Things I’m Doing For My Health in My 60s
What’s actually working, and what I’m still figuring out
The older I get, the more I realize how precious and precarious my health really is. Some days, I feel like I could scale a mountain. The next, I feel like I’m being held together with willpower and duct tape. I know how lucky I am not to have anything major going on, and I don’t take that for granted.
About ten years ago, I cracked my femur and tore the labrum on my left hip after a fall. Every so often, I’ll turn too quickly and feel like my leg didn’t get the memo. It’s not bad enough to require a hip replacement, but it does mean I have to be a little more mindful. Here are a few of the things I am doing to take care of my health in my 60s.
Prenuvo Whole Body Scan at 60+
I had a Prenuvo Whole Body MRI a year and a half ago and plan to repeat it this summer. My goal? Catch anything sneaky like ovarian or pancreatic cancer before it has a chance to settle in. Those often show up too late to treat effectively.
The scan did catch several benign things I didn’t know about and some not-so-great disc changes in my spine. It’s been eye-opening. I now avoid certain movements in Pilates or yoga because I know where I’m vulnerable. That peace of mind has been worth the cost.
Wearing an Oura Ring Over 60
My good friend Tania was wearing an Oura ring when we roomed together in Florida a few years ago, and I was fascinated, so I ordered one. It tracks my sleep, exercise, and heart rate and, much to my dismay, reminds me exactly how sedentary I can be some days.
It tracks the different heart rate zones of my exercise so I can try to get my heart into the training zone more often, and it also tracks my stress level. It also tells how unhealthy it is for my heart when I have a glass of wine with dinner.
Glucose Monitoring With Stelo (and Why I Needed It)
Here’s a little backstory: I had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies. My babies were huge, and so was I. In fact, I went from 135 to 205 pounds when I delivered my first baby.
They warned me then that my risk of developing diabetes later in life was higher. and well, here we are. My A1C is climbing despite my best efforts.
I switched to artificial sweeteners, lost a few pounds, moved more, and still…it crept up. When I saw that my Oura ring was now able to monitor my blood glucose levels with the Stelo Glucose Sensor, I ordered one to try. There’s a Stelo App you can download to keep track of your glucose levels if you don’t have an Oura ring.
It’s shocking to see what raises my blood sugar and surprise…I’m very sensitive to carbs (which turn into glucose in your bloodstream) and sugar.
Photodynamic Therapy for Precancerous Skin Spots
I had melanoma about 20 years ago, so I don’t mess around when it comes to sunscreen. Still, years of sun damage show up, no matter how diligent I am now. (I was a baby oil and iodine girl. And yes, I used the Beatles White Album cover wrapped in foil to attempt to tan. Brilliant, I know.)
These days, I have a growing collection of precancerous lesions, mostly on my face. I’ve had some frozen off, but that left bright white spots that I didn’t love.
I was prescribed the Fluorouracil cream to treat them a few years ago, but a quick Google search showed some pretty scary-looking effects people deal with. My skin is stupidly sensitive and scars very easily, so the cream makes me nervous, so my dermatologist recommended Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) instead.
I’m scheduled for treatment soon. From what I’ve read, I may look pretty beat up for a few days, but it’s worth it if it helps prevent more serious issues.
“Photodynamic therapy uses a combination of light and a medication called a photosensitizer to treat precancerous and cancerous skin lesions. It targets abnormal cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.”
Here’s hoping it’s effective and somewhat kind to my skin. You may also enjoy: Best Mineral Sunscreens for Mature Skin
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss in Women Over 60
Here’s some good news. After years of hair shedding from telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, I saw a trichologist who recommended low-dose oral minoxidil. It’s been a game-changer.
My hair is still thin, but it no longer falls out in fistfuls. I did have to lower my blood pressure medication to balance it out since minoxidil lowers BP too. I’m hoping one day it might replace that medication entirely, but we’re not there yet.
Still… a huge win.
You may also enjoy reading: Causes & Treatment for Thinning Hair in Women Over 50
The Truth? It Takes a Village
To look at me, you might think I’m in good shape. And for the most part, I am. I feel very fortunate to have the health I do have, but behind the scenes, it takes effort, research, appointments, and a whole lot of listening to my body. It’s a full-time job staying healthy as we age, and there’s no shame in needing a little help from modern medicine (and a few gadgets).
