Do you remember when sport was actually fun? The days when getting out and playing sports with our friends was effortless and we were full of energy seem like a long time ago!

Staying healthy when we were 16 was definitely fun. As adults, it seems we’ve forgotten that healthy living can (and should) be fun!

As senior adults, we have a lifetime of experience to guide us. If we adapt to and adopt new ways of taking care of ourselves, we can step into this new chapter of life with a smile and a twinkle in our eyes.

Aging Brings a Lot of Change

Women, in particular, need large doses of self-care and self-love as they endure menopause and move into the post-menopausal stage of life, when the finely tuned eco-system of the female body is altered after years of systematic behaviour.

Coping with changes to hormone levels that had previously provided protection from the risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer can be a physical and emotional challenge.

So Where Do You Start Taking Care of You?

Listen to your body. No-one knows it better than you. Be aware of the health risks but be sure to take action when your body is out of sorts. There is no reason not to thrive in the post-menopausal years.

Think about how you can best equip your body for the years ahead and smile while you jump into the opportunities to be had!

Start with these 3 simple steps for a happy, healthy, post-menopausal life:

Get Enough Calcium

In post-menopausal years, bones are prone to weakening because they can’t absorb the level of nutrients they need. Try to get enough calcium in the food you eat (dairy, nuts, tofu), and if you can’t, talk to your health provider about a high-quality calcium supplement – aim for 1.200 mg of calcium per day.

You might also consider other supplements if your diet is not able to deliver all the nutrition you need – check with your health care provider to make sure your body is getting the right fuel.

Exercise

Make exercise fun! Get a group of friends together and join a weight-training class or get together with your best buddy to split the cost of a personal trainer who can show you the best weight training exercises to help maintain and increase bone density.

Or, you could explore new ways to make friends and join a weekly walking group. Walking is a great way to keep up your aerobic health. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Let’s lean toward fresh foods. Fresh vegetables, fruit, proteins, grains, and dairy. Try and limit your intake of processed foods. Snack on fruit and nuts, limit alcohol. If you eat good food, your body will feel better. You will be nourished with the right vitamins and minerals, so you will naturally be happier.

If you don’t know where to start or are unsure about the best meal plan for you – talk to your healthcare provider. In most cases, he/she will recommend a diet based on individual requirements or direct you to a nutritional expert.

Cherish Your Body

Remember, every woman on this wonderful planet has been through, is going through, or will go through exactly the same thing as you. Welcome this new phase of life with your friends!

Give yourself the love and attention you deserve – not out of fear but out of respect for your body and everything it has given you.

See your health provider regularly and remember, to have fun while you stay healthy.

Have you gone through menopause? How do you feel as a woman post menopause? How is this stage of life different than the previous decades? What do you do to maintain your body in good health? Please share with our community!

Editor’s note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.