Healthy Aging 221

Healthy Aging

Facing aging is not a new concept. But our views on older age 

are changing. Experts on aging now know that poor health 

and loss of independence are not a natural and normal part 

of getting older. And there are many steps that you can take 

now to help maintain your health, vitality, and independence 

throughout your golden years.

You’re never too old to live healthy

Adopting healthy behaviors—even 

later in life—can help prevent, delay, 

and control disease. In fact, research 

has shown that a healthy lifestyle matters more than your genes in helping 

you to avoid poor health as you age. A 

healthy lifestyle can protect you from 

frailty, too. Preventing health problems 

also saves money. The cost of providing 

health care for an older American is 3 to 

5 times greater than the cost for someone younger than 65. So why wait? Take 

these steps to boost your physical health 

and self-esteem:

l	 Get moving! By age 75, about 1 in 2 

women does not engage in any physical activity. But physical activity can 

help people of all ages—even those 

with serious health problems. For instance, muscle-building physical activity can help people with heart failure 

in ways that medicine cannot. Talk to 

your doctor about safe ways for you to 

become active.

l	 Eat healthy food. Nutrient-rich foods 

are vital to our health as we age. If 

shopping for or preparing good food 

Where to Find:

Effects of normal aging .........page 223

Menopause ............................ page 224

Bone health ...........................page 225

Brain health ...........................page 226

Common health 

conditions ..............................page 228

Other common health 

concerns ...............................page 229
222 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

is hard for you, contact your local Area 

Agency on Aging (the number is in 

the phone book) or Eldercare locator 

(see the resources listed in the resource 

section on page 233). You may be able 

to enjoy free or low-cost meals for 

older people at a community center, 

church, or school or have meals delivered to your home.

l	 Quit smoking. If you have smoked for 

many years, you might think it’s too 

late for you to quit—that the damage 

is done. But quitting has immediate 

health benefits even for lifelong smokers and people with smoking-related 

diseases. For instance, smokers have 

twice the risk of dying of heart disease 

as nonsmokers. But this risk begins 

to drop after quitting. After 15 years 

of not smoking, past smokers’ risk of 

heart disease is similar to those who 

have never smoked. 

l	 See your doctor regularly for health 

screenings and vaccines. Tell your 

doctor about any health changes you 

notice. Also, tell your doctor if you 

feel sad, lonely, or like you don’t have 

the energy or interest in doing things 

you once enjoyed. (See page 416 in the 

Appendix for screening and immunization guidelines.)

l	 Be safe when drinking alcohol. The 

body responds differently to alcohol 

with age. Even a small amount can 

impair judgment, coordination, and 

reaction time. And many medicines do 

not mix well with alcohol. Talk to your 

doctor about your alcohol use and the 

medicines you are taking.

l	 Stay connected. You can protect yourself from isolation and depression by 

interacting with others. Get involved 

with a volunteer, hobby, or special 

interest group. Local senior centers 

offer social programs. Your local Area 

Agency on Aging can help you connect with outreach programs if you are 

homebound. 

Consumer Alert—Don’t Be a 

Victim of Health Scams 

Living with chronic health problems can 

be hard. You might be willing to try just 

about anything to feel better—including 

unproven remedies that promise a quick 

or painless cure. Be smart and talk to 

your doctor before buying a product that 

sounds too good to be true. Quacks—

people who sell unproven remedies— 

target older people. Those who fall victim to their scams waste money and put 

their health at risk.
Healthy Aging 223

Normal age-related decline affects most of our body’s organs and systems. How and 

when this happens is different for each of us. It depends on many factors, including our 

genes, lifestyle, and health history.

“Normal” Aging 

Brain Brain structure changes with age, the effects of which are unclear. Healthy older people 

might notice some mild changes, such as needing new information repeated or more time 

to learn something new.

Heart and 

arteries

The heart muscle thickens, and arteries tend to stiffen with age. This makes it harder for 

the heart to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It also becomes harder for the 

body to take out the oxygen from blood.

