Women’s Wellness Exam in Your 60’s - County Obstetrics & Gynecology

Women’s Wellness

...in Your 60’s

Most women in the United States today can look forward to living well into their late 70s or early 80s.

Because you can expect to live longer that you should do everything in your power to ensure you’re as healthy as possible.

Women in their 60’s have generally completed the menopausal transition and are moving on to a new phase of life.

The specialist at County Obstetrics & Gynecology will help you focus on maintenance of a good, active quality of life.

Be physically active more often…

It’s hard to overstate the importance of regular physical activity. In general, women who exercise tend to have healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and have a lower risk of developing serious chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

As you approach menopause, staying physically active can also help curtail or alleviate bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and moodiness.

Finding the time for 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week can help you sleep better, give you more energy, help control unhealthy food cravings, and keep you at a healthy body weight.

Make sleep a top priority…

For many women, the demands of modern life make it increasingly harder to get a good night’s sleep. But here’s the thing: “Your to-do list isn’t nearly as important as the health benefits that quality sleep can provide.”

Getting the amount of sleep you need to feel rested and balanced can help you stay productive, preserve a higher level of reasoning, and keep your emotions steady. It also helps protect your long-term health.

Sleep is an important factor at all stages of life. It’s restorative for mind and body alike. Women who routinely don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have weight control issues and memory problems — plus an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Start by cultivating better sleep habits. Don’t consume caffeine after 2pm. Avoid screen time within 30 minutes of going to bed — put your phone on silent or sleep mode and turn off all alerts. Instead of watching TV or using a computer or tablet, read a book or listen to relaxing music.

Improve your diet…

Pay attention to what you’re eating!

Eating healthy doesn’t mean boring or bland food. On the contrary, it can mean fresh and fun flavors, colorful appetizing plates, and a whole new world of ingredients you’ve never tried before.

Try to eat whole, fresh foods as often as possible. Even when time doesn’t permit a home-cooked meal, take a look at the ingredients in the packaged foods you buy at the store.

When you’re in your 60s, your risk for heart diseases increases significantly. In fact, heart disease is the cause of 20% of deaths for women ages 65 to 74. To fight against this, maintain a healthy diet, stay active.

Late-stage Menopause

In this age range, women often encounter more issues with hormone changes.

Vaginal dryness and decreased sexual desire often become concerns

As a woman enters her 60s and 70s, there is more concern about the vulva – the outside of the vagina. Aging changes can cause irritating or painful symptoms.

One such condition, lichen sclerosis, causes skin changes related to decreased estrogen production.

The condition can cause a lot of itching and irritation, and also can be pre-cancerous.

The vulva should be examined closely during the annual visit, particularly after age 55, to treat and manage skin conditions and potentially detect early-stage cancer.