As of 2022, life expectancy for women in the United States is 81 years, and you may live much longer than that. Taking care of your health can help you celebrate more birthdays and increase the quality of your life. You know that women tend to live longer than men. However, you may be surprised to learn that women are at higher risk for many conditions that are common in old age. That includes cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medical care can help prevent and treat many of these issues. We always need to keep up to date on important Women’s Health Tips!
Challenges Women Face
Our wisdom and compassion often increase as we grow older, but so do our health challenges. More than 85% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and more than 60% have more than one. Plus, these figures are even higher for women than for men. Natural changes like menopause and your family medical history play a part, but a healthy lifestyle can help you stay as strong and independent as possible in the years ahead.
Healthy Tips for Women
Dealing with Menopause
The average age of menopause is 52. This natural decline in reproductive hormones affects your body in many ways. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can last for several years or more, but usually decrease in frequency and intensity over time. These strategies can help you to deal with the symptoms of menopause:
- Fight weight gain. Many women notice their body weight increasing after menopause. To make matters worse, the extra pounds tend to accumulate around your waistline, where they increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It becomes even more important to choose nutrient dense foods and avoid empty calories.
- Manage hot flashes. Preventing obesity will lower your risk for hot flashes too. Meanwhile, you may find quick relief by dressing in layers and sipping cold drinks. Stay cool. Limit triggers like alcohol and caffeine. Keep a fan next to your bed. If you need more help, talk with your doctor about whether hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you.
- Adjust your diet. The way you eat can reduce some of the health risks and discomfort associated with menopause. Choose foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to slow down bone loss. Skip spicy dishes and caffeine if they trigger hot flashes.
- Manage stress. Stress can aggravate hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Meditate daily and think positive. Here are some of the best hot tea choices you can try to help reduce stress and anxiety!
Other Health Secrets
Menopause is just one of the changes you’re likely to experience as you grow older, but there are also some big advantages. Multiple studies confirm that stress drops and happiness peaks in old age. Try these techniques to deal with other changes as you age:
- Drink in moderation. Government surveys show that alcohol use has increased in women over 60 during the past two decades. Keep in mind that your sensitivity to alcohol increases as you age. Talk with your doctor or call a hotline if you’re having trouble managing your drinking.
- Pamper your eyes. Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness. Regular eye exams can enable early detection and treatment for a wide range of issues that often develop gradually after 40. It also helps to quit smoking, wear sunglasses, and take breaks from screen time. I personally wear sunglasses ALL the time when outside. Due to the nature of our business, this is a must!
- Check your hearing. About one in three adults experiences some hearing loss by the age of 65. That damage usually accumulates over the years, so start protecting your ears as soon as possible. That includes minimizing your exposure to loud noises and wearing safety gear when necessary.
- Work out. Physical exercise can help you manage your weight, increase muscle mass, strengthen your bones, and condition your heart. Design a balanced program of resistance training, aerobics, and stretching.
More Serious Health Risks to Avoid
- Condition your heart. You’re about 5 times more likely to have heart disease after you turn 40. Aerobic exercise, along with a diet high in fiber and low in unhealthy fats, can help your heart stay strong.
- Increase your balance. Avoid falls by becoming steadier on your feet. Practice yoga or just stand on one foot while you’re talking on the phone.
- Sleep well. You may find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep these days. Stick to a consistent schedule and block out nighttime noises. Check out this natural sleep drop if you have issues sleeping.
- Watch your blood pressure. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise as plaque deposits stiffen your arteries over the years. Losing weight, exercising, and limiting salt may help you to avoid needing medication.
- Build your muscles. Slow down muscle loss, and thicken your bones with strength training. Lift weights or try movements that use your own body weight for resistance, like planks and pushups.
- Stay connected. Your mental and physical health are closely related, so being isolated can cause physical symptoms, like high blood pressure and weakened immunity. Spend time with family and friends. Join a club or visit your neighborhood senior center. Make a point to learn something new each day!
Conclusion
While genetics play a role in how you age, staying informed and making healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent and manage many of the conditions that come with aging. If you’re a woman over 40, start now to maximize your chances of staying mentally sharp and physically fit in your golden years by incorporating these Women’s Health Tips!
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Related Topics:
Emotional Intelligence Social Skills
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Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
Whitney Stewart
This was a very enlightening post. As women get older, serious health issues become more of an issue as the years progress. And even through I’m still relatively young, it’s never too early to think about that stuff! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kelly
You’re welcome! And yes, it is never too early to work on yur health!
Debbie
Great and informative read. These women’s health tips resonate with me as I’m in my early 40s. Thank you for the helpful information.
Kelly
You’re welcome!
Luna S
Great information! I think all of these tips will help out quite a bit, using sunscreen more I find is also a helpful tid bit.
Kelly
I have not heard that before! I will need to try it!
Julie
I’m at that golden age of 52. I’m checking out your tea and sleep drop recommendations. Thanks for sharing all of this great information and women’s health tips.
Kelly
You’re welcome! I hope it helps!
beth
We deal with many health problems such as menopause or adult acne as we age. It can be stressful but thank you for the tips. I’m sure a lot of people can use them.
Kelly
You’re welcome!
Tweenselmom
I never thought about getting my hearing checked, only. my eyesight. Doing that now asap 😀
Kelly
I get my hearing checked about once a year!
Patricia Chamberlain
These are great tips for women’s health! I went into surgical menopause several years ago, and the hot flashes are no joke!
Kelly
No they are not! I am going through it now!
MELANIE E
This is all practical and useful advice. Making healthy choices is very important.
Kelly
Yes it is!
Olga
I like your easy but essential tips! The last couple of months, I don’t pay attention to my diet and work out because I feel so much stress. I hope in the next couple of weeks Ill find some energy to take care of my body.
Kelly
I hope your stress level subsides!!!
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
Stress is currently my biggest problem. I have a lot going on all at once, and it’s so stressful. Thank you for these tips.
Kelly
I hope things calm down for you!
Rose Ann Sales
This is a really great and very informative post! These advice are so helpful and practical thanks for sharing this with us!
Kelly
Thank you!
Clarice
This post is an eye-opener. Thank you for reminding me that it is about time to start taking care of my eyes. I realized that I am not really doing a good job. I also need to do something to avoid these more serious health risks.
Kelly
Better late than never!
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiiccceeee…I recommend daily exercising, if they must! I can’t state the benefits that come out of exercising everyday for women and everybody else, in general!
Kelly
That is a solid recommendation!
Brooke
Great article! The key to preventing is to start a healthy lifestyle early! It doesn’t matter what age, it’s always good to start having a healthy lifestyle!
Kelly
Excellent advise!
Neely Moldovan
My health is a huge priority for me. My mom is 71 and still exercises and eats really well!
Kelly
That is fantastic! She is doing it right!
Monidipa Dutta
Kelly your post is really good and true to the core. Tbh, I’m 29 and already face so many issues I’m afraid what will happen when I’m 50.
Kelly
I hope you start working towards better health!!!! My family and I have holistic for over 17 years and although we have very few issues!
Christiana
This post is very informative and I’m glad I came across it. It’s so important that as we grow older we must ensure to stay informed about our health.
Kelly
Absolutely true! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Afaq Ishtiaq
Great article! The key to preventing is to start a healthy lifestyle early! It doesn’t matter what age, it’s always good to start having a healthy lifestyle!
Kelly
That is so true!
Maree
Regarding sleep issues, I have frequently read it is important sleep in a room that is completely dark. Our MB has patio doors that allow natural night light, and that means lots of light when there is a full moon. I also like having a night light that allows me to move around safely at night.
I do have problems sleeping all night and also getting back to sleep if I wake up. I chose to cover the windows in the basement and sleep there for three weeks, and my quality of sleep was greatly improved in a totally dark environment. Now, I am checking out window coverings for the patio door. I really do want to get back in my own bed.
Kelly
You need to get black out curtains! We have those for our bedroom and they work great. They have a heavy lining on the back that blocks out light!
David
Women encounter some serious health concerns oftentimes when it comes to staying healthy. You have made the list very much useful for modern women stay healthy and fit.
Kelly
Thank you!