Lungs The amount of air the lungs can breathe in and out can decrease with age, causing shortness of breath while working hard or during brisk activities.

Kidneys Over time, the kidneys don’t work as well at removing waste from the blood.

Bladder With age, the bladder cannot hold as much urine. 

Body fat Levels of body fat stay about the same from middle age until late life, when body weight 

tends to decline. Older people tend to lose both muscle and body fat. Fat also shifts from 

just beneath the skin to deeper organs.

Skin The skin thins and loses elasticity as it ages, leading to wrinkles and sags. Loss of sweat 

and oil glands can lead to dry and flaky skin. Spots appear on sun-damaged skin.

Hair Hair often grays and becomes brittle. Some women also notice hair loss or thinning. 

Muscles Without physical activity, muscle mass declines up to 22 percent in women between age 

30 and 70, affecting strength, flexibility, and balance.

Bones Bone mineral is removed and replaced throughout life. Beginning in the 40s, bone may be 

lost faster than it can be replaced. Bone loss speeds up even more after menopause. Over 

time, bones can weaken and become brittle.

Eyes In midlife, it can become harder to focus on close-up items, such as a book. From 50 on, 

glare tends to interfere more with vision, and seeing in low-light and detecting moving objects become more and more difficult. Seeing detail can become a challenge in the 70s.

Ears Higher pitched sounds become more difficult to hear with age. Understanding speech, 

especially if there is background noise, can be a problem, even for older adults with good 

hearing.

Reproductive 

system

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. She no longer has periods 

and she cannot become pregnant. 

Hormones Hormones are chemical messengers that control the function of many organs and tissues. 

As we age, our bodies make less of certain hormones, such as estrogen and growth hormone, and more of others, such as parathyroid hormone (PHT). Estrogen and PHT affect 

bone health. Researchers are studying the effect of this change on aging. 

Immune 

system

The organs and cells of the immune system work throughout the body to protect it from 

infection. With age, these cells become less active, making the body less able to defend 

against bacteria and viruses. Researchers think that this system might play an important 

role in the aging process.
224 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Important health topics for aging 

women

Menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s 

reproductive years. You have reached 

menopause when a full year has passed 

without having a period. This happens 

for most women after age 45. Some 

women are hardly aware of the changes 

occurring as they near menopause. Some 

are bothered by hot flashes, night sweats, 

and vaginal dryness. You might notice 

other changes too, such as mood changes 

and memory problems. We don’t always 

know if changes are related to menopause, aging, or both. For most women, 

some discomforts related to menopause, 

such as hot flashes, may go away 3 to 5 

years after reaching menopause. Other 

symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, may 

not go away.

Many women are able to cope with mild 

menopause discomforts. Try these tips:

l	 Hot flashes

 • Wear fabrics that breathe, and dress 

in layers.

 • Drink something cold when a hot 

flash starts.

 • Keep track of when hot flashes happen so you can avoid triggers.

l	 Night sweats

 • Keep your bedroom cool or use a fan.

 • Wear breathable nightclothes.

l	 Vaginal dryness and discomfort

 • Water-based lubricants or estrogen 

creams or tablets can help restore 

moisture and tissue health when dryness is caused by reduced estrogen.

Taking hormones, called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), can be good at relieving moderate to severe symptoms and 

preventing bone loss. But MHT has some 

serious risks, especially if used for a long 

time. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of MHT. If you decide to 

try MHT, use the lowest dose that helps 

for the shortest time you need it.

Keep in mind that menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life—not a disease. 

But it can affect your health in some 

important ways. Lower levels of estrogen increase your risk of bone disease in 

the postmenopausal years. Heart disease 

risk also increases after menopause. You 

might wonder if MHT can help. But recent studies suggest that women should 

not use MHT to protect against heart 

disease. (See page 28 of the Heart Disease

chapter for more information.) And other drugs can help bone loss. You also can 

take steps to lower your risks for these 

health problems. (See the section “Bone 

health” that follows.)
Healthy Aging 225

Hysterectomy

Some types of surgery can bring on 

early menopause. A woman who has 

her uterus removed (hysterectomy) 

and/or both ovaries removed will 

stop having periods. But if her ovaries 

are left in place, she could still have 

symptoms of menopause in her 40s 

and 50s. If both ovaries are removed, 

symptoms of menopause can begin 

right away, regardless of age.

