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.
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.