It’s easy to scroll social media and assume everyone else your age is aging effortlessly, running marathons, eating kale, and never forgetting their vitamins. But the truth is, staying healthy in your 60s is layered. There’s the stuff you can control and the stuff you just manage the best you can.
Sharing this isn’t about complaining, it’s about taking ownership. About making informed choices and saying, “I’m doing what I can with what I’ve got.”
What are you doing for your health in your 60s—or what’s one thing you wish you were doing? I’d love to hear.
Appreciate your insights and sharing. Intermittent fasting is actually a very effective way of managing pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. I’m 54 and have been an intermittent faster for 5+ years and have never felt better. Highly recommend Delay Don’t Deny (2nd edition) by Gin Stevens.
I have been doing intermittent fasting for about 9 months and it’s helped me keep my weight down. I’ll check out the book, thanks
This post is so helpful! I am seeing hair thinning, and it’s good to know some options. I worry about hips and bone loss – my mom has had osteoporosis and/or serious bone-thinning (just short of osteoporosis) in her senior years.
I know I need to do better about flexibility and I should reduce my sugar intake, but it’s hard to break the habits of years. Oh, what I took for granted when I was younger – like sleeping comfortably through the night and not waking up with aches and pains!
I’m 57 and always enjoy reading your posts. I feel like I’m in a circle with my older sisters, sharing information & I do so appreciate it as I did not get to see my parents live past 69.
I discovered club Pilates earlier this month & do it 3-4 a week. I’m trying to focus on strength, flexibility, stability and aerobics as I age. I haven’t found what aerobics I want to do to keep me interested. I live in a 2nd floor apt & work FT so timing is key. I still have my period & so there’s a week each month where I don’t exercise much due to it being so heavy & sometimes flooding. One tip I can share is please get your hearing checked yearly especially if you wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants as I do.
Great tip! Hearing loss is so common.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for so openly sharing your life, health journey, thoughts, and reflections on all of your blog posts—I’ve truly enjoyed and appreciated it all. Your insights have encouraged me to be more mindful about my wardrobe, and I’ve made more thoughtful choices in my recent purchases because of your influence. I’ve also discovered and enjoyed several of the books you’ve recommended—they’ve been great reads.
Wishing you continued healing, good health, and many beautiful days ahead.
Thank you again for the inspiration!
Susan
Thanks so much Susan. I’m so glad you’re part of this community!
Interesting, thanks. I went to an aging lecture over the weekend — a lot of good reminders and info. We eat very healthfully but need to go full steam ahead on the Mediterranean diet. People think sweets are the worst for diabetes, but simple carbs (starches) are the worst. I pretty much avoid all pasta and rice — also fruits and oatmeal are not necessarily your friends. The former has lots of sugars (stick to berries) and portion size is incredibly important for oatmeal. Grain bowls are out. Look at charts for glycemic index and glycemic load: they are really helpful! Good luck
I’ll have to look into the Mediterranean diet. I’ve heard of it but not studied much about it. I’m learning that if I have a salad first, and then a small amount of starch, it keeps my glucose levels from spiking so sharply.
I used to be very active and I love to walk, garden, etc., so I always said never to the gym kind of exercise. Until heart issues and I was having trouble getting myself up off the ground. So…. I don’t like going to the gym, but I love seeing my friends, we keep it casual but try to go about the same time and days when possible. The trainers are great, they help me to know how to do things, and we’ve made friends there. We can say hello, chat, share a laugh, usually someone calls me by name to give some friendly encouragement. Always makes my day! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my health.
That’s wonderful!
What is your feeling on acrylic and gel nails and health effects? I started after menopause when my nails became weak and ridged. I have never had an infection in the 25 years I have done them. I do wear tanning gloves to protect during the UV curing.
I love the way they look but can not keep them from lifting so I have basically given up on them. I just try to keep my tiny and short.
Excellent article Jennifer and appreciate your honesty in sharing health issues. I’m 71 and like you, do have some issues but mostly grateful for the good health I do have.
My question is about that beautiful JJill blue gauze dress you’re wearing. I was just about to buy it, but one of the comments mentioned that it’s pretty thin/see-through in the light blue color. Have you noticed this or feel the need to wear a slip underneath the dress?
Thank you,
Brenda
I’m wearing a slip. I always do because unless lined, I find most skirts and dresses see through.