Bone health

Men and women lose bone as they grow 

older. But women need to give bone 

health their full attention, even more so 

than men. Women have smaller bones 

than men. But also, they lose bone 

faster than men do because of hormonal 

changes that occur during the menopause transition and after menopause. 

Over time bone loss can lead to osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-puh-ROH-suhss), 

which makes your bones weak and more 

likely to break. Of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are 

women. Osteoporosis affects all people, 

including women of color. But those at 

greatest risk are: 

l	 Caucasian women

l	 thin, small-boned women

l	 women with a family history of bone 

breaks because of weak bones or who 

have broken a bone as an adult

l	 women who smoke

l	 women who use certain medicines for 

a long time, such as those used to treat 

asthma, lupus, and seizures

Your bone health matters because your 

risk of falling goes up as you get older. 

About 1 in 4 women age 50 and older 

falls each year. Broken bones that result 

from falls are frequently caused by osteoporosis or low bone mass. A broken 

bone—commonly of the hip, spine, or 

wrist—is often how a woman finds out 

she has osteoporosis. 

Don’t let a broken bone be your wake-up 

call. Talk to your doctor about your risk 

of osteoporosis and whether you need a 

bone density test. This test can tell how 

strong your bones are and if you have 

a higher chance for breaks. You should 

get a bone density test if you are age 65 

or older or if you are between ages 60 

and 64, weigh less than 154 pounds, and 

don’t take estrogen. Also, take these steps 

to help keep your bones strong and prevent bone loss: 

l	 Eat foods rich in calcium and 

vitamin D. Both are needed to build 

bone and keep bones strong. Adults 

age 50 and older need 1200 mg of 

calcium and 400 to 600 IU or more 

of vitamin D3 daily. Supplements can 

help if you cannot get the amount you 

need from the foods you eat.

l	 Engage in weight-bearing physical activity 3 to 4 times a week to 

make bones stronger. Examples include walking, jogging, tennis, and 

dancing.

l	 Don’t smoke, and use alcohol only in 

moderation. Smoking is a risk factor 

for osteoporosis. Heavy drinking is 

linked to lower bone density and high 

risk of bone breaks. 
226 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Preventing Falls

Falls are the most common cause of 

injury and injury-related death among 

older adults. Falls that result in serious injury, like a broken bone, can 

threaten your physical health and independence. Even if you don’t get hurt 

from a fall, a fear of falling again can 

keep you from doing things you want 

or need to do. This can result in isolation and depression. There are many 

reasons older people fall more. But 

hazards around you are the leading 

cause of falls. Many times, these falls 

could have been avoided. Here are 

some steps you can take to lower your 

risk of falling:

• Get regular physical activity to improve strength and balance.

• Ask your doctor to review the medicines you are using to check for side 

effects and interactions that might 

make you dizzy or sleepy.

• Have your eyesight checked by an 

eye doctor every 1 or 2 years.

• Make your home safer: Install handrails and grab bars, secure throw 

rugs, improve lighting, remove clutter you can trip over, keep items you 

use daily within easy reach, and 

wear supportive shoes both inside 

and outside.

For women at high risk of bone disease, 

many medicines can help slow bone 

loss and reduce the risk of bone breaks. 

Short-term use of estrogen (menopausal 

hormone therapy, or MHT) can relieve 

symptoms of menopause and prevent 

bone loss. But long-term estrogen use 

has serious risks. If used, MHT should 

be used for the shortest time possible. 

Currently, no “natural” products, such 

as phytoestrogens (feye-toh-ESS-truhjuhnz), are recommended to prevent osteoporosis. If you are at high risk, talk to 

your doctor about your options.

