Why Your Metabolism Changes After 50 – Here's How to Support It

Ever feel like your body isn’t burning energy like it used to? You’re certainly not imagining it! Our metabolism naturally slows with age, but that doesn’t mean weight gain and low energy levels are inevitable. Your body is still capable of thriving – we simply need to learn how to support it.
How to support metabolism for older men and women

What’s Really Happening to Your Metabolism After 50?

Let’s break it down. It’s not just you – and it’s not too late. As we age, there are a few key things that affect how our bodies burn and store energy.
Muscle loss – As the years go on, we gradually begin to lose muscle, and since muscle burns more calories than fat, it naturally slows the metabolism. Hormonal Shifts – Changes in estrogen (including Menopause), testosterone, and thyroid function affect energy, appetite, and how our body stores fat.
Nutrient Absorption Changes –  Our digestive system begins to process food differently. The absorption of ingredients changes and it can affect how efficiently (or inefficiently) we use those nutrients.

How to Support Your Metabolism (Without Overwhelming Your Life)

It’s all about small changes, big impact. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight – simply focus on what feels doable and sustainable for you.

Strength Training: Your Ultimate Weapon

No need to become a body builder, but adding 2-3 sessions of resistance, strength training per week can help maintain and build muscle mass. To add to this, ensuring the strength workout is tailored to your age group is equally important.

Move More in Your Daily Life

Scheduled workouts are fantastic, but what equally matters is what you do between workouts. Simple habits like taking the stairs, parking a little further away from the shopping entrance, or standing whilst you talk on the phone all add up over time.

Prioritize Your Sleep Ritual

Quality of sleep is a big player when it comes to recovery and metabolism. It’s not just about getting 7-9 hours – it’s also about how well you sleep. Setting up a bedtime routine can make a big difference. Try no screens 30-minutes before, using calm essential oils in your diffuser, opting for a wind down skin care routine instead of social media. The habits you build before bedtime directly impact how restorative your sleep will be.

Small Steps, Big Results.

The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. As your body changes, adapt where you need to for metabolism support – whether it’s through routine, exercise, or nutrition. Start by choosing one or two tips from this list to try this week.
Heath Jones Founder of Active & Ageless - Over 50s health club in Hurstville & Canterbury

Heath Jones is the founder of Active & Ageless and has over 20 years’ experience in the Health & Wellness space.

He holds the following qualifications:

Bachelor of Nursing

Postgraduate in Exercise Science

Diploma of OHS

Cert 3 & 4 Fitness

Cert 4 Training & Assessment

Older Adults trainer