11 Midlife Factors That Make Women Happier In Old Age

I’ve been writing about health and lifestyle for a couple of years now, and some of the research I’ve covered has changed how I live. 

For instance, I now take strength training seriously – after all, it’s one of the best ways to ensure I’ll stay independent as I age, and it might even lower my dementia risk.

I also take creatine, a well-researched supplement associated with better ageing, an easier menopause, improved strength, and increased cognitive ability. 

But what about the steps I need to take to be happy in my later years?

Luckily for me, researchers have looked into that too.

Midlife might be a key window to build happiness for your older age 

A 2021 paper found that “Midlife is a pivotal time in women’s lives and may impact future [psychological well-being, or PWB]”. 

After looking at the lifestyle factors of 1,693 women involved in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) cohort, they then followed up with their PWB scores roughly nine years later.

At this point, participants were in their early old age. 

They found that “Several modifiable factors at midlife are associated with better PWB in older women and highlight the importance of healthy behaviors such as physical activity and good sleep hygiene at midlife”. 

These included: 

Less financial strain,More physical activity,Not smoking,Better physical functioning,Better sleep,Positive attitudes toward menopause and ageing,Less cynicism,More optimism, Less trait anxiety, Spirituality, Greater resilience. 

How can I improve these?

Some of these factors are more modifiable than others, and just because they’re linked to better PWB in older age, doesn’t mean they definitely cause it.

Still, some are more changeable and have been associated with better outcomes. 

For instance, balance training, which can contribute to better physical functioning, has been described as a “neglected” tool for better ageing.

It also seems optimists live longer. And a study which found that either physical of cognitive improvements were “common” among over-65s showed that people who had more positive beliefs about ageing tended to perform better over time.

Giving up smoking could lower anxiety, stress, and even depression levels, per the NHS. Meanwhile, everything from aerobic activity to self-compassion can up your resilience.

The paper ends saying that “good sleep hygiene” and exercise at midlife can go a long way, while “Interventions to increase optimism, spirituality, and resilience are also worth exploring”.