From Medication to Motivation: Redefining Health After 50

For many men, the journey into their fifties comes with a set of challenges that often involve medications, health concerns, and a growing realization that their vitality might not be what it once was. Careers have been built, families raised, but sometimes personal health has lagged behind. However, this is not a time to despair; it's a time to reclaim your health, redefine your future, and find a new wellspring of motivation to thrive in the second half of life.

The Turning Point

Reaching your fifties often marks a turning point in your health journey. You might find yourself taking medications for various conditions, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, or even diabetes. Waist sizes may have increased by half a foot or more. Limiting beliefs continue to gain ground. It's a common scenario, but it doesn't have to be a life sentence. Instead, it can be a wake-up call—a catalyst for change.

The Power of Perspective

One of the first steps in redefining your health after 50 is shifting your perspective. It's about realizing that your future is not set in stone. You have the power to take control of your health, and it starts with a growth mindset. 

Embrace the belief that the second half of life can indeed be the best half. This perspective shift is the foundation upon which you can build a healthier and more vibrant future. Thinking about HOW you want to live your life is critical at any stage but it is particularly valuable for Men over 50.

“The only way to make your present better is by making your future bigger.” — Dan Sullivan

The Medication Dilemma

While medications are often necessary to manage certain health conditions, they can also lead to a feeling of dependency and resignation. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that pills are the only solution. However, the path to redefining your health after 50 involves questioning this assumption.

Begin by doing your own research. You need to start thinking of yourself as the CEO of your health. No one is coming to save you so you need to step into the role of being your own health advocate.

In issue #048 How To Move From Reactive Sickcare To Proactive Healthcare you’ll find guidance on how to do this.

Armed with your research and your new title as CEO of your health, have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider. Ask about the possibility of reducing or eliminating medications through lifestyle changes. In many cases, improvements in diet, exercise, and stress management can lead to positive changes in your health, potentially allowing you to reduce your reliance on medication.

And if you are met with resistance, it’s a good indicator to start interviewing new physicians. They work for you, not the other way around.

Also, find someone who is further in the journey than you are but who once was you. There are plenty of people who have lost 30, 50, 75, and even over 100 lbs and ditched all their medications.

And if you aren’t overweight or on meds but find your “mojo” isn’t what it used to be, find other Men who do have their “mojo” and learn from them. Chances are, they are living a life consistent with all or most of the points in this article. You can, too.

The Role of Nutrition

Nutrition is a cornerstone of health, especially as you age. A diet rich in whole foods, lean high quality proteins, organic fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats can have a profound impact on your well-being. It can help you manage your weight, reduce inflammation, increase lean muscle and support your heart health—all critical aspects of maintaining vitality.

Consider working with a nutritionist, dietitian or someone trained in Precision Nutrition who specializes in age-appropriate nutrition. They can help you create a personalized eating plan that aligns with your health goals. Remember, it's not about restriction; it's about nourishment and empowerment. You can take control.

Pro-tip: make each meal protein centric and aim to hit at least 70% of your ideal body weight in grams of protein every day. For example, if you weigh 230 and your ideal weight is 200 lbs, aim for 140 grams of protein. Once you consistently eat this much protein per day, start increasing protein until you reach 100% of your ideal weight in grams of protein.

Why this much protein? As we age, we don't process and absorb protein as efficiently as we used to so that alone requires a higher protein intake each day. The next reason we need increased protein has to do with the natural loss of muscle. See the next section.

For more on our POV on nutrition, check out issue #044 Food For Fuel: Sustainable Guidelines for Men Over 50.

Embracing Physical Activity

Physical activity is another key component of redefining your health after 50. Strength training, in particular, is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical function. It's never too late to start or revisit your fitness routine and when you do, put strength training at the core.

Begin with a program that suits your current fitness level and gradually progress from there. Strength training not only enhances your physical abilities but also boosts your metabolism, making it easier to manage your weight. Plus, the endorphin release from exercise can significantly improve your mood and motivation.

