What you probably know: According to a National Library of Medicine study, older individuals are expected to outnumber children younger than 10 by 2030, as people are living longer compared to previous generations. Research shows that women tend to have longer life expectancy than men, therefore making up a larger portion of the older population.
What it means: So what does healthy aging look like for women? Wellness and cellular activation consultant Paula Fallon built her wellness company on more than a decade of experience, building a strong foundation for living with greater vitality, purpose and freedom. Fallon said going back to the basics becomes more important as women go through menopause or perimenopause. Eating primarily nutrient-dense food, prioritizing your protein intake, hydrating and strength training are a few basics that are important to maintain as women’s bodies navigate hormonal shifts. “I’m also a strong believer in reducing the inflammatory burden on the body and supporting our health at the cellular level rather than waiting until something goes wrong,” Fallon said. Studies indicate that women are more prone to develop debilitating disease as they age, highlighting the importance of taking a proactive approach when it comes to healthy aging. “Most importantly, pay attention to your body and become your body's expert because what worked at 30 may not be what your body needs at 45, 55, or 65.”
Why it matters: Fallon encourages women to rethink aging. “Age is just a number,” she said. “It is never too late to shift what you're doing. When you build your strength, you increase energy.” Rather than associating aging with declining strength, energy, mobility and vitality, Fallon said to challenge the status quo and view it as a gift of freedom. Research shows that psychological factors such as optimism and resilience play a factor in healthy aging. Optimistic people tend to recover faster from surgeries or acute disease and resilient people maintain their balance in times of chaos. These qualities are strong predictors of long-term health and wellbeing.
What happens next: As women reach older age, the goal isn’t simply to add more years to their lives. Fallon said it’s to add vitality to fully live those years independently. “Strong, healthy women are better equipped to remain engaged in their families, careers, communities, and the things that give their lives meaning,” she said. Aging can be an opportunity to cultivate healthy daily habits so women can continue to show up for what matters most. Prioritizing rest is essential to regulate hormones and support the immune system. Fallon also emphasizes consistency over perfection, which allows you to build better habits long-term rather than quick fixes.
