Two simple sentences which I read recently were sufficiently interesting and surprising to make me consider how both could be true!

The first was that "people over 50 are now considered to be elderly"; the second that "it will not be long before people can expect to live for 200 years"

Apparently we can look forward to spending three quarters of our lives as elderly citizens! How will we cope? How can we show the world that at 50 we are far from elderly and that we are heading steadily towards the 200-year mark?

Mentally and physically vigorous at 40

By the time we reach the age of 40, we are usually still vigorous both mentally and physically. We have also gained much experience by this age and have learned how to cope adequately with both adverse and pleasurable situations.

Our best plan at this age is to ensure that we retain suitable physical and mental resources to cope with any "mid-life" crises and to attain the 200 years goal!

For men, from 45 or so onwards the major health risk is heart disease, and cancer of the prostate, especially in the Western World.

From their early forties onwards, men should be well aware of this. Fitness and well-being should be taken seriously to ensure a long and healthy life.

Depression and attempts to beat the ageing process can be avoided by ensuring that exercise and interests beyond work become part of life's pattern. This promotes enjoyment, confidence in oneself and a feeling of security when looking to the future. Don't think that it is not "macho" to obtain advice from a doctor.

Women face the menopause in their early fifties

For women in their mid forties the biggest event to face is probably the onset of the menopause. This occurs typically about the age of 51. As a rule-of-thumb, the menopause begins about 40 years after the onset of the first period. Frequently physical and psychological problems occur at this time, sometimes as a result of paying too much attention to "old-wives-tales".

A course of Hormone Replacement Therapy works wonders for some women and should be carefully considered if real menopausal problems occur. This therapy is not without its risks. Women of this age should continue to take care of both their physical and mental well-being.

Heart Disease and cancers of the breast and cervix are major killers. However regular screening helps to detect these cancers in their early stages while blood pressure checks and screening for blood cholesterol levels help to prevent heart problems.

Healthy at Fifty and Beyond >>