Turning 50 is one of those milestones that comes with some surprising lifestyle changes, and as men step into this new phase of life, they often start up with new habits they never saw coming. To better prepare you, here are the things you can expect to start doing once you’ve celebrated the big 5-0.
Talking More About Health
Hitting 50 often flips a switch when it comes to health, and suddenly, conversations shift towards cholesterol levels, joint pains, and blood pressure readings.These discussions, once unheard of in younger years, start to feel like a natural part of bonding with other men of the same age, especially when mates realise they’re all in the same boat.
Rediscovering Comfort Clothes
Gone are the days of squeezing into skinny jeans or stiff suits just to keep up with fashion, because now, comfort becomes the reigning priority. That favourite hoodie that’s seen better days is not just clothing, it’s your go-to, not to mention elasticated waistbands, soft knit jumpers, and shoes with proper arch support take over your wardrobe.
Waking Up Earlier (Without Trying)
Remember when the idea of setting an alarm in your younger years was the worst thing ever? Now, it’s almost like your body sets a new internal alarm clock when you hit a certain age, even without any particular reason, and mornings seem to arrive earlier than ever.
Overloading on Gadgets
For some, getting older coincides with an insatiable curiosity for gadgets and gizmos, the more the better, like the latest smartwatch or a power drill that could rival professional tools. The joy of unboxing new tech never gets old, and there’s often a playful excitement in figuring out how everything works.
Swapping Pints for Tea
Nobody says you can’t enjoy both, but as the years go on, many a man finds himself swapping the pint glasses for mugs. It doesn’t mean the pub is out of the question, but there’s a newfound appreciation for a proper brew—sometimes even a herbal one to feel relaxed before bedtime.
Becoming DIY Pros (or Pretending To Be)
The urge to pick up a hammer, drill, or paintbrush hits many men in their 50s like never before, and the satisfaction of creating or fixing something with their own hands is addictive—even if the results sometimes miss the mark. YouTube tutorials become a trusted ally, and the local DIY shop might as well be a second home.
Falling in Love with Gardening
What was once a mundane weekend chore becomes a full-fledged passion: gardening. Whether it’s a bright patch of roses, a tidy lawn, or a small veggie garden, the work feels grounding, and there’s something meditative about getting your hands in the soil on the weekends.
Watching Documentaries Religiously
While binge-watching dramas or thrillers might still have its place, documentaries become a top choice for people who are a little older now, because learning about how things work—or how they used to—feels oddly comforting. David Attenborough’s soothing narration and gripping crime exposés open up new windows to the world.
Going on Daily Walks
A chance to clear the head, get the heart pumping, and enjoy a bit of fresh air; for some, daily walks are an opportunity to reconnect with nature or notice small details in their surroundings that might’ve been missed before. Walking becomes a rewarding practice rather than feeling like it’s obligatory exercise.
Obsessing Over the Weather
Weather chat is a standard in the UK, but when you reach the age of 50, it goes from polite small talk to a genuine interest. Checking the forecast becomes a daily ritual, and planning the week often hinges on what’s happening in the skies; rain or shine, the weather becomes important.
Becoming Amateur Chefs
When you’re young, cooking is more a necessity than an enjoyment, but that all changes when your later years roll around. You’re no longer just ‘putting food on the table’, but experimenting, improving skills, and even showing off a little. There’s a joy in creating something delicious from scratch, especially for loved ones.
Downsizing Their Social Circles
Having a huge social network is important to most young people, yet many men later in their lives realise that less can be more, and the focus shifts to a handful of meaningful friendships. These smaller circles allow for deeper connections and more honest conversations—quality over quantity, after all.
Caring More About Houseplants
Did you ever think you’d care so much about houseplants? Well you will when middle-age hits, as what starts as a small pot on the windowsill can turn into a full-blown collection of leafy companions. Taking care of these plants becomes a relaxing ritual, and watching them thrive brings a sense of achievement.
Rethinking Car Choices
The days of flashy sports cars often give way to more practical options, without losing the love of a good drive, and now is the time that hybrid cars or spacious estates start to look more appealing than ever. Offering smooth rides and plenty of room for all those gadgets or DIY tools, what’s not to like?
Picking Up Reading Again
When you have more time in later years to sit and relax, reading can come back into your life in a big way. After years of screens and work schedules, the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book—a physical book and not a screen—feels like a breath of fresh air.
Growing a Beard (or Finally Shaving It Off)
It’s entirely up to you how you want to change it, but the odds are high that you will change your facial hair no matter what when you reach 50. It takes on new significance for many men at this age, as some grow a beard for the first time, seeing it as a way to redefine their look, while others go the opposite direction, shaving off a long-time beard for a clean slate.
Telling Stories About “When I Was Your Age”
It happens almost without realising: phrases like “Back in my day” or “When I was your age” start creeping into conversations, and now reflecting on the past feels natural. You’re bound to become more nostalgic after a certain age in your life, and there’s nothing wrong with that.