50 Things to Do Before You Turn 50
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
I vividly remember when my mom hit 50. On a brisk February evening, she and her fellow not-so-soft-spoken Long Island ladies ventured in a black limo to Chippendales. They surely partied the night away with a youthful fervor, but as a kid, I thought 50 seemed old. Not in a “Your life is almost over” kind of way; more like “Your youthful zest and curiosity are dimming.” Still, watching her glam up and go with her posse to be entertained by half-naked men half her age also made me feel that there would be plenty of debauchery—and lots of life to live—once I hit the milestone, too.
Fast-forward 36 years, and here I am, two months out from my big 5-0. While I don’t want oil-slicked strangers sitting on my lap, I do want to mark the occasion in a meaningful way. So last fall, I decided that there were two ways to handle it. I could live in a space of passive self-reflection, reminiscing about vibrant, wrinkle-free times past. Or I could celebrate midlife with verve and a more intentional kind of self-reflection that would move me forward with some fierceness.
I went with option B, and compiled this list of 50 things to do (mostly fabulous, a few practical) before I turned 50. To supplement my own ideas, I tapped friends, experts, people I admire, strangers, family members, and colleagues for their to-dos. Studies show you only get happier after this birthday, so I’ll gracefully take on all that comes with midlife. I’ll look forward to receiving the AARP magazine I hear about and make it a point to schedule my shingles vaccine. Full disclosure: Some things below I’ve completed, and some are still in the planning stages. This list, like me, is a work in progress.
Thank someone who shaped you.
As we journey through this thing called life, we’re undoubtedly influenced by the words or actions of wise folks we encounter along the way. Think of someone who brought something special and significant to your life, and send them a note of appreciation or give them a ring. Chances are you’ll impact their life as much as they have yours.
Make a standing reservation with yourself.
“Integrate non-negotiables into your week, no matter how busy you are. They should emphasize the importance of taking care of your body and promoting balance,” says Missy Robbins, the award-winning chef and owner of New York City’s Lilia and Misi. Hers are acupuncture and Pilates. Decide what yours are and schedule them in.
Treat yourself to milestone jewelry.
This is actually something I do every year, and here’s why. First, picking out a special piece of jewelry for a special occasion forever links the two. Every time you look at that ring, bracelet, watch, or necklace, you’ll be reminded of how fabulous you were then and are today. Second, I love jewelry and, more important, deserve it—and so do you!
Travel solo.
This might sound lonely or scary, but I swear it’s the opposite. Not only do you call the shots on all the logistics and activities, but you get some quality time with your thoughts in a relaxed environment. And when you change your environment, you can also shift your mindset (I heard that in an Ed Mylett podcast). “I have been traveling solo for many years, and it has brought me so much joy,” says Ellen Maguire, founder of Coterie Global, a communications and events agency in NYC. “You are not encumbered by any sort of shyness. I’ve met so many wonderful people that have become friends for life—whether in Capri or the South of France or Greece. I can’t encourage it enough.” I’m planning a trip to Sedona, which I hear is magical—mystical, even. Perfect for a journey inward.
Name what you want.
And write it down daily. “Not too long ago, I started a ‘What do I want?’ practice, which is a bit like a gratitude journal turned on its head and, as the name suggests, entails writing one thing down a day that I want,” says Oprah Daily editorial director Pilar Guzmán. “It can be a small desire, like, say, a porterhouse steak, or something big, like a room of my own that nobody else has keys to. Whether or not I act on or fulfill these desires is sort of beside the point. I have come to understand that there is power—and perhaps some neurological rewriting that happens—simply in the act of naming one’s wants.”
Learn something new.
Because you can teach an old dog new tricks, not that we’re calling anyone old. According to a study in The Journals of Gerontology, adults aged 58 to 86 who took a class to learn a skill for about 15 hours a week bettered their cognitive function to equal that of someone 30 years younger. So where’s that garage-sale guitar you bought on a whim? Break it out. I’m considering taking up knitting at my local library, even though every part of that idea feels 50-ish.
Eat the cake.
“You’ll never regret doing something you want to do,” says our very own Gayle King. “Know that your body isn’t supposed to look the same as it did when you were 20, and that’s okay.” You’ve got to roll with all the changes in your body. Also, don’t be afraid when it comes to menopause, because it is coming, “and it’s not as scary as you’ve heard.”
Get real with your ob-gyn.
It’s never too early to learn about perimenopause and menopause and come up with a plan that’s tailored to your needs. “The more you know preemptively, the less you’ll be sideswiped by the potential hot flashes, disordered sleep, and brain fog, and the more you’ll be able to collab with your doctor to fix the crap you don’t like,” says Connecticut-based ob-gyn and cofounder of Tribe Called V Shieva Ghofrany, MD.