Brain health

Many women want to live a long life, but 

worry about memory loss or becoming 

“senile.” Our brain health—or cognitive 

health—involves the functions we need 

for everyday activities. These include 

thinking, learning, memory, judgment, 

planning, talking, and perception. Some 

people think that losing these functions 

is a normal part of aging. But this is not 

true. Most older adults do not have the 

marked decline in mental function that 

so many of us fear.
Healthy Aging 227

Still, declines that are not related to 

normal aging are a distressing reality for 

many older people and their families. 

These can range from mild cognitive 

impairment (MCI) to severe dementia 

(dih-MEN-chuh). People with MCI 

have a slight mental decline, such as 

memory loss, that is worse than that expected for their age. But it does not interfere with the ability to care for oneself. 

Some experts think MCI, mainly involving memory, might be an early sign of 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Dementia is a group of symptoms that 

are caused by changes in brain function. 

AD and stroke are the most common 

causes of dementia in older people. People with severe dementia are not able to 

think or remember well enough to take 

care of themselves. They might not have 

control of their emotions. Their personalities might change. They sometimes see 

things that are not there.

AD develops over time, and more women have it than men. One reason for this 

is that women live longer than men, and 

the risk of AD goes up greatly with age. 

In fact, nearly 1 in 2 people older than 

85 have AD. More and more people are 

expected to develop AD in the future be- cause of longer life spans and our aging 

population. How to best care for people 

with AD and support their caregivers are 

areas of intense public health interest.

We don’t know what causes AD, how 

to prevent it, or how to make it better. 

Beyond age, family history of AD and 

having a lower level of education are 

other risk factors for AD. Research also 

strongly suggests a link between poor 

heart health and cognitive decline. It also 

suggests that a healthy lifestyle can help 

Tips for Mental Fitness

Taking these steps might help maintain mental fitness:

• Lower high cholesterol (koh-LESStur-ol) levels.

• Lower high blood pressure.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Control diabetes.

• Don’t smoke.

• Engage in regular physical activity.

• Take part in social activities.

• Stay connected with friends and 

family.

• Read, do puzzles, play games, or 

learn something new to keep your 

brain active. 

Minority Women’s Health

Chronic disease hits older minority 

women the hardest, in part because 

they are in poorer health, have less 

access to health services, and have 

lower health literacy. The reasons for 

these disparities are complex. Many 

minority women face huge social, economic, and cultural barriers to protecting their health.
228 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

to maintain mental function. This is important because older adults with cognitive decline are at higher risk of getting 

dementia later in life.

Common health concerns of older 

women

Today, people are living longer than ever 

before. As a result many women will have 

health concerns that are more common 

in old age. This can include chronic diseases, as well as conditions that are more 

bothersome than harmful to your health.

Almost 8 in 10 people older than 65 

have at least one chronic condition. If 

you have one, you can help yourself to 

keep active and independent by learning 

about your condition, adopting healthy 

habits, and seeing the doctor regularly. 

Chronic Health Conditions Common in Older Age

Chronic condition Did you know? Where to learn more

Asthma Many people get asthma for the first time as an Respiratory Health 

older adult. chapter, page 279

Cancer Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are most com- Cancer chapter, page 51

mon in women, and risk goes up with age.

Chronic obstructive Smoking is the main cause of COPD, which is the Respiratory Health chappulmonary disease fourth leading cause of death in the United States ter, page 279

(COPD) and world.

Depression Twice as many older women as men have depres- Mental Health chapter, 

sion, often along with other chronic illnesses common in later life, such as heart disease and cancer. page 207

Widows are at increased risk of depression.

Diabetes The risk of diabetes increases with age. Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes chapter, 

that is not controlled can hurt your eyes, heart, and page 69

kidneys. It also is linked with depression.

Epilepsy Many older adults don’t realize that epilepsy is as 

(E-puh-LEP-see) likely to begin in older age as in young children. 

Having a seizure can be scary, but epilepsy can be 

treated.

