Once you turn 50, you’re officially “over the hill.” Your first 50 years represented the ascent from birth to the peak of your life, and the second 50 indicate a proverbial descent from middle age till death.
That’s what people say, anyway. But don’t fall for it. Turning 50 can be a new beginning.
By middle age, you’ve probably enjoyed your family and your home, and you’ve banked a few life experiences. Here are a few more items to pursue now.
Vacation on the Oregon Coast
Take advantage of the many fun recreational activities on Oregon’s Pacific coast. This time of year, when the leaves are changing and the weather is brisk, is perfect for an outdoor adventure. Enjoy hiking, boating, exploring, and more along the seaside.
For a truly enjoyable experience, visit a small town so you can enjoy outdoor recreation without the crowds. You’ll have so many things to do in North Bend, OR, for example, with its tiny population but fun amenities. You can enjoy the peace and serenity of the area, just as the locals do.
Get a Checkup
According to research from Penn State, the risk for illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes skyrocket after we turn 50. The likelihood of contracting breast cancer increases for women at this point, as does the risk for prostate cancer in men.
Seeing a doctor regularly for a physical is an essential habit to form. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancers often don’t manifest symptoms until it’s too late. Research facts about prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses to minimize your risk and extend your life expectancy.
Take a Road Trip Through the Deep South
Take a road trip through the Deep South. Georgia, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Louisiana are the most prominent states in this region. Choose a destination or two in each, and then hit the road.
Explore Henry County, Georgia to see hundreds of historical points and the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Visit Charleston, South Carolina, where you can tour Fort Sumter. Stop by Birmingham, Alabama, where you can enjoy a Ruffner Mountain nature preserve. You won’t regret the time spent among polite, friendly people, and you’ll love the rich, Southern cooking.
Stay on an Island in the Atlantic
Celebrate your 50th birthday (or any other) with an island vacation. The Atlantic Ocean provides rare beauty in the form of the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and more tropical destinations. Any of these islands is worth visiting for snorkeling, beach bathing, buoyant swimming, sea life interactions, exotic culture, and more.
If you want to stay a little closer to home, head to St. George Island. It’s one of the best ways to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast with its 22 miles of white sandy beaches and a historic lighthouse.
Have Your Teeth Whitened
Unfortunately, age is one of the most destructive factors on your pearly whites. The enamel, or white outer shell of your teeth, begins to wear away, exposing the darker layer beneath. If you’re taking certain medications, smoking, or drinking a lot of coffee, your teeth will lose their white sheen even faster.
You can stop these negative effects simply by having your teeth professionally whitened. You may choose to have the treatment done in the office of a top dentist in your area, which tends to be more effective and longer-lasting, or you could do a dentist-provided, at-home kit.
Change Your Career
If you’re unhappy with your career choice, your options for changing it drop significantly after age 50. Corporations tend to pursue younger employees for entry-level positions. But don’t let that hold you back.
Many career changes require further education. If you want to become an ultrasound technician, for example, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
That means you’ll need two to four years of further education before you can begin working. Get started now on pursuing your passion.
Play in the Great Lakes in Michigan
Michigan is a unique state featuring a peninsula shape that’s surrounded by freshwater lakes rather than salt water oceans. Michigan touches four of the five Great Lakes in the United States: Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior.
These lakes provide incredible outdoor recreation activities that you can enjoy year-round. Go boating off of Mackinac Island, water ski across Lake Erie, go ice fishing on Lake Michigan, and jet ski over the smooth waters of Lake Huron.
Take a few days to explore other areas of the state as well. Visit Lansing, MI, which is home to the Michigan History Center and the Michigan State Capitol. Head over to Detroit to see the Automotive Hall of Fame, and stop by Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Michigan.
Finally Buy Your Dream Car
Most people save for years to purchase their dream car. In the meantime, they take out loans to cover the cost of a used, everyday vehicle. Do you really want to wait for a milestone birthday to finally purchase the car of your dreams?
Head over to your local car dealership and cut a deal for a car you’ve always wanted. As you shop, consider all of your options. Don’t settle for looks alone. Choose a car that’s reliable and offers all the amenities you’ve always wanted. You’re making an investment that will last you for years, so do your homework and make a smart choice.
Learn to Surf
Surfing takes time to learn, but once you’ve mastered it, you can do it for the rest of your life. It’s a difficult sport that requires balance and core strength, so being in shape makes mastering it a lot easier.
You can take lessons anywhere with tides and big waves, but if you want the highest quality lessons, head to Waikiki Beach. You’ll learn from top instructors on some of the best waves in the world. Then, you can surf Hawaii and other beach destinations whenever you like.
Take Some Dance Classes
Did you know that the most successful people in the world are always learning new things? It’s part of exercising the mind and keeping it sharp and strong. The most successful people also have an active lifestyle, and they make physical activity a priority.
Marry the two great qualities and take some dance classes. You can learn classical dance styles such as waltz or fox-trot, or try a more upbeat styles like swing, cha-cha, or merengue. You’ll also find classes for more contemporary styles such as hip-hop and breakdancing. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a dance center that offers one or more of these lessons in a nearby city.
If you want to broaden your cultural horizons, try classical dances from other countries, such as bhangra from India, samba from Brazil, tango from Argentina, flamenco from Spain, or belly dancing from the Middle East. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new while immersing yourself in many different cultures.