And if you enjoy hiking, biking, walking, yoga, pilates, group fitness or some other activity…keep doing them. Just make sure strength training is a big part of your overall training program otherwise you’ll likely suffer from sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, the natural loss of muscle as we age, affects everyone and can start in your early 40's. You can offset and actually reverse it through proper nutrition (see note above about protein) and strength training.

The Importance of Setting Goals

To transition from medication to motivation, it's essential to set clear and achievable health goals. These goals serve as the driving force behind your efforts. They provide a sense of purpose and direction, helping you stay motivated and focused.

Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase their complexity as you progress. Whether it's getting your first pull-up, running a 5k, mastering a new skill, or achieving a specific fitness milestone, each accomplishment brings a sense of pride and motivation to keep pushing forward.

And remember, goals dictate the process. Make sure your process supports your goals. You can’t add lean muscle (goal) on a low protein diet (process) and a fitness program focused on running. You can’t run 15 miles (goal) on a low carb diet (process; certain keto-adapted athletes excluded).

Creating a Support System

Redefining your health after 50 is not a solitary journey. Building a support system is crucial. Consider forming or joining a group of like-minded individuals who share your goals. This sense of community can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

Having a "band of brothers" who understand your journey and can empathize with your challenges can be immensely motivating. It's an opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and celebrate each other's victories.

The Power of Habit Formation

Transforming your health after 50 involves cultivating healthy habits that become an integral part of your daily life. Consistency is key. Start by identifying habits that align with your goals and gradually incorporate them into your routine.

Habit formation is not about overnight success but rather a gradual process of change. Be patient with yourself and understand that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. What matters is your commitment to continuous improvement.

Measurement, Accountability, and Course Correction

To stay on track, it's essential to measure your progress regularly. This can involve tracking your physical fitness, monitoring your diet, having your body composition measured (body fat %) or assessing other health markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Accountability is also vital. Share your goals and progress with your support system, and consider working with a coach or mentor who can provide guidance and hold you accountable.

Remember that course correction is part of the process. If you encounter obstacles or setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach. Adaptation is a sign of resilience and determination.

Redefining Your Future Self

Ultimately, the journey from medication to motivation is about redefining your future self. It's about embracing a new identity—a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant version of yourself.

As you continue on this path, you'll discover that the second half of life can indeed be the best half. You'll experience increased vitality, improved physical function, and a sense of purpose that drives you forward.

Conclusion

Redefining your health after 50 is a journey of transformation—a journey from medication to motivation. It's about embracing a growth mindset, making informed choices about your health, and nurturing habits that support your well-being.

Remember, you have the power to shape your future and redefine your health. With the right perspective, determination, and support, you can embark on a journey of vitality and fulfillment in the second half of life. Your best years are yet to come, and they start with a commitment to your health and well-being.

So, from medication to motivation, take that first step on your journey today. Your future self will thank you for it.

Last year we had the pleasure of Antonio Neves speaking to our group about some of the key concepts from his book “Stop Living On Autopilot.”

One of the topics that Antonio covers is the idea of Men connecting at 7 am over a walk vs 7 pm over a cocktail. He created Man Morning and some of our members in Minnesota ran with the concept. They meet weekly on a walk to share something they are celebrating and something they are navigating (read more about this on the Man Morning site).

Here is a recent photo of a few Argent Alpha Men braving sub-zero temps.

The next Argent Alpha Live! event will be held in Phoenix, AZ on March 23 & 24, 2024. This event is only available to Argent Alpha members and will challenge, teach, motivate, stretch and inspire all of the Men over 50 who attend. Attendance is capped at 30 members.

Our last event was September 30th in Minneapolis and was a huge hit with our members. You can watch a video recap of that day here.

KSTP Minneapolis covered the event and featured one of our members, Joe Schmit. Check out the video link above to learn more about Joe’s experience transforming his health with Argent Alpha. P.S. if you have a young child or grandchild, check out Joe’s new children’s book written with baseball Hall of Famer Joe Mauer.

Ready to change the trend-line of your life? Apply now.