How to Stay Motivated for a Healthy Lifestyle at 50+: Tips for Couples Over 50
Staying motivated for a healthy lifestyle after 50 can feel like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on. At Unconventional Lives, we—Craig and Kellie—understand this challenge firsthand. After our kids left home, we found ourselves as empty nesters facing a choice: settle into a sedentary routine or reinvent our lives. We chose the latter, losing a combined 100 pounds through diet and exercise, and transforming our health, marriage, and outlook. In this blog post, we’ll share the strategies that helped us stay motivated, from shifting our mindset to finding joy in movement, eating right, and building a supportive community. Whether you’re a couple over 50, an empty nester, or a health-conscious senior, these tips will inspire you to make your fifties and beyond the best years of your life. Let’s dive into the world of healthy aging, midlife reinvention, and vibrant living! #HealthyAging #CouplesOver50 #MidlifeReinvention
The Mindset Shift: Embracing Health as a Lifestyle
The first step to staying motivated for a healthy lifestyle at 50+ is a mindset shift. As Craig shared on our podcast, “I don’t think—I know—mindset is important.” Too often, society expects aging adults to slow down, assuming we’ve “earned the right” to sit on the couch after raising kids. But as Gary Brecka aptly puts it, “Aging or death is the aggressive pursuit of comfort.” Embracing health as a rejuvenating part of your empty nest phase is key. For us, this meant rejecting the idea that aging equals decline. Instead, we focused on how health enhances life—more energy, better mood, and longevity, as John Ratey notes in Spark.
To shift your mindset, start by setting realistic goals. When we began our fitness journey, Craig weighed 260-270 pounds, and I was at 160. We didn’t aim for perfection; we decided to walk a single mile a day. It wasn’t fast, and some days we dragged, but we did it. That small win built momentum. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon emphasizes that consistency beats perfection, and she’s right—small daily habits compound over time. For couples over 50, this mindset shift is about seeing health as an investment in your future together, not a chore. #HealthyAging #MindsetMatters
Finding Joy in Movement: Fitness for Couples Over 50
One of the most powerful ways to stay motivated is by finding joy in movement. As we discussed on the podcast, “Finding the joy in health and movement—whatever that looks like to you—whether it’s playing tennis, doing yoga, going on walks, or pickleball… that’s what matters.” For us, pickleball became a game-changer. We recently hit the ball back and forth for an hour, enjoying the activity as a couple. It wasn’t just exercise; it was a bonding experience that gave us something new to talk about and new people to meet.
The key is to choose activities you love. If pickleball isn’t your thing, try paddleboarding (on our bucket list!), golf, or cycling. The goal isn’t to become a fitness guru but to move consistently. Craig noted the physiological benefits: maintaining muscle mass as we age is crucial because “muscles protect the bones and strengthen the bones.” Dr. Lyon’s research supports this—strong muscles reduce the risk of falls, which can be fatal for those over 80. For couples, doing this together—like walking four miles around our neighborhood—builds accountability and connection. So, grab your partner, find an activity you both enjoy, and make movement a joyful part of your healthy aging journey. #FitnessOver50 #CouplesOver50
Nutrition for Motivation: Fueling Your Body Right
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in staying motivated for a healthy lifestyle at 50+. On the podcast, we shared our approach: “We pretty much eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and snack… It’s always a protein and veg.” Consistency in what and when you eat helps maintain energy and motivation. Our breakfast is two eggs, fresh sourdough toast, and berries; lunch is a small protein and vegetable combo; and dinner varies but prioritizes lean proteins like fish, chicken, or beef, with fewer carbs.
Why does this work? A consistent diet helps you understand how food affects your body. When we indulged in margaritas and tacos, we felt the inflammation the next day, which demotivated us. High-protein, omega-3-rich foods reduce inflammation naturally, as we learned from experts like Gary Brecka. Avoiding late-night snacks is also key—it disrupts sleep, which we’ve discussed as vital for healthy aging. For empty nesters, this consistency provides structure in a new life phase. Treats are okay occasionally—we love our dark chocolate peanut butter protein balls—but moderation is crucial. Fuel your body like a “classic car,” as Craig says, and you’ll feel motivated to keep going. #NutritionForSeniors #HealthyAging
Biohacking Your Routine: Small Changes, Big Impact
Biohacking offers simple, science-backed ways to boost motivation and energy. On the podcast, we highlighted two favorites: omega-3 fish oil supplements and morning sunlight exposure. Craig shared, “Omega-3s have been huge for me… especially with pain management because I have a torn labrum in my right hip.” We use Metagenics omega-3s, which taste citrusy—not fishy—making them easy to incorporate. These supplements reduce inflammation, supporting joint health and overall vitality, which is essential for health-conscious seniors.
