The health checks every woman should prioritise after 40: A comprehensive guide to staying healthy and vibrant in your golden years
As we approach our 40s, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect our own health. We're so busy taking care of everyone else that we often forget to take care of ourselves. But here's the thing: this is the time when we need to start paying attention to our health more than ever. According to Dr Melanie Hemsley, a GP at Jean Hailes for Women's Health, the preventative health practices we put into place in our 40s and 50s will determine how well we age in our 70s, 80s, and 90s.
So, what are the key health checks and changes every woman should prioritise after 40? Let's dive in.
1. Keep up with your health checks
Don't wait until you feel unwell to see your doctor. Many health conditions can develop without obvious symptoms, so regular checks with your GP are crucial. Dr Hemsley advises, 'There's still a misconception that if you feel fine, you are fine. Things like high blood pressure may not give any symptoms at all, so having regular checks with your GP is really important.'
Regular screening and health checks can help identify problems early, even when you feel well. Prevention is key, as established disease is much harder to treat than prevent. Use these check-ups as an opportunity to discuss healthy ageing and the steps you can take to get there.
If you're aged 45 to 49 and have a risk factor for chronic disease, ask your GP about a Medicare-subsidised health assessment. There's also a dedicated health assessment for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms.
2. Don't dismiss changes
Midlife changes, such as persistent joint pain and other issues affecting pelvic floor or bladder function, are often brushed off as part of ageing. But if something is impacting your comfort, confidence, or daily life, don't write it off as menopause or getting older. There may be treatment or support available.
Emotional wellbeing is also crucial, as midlife can be a vulnerable time for women. Dr Hemsley explains, 'It's a time of transition. Women can feel a real loss of sense of self as their bodies and roles change, and children leave home.' If you're feeling flat, it's essential to discuss any changes in your mood, sleep, or relationships with your GP.
3. Rethink what healthy looks like
For years, women have measured their health by the number on the scales, but this is a dangerous mindset. Dr Hemsley warns, 'If you're aiming for thin in mid to late life, that equals frail. We're aiming for strong.'
This doesn't mean you have to start lifting heavy weights or exercising like you did in your 20s. The Australian Government guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity most days, along with muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week. Simple activities like dog walking, gardening, and taking the stairs can make a big difference.
The same goes for food. Dr Hemsley suggests, 'The old view of the male having the steak and the woman having the salad needs to be gone.' Focus on calcium- and iron-rich foods to ensure your body gets the nourishment it needs.
4. Start with one small step
Trying to overhaul your entire life is unrealistic. Instead, Dr Hemsley encourages small, manageable changes that can lead to bigger ones. Book that check-up you've been putting off, take a walk after dinner, add a strength session to your week, or head to bed half an hour earlier. It's all about making one thing that makes you feel a little better.
From there, you might make another change, and when you're sleeping better, you might have more energy for physical activity. The goal is consistency, not perfection, and finding what works for you and your current lifestyle.
Dr Hemsley sees this stage of life as an opportunity, as women have a lot of life to live beyond their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Every modification is meaningful, so start where you are now.
Your midlife health check
Discuss with your GP which checks are right for you based on your age, symptoms, family history, and individual risk factors. These may include:
- Breast screening
- Cervical screening
- Bowel screening
- Heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol
- Diabetes risk
- Bone health and osteoporosis risk
- Skin cancer risk and skin checks
Ask your GP these questions:
- Which screenings or health checks am I due for?
- Based on my health and family history, what chronic diseases am I most at risk of, and what can I do now to reduce that risk?
- Are there any symptoms or changes I may be dismissing as part of getting older?
