International Women’s Day: Spotlight on the issues women face with age
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Happy International Women's Day!
Grey hairs? Brittle bones? You’re not alone!
Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re starting to feel (or you’ve felt for a while!) that your body isn’t quite what it was in your 20s. From our 30s onwards, it seems our knees start to creak, our skin becomes squishier around our décolletage area and the hairdresser is asking if the greys are in yet – life is not what it used to be that’s for sure! This International Women’s Day, we wanted to give a shout out to the changes we face with every passing decade and help normalise what might otherwise be considered taboo subjects in some circles. It’s not meant to scare anyone off from getting older (it’s a natural part of life and something worth embracing!), but instead, unite us in camaraderie – we’re in this together ladies! So pour yourself a cuppa, sit back and see how many boxes you tick!Less appealing to employers
The bad news...
As we age, we start competing in the job market with millennials who understand hashtags, DMs and other digital communication that we never grew up with. Not only are we applying for the job, we’re applying for company fit and culture and potential time off for family and health commitments in the eyes of some employers.
The good news...
There are many government subsidies available to employers to make hiring older Australians more attractive, and many companies also abide by a gender diversity and inclusion policy. We also bring maturity, experience and common sense to workplaces that employers highly regard!
Slower metabolism
The bad news...
Are you noticing it’s harder to shift weight than it used to be? That’s a sign your metabolism is starting to slow down, so now more than ever it’s important you keep moving and focus on eating better. Weight issues can lead to a series of health complications.
The good news...
Within reason, weight is something we can control! Whether it’s increasing our calorie burn through activity or reducing our intake through better food choices, we do have a choice in the lifestyle we lead. Seek advice from a nutritionist or GP before embarking on a new health program.
Bone density starts to reduce
The bad news...
We’ve read that a woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Ageing can bring with it an onset of osteoporosis which is debilitating to our mobility and independence, so bone checks are important. The common recommendation is for women post-menopause or age 65 to get their bone density tested, or sooner if there is family history of risk factors.
The good news...
Good lifestyle habits can minimise and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Whatever your age now, start consuming Vitamin D and calcium rich foods, cut down on salt and caffeine (in your food, it’s great in your skincare!) and start varied weight-bearing exercises.
Urinary Incontinence
The bad news...
Urinary incontinence is twice as common in women as it is in men - whether it’s post giving birth or lower oestrogen levels preventing us from having strong muscles, changes in our bodies definitely play a part in women experiencing incontinence. The Continence Foundation of Australia tells us approximately 1.7 million Australians under the age of 50 are living with the condition, so it’s more common than you think.
The good news...
Pelvic floor exercises can be done anywhere, anytime discreetly and can strengthen the muscles that prevent incontinence. If you’re overweight, the extra fatty tissue on the bladder can press down on the bladder, so losing weight can help relieve this.
Skin starts to dry and become more translucent
The bad news...
Age spots, thinner skin and fine lines and wrinkles all start to show our age especially in our 50s and 60s. An innocent bump into an object can cause us to bruise easily, makeup doesn’t look the same on our sagging eye and cheek area and skin becomes flaky – not exactly the picture of youth!
The good news...
Our skin is designed to regenerate with fresh new cells, and just like our health and fitness, we have some control over the nourishment of our skin. It’s the very reason we created botanicES – to boost hydration and elasticity with natural caffeine!
We lose relationships
The bad news...
Sometimes its through transitioning from employment to retirement, sometimes it’s divorce and others it’s through the passing of loved ones, but it seems the older we get, the more we say goodbye to people near and dear to us. Loss is hard at any age, but when it reminds you of your own mortality, it can be a real kick in the guts.
The good news...
Such is the nature of life that as one door or chapter closes, another one opens. The same applies with friendships – there’s always new people to meet as we move into new social circles. It could be through joining a gardening club, aqua aerobics or church – we just need to open our eyes and start a conversation. And if you have grandchildren, they’ll keep you young!
Sexual intimacy changes
The bad news...
As we age, our oestrogen levels start taking a dive (sorry, but it’s true!). Coupled with a decline in testosterone in men, it can mean those honeymoon days of love-making are well in the past!
The good news...
There are products to help with all the side effects that come with ageing to help us stay young in the bedroom! By the time we reach our 50s and 60s, we’re also pretty comfortable in our skin, meaning less time worrying and more time enjoying! In fact, sexual satisfaction among women rises with age according to a University of California San Diego School of Medicine study! It was found in this study that two-thirds of sexually active women (with a median age of 67) were moderately or very satisfied with their sex lives. So that’s some very good news!
Embrace Aging!
Ageing is not something to ashamed of, embarrassed for or saddened by. We become more self-aware and worry less about others’ opinions of us. It’s freeing to feel comfortable in our bodies, to appreciate our minds more and love deeper with our hearts. The rest is just ‘stuff’ that happens as we age, and it’s important to remember in a world of so many things outside of our control, there’s always an element we can control.
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