Do something really brave.
Eleanor Roosevelt famously recommended doing one thing every day that scares you. That’s asking a lot in this age of anxiety, so I suggest conquering just one thing on your most-feared list, whether it’s doing stand-up, skydiving, or simply going to a really nice dinner by yourself. (Me? I completed a race; see number 20.) What we know for sure: The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel afterward is unparalleled.
Make a younger friend.
Find yourself a millennial and start hanging out. Research shows that intergenerational friendships can improve cognitive function and enhance empathy for both parties, and you’ll have an all-access pass to a fresh, “I didn’t think of that” perspective.
Get your estate in order.
Do you have a will? Have you set up a durable power of attorney for healthcare? What about a revocable trust and power of attorney? This stuff isn’t fun or hot, but it’s time to make sure you have important documents like these in place.
Go to the Super Bowl.
Or another big event like the World Series or NBA Finals, even if you aren’t super into sports. The electrifying energy is truly something you’ll never forget. I was lucky enough to go to the Super Bowl in 2023, and before the opportunity arose, I thought a blitz was something you got at Dairy Queen. But I studied up enough so my friend who gave me the precious ticket wouldn’t regret her decision, and I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Stop squinting and get some dope reading glasses.
It’s time to feel fabulous as you whip through all the fine print. Brands like See (my go-to for glasses), Caddis, and Peepers have a bunch of styles (from regular readers to progressives to sunnies) that you’ll actually feel cool in when reading a menu or root touch-up instructions.
Remember that “no” is a full sentence.
I heard Oprah say this back in 2019 on the Girls’ Getaway Cruise on Holland America Line. At the time, I was a little uneasy about the idea, but not anymore. “It’s very interesting how wired we are to tell someone a thousand reasons why we can’t do something for them,” Shonda Rhimes once said in a Super Soul Sunday episode. Rhimes chooses to say, “I’m sorry, no, I’m not able to do that.” However you phrase your no, there’s no need to give an explanation or reasons. It’s tough, but no can be enough.
And stop saying “sorry” so much.
Period.
Schedule a bra fitting.
When’s the last time you did? Be honest; we’re not here to judge. Just know that most experts suggest you have one at least once a year, since your body is always changing. It’s also a great excuse to treat yourself to some sassy new support systems.
Go to that reunion.
Stop worrying about what you look like, and how much you’ve “accomplished.” At this point in life, no one should be trying to show off anymore, so just show up. It can be so comforting and life-affirming to revisit and reaffirm past relationships from college or high school. It boils down to this: Everyone wants to be real, to connect, and to feel like we’re getting through life together.
Up your blush.
A pretty flush does wonders for middle-age skin. “If your skin looks sallow and tired, just smile and add a few sweeps of powder blush to the apples of your cheeks,” says makeup artist and Jones Road founder Bobbi Brown. “I use a wider brush and go up and around the cheeks in circular motions. It will give you a nice lift, and I guarantee you will immediately look better and more refreshed.”
Reclaim your sexuality.
Or read an incredible novel about a woman who does, says Oprah Daily books director Leigh Newman. “The Tree Doctor, by Marie Mutsuki Mockett, is about re-finding your sexuality—and yourself—in midlife, and it is joyous, funny, and so real!”
Run a race.
In 1987, Oprah vowed to run a marathon before she turned 40. In 1994, she made it happen. Of course, 26.2 miles may not be in the cards, but sign up for a local organized run or walk. I decided to do an 8K turkey trot last Thanksgiving morning with my 10-year-old niece. While I walked much of it and my feet burned throughout dinner, an incredible endorphin-filled feeling came with completing the course. And I have the bib to prove it.
Check your gut.
The microbiome in your digestive system is critical to your physical and mental health. You’ve read this a million times. But do you know what happens when you get older? “Aging can affect its ability to efficiently break down and absorb nutrients from food,” says acupuncturist, herbalist, and Chinese medicine expert Natazia Stolberg. She suggests eating whole foods, including those rich in fiber; considering a supplement with pro-, post-, and prebiotics; exercising a few times a week; sticking to a sleep schedule; and limiting alcohol. She also recommends limiting cold water and icy smoothies, which can constrict and slow down digestive organs, while warm, cooked foods require less energy to break down.
Record your parents’ oral history on video.
It’s something you and your family will cherish for years to come. Ask questions that are meaningful to you (when they met, biggest lessons learned, what they want their legacy to be, proudest moment, etc.) and capture it on your smartphone. It can be as casual or curated as you’d like—don’t overthink it. “This isn’t just a gift to yourself but a precious legacy to pass on to your children,” says my friend Tracy Royal, a beauty publicist. “I wish I did this before my parents passed. My daughter didn’t have the chance to meet them, so a video would have been nice.”
If you smoke, stop.
