For women, turning 50 is a milestone. Society tells you it's a crossroads. Your body underscores the point. Every woman over 50 feels it.
If you have kids, they are either going off to college/university or have already graduated, your parents are aging and there may be marriage problems or job challenges. It can definitely be a stressful time. You also find that you can't abuse your body as much as when you were younger. Your body just isn't as resilient as it used to be. It's a time when women need to seriously take stock of their lifestyle habits, and make some changes.
For many women over 50, it's also a time of self-reflection - You begin thinking about your purpose in life, about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled. You may be ready for something new.
Get in touch with mind and body -- and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. To keep mind and health in optimal shape, here's some tips:
Get lots of sleep. Maybe you got along with four hours a night when you were 40, but your body can't take that abuse when you're older.
Set aside quiet time every morning. Meditate, pray, visualize your day. Read something that inspires you. Focus on self-renewal.
Be optimistic. Take time to understand what you want out of life. Find purpose and meaning. Then spread the joy to others.
Get cancer screenings. Colon screening begins at 50. Mammograms should be annual. Pap smears continue every one to three years if you are sexually active.
Check your bones with a bone density scan. Talk to your doctor about calcium and vitamin D. Get at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily.
Get an annual checkup. You need blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and thyroid tested. Also, talk to your doctor about any symptoms of depression, which can be common for women over 50. These include: persistent sadness or pessimism, feelings of worthlessness, loss of hope, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and insomnia.
Get plenty of aerobic exercise (like walking). It builds strong bones. It also reduces heart disease risk. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.
Take up yoga. Yoga is a great stretching exercise and enhances flexibility. Flexibility gives you better balance, so you don't fall -- which avoids fractures.
Have fun. Go bungee jumping, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, dancing -- whatever makes you happy. Act like you feel, and you'll feel youthful.
Eat the rainbow. It's important for women over 50 to get plenty of fruits and vegetables. And eat more fatty fish (like salmon) to get heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Learn to love whole grains, lentils, and skinless lean protein. Treat yourself to sweets, but only occasionally. When you use oils, lean toward the good ones, like extra-virgin olive oil.
Drink sensibly. For all women, not just women over 50, one alcoholic drink a night is plenty.
Find a creative outlet. It helps prevent depression -- and depression affects memory. Having a creative outlet helps stimulate your mind. Take up painting. Create a wonderful garden. Engaging your creativity stimulates your brain more than reading, and certainly more than TV.
Make your home an oasis. Eliminate clutter. Fill your home with great music, books, and friends. Withdraw and recharge when you need to.
Associate with positive-focused people. They will not drain your valuable energy with complaints. They will help you pursue the best that life has to offer.
Get in touch with mind and body -- and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. Make now the very best time of your life.
If you have kids, they are either going off to college/university or have already graduated, your parents are aging and there may be marriage problems or job challenges. It can definitely be a stressful time. You also find that you can't abuse your body as much as when you were younger. Your body just isn't as resilient as it used to be. It's a time when women need to seriously take stock of their lifestyle habits, and make some changes.
For many women over 50, it's also a time of self-reflection - You begin thinking about your purpose in life, about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled. You may be ready for something new.
Get in touch with mind and body -- and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. To keep mind and health in optimal shape, here's some tips:
Get lots of sleep. Maybe you got along with four hours a night when you were 40, but your body can't take that abuse when you're older.
Set aside quiet time every morning. Meditate, pray, visualize your day. Read something that inspires you. Focus on self-renewal.
Be optimistic. Take time to understand what you want out of life. Find purpose and meaning. Then spread the joy to others.
Get cancer screenings. Colon screening begins at 50. Mammograms should be annual. Pap smears continue every one to three years if you are sexually active.
Check your bones with a bone density scan. Talk to your doctor about calcium and vitamin D. Get at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily.
Get an annual checkup. You need blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and thyroid tested. Also, talk to your doctor about any symptoms of depression, which can be common for women over 50. These include: persistent sadness or pessimism, feelings of worthlessness, loss of hope, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and insomnia.
Get plenty of aerobic exercise (like walking). It builds strong bones. It also reduces heart disease risk. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.
Take up yoga. Yoga is a great stretching exercise and enhances flexibility. Flexibility gives you better balance, so you don't fall -- which avoids fractures.
Have fun. Go bungee jumping, rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, dancing -- whatever makes you happy. Act like you feel, and you'll feel youthful.
Eat the rainbow. It's important for women over 50 to get plenty of fruits and vegetables. And eat more fatty fish (like salmon) to get heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Learn to love whole grains, lentils, and skinless lean protein. Treat yourself to sweets, but only occasionally. When you use oils, lean toward the good ones, like extra-virgin olive oil.
Drink sensibly. For all women, not just women over 50, one alcoholic drink a night is plenty.
Find a creative outlet. It helps prevent depression -- and depression affects memory. Having a creative outlet helps stimulate your mind. Take up painting. Create a wonderful garden. Engaging your creativity stimulates your brain more than reading, and certainly more than TV.
Make your home an oasis. Eliminate clutter. Fill your home with great music, books, and friends. Withdraw and recharge when you need to.
Associate with positive-focused people. They will not drain your valuable energy with complaints. They will help you pursue the best that life has to offer.
Get in touch with mind and body -- and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. Make now the very best time of your life.
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