Things I’m Doing For My Health in My 60s
What’s actually working, and what I’m still figuring out
The older I get, the more I realize how precious and precarious my health really is. Some days, I feel like I could scale a mountain. The next, I feel like I’m being held together with willpower and duct tape. I know how lucky I am not to have anything major going on, and I don’t take that for granted.
About ten years ago, I cracked my femur and tore the labrum on my left hip after a fall. Every so often, I’ll turn too quickly and feel like my leg didn’t get the memo. It’s not bad enough to require a hip replacement, but it does mean I have to be a little more mindful. Here are a few of the things I am doing to take care of my health in my 60s.
Prenuvo Whole Body Scan at 60+
I had a Prenuvo Whole Body MRI a year and a half ago and plan to repeat it this summer. My goal? Catch anything sneaky like ovarian or pancreatic cancer before it has a chance to settle in. Those often show up too late to treat effectively.
The scan did catch several benign things I didn’t know about and some not-so-great disc changes in my spine. It’s been eye-opening. I now avoid certain movements in Pilates or yoga because I know where I’m vulnerable. That peace of mind has been worth the cost.
Wearing an Oura Ring Over 60
My good friend Tania was wearing an Oura ring when we roomed together in Florida a few years ago, and I was fascinated, so I ordered one. It tracks my sleep, exercise, and heart rate and, much to my dismay, reminds me exactly how sedentary I can be some days.
It tracks the different heart rate zones of my exercise so I can try to get my heart into the training zone more often, and it also tracks my stress level. It also tells how unhealthy it is for my heart when I have a glass of wine with dinner.
Glucose Monitoring With Stelo (and Why I Needed It)
Here’s a little backstory: I had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies. My babies were huge, and so was I. In fact, I went from 135 to 205 pounds when I delivered my first baby.
They warned me then that my risk of developing diabetes later in life was higher. and well, here we are. My A1C is climbing despite my best efforts.
I switched to artificial sweeteners, lost a few pounds, moved more, and still…it crept up. When I saw that my Oura ring was now able to monitor my blood glucose levels with the Stelo Glucose Sensor, I ordered one to try. There’s a Stelo App you can download to keep track of your glucose levels if you don’t have an Oura ring.
It’s shocking to see what raises my blood sugar and surprise…I’m very sensitive to carbs (which turn into glucose in your bloodstream) and sugar.
Photodynamic Therapy for Precancerous Skin Spots
I had melanoma about 20 years ago, so I don’t mess around when it comes to sunscreen. Still, years of sun damage show up, no matter how diligent I am now. (I was a baby oil and iodine girl. And yes, I used the Beatles White Album cover wrapped in foil to attempt to tan. Brilliant, I know.)
These days, I have a growing collection of precancerous lesions, mostly on my face. I’ve had some frozen off, but that left bright white spots that I didn’t love.
I was prescribed the Fluorouracil cream to treat them a few years ago, but a quick Google search showed some pretty scary-looking effects people deal with. My skin is stupidly sensitive and scars very easily, so the cream makes me nervous, so my dermatologist recommended Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) instead.
I’m scheduled for treatment soon. From what I’ve read, I may look pretty beat up for a few days, but it’s worth it if it helps prevent more serious issues.
“Photodynamic therapy uses a combination of light and a medication called a photosensitizer to treat precancerous and cancerous skin lesions. It targets abnormal cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.”
Here’s hoping it’s effective and somewhat kind to my skin. You may also enjoy: Best Mineral Sunscreens for Mature Skin
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss in Women Over 60
Here’s some good news. After years of hair shedding from telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, I saw a trichologist who recommended low-dose oral minoxidil. It’s been a game-changer.
My hair is still thin, but it no longer falls out in fistfuls. I did have to lower my blood pressure medication to balance it out since minoxidil lowers BP too. I’m hoping one day it might replace that medication entirely, but we’re not there yet.
Still… a huge win.
You may also enjoy reading: Causes & Treatment for Thinning Hair in Women Over 50
The Truth? It Takes a Village
To look at me, you might think I’m in good shape. And for the most part, I am. I feel very fortunate to have the health I do have, but behind the scenes, it takes effort, research, appointments, and a whole lot of listening to my body. It’s a full-time job staying healthy as we age, and there’s no shame in needing a little help from modern medicine (and a few gadgets).
