(NC) It’s often said that “age is just a number,” though some of those numbers may matter more for our health than others. Keeping up physical activity and a positive outlook can make a real difference at any age, but the body goes through changes around the age of 50 that can affect your risk of several health issues. Here are a few to be aware of:

Bone health. They may be solid and mineralized, but bones are still living tissue. Your body needs to replenish that tissue continually. As you age, the rate of replacement slows down. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. There are things you can do to lower your risk and protect your bone health, including getting enough calcium and vitamin D, eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise.

Heart disease. Age can bring on changes in the heart and blood vessels that may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. For instance, arterial plaque and cholesterol may build up over time, and heart valves can also become thicker and less flexible. There are things you can do to help keep your heart healthy, such as regular movement, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and choosing foods that are low in saturated fats, added sugars and salt.

Shingles. If you’re one of the 90 per cent of Canadians who’ve had chicken pox, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, you’re at risk of shingles. It typically shows up as a painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the nervous system after having chicken pox. Reactivation can happen years later, when the immune system weakens as a result of age, stress or certain health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease.

Age is an important risk factor for shingles, with the disease being most common in people aged 50 or older. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, up to 40 per cent of people who experience shingles report at least one complication, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, which is nerve pain that can persist for months or even years. The good news is shingles can be prevented and vaccination is broadly available.

If you’re 50 or older, you can speak with your healthcare provider about reducing your risk of these and other health issues.