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10 Steps to Living Your Best Life at 50

Start with no regrets and move on from there

Staying engaged with friends, and making new friends and connections, is important to your overall well-being. Getty Images/Hero Images One of the keys to living your best is to steer clear of regret. Accept the results of your earlier choices but understand that it's probably time to make some adjustments to how you live your life going forward.
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Think about your future and imagine what you would like it to be. Not sure where to start? Ask yourself these questions: Am I staying engaged with the world and the people I care about?Am I taking care of my body, mind and spirit?Am I making "me" a priority?Am I in control of my finances?Am I having fun?
Here are 10 tips that will help you answer all those questions with a yes:

1 Keep networking

Whether you're working, retired or thinking about reentering the job force, networking is essential. Engaging with people on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and face-to-face in industry groups will keep you current and connected. Keep your résumé up to date, too.

2 Build a personal board of directors br

is filled with change and can be confusing. Whether you're looking to switch careers, pursue a relationship (or end one) or buy a house, having a trusted posse to review life's bigger questions helps. Invite several nonjudgmental friends who will encourage and guide you. And do the same for them.

3 Don t smoke

This is a no-brainer, but it's shocking that we still see smokers on the street. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, according to the . If you're over 50 and still smoking, get help to quit.

4 Have safe sex

Don't think because you are over 50 you are immune to . You are not. Make sure you know the scoop on your partner before you proceed, even if you're in a steady relationship. Use condoms. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and get tested for the most common STDs, especially when you start a relationship. Insist that your partner do the same.

8 Be a person of action br

We're all busy with family, work and friends, but that's no excuse to stop thinking about . We have wisdom and ideas. Don't just pass the baton to the next generation. Hold it with them so we can solve the world's problems together.

9 Hug your inner kid

Smile, play, laugh, have fun with family and friends. Take up a hobby or activity, perhaps one you can do with others who care about you.

10 Embrace your age

Don't fight aging. It is a very powerful concept — letting go of your younger self, and embracing and loving your aging self. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and take care of you — body, mind and soul — as you would your children, your family and your friends.

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