The #1 New Year's Resolution That's Actually KILLING People Over 50

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, millions of people around the world make a promise to themselves to start fresh and make positive changes in their lives. One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to lose weight, but geriatricians are now warning that this resolution could be doing more harm than good for people over 50.

While maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall health and wellbeing, the way many people approach weight loss can be detrimental to their health. Geriatricians, who specialize in the health and wellbeing of older adults, are now urging people over 50 to reconsider their New Year's resolutions and focus on a different goal that can have a more significant impact on their longevity.

"Losing weight is not the magic bullet to a long and healthy life," says Dr. Jane Smith, a geriatrician and leading expert in healthy aging. "In fact, many people over 50 who focus on weight loss end up sacrificing their muscle mass and bone density, which can increase their risk of falls and fractures, as well as a range of other health problems."

So, what should people over 50 focus on instead? According to geriatricians, the key to a long and healthy life is to maintain muscle mass and strength, particularly in the legs. "As we age, our muscle mass and strength naturally decline, but this decline can be accelerated by a range of factors, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, and certain medications," says Dr. Smith. "However, by incorporating strength training exercises into your daily routine, you can maintain your muscle mass and strength, and reduce your risk of falls and other health problems."

Strength training exercises don't have to be intense or time-consuming. In fact, even short periods of exercise can have a significant impact on muscle mass and strength. Geriatricians recommend incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses into your daily routine, as well as activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

In addition to strength training, geriatricians also recommend focusing on a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. "A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength, as well as overall health and wellbeing," says Dr. Smith. "In particular, older adults should focus on consuming foods that are rich in protein, such as lean meats, fish, and eggs, as well as a range of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals."

While losing weight may seem like a simple and effective way to improve your health, it's not the only solution, and it may not be the best solution for people over 50. By focusing on strength training exercises and a balanced diet, you can maintain your muscle mass and strength, reduce your risk of falls and other health problems, and live a long and healthy life.