Logic tells us that age brings changes, but that doesn’t mean there are lurking realities surrounding aging. Some age-related changes have long been considered taboo, leaving women to experience them silently. However, the more you know about aging, the better you can prepare and support your changing body and mind.
Table of Contents
1. Your Libido Might Surprise You
You might expect your libido to decrease as you age, but many women report differently. However, decreases in estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort, making sex less appealing. Use a vaginal moisturizer to restore hydration to vaginal tissue. This can help improve overall comfort levels, and, when the mood strikes, intimacy won’t lose its appeal.
2. Aging Affects Your Smile
These days, it seems like more food is getting stuck between your teeth. While your diet may have changed, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Over time, gums naturally recede, leaving larger gaps for spinach and other common culprits behind. Keep up with your regular dental cleanings to maintain oral health and support bone health with exercise and supplements.
3. Your Favorite Foods May Feel Different
Your favorite foods may start giving you a run for your money. If you’ve noticed that your Friday pizza tradition has resulted in more bloating than ever, it may be age-related. Dairy, gluten, and high-fat foods often become harder to tolerate and acid reflux can become more common. Women who’ve been pregnant often report gut changes, which may be hormone-related or due to body changes in pregnancy. As you age, the esophageal sphincter weakens, making reflux more likely.
4. Your Body’s Shape Evolves
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, your belly is holding more fat. Menopause often brings weight gain, even if you are maintaining the same diet and exercise regimen. Estrogen plays a key role in fat storage and as it decreases fat stores shift from the hips and thighs to the midsection. Diet and exercise adjustments can help jumpstart your metabolism. Add resistance training and strength workouts to your routine, which increase fat-burning muscle mass.
5. Your Mood May Take Unexpected Turns
Cycle-related mood changes often follow a pattern, but now, your mood is sporadic. Watch for new or worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression. While mental health can change at any time, hormonal changes can trigger or even mimic them. Work with your doctor to complete an evaluation to determine the best way to manage these changes.
6. Strength and Muscle Matter More Than Ever
When one issue presents, others follow, and in this case, muscle mass is running defense. Your energy levels take a hit thanks to drops in estrogen, so you may exercise less. Then, age-related bone loss occurs, and without exercise, worsens and increases discomfort. With lower muscle mass, the body holds onto extra weight due to slower metabolism, making exercise more difficult. Strive to work through discomfort with discipline, starting by creating active habits.
7. Mental Clarity Needs a Little Extra Support
Sometimes you feel like the words someone says are floating in the air before you hear them. Similar to how some women experience “pregnancy brain,” age-related brain fog can be frustrating. Short-term memory can take a hit due to drops in estrogen, making coping strategies essential. Give yourself additional time to complete tasks, take detailed notes, and communicate your needs. At work, use planning tools to keep on task and let your colleagues know how they can support you.
8. Bladder Health Becomes a Priority
Pelvic floor health has largely been ignored in America, making bladder issues common among women. Pregnancy is a key driver for pelvic floor issues, thanks to the weight placed on the area. Without attention, a weak pelvic floor can cause a weak bladder and even lead to prolapse. Support pelvic health with pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and good posture. Explore physical therapy assistance to learn pelvic floor exercises beyond kegels and incorporate them into your routine.
9. Quality Sleep Takes Some Effort
Poor sleep is a common theme in most of life’s problems: poor mood, illnesses, and accidents. If you’re not getting the recommended seven to nine hours nightly, make changes. Without proper sleep, your body can’t function and you increase the likelihood of diseases and memory problems. Menopause symptoms like hot flashes can derail the best intentions for sleep, so fight back. Practice good sleep hygiene by winding down before bed, sleeping in a cool, dark room, and maintaining a consistent schedule.
10. You’ve Never Been More Confident in Yourself
If there was ever a time to throw caution to the wind, it’s now. Age brings experience and perspective, meaning you’re more in tune with what you truly care about. You’ve been there, done that, and have put in the time to confidently set boundaries. You may be inspired to start a new career, start over, or shake up your relationships. Embrace this new attitude and era with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for the great times to come.
Aging is an Evolution that Requires Adjustments
You can’t stop the aging process, but you can influence how you experience changes. Strive to learn everything you can about aging by reading articles and learning from experts. Work with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate medications and adjustments based on your health factors. Be willing to make adjustments to your lifestyle for your body’s changing needs, especially with sleep, diet, and over-the-counter treatments. By supporting your body through aging, you can enjoy all of what life has to offer.
