Prevention and planning are vital to the health of women over 50.
Women have some different health-care needs than men. This is especially true for women over 50 who have passed through their reproductive years. Even though much of the same health advice for men can apply to women---stop smoking, limit alcoholic intake, get regular exercise and watch your diet---there are things that any woman over 50 should do to safeguard her physical, mental and financial health.
Financial Health
Retirement can be an intimidating prospect, financially and emotionally. Proper financial planning for retirement and setting proper savings and investment goals with a financial planner can provide peace of mind. Creating a will and making a career succession plan also give a sense of well-being and control about the future.
Mental Health
Good mental health is vital for the overall health of women of any age, but women over 50 have issues to deal with that are unique to their age group. Speaking with a therapist about life changing issues such as losing children to adulthood, mid-life questions about purpose and goals, and preparing for retirement helps place these issues in perspective.
Exercise
Good health habits at 50 can prevent major issues later and prevent higher retirement health costs. Poor health as a senior can quickly obliterate retirement savings. Osteoporosis is a serious but common problem for women over 50. To combat the worst effects, they should add mild weight bearing and flexibility promoting activities to their exercise routine. According to MayoClinic.com, exercise that strengthens muscles helps prevent osteoporosis by slowing mineral loss and reducing fractures, while improved flexibility enhances balance and prevents serious, debilitating falls.
Diet
Eating a diet rich in healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, meats and soy promotes more energy, better digestive health, and helps regulate hormones thrown out of whack by menopause. According to the University of Chicago's Dr. Clare M. Hasler, among others, soy can help as a natural hormone replacement that can soothe the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes. It may also be beneficial in fighting osteoporosis.
Tests and Screenings
Periodic health screenings and testing are important for women over 50, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. They recommend annual mammograms to detect early symptoms of breast cancer, as well as annual bone density tests to look for signs of bone loss. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer and bone loss significantly reduce the impact these conditions have on life expectancy and quality. Cholesterol testing and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer are other common tests for women in this age group.
Medications
Preventative drugs may be advisable for women who are at greater risk for serious conditions due to heredity or lifestyle. Women who have a family history of heart disease and have some of the warning signs such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol may need to take a daily dose of aspirin. Others with a family history of breast cancer could benefit from taking drugs shown to prevent breast cancer. Estrogen replacement therapy may be beneficial for some women. Women over 50 should talk to their doctor about beneficial medications and the risks involved with taking them.
Tags: breast cancer, women over, bone loss, family history, have some, health women
