Can women continue to improve as we age?
Can women continue to improve as they age?
The answer is YES!
But with caveats.
Contrary to what the media might say you’re not just going to suddenly turn into a wizened old prune as you hit 40 and upwards.
Women can look amazing and can still continue to improve athletic performance as they age, but, this does require more effort…
Remember when you were in your 20s and you could go to bed with your makeup on and still wake up with good skin?
Then when you got to 35 you could no longer get away with that? It’s the same with your health, fitness and overall wellness. You won’t look or feel full of vitality if you’re trashing your body, but if you give your body what it needs then you can absolutely continue to improve, look and feel fantastic as you get older.
The big question,
What do you need to do?
Exercise: A mix of resistance training and some moderate aerobic activity has been shown in studies to improve longevity.
Eat your protein: protecting muscle and bone density is of greater importance as you age and your protein needs are greater. Get into the habit of eating more protein (1g per lb of body weight is a good start).
Eat your fibre and include antioxidants such as blueberries on a daily basis to help your body recover and reenergise.
Cut down highly processed foods and refined carbs. Follow the 80/20 rule (I teach my clients this nutrition pattern).
Eat healthy fats: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Think oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado.
Hydration ~ one of the most important factors for younger looking skin. Drink lots of fluids and no coffee doesn’t count.
Sleep: this should be your number one. Poor sleep habits are probably the greatest contributor to aging and disease.
Maintain a healthy weight: I know this is an area of contention but the the research still says, it is one of the biggest predictors for good health and longevity.
Keep alcohol to a minimum and of course, don’t smoke! Too Obvious?
LAST but not least invest in healthy and supportive relationships. This is one of the biggest factors often overlooked. Happy people in good relationships live longer healthier lives.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, there are of course myriad ways we can optimize our health and fitness, but start with these as the basics and once those are under control you can continue to make small adjustments to your lifestyle to ensure that you continue to improve as you age.
It is best to get ahead of the curve and start as soon as possible, don’t wait, small improvements over time lead to big results.
Contact for 121 coaching and I’ll help you develop a 5 year wellness plan to help you navigate the inevitable changes that come with the natural aging process.
Book a free consultation.