Studies show that if you quit before you hit 50, you can reduce your risk of dying in the next 15 years by (yup) 50 percent.
Figure out your 50-something shoe.
And invest in it. Seriously, give this some thought. What will look chic and feel good but not be orthopedic? Is it a Gucci loafer? A Loewe sneaker? “For me, it was a few pairs of made-to-order Bryr clogs: sandals for summer, a suede version for spring and fall, and a deep burgundy leather for winter,” says Jennie Tung, Oprah Daily senior director of wellness and features. “They’re comfortable, add a few inches of height, and give some oomph to my otherwise normcore outfits.”
Find a scent for the next half-century.
Fragrance is an invisible yet powerful accessory, but also a little secret with yourself. “It’s like a cashmere blanket. It protects you psychologically because it takes you somewhere else,” says Ben Krigler, a fifth-generation perfumer for House of Krigler, which has created fragrances worn by everyone from Grace Kelly to Ernest Hemingway to Kate Middleton and Patti LaBelle. “A lot of clients choose one that makes them feel comfortable or cozy, like a memory from childhood.” My signature is Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle. It’s both innocent and spicy, kind of like me.
See a longevity doctor.
Longevity medicine is a relatively new and very buzzy field that “views patients holistically, with a goal of optimizing health and wellness over a lifetime," says Amanda Kahn, MD, board-certified internist and anti-aging specialist. I’m intrigued by NAD+ therapy, which Kahn administers via supplements or injection. “NAD+ is a critical helper molecule that maintains cellular functioning and is known to decrease over a lifetime,” she says. “By replenishing it, we can continue to keep cells efficient, young, and healthy. Patients report improved energy, cognition, and a myriad of other benefits.”
Feel fabulous about your face.
You’re the beholder in this beauty situation, so this means something different to everyone. But one idea applies to all: As you approach 50, it’s time to revamp your skincare routine. “Usually, what works in your 30s and 40s needs to be swapped out by the time you reach 50,” says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. She recommends focusing on protecting, moisturizing, and fortifying the skin’s barrier, and addressing aging concerns proactively. Is it time for Botox, clarifying laser treatments, or a blepharoplasty on your drooping eyelids? Could be! Check in with your dermatologist to determine what’s best for you.
Do your kegels.
Trust us. We’ve heard good things.
Let go of a grudge.
You’ll free up some mental space, and that’s valuable real estate.
Go on a girls’ trip.
Turning 50 is the perfect excuse to get your crew together for some let-loose fun and meaningful bonding time. Some advice from my experience planning a trip to Cancún: Pick the destination and accommodations before you invite people to avoid too many cooks in the travel-planning kitchen. And be mindful of everyone’s budget.
Get a colonoscopy.
The truth is you should have done this by 45. If you haven’t, schedule it now, and don’t stress about the prep. For a shot of courage, watch this video of Gayle and Oprah Daily creative director Adam Glassman, who buddied up for appointments last year. “Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that you can take direct measures to prevent with a colonoscopy,” says gastroenterologist Natalee Campbell, MD. “We are all at risk, and the way to stop it from becoming a reality for you is to simply get tested.”
Wear red lipstick.
“Even if it’s just once,” says Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box. “The undeniable power it casts is real and worth the experience. A classic crimson is undeniably hot and strong, or you can ease in with an approachable berry-red lipstick that you apply with a finger.”
Finish that project.
It’s time to tackle that thing on your to-do list that’s lingered too long. A renovation project, bucket-list item, conquerable fear, passion project. “There is no time like the present,” says Oprah Daily market director Rae Ann Herman. “I’ve always wanted to do a photo gallery wall in my hall. I’m past 50, but I’ve finally started, and I’m just asking myself, Why didn’t I do this earlier?”
Or don’t finish it.
Feel the freedom of releasing one thing from your to-do list.
Tend to your natural hair texture.
It’s likely changed over the years. Not only can hair density decrease and curl patterns evolve as we age, but strands get drier and more wiry as grays grow in. “We experience decreases in our body’s lipids, cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids, and all of these are necessary to retain moisture, the strength of the hair fiber, and a stable scalp microbiome,” says trichologist Bridgette Hill. First, assess your natural texture by letting it air-dry free of product. Then Hill suggests taking extra care by easing up on heat styling; eating a diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12; DIY weekly scalp massages; and washing with a gentle shampoo.
Do a cold plunge.
Reduce inflammation. Improve your mood. Boost the immune system. Ease anxiety and depression. Experience that high that cold converts talk about. These are just some of the benefits of submerging yourself in an ice bath or cold water for a few minutes. So vow to brave the therapeutic cold at least once. It’s a shock to the system that you may end up being into. Also: bragging rights.
Weight train (your future self will thank you).
