Ten Tips for staying healthy at midlife, by Rachel Green

1. Exercise
   Oh! I know it can seem an awful concept but there is too much evidence to ignore the fact that the benefits of exercising in Midlife far outweigh the agony, sweat and time-tabling problems. Go do it. Get on your bike! Get walking. Keep your weight down, your blood pressure down and help prevent osteoporosis and reduce stress, depression and anxiety.

2. Know what your risk factors are and do something about them
   Find out what your family history is. Did people in your family have strokes? heart attacks? breast cancer? osteoporosis? Whatever your family history - work to reduce your chance of getting the same problems.
   

3. Establish a strong social network
   Many of us get to midlife and find that as our children leave home, we get divorced, we leave work, friends and family die, or our social networks fade and we become short of friends or lonely. Research clearly shows that those with a strong social network stay healthier and happier than those without one. Join clubs, chat to neighbours, invite people to your place, to the movies, to go hiking ... take the time to develop friends.

4. Learn about the Menopause
   Don't just assume that HRT is the answer to everything. It isn't. There are lots of books and information around on diets, alternative health systems and ways to deal well with menopause. Be informed. And yes! this applies to both men and women. Check out our website links for more information LINKS - MIDLIFE
   

5. Have health checks.
   Don't put them off. These include checks for prostate, bone density, skin cancer, cholesterol, iron, thyroids, blood pressure and more. Men are notorious for not going to the doctor until it is too late - go now, even the most minor symptom is worth investigating - it may save your life.
   

6. Listen to your feelings.
   Don't be frightened of your feelings or try to block them out. Don't just blame them on your hormones. There can be more to anxiety and depression than hormones. They are probably trying to tell you something. Stay with your feelings long enough to work out what they are trying to tell you, to learn why you are feeling as you are and to take the right action. (This doesn't automatically mean running away from your present situation.)
   

7. Seek help
   Seek help if you are clinically depressed, anxious or having medical problems. Go to your doctor, see a counsellor, attend a psychiatrist.
   

8. Eat Calcium
   Calcium and weight bearing exercise are important to help us maintain bone density. Make sure you have an adequate intake of calcium. It's found in many foods including yoghurt, cheese, some nuts and others.
   

9. Keep doing new things
   Many of the problems associated with ageing, such as back, neck and hip pain, are influenced by the way that we move. If we repeatedly move, walk, lift, or sit in the same way, we may wear out some parts of our bodies ahead of others. It is the same with our brains. If we always do things "the way we've always done them" then we increase the chances that our brains will stagnate. Discover new ways to do things. Get in and out of your chair in diferent ways, take a different route home from the shops, start doing crosswords ... keep doing new things.
   

10. Increase your flexibility
    It is possible, for example using the Feldenkrais Method, to develop flexible, efficient and beneficial ways to sit, walk, drive the car, dance, bowl, play golf, read, write or accomplish any of the many movements in our everyday lives. This can help us feel better, avoid some of the stiffnesses of ageing and prevent specific joints, muscles or bones from wearing out quickly. For more information: The Feldenkrais Method.
    

Further information

There are inspiring stories on coping with Midlife in the book: "Midlife and Happiness".

Please note:
The information in this article is in no way a substitute for proper medical advice or psychological counselling. The tips are only of a general nature - please seek face-to-face professional help for your individual needs.

May you stay healthy and happy in Midlife,
Best wishes,
Rachel Green
PO Box 344, Kelmscott, Western Australia 6991.
Phone: +61 8 9390 1188. Fax +61 8 9390 1199
E-mail: