You probably know that eating too much salt isn't good for you. But you may not realize just how much sodium you're getting every day—or what happens inside your body when you regularly get too much. The surprising part? Much of the sodium in your diet may not come from the salt shaker at all. It can be hiding in packaged, prepared and processed foods. According to the American Heart Association, most adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Yet

Breathing is something most of us barely think about—until it suddenly becomes difficult. You might notice that you're working harder to breathe, feeling like you can't get enough air, or becoming unusually winded. Doctors may describe this as labored breathing or difficulty breathing. Sometimes, breathing harder is simply the result of exercise or physical activity. But if you're struggling to breathe while resting, or the problem comes on suddenly, it shouldn't automaticall

Going to the bathroom is something we all do, but it isn't something we often talk about. Yet your bowel habits can provide useful clues about your digestive health—especially as you get older. One simple question is: How long should you actually spend on the toilet? Doctors who specialize in digestive health generally say that a bowel movement should take only a few minutes for most people. About one to five minutes is a reasonable rule of thumb. But the clock isn't the most

You may have heard that you need to walk 10,000 steps a day to stay healthy. But there is good news: there is no magic number of steps you must reach to benefit from walking. Whether you take a long walk around the neighborhood, walk the dog, work in the garden or simply move around your home, those steps add up. And for older adults, regular movement can be an important part of staying strong, independent and active. Walking offers many health benefits Walking is one of the

Vitamin B12 is one of those nutrients you may not think much about—until you don't get enough of it. For older adults, paying attention to B12 can be especially important because the body may have more difficulty absorbing the vitamin from food as we get older. B12 supports several basic functions that help keep you healthy. It plays a role in making red blood cells, maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and helping the body use nutrients from food. Why B12 Matters

Growing older is something we all experience, but getting older does not have to mean giving up the activities and relationships that make life enjoyable. When experts talk about “longevity,” they are not simply talking about adding more birthdays to your life. The bigger goal is to spend as many of those years as possible feeling capable, energetic, mentally engaged, and connected to the people around you. The good news is that you don't need an expensive program, a complica

If you are 65 or older, there is a good chance prescription drugs are a regular part of your life. And if you have ever stood at a pharmacy counter and wondered why a bottle of medicine costs so much, you are certainly not alone. The high cost of prescription drugs has been debated in Washington for years. Now, the Trump administration is taking a different approach: Make it faster and less expensive to develop and approve new medicines. The idea is simple. If drug companies

Cottage cheese has been around for decades, but this classic dairy food is gaining new appreciation as more people look for simple, nutritious ways to support their health. Once considered a plain diet staple, cottage cheese is now recognized as a versatile ingredient that can add protein, important nutrients, and satisfying flavor to everyday meals. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast, as a snack, or mixed into your favorite recipes, cottage cheese is an easy way to add more n

Turning 50 and beyond can be an exciting new chapter. Many adults are traveling more, spending time with family, starting new hobbies, and staying active in ways they may not have had time for earlier in life. But staying energized and strong may require a little more attention than it did decades ago. Along with regular movement, quality sleep, and nutritious meals, some people explore supplements to help fill nutritional gaps and support their active lifestyle. The key is k

When it comes to monitoring your health, most people keep track of familiar numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. But there is another important measurement that is easy to check and may provide valuable clues about your overall well-being: your resting heart rate. Your resting heart rate is more than just a number. It can offer insight into how efficiently your heart is working and may help identify changes in your health before they become bigger concerns. W

You may want to take a closer look at how much protein you're eating. While protein has always been important for building and repairing muscles, new research suggests that your body may need more of it as you get older to stay strong, active, and independent. Why Your Protein Needs May Increase The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, many experts now believe that healthy adults over 50 benefit from 1.0 to 1.2 gra

Forget the myth that memory loss and mental decline are simply unavoidable parts of getting older. While your brain naturally changes with age, research shows that many daily habits can help you stay mentally sharp well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. The key isn't finding one magic "brain game." Instead, experts say a combination of physical activity, lifelong learning, quality sleep, social connections, and healthy lifestyle choices gives your brain the best chance to stay

