As a woman, you may be worried about ageing and the challenges and changes that come with it. However, all the signs show that women get better with age.
To grow old confidently, it’s important to embrace the ageing process, check in with yourself, and to prioritise yourself.
We hope this advice will help if you are a woman worried about growing into your later years.
Embracing your age
Society has given us so many reasons to think of getting older as a bad thing; a survey shows that three-quarters of older women feel misrepresented by the media. However, studies reveal that many older Australian women are feeling better with age.
"Women in the over 55 demographic are in the prime of their lives and having the time of their lives - a force to be reckoned with and the glue that holds generations together.”
-Maria Welch, Publisher at Platinum Magazine
There are brilliant benefits that are unique to being an older woman, such as:
- You command respect.
- With age comes wisdom.
- You can put yourself first.
- You’re more likely to succeed.
- You get to watch your family grow.
- You can enjoy the fruits of your labour.
- You have time to pursue dreams and hobbies.
- Social relationships later in life cultivate more positivity.
- Australians at retirement age are reported to have the highest level of happiness.
Prioritising yourself
As you age, you may find yourself facing new difficulties. Women, especially grandmothers, are often seen as the glue of the family. Studies show that older women who are acting as a caregiver are six times more likely to experience depression or anxiety, and are at increased odds of retiring earlier than they would like.
It’s important to learn to prioritise yourself as you age, especially when your needs and abilities are changing.
Here are some steps you can take to put yourself first every day:
- Tend to your needs before doing things for anyone else.
- Engage in 30 minutes of exercise, like a walk, arm raises, or side circles.
- Don’t push yourself to do anything you feel unfit to do.
- Set boundaries with family, carers, and friends.
- Listen to music you love.
- Start a gratitude journal.
- Spend time on a hobby.
- Prioritise “me” time.
Checking in with yourself
“How are you?” is a question we ask each other every day. But have you asked yourself lately?
Check in with yourself and make sure you’re doing okay. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or to get comfortable in your ways.
If you’re feeling down, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I feel confident?
- Are my needs being met?
- Am I comfortable where I am living?
- Is there something I want to change?
- Am I doing things that make me happy?
- Do I have access to everything I need for my health?
- Do I feel safe in my relationships with my family, carers, and friends?
- Are my family members expecting too much of me?
- Do I trust those I am close with?
- Do I have a support network?
- Do I have friends of my own age who I can talk to?
- Am I financially secure?
- Am I in control of my own finances, assets, and property?
If your answers to these questions are not what you’d like them to be, it’s okay to reach out for help.
Here are some ideas for socialising and finding a support network in your older age.
If you are feeling worried about your finances, we can offer a free financial wellness check for you, and provide you with access to resources to help get back on track. We offer helpful ideas to save money as a senior.
If you’re feeling like you need some extra support, our free Senior Relationships Services (SRS) can help you explore your concerns and provide possible solutions in a safe and supportive environment.
You can learn more about the SRS here, or by calling 1300 063 232.