Take control of your health as you hit your 50s. Your future self will thank you!
Boost your bone health
Around 20 per cent of women in their 50s have osteoporosis and half of women over 50 will break a bone because of it.
Take action: Keep bones strong by eating calcium-rich foods, such as green, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese and yogurt, and doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking.
Know your heart numbers
As we go through the menopause, the changes to our body can put us at higher risk of developing heart disease.
Take action: Speak to your GP about getting your cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked.
Feed your brain
Many women going through the menopause may notice problems with their memory, concentration or mood.
Take action: Following a Mediterranean diet may help with better cognitive functioning and lower levels of memory and thinking problems.
Take time for teeth
Declining levels of oestrogen can contribute to bone loss of the jawbone and increase the risk of tooth loss. It can also make gums inflamed, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Take action: Ensure good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and drinking lots of water.
Watch your weight
Our stroke risk increases as we age and during the 10 years after menopause, it roughly doubles.
Take action: Being overweight makes you 20 per cent more likely to have a stroke. Aim to do at least two and a half hours a week of aerobic exercise such as cycling or fast walking and reduce your salt intake.
Think thyroid
Hypothyroidism, a thyroid disorder, is most common in women in their 50s. Research suggests thyroid problems can exacerbate menopause symptoms and increase the risk of long-term complications.
Take action: Simple blood tests can check your thyroid function. Speak to your doctor if you have symptoms including increased sensitivity to cold, fatigue and weakness in muscles and joints.
Get proactive with your pelvic floor
You might only notice it when you sneeze or lift something heavy, but if you ignore urinary incontinence it’ll lead to problems later on.
Take action: Experts recommend doing pelvic floor exercises three times a day. Do 10 slow, 10-second holds and then 10 faster, one-second holds.
Edited by Stephanie May