11 Important Things Women Over 50 Should Never Do

As we get older, we tend to sail through the rest of our lives, throwing caution to the wind and not really paying much attention to our health. Sadly, too many women do this and now more than ever, we need to start taking care of ourselves.

Today I want to share 11 things women over 50 should never do.

It’s crucial to pay attention to our bodies, minds and souls as we get older. I’m doing my best to improve my life every way I can.

I quit smoking on Nov 1st (you can follow my quit smoking journey here), I don’t really drink alcohol anymore, I cut out sugar, go to the gym at least 5 days a week and do my best to protect my mental health, my physical health and my spiritual health.

I tell people all the time, it’s never too late to take care of your health. Never. I wish more people would believe that and start doing something about it.

Anyway, let’s move on to the 11 things women over 50 should never do.

11 Things women over 50 should never do

After writing up this article I realized there is one super important thing I forgot to mention so I’m going to do that right now.

I think this should be at the top of the list, to be honest.

Never put up with anyone’s BS! No disrespect, no bullying, no manipulation, no gaslighting or narcissism. Nudda. As soon as someone even tries any of that on you, walk the eff away and never look back.

Forget to Go to the Dentist

It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget about regular dental appointments. However, as we age, our teeth become more susceptible to decay and other dental issues. This is why it’s important for women over 50 to continue going to the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups.

And our oral health plays a huge role in our physical and mental health as well!

Neglecting Mental Health

Women over 50 face different challenges that may affect our mental health. These include divorce, job loss, death of a spouse or parent, etc.

Taking care of your mental health is extremely important as we get older. You can speak to a professional if you feel you need to or even start journaling out your thoughts as a way to protect your mental health.

Smoking/Drinking

It’s never too late to quit smoking or drinking. I quit smoking just this year, again for the 4th time and I never had a drinking problem so not drinking again doesn’t really bother me.

It’s important to know that women over 50 are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer if they continue to smoke. Quitting can significantly improve your health and reduce the risk of these serious illnesses.

And alcohol is just poison. So there’s that.

Not strength training

As we get older, our muscles naturally become weaker and our bones become frail.

It’s so important for women over 50 to incorporate strength training into their exercise routine to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Strength training, such as lifting weights or doing resistance band exercises, not only strengthens muscles but also stimulates bone growth, combating osteoporosis.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

It’s common for women to experience changes in their sleep patterns, but that doesn’t mean it should be neglected. Lack of sleep can lead to a variety of health issues, such as a weakened immune system, decreased cognitive function, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Women over 50 need to make sure they are getting adequate sleep. If you have a hard time sleeping at night, try using natural aids like melatonin or listening to guided meditations to help.

Ignoring Skin Care

With age, our skin becomes drier and thinner, making it more prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Try to set up a good skincare routine that includes moisturizing and protecting your skin from the sun to maintain healthy-looking skin.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive anti-aging creams or even cosmetic surgery. You can care for your skin naturally at home with great results.

Neglecting Annual Check-Ups

As we age, it’s important to stay on top of our health by scheduling annual check-ups with our healthcare provider. This will help catch any potential health issues early on so treatment can be started right away, if needed.

Ignoring annual check-ups can lead to undiagnosed health conditions which might escalate with time, making treatment more difficult and less successful.

Avoiding Mental Stimulation

Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body for overall health and well-being. Women over 50 should engage in activities that challenge their brain, such as puzzles, games, or learning a new skill.

Reading is also an excellent way to stimulate the brain as it enhances memory, expands vocabulary, and improves focus. Try to spend at least an hour each day doing fun brain exercises.

Neglecting proper Nutrition

In 4 words – ‘stop eating junk food’!! Remember, you are what you eat so if you’re going to fuel your body with garbage, don’t expect it to perform like champion. It won’t.

Stop eating sugar and processed foods. These wreak havoc on your skin and will cause wrinkles and dull skin. Eat more veggies and whole foods and watch how your overall health changes.

Isolating from Social Connections

Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, particularly among older women.

I understand that as we get older we lose friends along the way either from moving, divorce or other means but it’s important to try maintain friendships as best you can. If you just moved and have no friends, here are some great ways to make new friends.

Human connection is crucial to our mental health and well-being.

Not Managing Stress

Stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health, especially as we age. Unchecked stress can lead to hypertension, heart disease, a weakened immune system, as well as anxiety and depression.

Women over 50 should find healthy ways to manage stress, whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or seeking support from a therapist. The longer you wait to manage your stress, the harder it will be to do so and the more your physical and mental health will deteriorate.

in summary

Women over 50 are unique human beings with unique needs. It’s so important to be mindful of your physical, mental and spiritual health at all times. It’s not too late to start, either so don’t tell me it is.