If you belong to

Generation X, you’re somewhere between the ages of 42 and 58 years old. Like all
generations, there are particular health challenges that Gen Xers should be
aware of as they grow older. Here are some of those challenges and ways to
deal with them.

Vision

The early 40s is when even people with great vision start experiencing eye
problems. One of the most common conditions is

presbyopia. This is a change in your eyes’ ability to focus that decreases your
ability to see close objects clearly. Presbyopia can be dealt with by
wearing glasses, using contact lenses, or undergoing laser eye surgery.

Other common vision problems include:

• Needing more light to see
• Experiencing glare more often
• Having trouble differentiating between certain shades of color
• Dry eyes

Gen Xers can also experience more severe vision problems, such as frequent
changes with their vision or

tunnel vision. These could be the result of issues such as glaucoma or age-related
macular degeneration. They also could be a sign of diabetes or high blood
pressure.

The

American Optometry Association

recommends people from ages 40 through 64 get their eyes examined at least
every two years if they have no problems, and annually, or as instructed by
a doctor, if they’re experiencing difficulties. Neglecting vision care can
result in

negative mental health outcomes

for older adults. Poor vision can affect relationships, contribute to mental
decline, and make people feel isolated from the world around them.

Menopause

The average age for

menopause

in the United States is 51 or 52, so many Gen Xers are experiencing symptoms
associated with it, including mood swings, decreased sex drive, weight gain,
and other changes in body shape.

Menopause

increases the risk of osteoporosis, so it’s important to keep this in mind and do what you can to

maintain good bone health. A

well-balanced diet

that contains enough calcium, making physical activity a priority, avoiding
tobacco, and minimizing alcohol use can all help protect your bones.

Other conditions and screenings

Other common conditions that can pop up for the first time

in your early 50s

include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. That
makes getting an annual physical exam, as well as taking care of yourself,
more important than ever. Some of the best ways to prevent these conditions
involve the same common-sense measures you should practice at all stages of
your life. This includes:

• Eating well
• Getting enough sleep
and

exercise
• Maintaining

a healthy weight
• Not smoking or
excessively drinking
• Minimizing stress

Skin
The average person has experienced nearly three quarters of their lifetime
exposure to the sun by the time

they turn 41. That makes annual dermatologist visits to check for skin cancers a good
idea for all Gen Xers.

Colon
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people from
45 to 75 be screened annually for

colorectal cancer. Anyone younger than that should consider getting screened if they’ve
developed polyps or have such conditions as inflammatory bowel disease, or
if they have a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer.

Breasts
The task force also recommends that women 50 to 74 with an average risk for
breast cancer

get a mammogram every two years. Women 40 to 49 should talk to their doctor about whether beginning that
regimen earlier makes sense for them.

Prostate
Male gen Xers should consider getting

screened

for prostate cancer.

Lungs
Annual

lung cancer screenings

are recommended for people above 50 who have a

20-pack-year smoking history

and either still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Maintaining your health as you grow older may not be as easy as it once was.
But if you take care of yourself, know what health problems you could face,
and take steps to both check for them and keep them in check, your
pre-golden years can be pretty golden, too!