Thank you for the educational, personal & candid post with links to your supplements et al. Appreciate you’ve done the hard work of research & experimentation. Maybe misery loves company, but strength in the camaraderie of your blog. Have you considered a Podcast? BTW, you look awesome in the jjill breezy blue cotton dress with belt & sandals. Flattering(comfy) silhouette, put together & def YOUR color!
I do love this color! I’ve never considered doing a podcast but I know they’re very popular.
I get PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections in my knees for my arthritis. It takes about a month to take effect, but worth it.
Wow, that sounds amazing.
Thank you for sharing. While each of us will have different health issues/journeys, I appreciate hearing what others are doing..or not doing!…to better inform my own decisions. I feel very lucky that I don’t need blood pressure meds or statins and my a1c isn’t rising. At 73, I feel like those are big wins for me.
Those are big wins. I’m working on mine.
Thank you for sharing your health challenges with us. I turned 80 in December and wonder where all the years have gone. I’m now officially disabled with chronic pain and fatigue caused by a genetic disorder I was born with. It has been chasing me my whole life but I didn’t get official diagnosis until my 60s. I’m fortunate that I had a very active career in nursing for 30 years until I couldn’t push myself to continue. I had a bad fall skiing which pretty much ended my joy of dancing down the mountains. Our little dog Trixy keeps me motivated to walk a mile every day with her and holding my husband’s hand. We do what we can. My joy comes from living here in the Colorado mountains and still lucky enough to have my 83 year old healthy husband in my life.
The mountains are so beautiful Sydney. I’m impressed you walk a mile each day. That’s wonderful.
I’ll be 80 this year and am in good health yet managing kidney disease with a plant based diet guided by my renal dietitian. The 60s is the time to keep an eye on those renal blood tes results and advocate for yourself. Thanks for your blog!
Thanks, Jennifer. I think the best advice as we get older is to be informed and be your own health care advocate-as you obviously are.
I think it’s also important to maintain good oral care with twice yearly exams and teeth cleaning. Oral diseases can affect our hearts and brains. As far as exercise, I took a circuit class with weight lifting for several years only to find out that I had developed osteoperosis in one hip and osteopenia in the other. The news was shocking as besides the gym class I was and still am very active on our ranch. Needless to say at 73, I too hold onto handrails, no longer ride my horse and am watchful of where I put my feet! I’ve been taking a yoga class for 20 years with women “of a certain age” and our instructor has us doing lots of balancing and core/Phip strengthening asanas. Yoga has worked well for me along with just staying as active as possible hiking, gardening, and doing ranch work.
So true about oral health and our heart and brain. Plaque is really unhealthy. I wish I loved yoga more. I’ll have to revisit it.
I am intrigued by your full body MRI scan. I do have osteoporosis and love pilates, I do modify, but am thinking if I knew the state of my spine, I could be doing a better job at modifying..
At 63, I focus on getting a lot of protein, and lifting weights. I found a trainer and she is really helping me learn proper form so I don’t hurt myself. I can tell the that I am so much stronger in Pilates due to weight training. I am trying to focus on building muscle not losing weight. My 85 yr old mother is struggling with spinal compression fractures and a broken hip, and that is really motivating.
Thanks for sharing, lots of good info today.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom! And thanks for the reminder that I need to start using weights.
I was prescribed Minoxidil also. It was a total game changer. I did experience more facial hair and leg hair, but nothing major, and hardly noticeable. Thanks for the great post today. You are more inspirational than you realize.
Yay!! See if they’ll prescribe you a very low dose of spironolactone. It’s helps with excess hair growth.
After a run in with breast cancer (please, get your mammograms!) was left with a few “souvenirs” from treatment. I’m working to improve my bone density with heavy resistance training, walking and impact exercises. I’ve also upped my protein intake and do daily static and dynamic balance exercises to help prevent falls. Aside from the health benefits of weight training, my clothes fit better and my post-menopause flab has disappeared.
That’s awesome!!
So happy to hear that Minoxidil worked for you because it certainly was a game changer for me!! And I continue to pay the price for the baby oil/iodine debacle of my youth with regular trips to the dermatologist and freezing of lots of precancerous spots and surgical removal of several others through the years. I also scar easily on my face, so have never let my dermatologist do anything but laser those areas – which has the added benefit of giving my face a refreshed tone and texture and overall smoother complexion! Winner, with just a little down time!!
