Wellness at Every Age
You can be well for life.
Aging is inevitable for us all. Women, in particular, will experience a range of hormonal shifts and mood swings that we need to be prepared for as we shift from our childbearing years to our golden years. Women tend to spend much of their lives caring for others, making it vitally important to give attention to our own wellness at every age to avoid burnout.
The basic foundation of good health is the same no matter your age. Eating healthy, staying active, going for regular health checkups and screenings, taking care of your mental health, and abstaining from risky behavior are all key to maintaining an overall healthy life. As a woman, you should give attention to specific areas of your health at different ages. For instance, gaining weight in your twenties is common as your body continues to develop more into an adult frame. College exams, work demands and busy social life make it more difficult to get the proper rest, food and exercise needed for this time in our lives. It is important during these years of your life to adopt healthy habits while you’re young in order to continue them throughout adulthood. Strive to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. Poor health in the later years of life does not have to be an inevitability if you learn how to take care of yourself now and live healthily.
Many women in their 30s and 40s are juggling marriage, raising kids, job demands, and ageing parents. Childbirth, nursing, and a slowing metabolism foster hormonal changes and weight gain. Getting enough sleep, at least seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, has shown to greatly reduce the effects of both of these. Mindful exercises, such as yoga or any other activity that offers you “me time”, will also help to minimize stress.
Hormonal changes continue into your 50s and 60s. These changes may cause insomnia, night sweats, mental fog, depression, and cholesterol and blood pressure concerns. To combat these effects, doctors advise eating a largely plant-based diet where ¾ of your dinner plate is filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is also important to greatly reduce or eliminate processed foods, such as soda and cheese, as much as possible to maintain a healthy weight and hormonal levels.
During your 70s and beyond, you may notice difficulty with focus, balance and agility. Your appetite and sleep cycle may change too. Do as much as possible to prevent falls around your home, making sure you are living in a safe environment. Develop a daily schedule for meals, bedtime and waking time to keep your body in a consistent routine. Exercise and annual visits to your doctor remain vital at this age.
The key to wellness throughout your life, and especially during your golden years, is to start while you’re young. Your golden years can be lived just as well as your early years with proper care of your overall health: spirit, soul and body. Eat right, exercise regularly, keep your mind challenged, and remain socially engaged with friends, family and neighbors for optimal health for life.
https://www.henryford.com/blog/2018/02/womans-guide-wellness-advice
Kimberly Raybon, originally from Milwaukee, WI, lives in Charlotte, NC and is a wife of 21 years, a mother of three, as well as a Minister, teacher, and writer. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Master degrees in Health Studies, Accounting Information Systems, and Ministry. In her pastime she loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and teaching to reach as many as possible with the Gospel of Christ.