Gum disease Many older people did not grow up with drinking wa- Oral Health chapter, page 

ter with fluoride or fluoride toothpastes, which pro- 293

tect teeth. This has caused many to have gum and 

other oral diseases, which can lead to tooth loss.

Heart disease Heart disease is the number one killer of women. Heart Disease chapter, 

But most heart attacks in women may be page 15

preventable. 

High blood pressure After menopause your risk of high blood pressure Heart Disease chapter, 

goes up, even if you had normal blood pressure page 15

most of your life. High blood pressure is called the 

“silent killer” because there are no symptoms.

HIV More and more older women are finding out they HIV/AIDS chapter, page 

have HIV. One reason is that women who no longer 139

worry about getting pregnant may be less likely to 

use a condom and to practice safe sex.
Healthy Aging 229

Chronic Health Conditions Common in Older Age

Chronic condition Did you know? Where to learn more

Incontinence Urinary incontinence is common among older wom- Urologic and Kidney 

en, but it is not a normal part of aging. Treatment Health chapter, page 251

can help most women.

Pain Poorly controlled pain can lead to depression. Back Pain chapter, page 351

pain can make it hard to get around and enjoy life. 

Also, daily back pain might be associated with a 

higher risk of heart disease.

Stroke More women die of stroke than men. People who Stroke chapter, page 37

survive stroke often need a caregiver.

Not all people struggle with the health concerns in the chart that follows, but many 

older people do. Talk to your doctor about symptoms that bother or concern you.

Other Common Health Concerns

Concern What you can do When to see your doctor

Arthritis 

Age-related arthritis, 

called osteoarthritis 

(OSS-tee-oh-arTHREYE-tuhss), occurs when the tissue 

that cushions the 

ends of the bones 

within joints wears 

away.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Get plenty of rest.

Get physical activity to reduce 

stiffness.

Wear supportive shoes.

Use gadgets to help you do things 

such as open jars and turn 

doorknobs.

Try medicines to reduce pain and 

swelling.

Call your doctor if one or more of these 

symptoms last more than 2 weeks:

• Lasting joint pain

• Joint swelling

• Joint stiffness

• Tenderness or pain when touching a 

joint

• Problems using or moving a joint 

normally

• Warmth or redness in a joint

Balance problems 

Disturbances in 

the inner ear, other 

health problems, andsome medicines can 

cause a balance 

problem—a reason 

many older people 

fall. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Eat a low-salt, heart-healthy diet. 

Get physical activity to improve 

strength and balance.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Don’t stand up too quickly or 

change direction suddenly.

Ask your doctor to review the 

medicines you are using.

Call your doctor if you:

• Feel unsteady

• Feel like you or your surroundings are 

spinning or moving

• Feel like you are falling

• Lose your balance and fall

• Ever feel disoriented

• Feel like you might faint

• Have blurred vision

Dry skin and itching 

Dry skin and itching— 

mainly on lower legs, 

elbows, and forearms—is a common 

complaint of older 

people.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Use moisturizers—mainly creams 

and ointments.

Bathe less often and use mild 

soaps and warm—not hot—water.

Drink plenty of water.

Stay out of the sun, and protect 

your skin with sunscreen.

Don’t smoke, which dries out skin.

See your doctor if:

• Your dry skin does not improve with selfcare

• Your dry skin affects your sleep

• You have sores that do not heal

• You notice a change on the skin, such 

as a new growth or a mole that looks 

different
230 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

Other Common Health Concerns

Concern What you can do When to see your doctor

Eye problems

Many people notice 

changes in vision as 

they age. Other common eye complaints 

include having too 

many tears, dry eyes, 

or eyelid problems.

• 

• 

• 

Have your eyes checked every 1 to 

2 years by an eye-care professional. An eye exam is the only way to 

find out about some eye diseases.

Ask your doctor if you are at high 

risk of eye disease. 

