Recently, I heard someone say we should be more like trees– instead of saying we are aging, say we are growing. I like this and I don’t. Personally, I have no issue with the concept of aging. As a nurse of 25 years, I know that aging is a natural process that every living being goes through. However, the experience of aging is different for everyone, especially for women. Women face unique challenges as we age, including societal expectations, health issues, and financial constraints. It can be hard to feel positive about all of this. Despite these challenges, we have the power to redefine aging and make it a great experience.
Society’s Expectations
It’s no secret that society places unrealistic expectations on women, especially when it comes to our appearance. I feel bombarded with advertisements for anti-aging creams. Women are expected to look young and beautiful, even as we age. This expectation can lead to low self esteem and depression. We’re constantly thrown in to self doubt about our appearance. To promote women’s whole health, it is important to move toward a social culture in which aging is seen as a normal process and not something to be fought.
This is not as tall an order as it sounds. In many cultures, the elders are revealed, not reviled. For example, In Indian families, elders are sought after for their advice and elders play a central role in greek families. Additionally, Japanese women have a much easier time with the menopause transition due to how it’s culturally perceived. We can harness some of this pro aging by integrating perceptions from other cultures.
Health Issues
As women age, we face health issues such as menopause, osteoporosis, and heart disease. It is important for women to take care of their physical and mental health as we age. A key component of physical and mental health is the perception that we are aging well. In other words, if you constantly talk about your aging in a negative way; then your experience is going to be negative.
However, women do experience more health issues as we age so it’s important to be proactive. Be sure to schedule mammograms, colonoscopies, and annual primary care visits. This can also be a great time to explore new ways to eat and exercise. The Galveston program is evidence based and geared to women in their 40s and 50s. You have different needs as you age so shaking up your routine is worthwhile.
Financial Constraints
Women also face financial constraints as we age. Women are more likely to live in poverty than men, especially in old age. This is due to a variety of factors, including lower wages, time out of the workforce for caregiving, and longer life expectancies. Meet with a financial planner to assess your current financial health and make a plan so you can retire.
Redefining Aging
Despite these challenges, we have the power to redefine aging and make it a journey of self-discovery. Aging can be a time of growth, learning, and new experiences. Women can embrace their age and use it as an opportunity to explore new interests, hobbies, and passions. You can also connect with other women who are going through similar experiences and build a supportive community.
In conclusion, aging is a natural process that, hopefully, we’ll all experience. Women face unique challenges as they age, including societal expectations, health issues, and financial constraints. However, we have the power to redefine aging and make it a journey of self-discovery. By embracing their age and connecting with other women, women can make aging a time of growth, learning, and new experiences.
Sharon P. Fisher is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Nurtured Well LLC, a boutique women’s mental health practice in Towson, MD.
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