Your 50s: Eight Best Health Tips -- from Women Who've Been There

1. Do it now! Even if tomorrow comes, it may not be the day you expected. Most of the way through my 50s I was young, healthy and strong. There were lots of things I was going to do later when I retired or when I had more money. At 59, when I started having joint pain, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and things have gone downhill from there. There is no time like the present, and I am doing the things that are important to me instead of putting them off. Luckily I still can. --Jessie, 62

2. Own your feelings. If you lose someone you love, allow yourself to feel the loss and to grieve and to work through all the feelings -- love, loss, anger, disappointment and fear of the future without your loved one. Only by feeling the feelings will you be able to progress and get on with your life. --Marlyn, 67

3. Get some exercise. I know what you're saying: "But I don't have time," or, "I hate to exercise." Face it girl, if you don't use it you lose it! Energy begets energy. You'll be surprised how much better you feel. Find interesting things to do. Take up a hobby. Read wonderful books. You have to exercise your mind as well as your body.
And see your doctor once a year -- get the mammogram, get a bone density test and a sigmoidoscopy. In other words, take care of yourself -- you're worth it! --Sharon, 60

4. Keep up with the times. Stop wearing the same teased hair and makeup that worked for you 10 years ago. Get a makeover if necessary. And keep smiling! Even though we may feel lousy, we don't have to look it. I never go to the doctor or any appointments in sweats. Put on a nice blouse, slacks and a spritz of cologne before you go out the door. --Marie, 60

5. Keep busy doing the things that are really meaningful to you (at work, in the home or as a volunteer). Take life with a pinch of salt, and don't be envious of others -- enjoy and be content in what life has to offer. Have good sex, don't get involved in spiteful bickering and keep your energies for the really important struggles. --Ruth, 69

6. I think the healthiest women are the ones who speak up for themselves. Although there are occasional times when biting your tongue is appropriate, for the most part, honesty really is the best policy --Rachael

7. Medic alert tags are great for ER visits, but there are times when the information is easier to give if you have it handy. A typewritten paper is in my purse at all times -- with an added copy "hidden" within my wallet. It lists every medication, dose, doctor, disease or other important health issue I have. I even added that I use dentures! This list has helped my doctors and myself as well as whoever is with me when I need medical attention. I update it on a regular basis. Even if you think you may not need it now, one day you may. Keep it in mind! --Pat, 54

8. Read, read and then read again. Be taken to places in your heart and imagination by good novels. Don't read the trashy novels, but the good novels. There are millions of them at your public library or your local bookstore. Read for pleasure, read for knowledge and make sure you have books in your home at all times. --iVillage member

Share your own best health tips.

Make the most of your 50s -- starting now.

• Take a quiz to see how healthy you are for your age.
• Print this exam checklist to keep you up-to-date on medical tests you need.
• Find out what hormonal, bone, heart, weight and other health changes you can expect during your 50s.
• Learn about how perimenopause and menopause affect your sleep cycle.
• Go back to 50s main page.