Did you realize that older women are more likely than men to have chronic conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and high blood pressure? As an aging woman, one of the main things you need to be concerned about is your health. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to improve your health and age gracefully.
While some of the changes you have to make will be difficult, the results they can produce make them worth the effort. Read below to find out some great health tips for older women.
Regular Health Screenings Are Important
One of the main things you need to do to keep your body in pristine shape as you age is to invest in routine health screenings. There are a number of womens health test kits on the market that you can use to get an idea of how well your body is holding up. Not only do you need to use at-home test kits, but you also need to schedule appointments with your primary care doctor to have other diagnostic tests run.
When trying to get an assessment of your health, you need to conduct tests for things like:
- Diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Bone health
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Hearing/vision tests
- Dental check-ups
By taking the time to get routine health screenings, you can discover problems early on. Discovering serious health problems like cancer early on can help you overcome them with minimal damage to your body.
Be Mindful Of Your Diet
A recent study found that nearly 15% of women in the United States over the age of 18 were in poor health. A bad diet is one of the main things that can cause health problems. Taking the time to assess what you’re putting in your body on a daily basis is crucial. As you get older, it is important to eat a rainbow of healthy foods to keep your body running like a well-oiled machine.
You can start improving your diet by consuming up to five servings of fruits/vegetables daily. You also need to focus on eating fiber-rich foods like chicken, fatty meats, and cheeses. Consuming more dairy products can also help you strengthen your bones. Foods like fish are also great for heart health. If you are unsure about what you need to eat on a daily basis, consult with a nutritionist. With their assistance, you can develop a meal plan easily.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Few things are as enjoyable as spending time outdoors. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you need to realize the importance of protecting your skin. Failing to wear sunscreen can result in lots of problems over time. Things like skin cancer are far more common in women that don’t wear sunscreen outdoors.
You can increase the amount of protection your skin has by wearing a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. If you notice any abnormal skin growths or rashes, getting them checked out by medical professionals is a must.
Give Your Brain a Workout
Cognitive diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s affect older women more. If you want to keep your brain healthy, then giving it a workout on a daily basis is vital. You can do this by putting together puzzles, reading a book, or learning a new skill. Not only can these activities be enjoyable, but they also provide your brain with a much-needed workout.
Now that you know more about staying healthy as you age, it is time to get to work. Implementing the tips in this article can make you feel better both physically and mentally.
