Updated July 28, 2006

Top 10 Health Tips for Women Over 65

by Helen L. Sloan, R.N., C.S., D.N.S., and Anne White Robinson, R.N., D.N.S.

If transportation is a problem for you, see if your senior center offers rides to its events. You can also have family and friends come to you—invite them to your house for parties, meals, or card nights. And don’t forget about using the phone, e-mail, or letters to stay in touch with friends and loved ones—whether they live close by or far away.

All too often, older women with hearing problems are reluctant to socialize because they find it difficult or embarrassing to try to communicate with others. If a hearing impairment is keeping you from socializing with others, talk to your doctor. You may benefit from using hearing aids.

Counting to 10
The more you do to stay healthy, the better you will feel. And now that you’re equipped with these ten tips you know just what to do. But don’t try to change everything at once. Begin with small changes to your routine—such as devoting a few minutes each day to foot care, scheduling more social outings with your friends, or remembering to get your flu shot—and work up to the bigger ones, such as stopping smoking. Incorporate the advice we’ve given into your routine tip by tip until you follow all 10. The payoff could be a healthier, happier life in the years to come.

Helen Sloan is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Anne White Robinson is also an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

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