There was a time when I could pull into a drive-thru, order the biggest sandwich on the menu, add fries and a soda, and never think twice about it. Those days are behind me—not because I can't enjoy a good sandwich anymore, but because my body reminds me that I'm not 25. After turning 50, I started paying closer attention to how food makes me feel. A lunch that once gave me energy can now leave me sluggish for the rest of the afternoon. My blood pressure deserves more attenti

By the time you reach your 60s, you've probably spent more time in hospitals than you ever expected. Whether it's for surgery, visiting a spouse, or supporting a friend, one thing many of us remember isn't just the care—it’s the food. For years, hospital meals have carried a reputation for being bland, overly processed, and disconnected from the idea of healing. That's why I found it encouraging to see a major hospital commit to serving healthier, less processed meals as part

If you've noticed that losing weight around your middle has become more challenging after 50, you're not imagining it. As we age, natural changes in hormones, metabolism, and muscle mass can make abdominal fat more stubborn than it was in our 30s and 40s. The good news? While there's no magic food that melts belly fat overnight, the right foods can make a meaningful difference when they're part of a healthy lifestyle. Choosing nutrient-dense foods that keep you satisfied, sup

As we get older, it's easy to think that the sun damage from our younger years is already done. But dermatologists say that's only part of the story. While decades of UV exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer, protecting your skin today still makes a meaningful difference. Sun damage continues to accumulate throughout life, and reducing additional exposure may help lower your future risk. Why Sunburn Matters More Than You Think A sunburn isn't just a temporary inconve

If you've noticed more food companies talking about natural ingredients lately, you're not alone. One of America's best-known candy brands is the latest to make changes as consumer interest in cleaner ingredient lists continues to grow. Mars, the maker of M&M's, plans to introduce a version of the candy made without artificial food dyes. During the transition, the company says some colors—including blue and brown—will temporarily be missing from certain packages because they'

If you're over 50, you've probably heard plenty of advice about eating healthier, exercising more, and getting better sleep. But new research suggests that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. According to a recent study from researchers at Northwestern Medicine, finishing your last meal at least three hours before bedtime—and giving your body about a 12-hour break from food overnight—may improve several important markers of heart and metabolic health. The b

As we spend more time gardening, hiking, or caring for our yards in retirement, the chances of brushing against poison ivy can increase. If you've ever wondered whether you can "catch" poison ivy from a spouse, grandchild, or friend, the answer is reassuring: the rash itself is not contagious. The Real Cause of a Poison Ivy Rash Poison ivy contains an oily substance called urushiol. When this oil touches your skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction that causes itching, red

If you've been eating better, walking more, and trying to make healthier choices, it can be discouraging when the scale refuses to cooperate. After age 50, weight loss often becomes more complicated than simply eating less and exercising more. Your body changes, your lifestyle evolves, and what worked in your 30s or 40s may no longer deliver the same results. The good news? A stalled scale doesn't mean you've failed. It may simply be a sign that your approach needs to evolve

By the time you reach your 50s, you've probably seen enough health trends come and go to know that there are no magic solutions. I've watched diet fads promise miracles, food companies repackage junk with healthier labels, and politicians argue about nutrition while Americans continue to struggle with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. That's why Arkansas' decision to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used for candy and soft drinks caught my attention. Whether you agree wi

For many of us who have crossed the 50-year mark, staying healthy is no longer about chasing the latest diet trend. It’s about making sensible choices that have stood the test of time: eating real food, staying active, and giving our bodies the fuel they need to keep up with the demands of life. Protein has always been an important part of a strong diet. It helps maintain muscle, supports everyday energy, and becomes especially valuable as we get older. Eggs have long earned

We spend a lifetime working, providing, and solving problems, but sometimes the biggest threat to our future is one we cannot see coming. After all, we've spent decades working, raising families, paying taxes, and taking care of everyone else. But one thing experience teaches is that ignoring a problem rarely makes it disappear. High blood pressure is one of those quiet health issues that often gives no warning at all. You can feel perfectly fine while damage is slowly being

For many Americans over 50, staying healthy isn't about chasing the latest health trend—it's about making practical choices that keep you active, independent, and able to enjoy life with your family. While genetics play a role, many of the biggest threats to heart health come down to everyday decisions. The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference. Quit Tobacco—It's Never Too Late If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting remains one of the smar