Your body undergoes many changes once you cross the 50-year mark. You experience vision/hearing loss, your immune system becomes weaker, and your bones don’t remain as strong as before. Then menopause kicks in; your skin gets drier and you experience frequent mood swings. But these unique challenges will just beget more opportunities for self-reflection, personal growth, and increased wellness. Navigate this chapter of your life with confidence and continue improving your well-being.
Here are a few simple ways women over 50 can improve their quality of life very easily:
- Get regular screenings
Aging increases your vulnerability to different chronic ailments. For instance, most breast cancer cases emerge in women aged 50. Detecting a disease at its onset can increase longevity and overall quality of life. Stay proactive about screenings such as mammograms and bone density tests. You should also consider staying up-to-date with Pap smears, colonoscopies, and annual check-ups.
- Rekindle your sex life
Sexual health is a part of your overall well-being. So, find ways to spice up your sex life and be intimate with your loved ones. Regular intercourse in your 50s doesn’t only make you feel refreshed; it also boosts your self-confidence and serves as an enjoyable physical exercise.
But menopause causes a decline in estrogen levels, and she suffers from vaginal burning as the vagina walls become thin and dry. However, there are a few ways to reconstruct the vagina. In the process called vaginal rejuvenation or vaginoplasty, the vaginal tissues are tightened for better control and strength. This process is helpful for ladies who were badly affected by childbirth in their younger days. A vaginal rejuvenation process promises you the following great benefits:
- Better aesthetics
- Avoid urinal leakage
- Better sexual sensation
- Prevents vaginal irritation
- More confidence in your skin
- Take care of your skin
The signs of aging appear more clearly on your skin as it begins to sag and lose moisture. You should develop a skincare routine that includes sunscreen, hydration, and anti-aging skincare products. That’s how you can keep your skin healthy and youthful, looking young even in your fifties.
Apply moisturizer on your skin daily and wash your face at least twice a day. Stay away from sunbathing or tanning salons. Use quality creams and lotions on your skin. Protect your skin from the sun by avoiding going out of the house without wearing sunglasses and a large hat.
- Stay active and exercise
As you grow older, you tend to engage in fewer physical activities and lean toward leading a sedentary lifestyle. Data shows that 31 million U.S. adults back in 2014 were physically inactive! However, being physically active is necessary for older women to retain their wellness and prevent the risk of costly, chronic ailments. Adopting active hobbies (like walking, jogging, dancing, and cycling) will easily restore your energy levels, uplift your mood, and help you sleep better at night.
- Take care of your heart
Aging takes a toll on your entire body, but no organ is more sensitive to aging than your heart (or your skin). Not many older women seem to take really good care of their hearts. Research shows that merely 50% of women under 55 who had a heart attack thought they were vulnerable to a heart attack. Heart diseases are the number-one woman-killer in America as well.
So, prioritize heart health after your 50th birthday and include more heart-healthy foods in your diet. Eat more berries, seafood, avocados, olive oil, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, cottage cheese, beans and legumes, and other expert-recommended edibles in your 50s.
- Consume less sodium
High sodium intake amplifies the chances of stroke and hypertension. That’s why you should cut down on your daily sodium intake and only eat 1,500 mg of it every day. If it means eating less fast food, then that’s a sacrifice you have to make in your 50s. Instead of using sodium to flavor your food, switch to herbs, salsa, and citrus juice to make your meals more tangy.
- Drink a lot of fluids
To be honest, 50 seems like the perfect age to curb your alcoholic dependency and eliminate this silent killer from your life. Aging makes it harder to maintain balance after booze and your chances of slipping and falling increase; your thinner bones can make a single unexpected slip a major healthcare expense.
Instead of drinking alcohol, keep yourself hydrated healthily. Drinking more water will bolster your essential bodily functions, such as digestion and blood circulation. Hydration is your key to wellness.
- Get your beauty sleep
Sleeping well at night is important to wake up fresh every morning and be productive all day. However, women aged 50 may experience sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep-related issues. One theory is that, as your body produces less melatonin as you age, it disrupts your sleep-wake cycle and prevents you from getting enough rest.
If you suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to a doctor immediately. Leaving this disorder untreated leads to heart problems and high blood pressure.
- Manage your stress
Women are disproportionately affected by mental health disorders. Surveys show that women are 1.5 times more likely to develop a depressive disorder than men. Aging also contributes to the risk factor for older women. That’s why you should find ways to manage your stress in your 50s.
Acquire new hobbies, find active pastimes, socialize with your loved ones, go out in nature more often, and write down your thoughts in a journal to overcome negative emotions. Regulate your feelings by performing yoga and mindfulness. Try therapy if it becomes necessary for your health.
- Reevaluate your finances
Last but not least, reassess your financial situation once you enter your fifties. Studies show that women in their 50s are at risk of being among the working poor and may go through extreme poverty after retirement. Since roughly 4 in 10 women in their 50s say that the economy isn’t working well for them, it’s time you take your finances into control and reassess your retirement or savings plan.
Conclusion
Celebrating your 50th birthday is an incredible milestone to achieve. However, don’t let your declining well-being stop you from navigating this amazing part of your life with vitality and confidence. It’s time you manage your stress, get regular sleep, eat nutrition-rich meals, and follow a skincare routine faithfully. Consider vaginal rejuvenation to spice up your sex life. Drink less alcohol and quit smoking. These tips can help you enjoy your golden years and live the rest of your life stress-free.