As we age, we lose not only bone density but also precious muscle mass. There’s actually a term for it: sarcopenia. So grab some dumbbells. “Strength training with weights can help counteract this decline,” says personal trainer Alex Nunez. “Building and maintaining muscle mass not only enhances physical performance; it also supports functional abilities.” To say nothing of steadying yourself on that paddleboard and persisting in pickleball. He recommends doing it three times a week for about 20 minutes.
Revise the story you’re telling the world.
“What I want to do at 50 is change the story I tell the universe about me and me about myself,” says Oprah Daily contributor Eleni N. Gage. “The story I internalize and project is that I’m a nice, hardworking girl who is just lucky to be here. What I want to convince myself is that I’m a smart, capable person with a distinctive point of view whose opinions and thoughts matter. I’m realizing the world won’t take me seriously if I don’t think I’m worth taking seriously.”
Zhuzh your va-jay-jay.
Look into vaginal estrogen cream if you haven’t already, suggests Ghofrany. “Almost all of us will lose some elasticity in our vagina and vulva, which can cause irritation, painful sex, and UTIs.”
See one of the Seven Wonders.
Unfortunately, only one of the originals, the Great Pyramid of Giza, is still standing. But consider the modern-day magnificent seven: the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Rome’s Colosseum, and Petra in Jordan.
Just say yes.
Stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock opportunities, bring new relationships into your life, and bolster self-confidence. “I have a friend whose kids are all out of the house, and she said she’s going to say yes to everything. That was a big aha for me,” says Jennifer Bickerton, cofounder of Intersection Agency, who turned 50 this year. “I realized that I was finding excuses not to go out, take a girls’ trip, or go to a late event during the workweek—things I enjoy.” She decided to say yes and hasn’t looked back.
Eat more salmon.
Skincare guru Joanna Czech tells me that taking care of your skin is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent products and professionals. As for the lifestyle portion, she’s a salmon stan. “It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress,” says the facialist and founder of an eponymous skincare line. “This can help slow the aging process and keep skin looking vibrant.”
Dance like nobody’s watching.
There’s a reason people hang signs that say this in their homes. Dancing activates the childlike wonder in all of us, says Forward_Space founder and creative director Kristin Sudeikis. “The chemistry in our bodies immediately shifts when we move effortlessly, alchemizing possibility, release, and play.” I’ve recently become a Zumba fan. The steps are simple, my heart rate goes up while my stress goes down, and I leave with a smile. And unlike at the club, I’m one of the youngest in the room.
Visit the neighborhood where your parents grew up—ideally, with a parent.
This one’s from my 86-year-old dad. “It will help you understand your parent’s idiosyncrasies, habits, and traditions. Seeing the differences between how they grew up versus how you did will be enlightening—you’ll gain a better grasp of yourself.” I agree. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, during segregation, and visiting there with him again a few years ago helped bring his stories and lessons to life in a new way.
Take a course at the Modern Elder Academy.
With locations in Santa Fe and Baja, Mexico, its mission is to help people get unstuck and figure out the second half of their lives. There are workshops on navigating big changes, cultivating purpose, unlocking potential, and more. And there are online courses if you can’t make the trek.
Accept what doesn’t come naturally.
I’m not neat, and as much as I’ve tried to become less Oscar Madison and more Felix Unger, it’s just not me. So I call in reinforcements, whether it’s hiring a cleaning lady or investing in nice bins and drawers to help me maintain some sense of order. I’ve learned that no one has it all together, but we’re doing our darndest, and that is good enough.
Plan an epic celebration.
If there’s a time to go big or go home, it’s on a milestone birthday. My friend Lisa Price, the founder of Carol’s Daughter, has had some pretty fabulous fetes. For her birthday last year, she threw a multi-day extravaganza with a movie night, a yoga class, and a dance party. “The joy came from sharing things that I love to do, eat, and experience with loved ones in various settings,” says Price. Afterward, her niece told her that it made her realize the importance of celebrating yourself every day. Says Price, “That was the best present I could ever have received.”
Eliminate processed foods.
Fried foods, cold cuts, frozen meals, bacon, soda—they all cause inflammation and age the cells of your body. Do your best to replace them with whole, natural options like veggies, fruit, nuts, beans, and fish.
Get the hair color you’ve always wanted.
“I suggest being playful and trying new things,” says celebrity haircolorist Rita Hazan. “Skin loses some pigment as you age, so lightening up, whether with highlights or by softening your base color, mellows out any harsh tones.” I decided to add a healthy helping of Beyoncé blonde highlights pre-50, and let’s just say I’m feeling myself big-time.
Remember that the best is yet to come.
There’s so much to look forward to in this next phase. Untether the weight of your past, enjoy the present, and imagine all the mature magic yet to unfold.
You Might Also Like
