This is the biggest threat to the health of women over 60 years of age.

Noticeable amount women from 60 years faces significant risk to its health: heart diseases. The disease is the leading cause of death in this age group, prompting experts to emphasize the need to maintain cardiovascular health.

Stacy Rosencardiologist Northwell Health In NYC, emphasizes the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms, which may present differently in women and men. “Women often experience difficulty breathing, accompanied by chest pain, back pain and fatigue that can be easily overlooked.”, he claimed. In this regard, he added that Women should pay attention to these signs and consult a doctor if you experience any discomfort.

Carrying out 65 years old, the importance of preventive examinations cannot be underestimated. During these annual checkups, basic tests such as hearing loss screening and cognitive health assessments are typically performed, as well as a review of other preventative services.

While many people are familiar with the basic principles of living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and going to annual checkups, strictly following all of these recommendations can be overwhelming. Taking care of yourself and getting screened for cancer and other diseases requires constant attention and effort.

Keep in mind that the definition of “health” can vary greatly among women at different stages of their lives. The study emphasizes the need for these recommendations not to be too strict, especially as you age: “Your doctor should help you evaluate the risks and benefits of any screening for your specific health situation as you begin to approach your golden years.”

Nearly half of all adults have high blood pressureAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one in four adults with high blood pressure keeps it under control. Uncontrolled hypertension significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, so working with your doctor to keep your blood pressure levels below 130/80 is important for your cardiovascular health.

Another reason to take care of your heart is another organ that people start to worry about as they age: the brain. The risk of dementia begins to increase after age 65So “being actively involved in reducing your risk of dementia is obviously very important,” says Thomas Wisniewski, a neurologist at NYU Langone Health.

“What’s good for the heart is good for the brain”, especially because the brain is the most oxygen-hungry organ in the body, he says. “Having a healthy vascular system is very important for brain health and resilience, so the simple act of physical activity is very protective,” as well as helping to control medical problems such as high cholesterol, blood sugar and hypertension.

Some ways to reduce your risk of cognitive decline include following a Mediterranean diet, getting enough sleep, staying mentally active and getting checked for sleep apnea if you snore, as the risk increases with age. “Be varied through mental stimulation,” Wisniewski says. “Reading, discussing what you read, social interaction, doing something new, homework, adult education, crosswords, Sudoku, puzzles – all of these together are very useful.”

However, excess alcohol is harmful. Binge drinking and problem drinking have increased in older adults, but the risks of drinking, including the risk of dementia and sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, begin to increase with age.

Finally, although it may seem obvious, “avoid head injuries,” says Wisniewski. He recommends that older adults use exercise bikes instead of treadmills or elliptical machines, for example, because the risk of falls is lower.

The average age of menopause is 51, but for many, postmenopausal symptoms can continue into their 60s. This means that it is necessary to balance the management of these symptoms with the potential risks of some treatments.

For most women over 50, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks, such as an increased risk of vaginal bleeding, blood clots, stroke, dementia and some cancers, as these risks are low for women in this age group. But when they reach 60, the calculations begin to change. For example, hormone therapy is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease in women under 60, but the risk may increase with age.

“Studies have shown that the risk begins to increase after age 60,” says Angela Wilson, an OB-GYN at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. “If a patient is still on hormone replacement therapy and is approaching age 60, that’s when I start trying to reduce the dose,” although stopping hormones suddenly is not wise, he adds. A sudden stop can be a shock to the system, which may initially bring back symptoms.

Again, however, this is not a universal recommendation. Wilson has patients who continue low-dose hormone therapy into their 60s because their quality of life declines too much without it. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and evaluate the benefits and risks specific to your circumstances.

While many women stop visiting their OB/GYN after age 65, Wilson says, there are reasons to continue doing so, such as the risk of pelvic organ prolapse, which is when one or more pelvic organs, such as the vagina, bladder, uterus, urethra or rectum, are affected. fall out of position, often protrude into the vagina. Half or more of women have experienced prolapse, and the risk increases with age, often leading to urinary incontinence.

Finally, urinary and fecal incontinence tends to be more common in women in their 70s, but can begin much earlier, especially in those who have had a complicated birth, such as a vaginal birth with a large baby or lacerations in the third or third year of life. fourth grade.

“These women often have fecal incontinence later in life,” either due to urinary incontinence or urges, where they can’t get to the toilet in time when they feel the need to go, says Rajeev Jain, a gastroenterologist in Texas. dealing with diseases of the digestive system. Consultants.