What You Wish You Knew Before Turning 50

Turning 50? Welcome to the club—it's time for a little reality check. According to Dr. Kenneth Koncilja, a geriatric medicine expert, hitting the big 5-0 should be a wake-up call. "Am I doing all the right things?" he asks. It's time to put prevention and a healthy lifestyle on full throttle. You know about the obvious signs—graying hair, wrinkles, maybe a few more grey hairs. But what you might not know is that there are a few other surprises that come with age.

Here’s what to expect (and how to deal with it) as you march through your 50s:

1. Muscles Shrink (and Fat Moves In)
You’ve heard it before: "Use it or lose it." Well, after 50, you’re losing it. Men typically lose 1-2% of muscle mass every year after age 50. That’s thanks to hormonal changes and the fact that muscle cells are getting infiltrated by fat. Great. But don’t panic! With some regular strength training and protein-packed meals, you can hold on to those muscles a little longer.

2. Bedroom Performance Might Change
Erections might not be as reliable as they used to be. Around 26% of men in their 50s report issues, and it’s totally normal. If you’re noticing a decline in your “performance,” it’s not the end of the world. Viagra and similar pills are your first line of defense, but healthy habits—like exercise and a balanced diet—also help keep things working down there.

3. Frequent Bathroom Visits
By age 50, many men find themselves making multiple trips to the bathroom at night, thanks to an enlarged prostate. This happens when the prostate presses on the urethra, messing with your flow. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and doing some pelvic floor exercises can help. If the problem persists, your doctor can offer medication or minimally invasive procedures.

4. Your Skin May Get... Creative
Skin tags, “barnacles,” and red bumps might start showing up. These age-related growths are harmless (mostly), but they’re annoying. If they bug you, a dermatologist can zap them off, but you’ll have to pay out of pocket for that “cosmetic” procedure.

5. You Might Start Saying, “Huh?”
Don’t be surprised if your hearing isn’t as sharp as it once was. About a third of men over 40 experience some degree of hearing loss, which only worsens with age. Ignoring it can increase your risk of dementia and social isolation. The good news? Hearing aids have come a long way. They’re smaller, sleeker, and thanks to over-the-counter options, more affordable than ever.

So, while 50 might come with a few unexpected upgrades, a little maintenance goes a long way. Stamen Supplements can help you along your journey with the trials of aging.