Wear sunglasses to protect your 

eyes from harmful UV rays.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Eye pain

• Fluid coming out of your eye

• Double vision

• Redness

• Swelling of your eye or eyelid

Call your doctor right away if:

• You suddenly cannot see or everything 

looks dim

• You see flashes of light

Flu and pneumonia 

(noo-MOH-nyuh)

The flu—short for 

“influenza”—can 

make you very sick, 

especially if you have 

health problems like 

heart disease or diabetes. Older people 

who get the flu are 

more likely to also 

get another infection, 

such as pneumonia. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

People age 50 and older should 

get a flu vaccine every year. 

All people 65 and older should 

get a one-time-only pneumonia 

vaccine.

Clean your hands often.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or 

mouth.

Stay away from people who are 

sick.

Call your doctor if you have these symptoms, even if you got the flu shot:

• Fever

• Headache

• Aches and pains

• Extreme tiredness and weakness

• Chest discomfort or cough

• Stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat (less 

common)

Hearing loss

Hearing problems 

come in many forms 

and have many 

causes. Ignoring a 

hearing problem can 

lead to depression.

• 

• 

• 

Have your hearing checked every 

3 years. 

Review the medicines you are using with your doctor. 

Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from loud noise.

See your doctor if: 

• People you talk to seem to mumble

• You have to strain to understand what 

others are saying

• Others say you play the TV or radio too 

loudly

• You cannot hear the doorbell or phone 

ring

• You have trouble hearing in crowded or 

noisy rooms

• You have dizziness, pain, or ringing in 

your ears

Shingles 

Shingles is a painful 

skin rash caused by 

the chicken pox virus. 

As you get older, the 

virus may come back 

as shingles. 

• Most people 60 and older should 

get the one-time-only herpes zoster vaccine, which can prevent 

shingles. Some people with specific health conditions should not 

get it. Your doctor can tell you if 

it’s okay for you. 

Call your doctor right away if:

• You feel burning or shooting pain and 

tingling or itching, usually on one side of 

the body or face

• You have a rash or blisters appear on 

the side of the trunk or face
Healthy Aging 231

Other Common Health Concerns

Concern What you can do When to see your doctor

Sexual problems • Try over-the-counter lubricants to See your doctor if:

Many women remain relieve vaginal dryness. • You have problems that make it hard for 

sexually active in • If you have more than one partner you to enjoy an active sex life

older age. But about 

one-half of them 

or are divorced or widowed and 

have started a new sexual rela- • You have pain during sex

report at least one tionship, have your partner wear a 

bothersome sexual condom to protect against sexually 

problem. transmitted infections (STIs).

Sleep problems • Try to avoid daytime napping, Talk to your doctor if:

Older women still 

need between 7 and 

which can keep you from getting a 

restful night’s sleep. • You have trouble falling and staying 

asleep

9 hours of sleep each 

night to stay healthy 

• Practice good sleep habits. (See 

page 28 in the Heart Disease • You wake up many times during the night

and alert. But sleep chapter for more information.) • You don’t feel well-rested on wakening 

problems are more 

common with age. • Avoid alcohol and caffeine before 

bedtime.

or feel sleepy during the day

• You feel tingling or crawling in your legs 

that disrupts your sleep

Planning ahead

Life changes can happen quickly and 

without warning. To avoid making important decisions in haste or under stress, 

it’s best to plan ahead. Some issues you 

should discuss with loved ones include:

l	 Your health and health care. Discuss 

your health insurance and health care 

options, including long-term care.

l	 Where to live. Think about health 

conditions you have that might affect 

your independence as you age. Talk to 

your family about your wishes, should 

you need help from a caregiver.

l	 End-of-life issues. Make sure your 

will is up to date, and advance directives are in place. Advance directives 

are instructions that direct a person’s 

medical care should she become unable to do so herself. You might also 

want to give someone you trust the 

power to act in your place, should you 

be too sick to do so. Make sure your 

important papers are organized and 

in one place, and let family members 

know where to find them.

