Fifty. It’s the age America considers to be “over the hill,” which always seems to have a negative connotation attached to it. For centuries, there have been different remedies to slow down or even attempt to stop the aging process. Although these cure-alls seem to be the answer for everyone’s desire to stay young, there’s only one real answer to live a longer life: staying healthy through exercise and a balanced diet.

Kim Naugle, a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, suggests that people over 50 need to do some kind of cardiovascular exercise every week to live a healthy lifestyle.

“The American Heart Association now recommends no less than 10 minutes every day,” says Naugle. “The multiple benefits of cardiovascular exercise make it a must for everyone who is interested in longevity and enjoying a wonderful quality of life.” Naugle has even seen many of her clients go off of any blood pressure medication they’re taking after they start a healthy exercise routine.

The Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park offers an exercise room and weight room for anyone over the age of 55 with a medical clearance from your physician and an orientation class. Different fitness classes, such as Tai Chi and Zumba, are also offered for a small fee. While these classes are designed specifically for anyone over 55 and marketed to seniors, adults over the age of 18 are allowed to attend.

One class that is offered twice a week at the Renaissance Senior Center is yoga - an exercise that Naugle says is important for everyone, but especially for those over 50.

“Yoga is so wonderful for all age groups, because it is easy on the joints, but intense on building muscle and improving flexibility,” she says. “It is also great for building the core. Your back muscles are supported by the abdominal muscles, and the abdominal muscles are supported by the back muscles, so it’s important to keep both very strong.”

A problem that many Americans encounter as they get older is osteoporosis, a disease that wears down and leaves bones fragile. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million people suffer from the disease, and about 34 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at greater risk for osteoporosis. Naugle suggests to start weight-bearing exercises in order to make bones stronger.

“We all start to lose bone density in our thirties, so people in their fifties should definitely start a lightweight training routine, even if it’s only twice a week,” says Naugle.

But exercise isn’t the only ingredient in order to live a healthy lifestyle; good nutrition is necessary also. Naugle suggests a diet that consists of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and plenty of water.

“All of these things can make longevity and a superb quality of life attainable to those at any age.”

Article by Nicole Lauber