It’s easy to scroll social media and assume everyone else your age is aging effortlessly, running marathons, eating kale, and never forgetting their vitamins. But the truth is, staying healthy in your 60s is layered. There’s the stuff you can control and the stuff you just manage the best you can.
Sharing this isn’t about complaining, it’s about taking ownership. About making informed choices and saying, “I’m doing what I can with what I’ve got.”
What are you doing for your health in your 60s—or what’s one thing you wish you were doing? I’d love to hear.
At 75 I’m always open to “preventive” options available. I’ll definitely be checking to see if any of these seem appropriate for me.
BTW … Tried the Ilia Skin Tint with SPF … LOVE IT! Great for my sensitive skin and non-irritating to my rosacea. Now I’m going back to buy their Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream. They sent a sample with my purchase and even my husband said he saw a diminishing of redness on my cheeks. Thanks for the tip!
Wow, I just read about the barrier cream. Thanks, it sounds perfect for my rosacea!
Truth, Jennifer. I love your comment, willpower and duct tape! Exactly! Moving does make the joints more likely to not scream but staying motivated is the bigger problem for me. My Fitbit reminds to me to get moving when I’ve cozied in with a good book too long😂
A good book just feels so great!
I looked up oral Minoxidil. Be careful with the Minoxidil, as one of the side effects is excess body hair. Some of us ladies have facial hair, and this might be a problem for some of us.
I’m on a very low dose and luckily have not had that issue. She also prescribed a very low dose of Spironolactone which can prevent excess hair growth.
I, too, have been taking the low-dose oral minoxidil along with the low-dose spironolactone, and it has worked wonders without any side effects.
It’s a miracle for me. So happy it worked for you too
It is tough! For me (I’m 71 now) things started going downhill when I turned 70. In February I was on vacation in Florida and started having unusual chest pain that sent me to the ER, fortunately close by. I ended up having a coronary artery stent, then another (I thought) one when I returned home. I also have a genetic condition called LP(a). High lipoprotein type a. Never knew it before a few years ago. But makes you more likely to have heart issues. I have so many medications now and I’m tired all the time. So even though I think I’m okay for now, it is kind of depressing. I eat well but the exercise bit I’m not good at. I just roll my eyes at every doctor who brings up exercise, “How much do you get) they ask. My answer now is “I run marathons. I certainly don’t. Are you still on Facebook? Don’t seem to get any posts there anymore. Love your writings!
That’s scary! Have you read Dr Peter Attila’s book? He covers lots of info about that high lipid protein.
Jennifer,
I loved your comment about layered health care…. control what you can and manage the rest as best you can. Sage advice that I plan to share with my friends! By the way, I was in my local Talbots (Charlottesville, VA) a few weeks ago to look at a dress that I had seen on your blog. There was another lady there looking at the same dress and she had found it on your blog also! The clerks there are also your readers. So, you have fans in the southern state of Virginia!
That is so fun to hear! Thanks for letting me know
Good article. I used the link to read your article about the sunscreens you use and recommend. As I have Eczema and sensitive skin, I just wanted to let you know about the National Eczema Association (NEA) website which has a product list for those with Eczema. The Australian Gold, and CereVe sunscreens you listed are on the NEA approved list.
Also, the chemicals which have been discovered to cause Eczema (so look for them on anything you apply to your skin) include;
* any perfumes (irritate sensitive skin)
* Toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), Isocyanates & diisocyanates (DII). These have been identified as being the chief instigators of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Thank you so much Mary. I’ll check that out. My rosacea is so easily irritated and probably those ingredients should be on my avoid list too.
Cancer survivor here and one of my cancer drugs has affected my bones and joints so I am diligent with weight training. I’m due for another scan this summer and here’s hoping my diligence is helping. My mom took a bad fall last month and didn’t have the arm strength to get herself up. Sooo…getting down and up from the floor without any assistance is something I work on as well. I think staying as active as you can helps. Never was a big drinker and I try to eat as healthy as possible. I live in Canada so our long cold winters can get me down emotionally. That’s something I need to work on. I love being outside but it can be hard when we have temperatures in -20C. Brrr…
Have you tried one of those special lights for dark times of the year? I had a hard time with the grayness in the winter on Vancouver Island.