She did also recommend a few fraxel treatments as a follow up so I may try them. Which laser did you have?
Something called Fractional RF (Radiofrequency). Anything fractionated is supposed to be kinder to your skin, is my understanding, and not take so long to heal!
Okay thanks!
I, too, had melanoma about 15 years ago so wear sunscreen constantly and am very cautious about being out in the sun. Have lots of precancerous little red marks on my legs so no longer feel comfortable wearing skirts. May look into some of what you mentioned. Am a former marathon runner but these days go to the gym 3 times a week and work out on machines and do the treadmill. Am still in pretty decent shape for 85 and enjoy buying clothes and feeling good about how i look. Thank God for mammograms as i had breast cancer but it was caught in the beginning stages so had a lumpectomy and have been cancer free since 2014! It’s always helpful to learn what others are doing to stay healthy. Thank you for sharing with us!
That’s amazing. Thanks for sharing Sandy. I hear you on the leg spots! And veins.
Thanks for sharing with us your health concerns. We can all learn from each other. At age 75 I feel like I have slowed down some. With having heart issues and cancer I have always paid attention to my health. We are really active which I think has helped immensely. We have always walked daily but last year we started going to a trainer for strength training. He is really great about knowing what things work for you. I have arthritis flare-ups and last year had shoulder surgery. He works around these things and my husband and I really feel the difference. Take care.
I think I need a trainer too. Thanks Rosemary.
I had a precancerous place on my face. I chose the cream treatment over freezing because I thought the spot would be smaller. I should have chosen the freezing. I use the Super Goop sunscreen on my face that you recommended. I also use the Neccessaire (?) body lotion that you recommended. It has made a noticeable difference in my arm skin texture and I just bought more bottles with the sale!
I love that body lotion! It’s made such a difference.
Thank you for this, Jennifer. Your timing and honesty are perfect!
At 64, I have noticed a definite shift in my body. You are so right in that it will take diligence! Just wondering if you or any of your readers have experience with bone density meds? My next scan is this summer and I am preparing for the dreaded osteoporosis diagnosis. The side effects of the drugs sound scary, though.
Thank you again for all that you do!
I’m still in the osteopenia stage so I’d love to hear from others too. Ladies?
Did your health insurance cover the full body scan? It is an interesting suggestion to get info and prevent something from growing unnoticed.
Regular screenings are always a good idea. I try to keep in shape with Zumba, walking, and weight training. At 73 it is hard to keep the weight down, even with exercise. Can’t give up, though!
No insurance doesn’t cover the scan.
When I turned 81 last year I realized that my balance was precarious…even just trying to get one pant leg off at a time while standing in the closet! I took a six week introductory course in Tai Chi Chuh, a gentle workout of 19 movements, and have been practicing almost every day since. It has been a huge help…and doesn’t require gear or anything else…just a little mindfulness, which is a side benefit. Highly recommend!
That sounds fascinating. Was it an in person class or online?
I like exercise ( I sleep better) I try to get two hours a day in. A mix of Walking, Zumba, weights , and step class. I’ve been mostly a vegetarian/ Mediterranean diet person since high school. My body prefers fiber. I don’t drink, I’m allergic. I like coffee.
I don’t prefer processed foods, I like home cooked foods. I have osteopenia, so I take calcium and eat calcium foods.
I keep my appointments with mammograms, dental, dermatology, and vaccinations .
Most of my issues have been with latex/ fruit allergies, something I was born with.
I consider myself lucky, both my parents died young.
Stay healthy, and thanks for all that you do.
My Doctor has asked us if we want a Galleri Test. This is a simple blood test only for people over 50 every two years. This test screens for multiple cancers. This test has been in the works for some years and it is now out since 2022. My Doctor said that this is better than a scan. You can find the information on Galleri.com. Only five cancers have a recommended screening test but this screens for more than 50 plus cancers. Check it out.
Thank you! I’d never heard of that test. I’ll ask my Dr about it.
I recently heard about another blood test by Cancer Check Labs in Dallas that checks for 200 types of cancer. It is newer than Galleri but I haven’t decided for myself which is more accurate. You can google the lab and read about it and watch media videos. Sometimes it’s hard for us laypeople to understand the science behind these tests.
I will check it out!
