Aging brings a host of health challenges. Some of these can be traced back to choices and mistakes made during youth. For women, these issues are particularly complicated due to the hormonal and physiological changes that their bodies undergo at menopause. It is therefore important for a caregiver of senior women to know the potential health risks. So that they can identify them at their early onset.
Let’s explore some major health issues senior women might face due to past life choices. This blog post will also discuss how these could have been avoided.
Body Image Issues and Osteoporosis
For older women, osteoporosis poses a serious health risk due to its weakening of the bones and risk of fractures. One key contributing factor is insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake during youth. According to a 2022 study, women in their early 20s with body image distortions often disregard their bone health. This is particularly in the pursuit of keeping their body weight in check.
Women’s bone density increases until the age of 25, with high rates of bone formation, as per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Beyond the age of 50, the rate of bone degradation exceeds that of bone formation. Females who neglect their bone health at a young age run a greater risk of developing osteoporosis in later life.
Prevention is the key to keeping a check on this condition. Hence, make sure you get enough calcium-rich foods during adolescence and early adulthood. You should also exercise with weights, and indulge in walking, running, and strength training.
Birth Control and Pelvic Pain
Birth control is usually a safe and necessary process for fertile women. However, it may lead to complications which can persist till old age. For example, Paragard, a popular non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) used for long-term birth control, has been linked to severe complications.
These problems were brought to light by the Paragard lawsuit, filed against the manufacturers. The breakage of this IUD was found to cause uterine perforation, infection, and scarring. These complications may affect fertility and overall reproductive health.
These issues can have long-term health implications, especially for senior women who experienced these complications when they were younger. Some women experience long-term pelvic pain and other concerns from the device. Women who have issues like PID are at risk of recurring pelvic pain due to the formation of scar tissue and abscesses. These form in the fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs for the rest of their lives.
Sedentary Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Disease
The top cause of death for women is cardiovascular disease or CVD. Young women who lead sedentary lifestyles have poor dietary habits. Females who smoke are further at an increased risk of developing CVD in their senior years.
A 2022 study highlighted that early-life physical inactivity and obesity significantly contribute to heart disease later in life. Following a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, grains, and fruits can reduce the risk of CVD and promote cardiovascular health. They also need to be involved in regular physical exercises.
Lifestyle Choices and Breast Cancer
Several factors, including reproductive history and lifestyle choices, influence the risk of breast cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption and not having children before age 35 are the risk factors for breast cancer in older women. Age itself is another consideration, with one in forty-three women in the age range of 50-60 years developing breast cancer.
Altering one’s lifestyle can help lower this risk. They should limit alcohol intake, avoid unnecessary exposure to carcinogens, and stay at a healthy body weight.
Furthermore, participating in regular mammograms and self-exams is essential for early detection and better outcomes. Besides early detection, regular medical check-ups help maintain a solid medical record. This can be helpful for several purposes, from insurance claims to tort cases, according to TorHoerman Law.
Poor Diet, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can develop from prolonged periods of poor dietary choices and physical inactivity. Women who were overweight or obese in their younger years develop a significantly higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Its likelihood gets prominent as they grow older due to increased insulin resistance.
One must ensure a healthy weight with the intake of a balanced diet. They should also exercise regularly to prevent this (Type 2 diabetes) from happening. Additionally, regular blood sugar screenings can help in the management and initial detection phase of the condition. This becomes mandatory, especially for those with a family history of diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do women need to be aware of any early warning signs of type 2 diabetes?
Yes, they should be. Increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, and frequent tendency to urinate are early symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Other notable indications are blurred vision, numbness in the hands and feet, and cuts that heal slowly. It is a must to get a doctor visit for an assessment if you come across these symptoms.
How does drinking alcohol impact the risk of breast cancer?
Because excessive alcohol consumption damages cell DNA, it can increase the possibility of breast cancer. Alcohol affects the body’s metabolism of estrogen, raising blood estrogen levels. Notably, the link between alcohol and breast cancer is strong for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, the common type of breast cancer.
What are the possible risks associated with using a Paragard IUD?
Women should be advised that Paragard can occasionally shatter when being removed. This can result in complications like infection or uterine perforation. Users may experience longer and heavier menstrual periods, especially in the first few months after insertion. Further, the outcome of using the tool can affect reproductive health and necessitate surgical intervention.
Are there any non-dietary methods to support bone health?
Yes, regular weightlifting and resistance training strengthen bones in addition to a diet. A healthy diet and moderate alcohol use are other factors that promote stronger bones. Further, adequate sleep is necessary as poor quality of sleep has been linked to lower bone mineral density.
To conclude, women’s health as they age is significantly impacted by their decisions when they are younger. Prioritizing health from a young age lays a strong foundation for a healthier, vibrant future, even at a ripe age.