Women’s Struggles after 50:

What do women over age 50 struggle with?

Life, as we get older provides many big things to be stressed about after 50: finances, aging, one’s own mortality, this is referred to as mid-life crisis.

Keep abreast of symptoms and effects of stress and learn ways to manage it.

Every woman experiences her midlife years differently. The changes that occur during this period, including changes in sexual well-being, are typically caused by a combination of both menopause and aging, as well as by typical midlife stresses and demands. Further, another problem linked to declining estrogen is an increased risk of heart disease, which can be exacerbated by being overweight,"

Collagen is a protein responsible for keeping your skin elastic and firm. As you age, your body starts to slow its production.

"Lack of collagen is one of the reasons your skin becomes more wrinkled as you age," Mill said. "Generally, women keep their skin's thickness until around age 50, then the skin starts to be drier, thinner, less elastic and wrinkles become more apparent." women lose approximately 30 percent of your skin's collagen during the first five years of menopause. About 2 percent of collagen then declines every year for the following 20 years.

The good news for People in America today, they can expect to live longer than ever before. Once you make it to 65 going up the ladder of life, data suggest that you can live another 19.3 years, on average, this according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions in order to stay healthy.

Women who eat healthy, exercise regularly, do not smoke, are much less likely to develop heart disease. In menopausal women, however, research shows that heart disease rates are 2 to 3 times higher than those of the same age who are not menopausal. An increase in heart attacks, according to research, typically occurs about ten years after menopause and is the leading cause of death in older women.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains helps heart health. Estrogen appears to help artery walls stay flexible and may improve the balance of good and bad cholesterol. With aging, blood vessels become stiffer, causing the heart to work harder. This contributes to high blood pressure. Hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease or stroke because the excess pressure damages the lining of arteries, and plaque can build up, causing the arteries to narrow. Moderate activity, getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and stress management can help keep blood pressure down.

Sex and sexual relationships can change at menopause and as we get older. For some women the changes are good and for some they pose a challenge. If your sex life is good, continue to enjoy it, nurture it, and remain sexually active. If you are dealing with some sexual issues, you probably know a bit more about what might be causing them and what you can do in response.

When younger, the body exchanges out worn-down bone cells with new, strong ones. By the time one is in their 50s, they have more broken-down bone cells than can be replaced. This means your bones naturally get weaker. To protect them, eat foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. To include; weight-bearing and resistance exercises, hiking and weight lifting.