Living a healthy lifestyle, becoming informed, and planning ahead are steps you 

can take now to help make your golden 

years among the best of your life. n
232 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages

One Woman’s Story

I

was born 65 years ago into a hardworking, Midwestern, German immigrant, meat-andpotatoes family. I grew up mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, tilling the garden, hanging 

out laundry, picking fruit in orchards that my father had painstakingly nurtured, and bagging and carrying groceries at the small grocery store my parents owned. It wasn’t until I 

chose a more sedate career as a college faculty member that “physical activity” became 

a yes-or-no decision. 

I’m blessed with good health and see 

keeping fit as an opportunity to enjoy 

the wonders that surround me, wherever they may be. So over the years, 

I make sure to also 

my husband and I have hiked some of 

the most beautiful trails in the Oregon get the other regular 

Cascades and the German Alps, fished 

in pure Wyoming mountain streams, 

biked scenic trails in nearly a dozen screening tests and 

states, and tried in vain to ski as well 

as our kids. In my 40s and 50s, I ran 

local road races and would still be do- exams that I need 

ing so if the cartilage in my right knee 

hadn’t worn away. Instead, today I 

go to a gym 5 days a week to get my for my age.

physical activity. 

Regrettably, my family history can’t be 

denied—the same stock that gave me physical strength and spiritual and emotional optimism also brings a genetic history of heart problems that claimed the lives of most of my 

family members before the age of 70. 

So my doctor and I are watching my blood pressure readings, cholesterol numbers, and 

triglyceride levels. I make sure to also get the other regular screening tests and exams 

that I need for my age. We also focus on healthy food choices that are high in nutrients. 

The meat on our table is leaner, the chicken is skinless, the fish is broiled or baked, we 

choose a wide variety of vegetables, and our bread is now whole wheat. But we don’t always forget about the pie—we just make sure apples are in it!

Ruth

Cumberland, Maryland
Healthy Aging 233

For More Information...

Office on Women’s Health, HHS

200 Independence Ave SW, Room 712E

Washington, DC 20201

Web site: www.womenshealth.gov/ow

Phone number: (800) 994-9662, 

(888) 220-5446 TDD

Administration on Aging, HHS

1 Massachusetts Ave

Washington, DC 20201

Web site: www.aoa.gov

www.eldercare.gov

www.longtermcare.gov

Eldercare Locator: (800) 677-1116

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services, HHS

7500 Security Blvd

Baltimore, MD 21244

Web site: www.cms.hhs.gov

www.medicare.gov

Phone number: (800) 633-4227, 

(877) 486-2048 TTY

Healthy Aging Program, CDC

4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-51

Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

Web site: www.cdc.gov/aging

National Institute of Neurological 

Disorders and Stroke, NIH

PO Box 5801

Bethesda, MD 20824

Web site: www.ninds.nih.gov 

Phone number: (800) 352-9424, 

(301) 468-5981 TTY

National Institute on Aging, NIH

Building 31, Room 5C27

31 Center Dr, MSC 2292

Bethesda, MD 20892

Web site: www.nia.nih.gov

Phone number: (800) 222-2225

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases 

National Resource Center, NIH

2 AMS Circle 

Bethesda, MD 20892-3676

Web site: www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/

Bone

Phone number: (800) 624-2663

AARP

601 E St NW

Washington, DC 20049

Web site: www.aarp.org

Phone number: (888) 687-2277

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging

350 Fifth Ave, Suite 801

New York, NY 10118

Web site: www.healthinaging.org

Alzheimer’s Association

225 N Michigan Ave, Fl 17

Chicago, IL 60601-7633

Web site: www.alz.org

Phone number: (800) 272-3900, 

(866) 403-3073 TDD

American College of Obstetricians and 

Gynecologists

409 12th St SW, PO Box 96920

Washington, DC 20090-6920

Web site: www.acog.org 

Phone number: (202) 863-2518 Resource 

Center

The North American Menopause Society

5900 Landerbrook Dr, Suite 390 

Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

Web site: www.menopause.org

Phone number: (800) 774-5342