Only within the last 25 years has attention been paid to midlife women's health and the experiences of Menopause. But, with that attention has come the medicalization of another stage of women's life. Midlife is now synonymous with menopause and predominant attention is given to the experience of hormonal shifts while ignoring the health needs of the following stages of women's lives. Because of women's increased longevity and lower death rates, older women often spend a substantial part of their later lives with chronic disease and disability. Many chronic diseases that are associated with aging, however, are caused, in large part, by lifestyle factors. Unless more attention is given to prevention and alteration of lifestyle factors at midlife instead of primary attention to menopause, the health system is doing a disservice to women both at midlife and older age.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Identify lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic illness in older women 2. List lifestyle factors that can contribute to the wellbeing of older women
Keywords: Menopause, Aging
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.