happy, but at what cost? So, if you are an older gentleman trying to get your life back on track, this article will help you. Here's what you need to do to take care of yourself better:

1. Keep Tabs On Your Vision

Once you hit the 40 hall-of-fame, your vision starts to get worse. Suppose you have no history of wearing glasses or going for eye treatment. It would help if you started looking for an ophthalmologist now. It is possible your vision may begin deteriorating, and you might need glasses. Visiting a doctor always helps to understand if you are at risk for developing a cataract and so you can take care of it before it goes bad. You should also wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection. Your diet should also be rich in fruits and vegetables that help slow down vision loss and take care of your sight. 

2. Take Care of Your Sexual Health

Having sex when you're older is not unusual. However, there are times when your libido acts up. If you are having trouble with erections, buy Viagra instead of trying herbal remedies and vacuum pumps. It is common to have difficulty with an erection at this stage. Sometimes, it indicates you may be at risk of contracting other illnesses. You may want to consult a doctor and find out about your reproductive health. In some cases, ED is a sign of diabetes or hypertension, and you may need to start pills or have a lifestyle change such as changing your diet.

3. Try Toning Your Body

As you grow older, you may start losing about 1% of muscle mass per year. You may need to start doing weight-bearing exercises along with cardio. Your diet should also have proteins in a moderate amount. You may look at supplements to steer clear of performance enhancement drugs. If you are unable to go to the gym, try walking and do more exercise at home. If you have a staircase, you can incorporate it into your regime. Even if you feel tired, you need to slowly build your stamina so that your body doesn't collapse further. You will notice that your core muscles are more robust, and you have a good balance. 

4. Have More Fiber in Your Diet

Growing older means a slower metabolism. It means if you gain weight, it will be difficult to shed off the extra pounds. That doesn't mean you start skipping meals. It simply means you need to increase your intake of fluids and have a monitored diet. You should try eating at fixed times and don't splurge on your meals. It would help if you even had more fibrous meals since they encourage bowel movement. You should also monitor your calorie intake through various mobile apps to ensure you're not starving yourself. 

5. Go Easy On the Alcohol

If you're used to enjoying alcohol, it is high time you curb the habit. An occasional glass is okay, but it should no longer be a part of your routine. Alcohol not only gives you a terrible hangover, but it is also bad for your liver. You don't want to have liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis, making your liver hard and small. As a result, you will have trouble getting essential nutrients throughout your body. If the condition prevails, you may need to get a liver transplant. It is also advisable that when you're young, try having a moderate habit of drinking alcohol. Sure, your body may be able to handle it when you're young, but it is harmful to you in the long run. In addition, you may get acid reflux, so if you wish to indulge in alcohol, know your limit. 

6. Get To Know Your Family History

It is a good practice to know your family history early on. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's start taking hold at the age of 35. You wouldn't want to be in a position to learn about your illness but cannot get treated for it. When you start looking at your family history, it will encourage you to determine what diseases you're at risk for. For example, if your family has a history of colon cancer, you may want to get a colonoscopy. You can find similar tests for other conditions. 

7. Stop Smoking

Smoking is a habit that takes years to cultivate. However, once it sets in, it is one of the most challenging addictions to curtail. As you age, your body doesn't have the stamina to put up with your aggressive lifestyle. It means if you are a heavy smoker, you may want to quit before it's too late. Smoking contains nicotine, the chemical responsible for addiction. It constricts blood vessels, making it harder for the blood to flow. Smoking also includes the harmful carbon monoxide making it harder to breathe. As you grow older, you put yourself at risk of getting lung cancer, emphysema, or asthma.

In some cases, you may even get a heart attack. So if you are a chain smoker, start remedying that habit now. You can start slowly by switching over to nicotine patches and gum before smoking weans slowly. 

8. Get Your Thyroid Levels Checked

The thyroid controls the metabolism of your body. If you start feeling lethargic, notice a fluctuation in your weight, and feel your skin and hair are beginning to lose luster. All these symptoms indicate a thyroid issue. The thyroid gland regulates the hormones of your body. Suppose the balance is off tangent that you need medication to help you control your hormone levels. If you choose to forego this, it may interfere with your regular life. Most thyroid cases are genetic, so it would be best to prepare yourself for thyroid issues after hitting 40. However, with medication and a proper diet, you will get back on track in no time.

Wrap Up

Your body's needs change as you grow older. But it doesn't mean you can no longer enjoy a fulfilling life. It means you need to be mindful about your health more. Taking care of yourself is easy. All you need to do is pay attention to your body. Change your dietary habits to healthier meals with the occasional guilty pleasure. Let go of smoking and alcohol. Incorporate exercise regimes in your daily routine and consult a doctor if you feel you are at risk of contracting an illness. With these measures, you'll be up and running in no time.