Women live longer than men, and in Australia, this usually means we can look forward to hitting our late 70s or early 80s. But would you really want to live that long if you weren’t in good health, with the mobility to enjoy it?
Because we are living longer, it makes sense that we do everything in our power to ensure we stay as healthy as possible – so that we may enjoy our grandchildren, travel, our romantic lives and adventures with friends long into our golden years.
Here at South Coastal Health and Community Services, we believe that good health comes from a commitment to mindful action. And it doesn’t matter if you are in your 20s or 60s, making healthy lifestyle changes at any age can help you slow down the ageing process – and prevent chronic disease.
So to mark Women’s Health Week, here are some of our most powerful lifestyle hacks for optimal health.
Movement truly is the best medicine
Regular physical activity is the best natural medicine there is, helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, your risk of chronic disease such as cancer, dementia and heart disease, and release feelgood chemicals that promote mental wellbeing.
It’s recommended that we each enjoy 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day to maintain strength, mobility, flexibility and healthy weight – all of which are essential to ageing well.
Sleep is a great healer
Sleep is one of those incredible things that you truly underestimate until you aren’t getting enough of it.
Healthy sleep is essential for vital for good physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, safety and productivity.
Sleep is an important factor at all stages of life. It’s restorative for mind and body alike. Women who routinely don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have weight control issues and memory problems — plus an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Start by cultivating good sleep hygiene. This means cutting alcohol to a minimum, no caffeine after 2pm, avoiding screen time within at least 30 minutes of sleep time and putting your device on sleep mode to avoid interruption. Instead of watching TV or using a computer or tablet, read a book or listen to relaxing music.
Treat yourself with a birthday well-woman checkup
You want to know what the ultimate birthday gift is? It’s good health, so why wouldn’t you schedule your annual well-woman check-up for on or around your birthday each year?
This way, you’ll never forget to have your annual preventative health check, which is the cornerstone of good health.
This annual examination is as important as your annual car service. It’s an excellent opportunity to check for serious health concerns that typically go unnoticed, including high blood pressure or rising blood sugar levels. It’s also a good time to evaluate your need for a mammogram, cervical test, sexual health test and osteoporosis screening.
Kick the ciggies or vape habit
Smoking is a nasty habit that has a negative effect on every healthy body.
It increases your risk of cancer, heart disease, gum disease, cataracts, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Plus, cigarettes stink and the habit is very unsexy.
Also, women who smoke are more likely to experience early menopause, as well as other premature ageing signs.
Eat for good health, with pleasure
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or bland. And it doesn’t mean rabbit food only.
Try to eat whole, fresh foods as often as possible – and challenge yourself to create sexy, tasty, healthful dishes to blow away your family and friends.
Try going vegetarian a couple of nights a week. Your body – and the planet – will love you for it.
Adding more fibre to your diet – think vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds – is more likely to see you maintain a lower body weight, avoid chronic illness and live longer.
Mix things up to stay vibrant
There’s nothing worse than catching yourself trapped in a monotonous routine, which feels like the quickest way to lose touch with yourself.
To stimulate your mind, put a pep in your step, a glow in your cheeks and draw some creative energy back into your life, it’s important to mix things up to keep your life interesting.
How, you ask? Turn off your phone and give yourself time each day to engage in something you love. Keep things fun but don’t be scared to challenge yourself, either. Take up kickboxing, learn to dance, join a public speaking group, study a new language, or simply go for a walk in nature.
Whatever you do, your whole being will thank you for it.