As a woman in her fifties, I have experienced how the joyous enthusiasm of youth can give way to the quiet and dignified pragmatism of maturity. This has been a process to journey through as well as an outpouring of self-awareness. Once you’re well past your twenties and have established yourself (hopefully) in the career, home life and relationship you love and want, you have the opportunity to reinvent yourself. However, in order to arrive at that stage, we call “later in life,” you will need to take care of yourself. Here are 6 areas of health to maintain for a better, longer life.
Areas Of Health To Maintain #1: Mental and Emotional State
Assess your mental health regularly, as we become more susceptible to mental illnesses the older we get. Problems can, of course, occur genetically but can also develop through a harmful, negative lifestyle and behavior. Establishing a long-term primary relationship can wreak havoc on your emotions and cause depression or anxiety for some women. Hopefully, you know yourself better than anyone and can analyze your mental and emotional state easily. If you have ongoing symptoms that don’t seem normal to you, see your doctor or a therapist.
Areas Of Health To Maintain #2: Lifestyle
It’s important to maintain a healthful lifestyle as far as your habits. Finding balance with entertainment, indulgences, and spending can help keep you happy and fulfilled. When we go over the edge with things like smoking, drinking, and excessive shopping, we set ourselves up for consequences on the back end. I say the best way to stay safe is not to be there in the first place. Don’t start smoking or self-soothing with any type of substance at all. And setting a budget every month will help keep your finances in check.
Areas Of Health To Maintain #3: Attitude
Living positively, honestly, and with purpose and direction is the best preventative measure to keep you happy, viable, and sharp. Always feeling disappointed or sad because things don’t go your way is the sure-fire ticket to illness and unhappiness. The key isn’t to just feel positive when things are positive. Instead, it’s about loving yourself and your life even when it’s in the shit hole. I’ve had plenty of experience with that.
Areas Of Health To Maintain #4: Physical Body
Remember, your body won’t do you any favors as you age, and it’s important to accept this. That said, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on physical fitness. On the contrary, it’s even more important to move as we get older. No, you may not be able to do all the things you did in your twenties, but that’s OK. Find what works for you at every stage of life and just do it!
Areas Of Health To Maintain #5: Teeth and Gums
You remember when your mom made you go to the dentist when you were a kid? Well, she knew what was best for you. Taking care of your mouth is one of the most important things we can do as we age. Just as with our bodies, teeth and gums become more susceptible to problems every decade we live. Pay attention to exactly what is going on in your mouth. Don’t leave anything to chance, especially pain and unusual symptoms. For example, an abscess or severe gum disease can lead to serious complications. Be informed about what to expect for oral care. Certainly, don’t treat your gum boil until you read this if you’re experiencing one. Be sure to keep on top of your visits to your hygienists, doctors, and regularly attend scanned checkups the moments you experience something out of the ordinary.
Areas Of Health To Maintain #6: Social Life
Another fixture of a positive and healthful life is your social health. Human beings need other human beings in their life. We need intellectual stimulation, as well as touch to stay mentally and physically healthy. Isolating yourself or shying away from relationships could be a sign of emotional or mental imbalance. Try to maintain relationships by keeping in touch with friends and family. Do things that you enjoy with people. In later life, these activities may change, but that is perfectly normal.
Staying healthy in these areas of our lives takes dedication and perseverance. It’s not always easy to change or stay balanced. Life can certainly throw some curve balls at times. The important thing is to do what you can to love your life no matter what your age. Take care of yourself through it all.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.