5 Ways to Support Your Body as You Age
5 Ways to Support
Your Body as You Age
Does your body feel a little different at this age, compared to when you were 20 or even 30?
The passage of time can cause our bodies to feel and work a little differently than they did when we were younger.
Age can also change what our bodies and minds need to feel healthy and strong.
Responding to those changes proactively can help you continue to feel really good as you age.
Below, we share five needs that may be shifting and how to meet those needs to better enjoy every phase of life.
1. Sleep
The hormone changes that come with the transition to menopause can bring with them a host of challenges, including insomnia. Many women report waking up multiple times a night and struggling to get back to sleep.
So while our need for sleep doesn’t change much, getting the sleep we require to feel good often becomes more challenging.
A healthy sleep regimen may help.
To start, try to reserve your bedroom for sleep only—so no television, phone scrolling or work in the bedroom.
Keep the temperature in your bedroom low at night, especially if you suffer from hot flashes, or invest in a cooling pillow or blanket.
Blue light, which is generated by phones, tablets and televisions can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle, so try to avoid them for at least 2 hours before bedtime or use a blue light filter if you must use them.
Finally, if you can, pay attention to your natural sleep cycle (which might be changing) and try to follow it.
That may mean going to sleep or waking up earlier or later to sync with your natural rhythms. Feeling especially tired? Enjoy an afternoon nap. A 15-minute nap finished before 2 p.m. can help revive you without leaving you groggy or further affecting your nighttime sleep.
2. Iron
Iron deficiency is very common in women, especially among those who still have a period. However, iron deficiency doesn’t go away after periods cease.
Gut changes that come with age can also make it tougher to absorb enough of this vital element from your food.
Since iron deficiency can mimic a lot of other health problems, including hormone imbalance (something else that’s very common near menopause), it’s important to check in if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
If you’re losing hair, have very dry skin or brittle nails, or experience fatigue or a lower sex drive, it’s worth checking with your doctor to see if an iron supplement could help.
3. Self-care
While we need self-care throughout our lives, it becomes especially important as we age. Stress, lack of sleep and isolation can take a bigger toll on our health as we grow older.
That means that finding ways to reduce stress, get enough rest and spend time with friends or family are all more important during this phase of life.
Making time for self-care every day is the best way to mitigate the effects of these stresses on your body and health.
Whether it’s a spa treatment, an afternoon nap, lunch with the girls or something else, try to make some time for self-care every single day.
4. Moisture
As we age, our skin tends to become thinner and drier. Drinking plenty of water is one way to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Most experts recommend women consume 80-92 ounces of water per day—that includes water from everything (non-alcoholic) they drink and the foods they eat. If you live in a hot or dry climate or work out, you may need more.
Then moisturize your skin with a high-quality, all-natural moisturizer, like Boomsilk®.
This certified organic moisturizer contains extra virgin olive oil, beeswax and honey to soothe and hydrate your skin from head to toe.
5. Exercise (but maybe not the kind you think)
Everyone of every age can benefit from exercise. Women in menopause may also benefit from pelvic floor exercise.
Your pelvic floor is the layer of muscles between your tailbone and your pubic bone. Childbirth, hormone shifts and aging can all cause these muscles to weaken, leading to urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and more.
Up to 50% of women in menopause suffer from urinary incontinence due to a weak pelvic floor—regardless of childbearing status.
Certain exercises can help strengthen these muscles and reduce symptoms.
If you frequently leak urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze or jump, you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess the state of your pelvic floor and help you develop a plan to get back into shape.
Life at every age is joyous and beautiful. Giving yourself and your body a little extra attention in these years can only add to the fun.
Have you noticed your body’s needs changing at this age? Tell us about it in the comments below.
CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT
7 Makeup Tips for Glasses Wearers
Simplify Your Makeup with this Cosmetic
Pro-age Makeup Tips for Bold, Dazzling Eyes
5 Makeup Tips for Older Women
6 Tips for Taking Photos and Videos
What to Do About Dark Circles and
Puffy Eyes
First Impressions: Boom Bright™ Mascara
