In Your Forties

Get a blood glucose test

This is a smart thing to do, regardless of your weight. A third of people over 45 are pre-diabetic. Pre-diabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes, but it becomes tougher to tackle if left to develop into type 2.

Eat more fibre

Weight management is of paramount importance in your fifth decade, and increasing your fibre intake will help. Plus, it reduces your risk of developing colon cancer, which can start forming at this age.

Warm up properly

By this point, your body has had a lot of time to develop bad habits. Spend 10-15 minutes stretching tight tissues (hip flexors and pecs, if you sit often) and awakening dormant muscles, such as those in your mid-back, with resistance bands.

C the difference

Apply a serum that contains L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as part of your morning routine. It will help to soothe inflammation and reduce the damage caused by ultraviolet light and pollution. We suggest Kiehl’s PowerfulStrength Concentrate

(£52 johnlewis.com).