I’m 59 and been in the pre-diabetic realm for many years. As my A1-C climbed to 6.3%, my doctor recommended the Stelo continuous glucose monitor. I’ve been wearing it for about 4 months and it’s been a game changer! Understanding how breads, rice, pasta and noodles raise my blood sugar has been an incentive to adjust my diet. It’s hard, but slowly I’m making the change. I walk about 3 miles a day and started doing strength training. I feel great and the added benefit is I’ve lost almost 10 lbs.
Thanks for sharing your insights on fashion, health and life.
It is very eye opening. I’m so glad I got. one.
So appreciate you sharing your personal health issues with aging. I am likely a decade older but can report that a few things actually get better as we age – at least temporarily, LOL. I have moderate to severe arthritis is most of my joints – the pain can be bothersome for weeks, even months, then just seems to disappear and leave me in peace for a long time. I no longer worry so much about things – there is so much help available and new ideas about aging that give me hope. And people like you who offer inspiration for living well!
Great attitude! As I’ve heard, “youth is a gift if nature but age is a work of art”.
I turned 70 last fall. I am still in good shape, but I did get a wake-up call around a year ago regarding my life-long habit of drinking almost nothing. I started waking in the middle of the night with a mouth completely devoid of any saliva. Quite uncomfortable! My eye doctor told me at my yearly exam that my eyes were rather dry. I had taken an antihistamine the night before and I told the opthalmologist that that was probably the reason my eyes were dry. I had not noticed any symptoms. I started to fear that I might have developed diabetes. At my yearly checkup with my GP, I asked my doctor to do an A1C test. I have never had one before. I guess my doctors thought I was not at risk. Thankfully, my test came back normal. I concluded that my problems were related to simply not drinking enough. I bought a large, clear water jug. I fill it each morning and make a conscious effort to finish it by bedtime. Other than alleviating the dry mouth at night, and the obvious consequence of spending a lot more time in the bathroom, I have noticed that the skin on my old lady hands looks much, much better. I am a piano teacher. There is nothing like putting one’s hands next to those of a 10 year old to hammer home the effects of aging on the skin! But, my hands look younger thanks to being hydrated. I am sure that all of my systems, especially my kidneys, appreciate having enough liquid for a change!
Great reminder! I never seem to drink enough water.
Thank you so much for sharing your health journey.
I just had PDT-it did not even make my arms red-I am having more sessions next week, we will see…I also did the 5FU-oh my, I will never do tha again. I got so sick and had to go to get antibiotics and creams to calm it down. 3 weeks of Hell.
I am a redhead growing up in Southern California-so a walking skin cancer.
I asked my Dr about the whole body scan option, she basically said unless syou repeat it at least yearly-it is not worth the cost as health issues can change in 6 months. But-if it is an affordable option-than it is worth peace of mind.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the PDT! Your reaction to the 5FU is exactly what my derm expected to happen to me so I’m glad I skipped it.
I was prediabetic and besides checking my glucose via finger stick and converting it to an A1c number I found food pairings really helped. I found this IG account who has lots of advice. She is a dietician and has good common sense approach. @prediabetes.nutrition.
I’ll check her out, thanks. I’ve already learned that having protein with my carbs helps keep my glucose more stable.
At 75 I’m always open to “preventive” options available. I’ll definitely be checking to see if any of these seem appropriate for me.
BTW … Tried the Ilia Skin Tint with SPF … LOVE IT! Great for my sensitive skin and non-irritating to my rosacea. Now I’m going back to buy their Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream. They sent a sample with my purchase and even my husband said he saw a diminishing of redness on my cheeks. Thanks for the tip!
Wow, I just read about the barrier cream. Thanks, it sounds perfect for my rosacea!
Truth, Jennifer. I love your comment, willpower and duct tape! Exactly! Moving does make the joints more likely to not scream but staying motivated is the bigger problem for me. My Fitbit reminds to me to get moving when I’ve cozied in with a good book too long😂
A good book just feels so great!
I looked up oral Minoxidil. Be careful with the Minoxidil, as one of the side effects is excess body hair. Some of us ladies have facial hair, and this might be a problem for some of us.
I’m on a very low dose and luckily have not had that issue. She also prescribed a very low dose of Spironolactone which can prevent excess hair growth.
I, too, have been taking the low-dose oral minoxidil along with the low-dose spironolactone, and it has worked wonders without any side effects.
