For some hitting the big 4-0 is a big deal (and often calls for a big party), but for others it can cause a panic. But as we all know, age is merely a number and what really matters is how well you treat your both inside and out. So if you’ve enjoyed your first 40 years and are looking forward to the next 40, there are a few health changes you can make to ensure they’re just as happy and healthy as the first…
HEALTH CHANGE #1 Eat more fish
Healthy fats from fish like salmon or trout can help reduce the risk of heart disease (which rises after menopause) so try adding at least two servings of fish per week into your diet. If you don’t particularly like fish you can try fish oil supplements, which research also suggests can help prevent breast cancer.
HEALTH CHANGE #2 Sleep for longer
You may have now mastered the art of getting up early, but are you compensating for your early rises with an early bedtime? In order to reap the benefits of a night’s rest you must try to have at least 7-8 hours per night. And this doesn’t mean sleeping five hours one night and ten the next, because guess what? That doesn’t work! You can’t make up what you’ve lost. Improper sleep habits can lead to high blood pressure, stress, headaches, depression, risk of diabetes, irritability and even obesity.
HEALTH CHANGE #3 Stretch
If you thought stretching was a waste of time, think again. Poor flexibility in people over 40 has been associated with arterial rigidity, meaning the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood, which could potentially lead to a heart attack or stroke. Stretching not only makes your muscles more flexible, but your arteries also.
HEALTH CHANGE #4 Calcium
As women get older their estrogen levels drop, which makes it harder for bones to absorb calcium. You should start increasing your daily intake of calcium from 1,000 milligrams per day to 1,200 mg in order to keep you bones healthy and strong.
Were you worried about turning 40? Do your health habits change as you get older?
