People say that “life starts at 40”. Well, age 40 may be the moment when you actually achieve your dreams and move towards self-actualization. But, sometimes people don’t realize that subtle changes are occurring during 40s. For women, some common health shifts experienced are metabolism (slowing by 2% per decade), muscle (down by 6 to 7 pounds), bone (dropping by about 1% a year), stress, and depression.
That is why you need to watch your habits so you can stay fit in your great years after 40. Here are some tips you can follow:
Cut down junk foods
Cutting down on junk foods to help keep you healthy and fit. Make sure that you eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. If you drink alcohol, limit consumption to no more than one drink per day. If you usually run to alcohol when you’re feeling stressed, switch your stress-relieving habit into taking time for yourself and relax.
Boost calcium and vitamin D
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that women in their 40s get 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D every day from foods like milk or salmon, along with supplements if needed. Both are essential for strong bones.
Manage your stress
Stress levels can be high whatever age you are, but there’s no doubt that women in their 40s need to juggle career and household matters. Make sure you have time for yourself and try to relax as they are ways to combat stress and anxiety.
Watch the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the biggest killer so try to keep coronary risk factors as low as possible. If you’re smoking, try to quit as it is the biggest risk factor for heart disease. Maintain your ideal weight by following the right and healthy diet and taking regular exercise.
Take medical check-ups and tests
The lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is now one in eight for women, and the disease becomes increasingly common after the age of 40. You also need to take cervical smear tests every three years, because even women who have had children can still get cervical cancer.
Women over 40 also need to take regular eye examinations, since eyesight tends to deteriorate with age. One condition that an optometrist can test for is glaucoma. This is a serious eye condition characterized by high fluid pressure within the eyeball, which can lead to damaged vision and may cause blindness.
Go out with girlfriends
Relaxing with friends reduces stress and boosts self-esteem. Women with extensive social networks through family, work, volunteer organizations, religious groups, or hobbies have lower blood pressure, less diabetes, and reduced risk of heart diseases.
While in your 40s, don’t forget to stay healthy, fit, and fabulous! Don’t let ageing prevent you from doing whatever you want and be productive. Age is just a number, right?
