Embracing the Golden Years: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Wellness
A Deep Dive into the Emotional, Physical, and Psychological Aspects of Aging
Every morning, in the heart of Baltimore, Bracha Goetz begins her day with a smile. At 65, this children’s book author sees an older woman in the mirror, but feels a youthful spirit within. “I think, ‘Who is that old lady in the mirror?’” she laughs. “In truth, I feel like a very young person. I believe we are spiritual beings housed in bodies. Our bodies might be aging, but our souls aren’t, and my soul feels as young and as vibrant as ever.”
The Movement to Embrace Aging
The disconnect Goetz feels is common among many women as they age. However, there’s a growing movement to embrace the signs of aging. Women are speaking up and celebrating their natural beauty. For instance, Martha Truslow Smith started the Instagram account @grombre in 2016 to celebrate women allowing their hair to turn gray. The account has since gained over 223,000 followers.
The Power of Self-Compassion
For Dr. Ellen Albertson, a 58-year-old wellness coach based in Burlington, Vermont, approaching midlife brought positive life changes. After struggling with workaholism and negative body image, she discovered the work of Dr. Kristin Neff, an expert on self-compassion. “As women, we’ve been taught that our self-worth is based on our appearance,” Albertson says. “I decided to do my PhD dissertation on this topic of self-compassion and realized just how powerful it can be for all women, including those who are approaching midlife.”
Albertson now coaches women, teaching them to incorporate self-compassion into every aspect of their lives. This includes speaking to oneself with kindness and using positive affirmations. “I will work with women on better ways to take care of themselves in a host of categories, including body, mind, spirit, heart, and relationships,” she says. “When they experience inner-critic suffering, they can then pull out a list of things to make them feel better. These actions can include things like five minutes of deep breathing, listening to music, doing some yoga.”
The Impact of a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can lower stress levels and improve overall well-being. A 2017 American Psychological Association study showed that self-compassion increased self-esteem and body image in women. Decreased stress levels have been shown to lengthen life expectancy, and positive thoughts can inspire healthier life choices.
Rachel Lankester, the 54-year-old founder of the Magnificent Midlife Movement, knows this firsthand. After being diagnosed with early menopause at 41, she got her nutrition in order and her body returned to a healthy rhythm. “Stress management is massive, and that means emotional stress but also nutritional stress if you aren’t eating well,” she says. “Technically, the only symptom of menopause is the end of one’s period. Yet so many women experience horrible symptoms. I see those symptoms as the canary in the coal mine—the signal that something needs to change, lifestyle-wise.”
Healthy Aging: Nutrition and Exercise
Goetz was expecting discomfort during menopause, but she never experienced the typical symptoms. “I eat healthfully and do joyful exercise like yoga and dancing every day,” she says. “When I visited the chiropractor a few years ago, they told me that my spine was like that of a 19-year-old. I wasn’t too surprised because I move so much.”
Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Dr. Soma Mandal, an internist and women’s health specialist, recalls a study linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to breast cancer. However, recent studies have shown that the safety of HRT depends on the individual. “The study from 20 years ago used synthetic estrogen made from horse urine and synthetic progesterone,” says Dr. Tara Scott, chief medical officer of Revitalize Medical Group. “Synthetic versions are not the same as our bodies. Hormones work in our bodies like a lock and key.”
Today, HRT is used on a case-by-case basis. Estrogen therapy has been found to decrease the risk of heart disease, the number one killer of women. Recent guidelines from the North American Menopause Society state that between the ages of 50 and 60, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Osteoporosis: A Major Concern
Osteoporosis, the condition where bones become brittle over time, is a major concern for women as they age. Bone density is strongest in our late teens and early 20s but decreases in the years after, especially in the three years following the onset of menopause. Regular bone density tests are crucial for early detection and management.
For more information on women’s health and aging, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the Office on Women’s Health.
