Guide for Women: How to Be Healthy at Every Age

Taking care of your physical and mental health should always be our priority. Yet still, we often neglect our health and remember to pay attention to it only when there’s a problem. But, there are things you should be doing to stay strong, healthy and sharp, and reduce the negative health effects of aging. Follow these decade-to-decade tips and you’ll be wild in your youth, strong in your middle age and healthy and happy in your senior years!

The Roaring Twenties
This period of life might seem like a breeze! However, you can expect a lot of stress during these years due to college, career, money management and relationships. And, since it can contribute to major physical and psychological problems like weight gain, skin blemishes, thyroid issues, stomach problems and depression, make sure to reduce and manage stress. Another thing very important in your 20s is regular gynecologist appointments. Get regular pap smears and STI screenings to prevent everything from cervical cancer to herpes. Also, even well in your 20s, your bones are still developing (bone development doesn’t stop until you enter your 30s), so make sure to eat plenty of high-calcium foods or consider supplements. Make sure to have plenty of calcium in store, since you can expect to lose bone density as you age.

The Turbulent Thirties
One of the most important health-related things you can do in your 30s is eat well and stay active. As you get older, your metabolism starts to slow down and you’re risking gaining weight unless you keep up with your healthy habits. Having regular pap smears at this age (every 2 or 3 years if you’re not at risk) is also very important. This test will diagnose any type of cervical cancer and can even detect. If you’ve had children, make sure to do your pelvic floor exercises to engage these damaged muscles. But, if you’re only planning to conceive, make sure to check your thyroid and your blood sugar. Clean eating can also help control your hormones during this time and improve your fertility. During this time of your life, you should also consult with your family members and discus any hereditary issues your doctor needs to know about.

The Fighting Forties
Aside from eating healthy and exercising, women in their 40s should pay extra attention to their mental health. Depression and stress are serious risks during this period of life, especially if you’re trying to manage your family and your career. Have regular “me times”, try meditation, hang out with friends and improve your sleep schedule. Reducing stress is also important for your cardiovascular health. Women in their 40s are entering a high-risk age for stroke. But, if you manage your blood pressure and have regular chest screening for cancers, you’ll be out of the red. Menopause is another problem that starts in the 40s. Some women start their perimenopause (the stage before menopause), so as soon as you notice any period changes, increase in menstrual pain or even libido decrease, make sure to see your GP.

The Fabulous Fifties
If you took good care of your health, your 50s can indeed be fabulous—your kids are all grown up, your career is stable and your relationships are strong! So, in order to make them the best years of your life, make sure to exercise your body to retain muscles, strength, balance and coordination. However, don’t neglect your brain! In our 50s, our memory usually starts to decline and we start to forget certain things, names and even faces which can be very stressful. However, if you exercise your brain every day, you will stay sharp, have quick reflexes and good memory! Also, during this time, you’ll be probably entering menopause and experience all sorts of hormonal changes, so stay in touch with your gynecologist.

The Swinging Sixties
There’s one very sad occurrence that starts in your 60s and that’s loneliness. At this time of your life, you’ll start to lose important people in your life, grow apart or simply start feeling a bit antisocial. All of these can lead to depression, anxiety and various related health issues. Luckily, there are many amazing ways to stay social, even if you don’t have any family or friends. Today, you can move to a modern aged care facility that promotes the sense of community, encourages friendliness and allows a full freedom of movement. These communities also offer different group activities so you can be surrounded by people. Plus, you’ll have an amazing medical care, as well as house companions who can tend to your cares. Aside from dealing with loneliness, you must stay physically active with an emphasis on weight training. As you grow older, your bones lose density, you start losing muscle mass and start experiencing joint pain. Regular exercise and weight training can keep your fit and strong which will protect you from falls and injuries.

The Serene Seventies
Many people report their 70s to be the best part of their lives! You’re retired, have plenty of time and money to pursue your interests and have no social obligations! However, at this age, you must stay safe from falls that can seriously endanger your life. Make sure to practice flexibility, balance and your reflexes! Also, make sure to have regular blood pressure, cholesterol and bone density screenings and test your eyesight and hearing every year!