Buzz
In the coming years, the number of women aged 50 and older will rise significantly. As women age, they encounter unique health challenges that begin around age 50 and continue throughout their lives. Older women are at a higher risk for conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and diabetes compared to younger women. Lung cancer leads to the most cancer-related deaths in women, followed by breast cancer and colon cancer. Certain women may face an elevated risk for one or more of these conditions. Your family's medical history and lifestyle choices before and after menopause can influence these health risks in the future.
Staying active in later life can significantly improve your health. Here’s how physical activity benefits you:
- Weight training enhances overall muscle strength, ligament and tendon durability, and bone density. This not only improves balance and walking ability but also promotes independence and reduces the risk of falls. Strength training, whether through weightlifting or resistance exercises, can also prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis and alleviate arthritis pain.
- Engaging in regular exercise like swimming and running boosts your heart rate and helps reduce the hardening and blockage of arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
- Physically active women are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. For women already diagnosed with diabetes, regular exercise can aid in managing the condition by enhancing the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Exercise also helps prevent weight gain, which is a significant risk factor for diabetes.
Using Medications Responsibly
Nearly half of older Americans take several medications each day. These prescriptions are meant to enhance quality of life or manage serious health conditions that can arise with age. However, as we age, our bodies process medications differently. The more medications you take, the higher the risk of experiencing side effects. Additionally, incorrect medication use can reduce their effectiveness or even make them dangerous.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the numerous bottles in your medicine cabinet? If you're on multiple medications, it's crucial to stay organized, especially if you visit different doctors for various health concerns. Each doctor should be aware of the medications prescribed by others. Keeping a detailed record of all the medicines you take—including over-the-counter products—can help ensure your safety. This includes medications like:
- aspirin or other pain, headache, or fever relievers
- allergy medications
- antacids
- cold remedies
- cough syrups
- diet pills or supplements
- laxatives
- sleep aids
- vitamins
- minerals
- herbal supplements
Copyright 2003 National Women's Health Resource Center Inc. (NWHRC)
