Fifty and Beyond

Boost your potassium

Your risk of hypertension increases every year. Potassium balances the sodium in your diet and supports healthy blood pressure. Choose whole foods – bananas, green veg, potatoes – over supplements, to avoid overdosing.

Stack on weights

Don’t give up on strength training. You don’t need to be deadlifting your 1RM every weekend, but scheduling a couple of strength sessions each week will help you maintain muscle mass, which is linked to a longer life expectancy.

Get chemical help

Your ability to purge dead cells slows at this age. Try a chemical exfoliator, such as Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel (£19 spacenk.com). It’ll brighten a dull complexion. And, yes, you’ll need to moisturise, too.

Make it a habit

A study by Brigham Young University found that training for 40 minutes five times per week can reverse cellular ageing by nine years, compared to sedentarism. A brisk lunchtime walk on weekdays will seed results.