Gary Brecka’s advice on morning sunlight exposure is another game-changer: “It sets your circadian rhythm, boosts your energy, and motivation for the day.” We make it a habit to get outside first thing in the morning, even if it’s just a short walk. This small change enhances mood and energy, helping us stay motivated. For couples over 50, biohacking doesn’t have to be complex—start with these two practices to see a big impact. Over time, these habits compound, supporting your midlife reinvention and ensuring you thrive in your fifties and beyond. #Biohacking #HealthyAgingTips
Overcoming Obstacles: Time Management and Self-Compassion
Time constraints are a major obstacle to staying motivated, especially for busy empty nesters. As Craig noted, “Time is the biggest one… We try to get out of the house by 6:30, but some of us don’t do a very good job of that.” Our solution? Block out time on your calendar for fitness and self-care, just like any other appointment. We go to the gym four days a week, walk daily, and do yoga on Saturdays, but we adjust when life gets in the way—like when Kellie has a 10 AM class.
Self-compassion is equally important. Some days, you’ll feel too sore or busy to stick to your routine. Craig shared, “Sometimes you gotta listen to your body… Give yourself grace.” If you skip a workout, negotiate with yourself: do push-ups later or add 30 minutes to tomorrow’s gym session. Don’t let excuses pile up—focus on consistency, not perfection, as Dr. Gabrielle Lyon advises: “Small daily habits build a healthy lifestyle over time.” For couples over 50, this balance of discipline and grace ensures you stay motivated without burnout. #TimeManagement #MidlifeReinvention
Tracking Progress: Celebrating Small Wins
Tracking progress keeps motivation alive. Kellie reflected on a Facebook memory from two years ago: “Look at my arms… That motivated me to strength training.” Seeing tangible results—like reduced arm flab or improved stamina—reinforces your efforts. Craig added, “It happens in little increments, but it does happen if you’re dedicated… It feels good to feel good.” For us, tracking meant noticing how far we’d come since starting with a single mile. Now, we walk four miles regularly, a testament to consistency.
For health-conscious seniors, tracking can be as simple as logging your daily steps, monitoring your weight, or noting how you feel after a workout. Celebrate small wins—like fitting into an old pair of jeans or walking without pain. These victories remind you of your progress, as Craig emphasized: “I’m not gonna give it back… I’m gonna keep moving forward.” Sharing these wins with your partner or community can amplify motivation, making your healthy aging journey a shared celebration. #TrackProgress #HealthyAging
Building a Community: Don’t Do It Alone
Community is the final piece of staying motivated. Craig shared, “Don’t do this alone… Find that community, whether it’s a friend, a partner, a pickleball group, or a yoga class.” For us, connecting with other empty nesters who prioritize health has been transformative. Being around people who are “looking pretty darn good and feeling amazing” inspires us to keep going. It’s not about comparison but about learning from others—asking, “What are you doing?” and applying those lessons.
For couples over 50, community can be your partner, a local fitness group, or an online tribe. Kellie noted, “I love life so much more because of this journey… Find your community, your tribe.” Even if your partner isn’t on board, start alone—your progress might motivate them to join, as it did for us. Building a supportive network ensures you don’t feel isolated, making your fifties and beyond truly vibrant. Subscribe to Unconventional Lives to join our community and share your journey! #CommunityMatters #CouplesOver50
Conclusion
Staying motivated for a healthy lifestyle at 50+ is about mindset, joy, nutrition, biohacking, overcoming obstacles, tracking progress, and community. At Unconventional Lives, we’ve transformed our lives through these strategies, and we’re here to inspire you to do the same. Whether you’re an empty nester, a health-conscious senior, or an adventure-seeking retiree, these tips will help you thrive. Ready to make your fifties and beyond the best years of your life? Tune in to Unconventional Lives for more healthy aging adventures and personal development tips. #HealthyAging #MidlifeReinvention #FitnessOver50