Spotlight on Well-Being: Healthy Aging
According to the National Council on Aging, it is estimated that older adults age 65+ are expected to represent 22% of the American population in 2040. Healthy aging is a continuous process of optimizing opportunities to maintain and improve physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life throughout the life course.
Healthy aging means different things to different people. To some, it means staying well enough to do the things you enjoy as you get older. Being active, eating healthy foods, and learning how to deal with stress can delay or even prevent health issues that come with age. Learn more about what to expect as you get older and how to feel your best.
If you’re an older adult and being active isn't part of your life, deciding to get more active can be the hardest part. But with practice, you can make physical activity so routine that it just becomes part of your day—like brushing your teeth and getting dressed. Follow some simple steps you can take to make physical activity part of your routine.
Good nutrition helps you stay strong and reduces the risk of disease. But as you get older, it can be harder to eat in healthy ways. If you have health problems or can't be active, you may not feel as hungry as you used to. You may not plan and make meals as often. So, what can you do? Discover solutions to five eating challenges that older adults often face.
Although personal and family history can impact what health screenings and vaccinations are recommended, there are general guidelines based on age that you should follow.
With long life becoming increasingly common, more Americans realize that their retirement plans must address needs that arise over a longer life span. Individuals must consider their health resources, modified living arrangements, and long-term care options to best prepare for a long, healthy life ahead.
Menopause is the general term used to describe the time in a woman’s life when she may experience symptoms related to fluctuating and ultimately falling hormone levels, when she will eventually stop having monthly periods. Medically, menopause is defined by the day following 12 consecutive months without a period.
Stages of Menopause
- Perimenopause. On average this occurs between ages 45-50. During perimenopause hormone levels start to fluctuate and you may experience menopause symptoms which could include anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, and brain fog amongst many others. Periods generally change in regularity and/or duration.
- Menopause. Defined by 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age women experience menopause is 51.
- Postmenopause. The time in your life after menopause.
Not everyone will experience symptoms; approximately one in four have no symptoms at all. Some will have symptoms for a few months and others for several years. The average time span for menopause symptoms is between four and eight years. Symptoms can come and go during perimenopause, with some symptoms fading away while others become more problematic. Less well known is that some women will continue to experience menopausal symptoms for the rest of their lives.
All women need regular checkups and screening tests throughout their lives.
Get support with this transition with the Caria Health App.