It’s a miracle for me. So happy it worked for you too
It is tough! For me (I’m 71 now) things started going downhill when I turned 70. In February I was on vacation in Florida and started having unusual chest pain that sent me to the ER, fortunately close by. I ended up having a coronary artery stent, then another (I thought) one when I returned home. I also have a genetic condition called LP(a). High lipoprotein type a. Never knew it before a few years ago. But makes you more likely to have heart issues. I have so many medications now and I’m tired all the time. So even though I think I’m okay for now, it is kind of depressing. I eat well but the exercise bit I’m not good at. I just roll my eyes at every doctor who brings up exercise, “How much do you get) they ask. My answer now is “I run marathons. I certainly don’t. Are you still on Facebook? Don’t seem to get any posts there anymore. Love your writings!
That’s scary! Have you read Dr Peter Attila’s book? He covers lots of info about that high lipid protein.
Jennifer,
I loved your comment about layered health care…. control what you can and manage the rest as best you can. Sage advice that I plan to share with my friends! By the way, I was in my local Talbots (Charlottesville, VA) a few weeks ago to look at a dress that I had seen on your blog. There was another lady there looking at the same dress and she had found it on your blog also! The clerks there are also your readers. So, you have fans in the southern state of Virginia!
That is so fun to hear! Thanks for letting me know
Good article. I used the link to read your article about the sunscreens you use and recommend. As I have Eczema and sensitive skin, I just wanted to let you know about the National Eczema Association (NEA) website which has a product list for those with Eczema. The Australian Gold, and CereVe sunscreens you listed are on the NEA approved list.
Also, the chemicals which have been discovered to cause Eczema (so look for them on anything you apply to your skin) include;
* any perfumes (irritate sensitive skin)
* Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), Isocyanates & diisocyanates (DII). These have been identified as being the chief instigators of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Thank you so much Mary. I’ll check that out. My rosacea is so easily irritated and probably those ingredients should be on my avoid list too.
Cancer survivor here and one of my cancer drugs has affected my bones and joints so I am diligent with weight training. I’m due for another scan this summer and here’s hoping my diligence is helping. My mom took a bad fall last month and didn’t have the arm strength to get herself up. Sooo…getting down and up from the floor without any assistance is something I work on as well. I think staying as active as you can helps. Never was a big drinker and I try to eat as healthy as possible. I live in Canada so our long cold winters can get me down emotionally. That’s something I need to work on. I love being outside but it can be hard when we have temperatures in -20C. Brrr…
Have you tried one of those special lights for dark times of the year? I had a hard time with the grayness in the winter on Vancouver Island.
Thanks Wendy for bringing up falls. In my Tai Chi class, our instructor brought up falls. She asked if we could get to a phone if we had fallen and could not get up. It lead my husband and I to reassess our townhouse. We realized one floor had no phone. We installed a phone on every floor and at a level where we could reach up to it from the floor. (I would not aways have a mobile phone in my pocket and I do not have an apple watch.)
Good question for everyone. The answer will vary depending on the way you live in your house. It also reminded us that neither of us would be able to lift the other after a fall.
That is such an excellent point! We have no landlines in our home at all!
I exercise at the gym about 4 to 5 times a week. I do bike, treadmill, elliptical. I use hand weights for arms. I eat low fat, low carb diet. I am more conscious of what is in foods , like chemicals and preservatives. I hardly ever eat beef. I get mammogram once a year, colonoscopy every 3 years. I take a statin, blood pressure meds and reflux med. I take biotin for hair. I go regularly to my doctors.
Yes, we need to do what we can to stay healthy as long as we can. I am in my 70’s.
we are seeing more friends with knee and hip replacements now.
Good for you Sue! I do need to start using weights more. Thanks for sharing.
Wow – excellent post that is timely for me and very inspiring. Actually, your post is reassuring, letting us know it’s normal to see things change and important to add more routines and periodic
checks and aids into our schedules. It explains how you’ve been able to keep up the active and dynamic life that you have! Thank you for sharing all of the suggestions.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hate to share too much personal stuff on the web but we’re all helped by hearing what works for each other.
Thank you for sharing you “challenges” in your 60’s. I’m fortunate for not having major issues, but I need to stay proactive to slow down the process and manage issues that creep up. I sit too much so I need to remind myself to get up off the computer (which I love). I do bike ride. I found I love to ride my bike around 8 years ago. I never had an exercise or activity that I loved. I do walk some, but I don’t love it. I try to go to the gym and I am successful some weeks. I don’t berate myself if I don’t go. I try to do better when I can. Here’s to good health and managing what life has in store for us.
You’re so right. It’s important for us to find activities we enjoy so it doesn’t feel like such a chore!
One of your best posts ever! Thank you so very much!
I guess we all have some health things as we get older. I am 70 and thankful as well that I don’t have anything really serious. The golden years! I hope you have a great Memorial Day!
I realized as I moved into my 70’s that my job is to work on my health. I have to follow a healthy diet more strictly and exercise more. Even if my energy seems less, I gotta’ do it! If you want a doable exercise program try Miranda Esmond White’s Classical stretch. They are the best! They are for free on Public Broadcasting Station. Aches and pains just go away if you do daily for only 30 minutes. My doctor asked me what I’d been doing because my abs were so strong. No weights required because your body is the weight. I also walk three miles 5 to 6 days a week. If the weather is bad I do Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds instead. It is work to stay healthy!
Good Morning Jennifer. Great post today. I’m a couple of years older than you and feel the same way about my health. I’m very fortunate, and every day I don’t take my mostly good health for granted. I walk a mile almost every day, pilates two times a week, try to eat as right as I can, however, I love a good burger and will never give them up. I have oatmeal for breakfast and add either nutritional yeast, ground flax seed or chia seed as a topping. Eat lots of salads and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the tip about the Whole Body MRI.
Can you share the benefits of adding nutritional yeast? That’s a new one to me.
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a26814464/nutritional-yeast-benefits/
Thanks!
I’m not yet 60 but here’s one thing. I am making an effort to focus on balance and minimize fall risk. I lift weights and include exercises for one leg at a time, like lunges and bulgarian spit squats. I’m adding yoga. I practice balancing on one leg and then the other every day. I always hold on to railings, and when I’m carrying things up and down steps I keep a free hand to hold on even if that means multiple trips. I don’t wear socks only on my hardwood floors -I have slipped in the past. As we have seen with our parents, a fall can cause things to go downhill quickly.
Very wise, Shari. I need to work more on my balance too. Thanks for the reminder.
My husband also had melanoma about 40 years ago. A very serious skin cancer. A sunscreen is absolutely necessary every day even if you are staying inside. A melanoma requires a trip to the dermatologist to be monitored for life, I had a squamous cell and I was surprised because I do wear sun screen every day.
Yes! I wear sunscreen rain or shine, inside or out.
Hi Jennifer thank you for sharing I’m 82 and am active but I try to always take vitamins and exercise to stay healthy so I can be around to enjoy every day God has blessed me with. Keep up your good work 💕
I appreciate that you share with us about your health and what you are doing for it. The pill for hair loss is very good information, thank you.
It’s been a nothing short of miraculous for me. Good luck.
I was a baby oil and iodine girl myself. I was out when the sun wasn’t out. Now I wish I had stayed out of the sun. I had precancerous lesions on my face and legs.
I’m so sorry. Who ever came up with that crazy “formula”?
Jennifer Thank you for this post. I to have recently had to start taking medication for pre diabetes and blood pressure. I used to work for a hospital and believe in preventative medicine. I seen alot of people who were in bad shape. I thank God for the health I have. Because it could be worse. Take care of yourself.
You take care too Terryann! My mom used to work in a hospital and it was sobering for sure.
Please share those reply’s. We all want to help ourselves stay healthy!
I will. You ladies are so wise.
About a year ago I started lifting weights again. Nothing real heavy, just five and eight pound dumbbells. I did this a lot in my twenties thirties and forties but got busy in my fifties and stopped. Thankfully I never stopped walking and still continue that. I’m 71 now and when I started lifting weights again I was shocked to find I couldn’t do some of the moves without any added weight or with just one to two pound weights. I started slow and kept improving over time though and so glad I did. I’ve lost ten pounds and four inches around my waist. What got me started is a podcast I heard that discussed how muscle tissue helps modulate blood sugar levels as well as so many other things as we age like preserving bone density and balance. I’ve also increased my protein intake and decreased my processed carbs and I feel so much better and sleep better too. My energy is more even throughout the day and I rarely get hungry between meals.
I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for all you do and happy aging.
Thanks for sharing, that’s so smart! My Dr has me focusing more on getting more protein which is hard to get enough of each day.