Thanks Wendy for bringing up falls. In my Tai Chi class, our instructor brought up falls. She asked if we could get to a phone if we had fallen and could not get up. It lead my husband and I to reassess our townhouse. We realized one floor had no phone. We installed a phone on every floor and at a level where we could reach up to it from the floor. (I would not aways have a mobile phone in my pocket and I do not have an apple watch.)
Good question for everyone. The answer will vary depending on the way you live in your house. It also reminded us that neither of us would be able to lift the other after a fall.
That is such an excellent point! We have no landlines in our home at all!
I exercise at the gym about 4 to 5 times a week. I do bike, treadmill, elliptical. I use hand weights for arms. I eat low fat, low carb diet. I am more conscious of what is in foods , like chemicals and preservatives. I hardly ever eat beef. I get mammogram once a year, colonoscopy every 3 years. I take a statin, blood pressure meds and reflux med. I take biotin for hair. I go regularly to my doctors.
Yes, we need to do what we can to stay healthy as long as we can. I am in my 70’s.
we are seeing more friends with knee and hip replacements now.
Good for you Sue! I do need to start using weights more. Thanks for sharing.
Wow – excellent post that is timely for me and very inspiring. Actually, your post is reassuring, letting us know it’s normal to see things change and important to add more routines and periodic
checks and aids into our schedules. It explains how you’ve been able to keep up the active and dynamic life that you have! Thank you for sharing all of the suggestions.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hate to share too much personal stuff on the web but we’re all helped by hearing what works for each other.
Thank you for sharing you “challenges” in your 60’s. I’m fortunate for not having major issues, but I need to stay proactive to slow down the process and manage issues that creep up. I sit too much so I need to remind myself to get up off the computer (which I love). I do bike ride. I found I love to ride my bike around 8 years ago. I never had an exercise or activity that I loved. I do walk some, but I don’t love it. I try to go to the gym and I am successful some weeks. I don’t berate myself if I don’t go. I try to do better when I can. Here’s to good health and managing what life has in store for us.
You’re so right. It’s important for us to find activities we enjoy so it doesn’t feel like such a chore!
One of your best posts ever! Thank you so very much!
I guess we all have some health things as we get older. I am 70 and thankful as well that I don’t have anything really serious. The golden years! I hope you have a great Memorial Day!
I realized as I moved into my 70’s that my job is to work on my health. I have to follow a healthy diet more strictly and exercise more. Even if my energy seems less, I gotta’ do it! If you want a doable exercise program try Miranda Esmond White’s Classical stretch. They are the best! They are for free on Public Broadcasting Station. Aches and pains just go away if you do daily for only 30 minutes. My doctor asked me what I’d been doing because my abs were so strong. No weights required because your body is the weight. I also walk three miles 5 to 6 days a week. If the weather is bad I do Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds instead. It is work to stay healthy!
Good Morning Jennifer. Great post today. I’m a couple of years older than you and feel the same way about my health. I’m very fortunate, and every day I don’t take my mostly good health for granted. I walk a mile almost every day, pilates two times a week, try to eat as right as I can, however, I love a good burger and will never give them up. I have oatmeal for breakfast and add either nutritional yeast, ground flax seed or chia seed as a topping. Eat lots of salads and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the tip about the Whole Body MRI.
Can you share the benefits of adding nutritional yeast? That’s a new one to me.
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a26814464/nutritional-yeast-benefits/
Thanks!
I’m not yet 60 but here’s one thing. I am making an effort to focus on balance and minimize fall risk. I lift weights and include exercises for one leg at a time, like lunges and bulgarian spit squats. I’m adding yoga. I practice balancing on one leg and then the other every day. I always hold on to railings, and when I’m carrying things up and down steps I keep a free hand to hold on even if that means multiple trips. I don’t wear socks only on my hardwood floors -I have slipped in the past. As we have seen with our parents, a fall can cause things to go downhill quickly.
Very wise, Shari. I need to work more on my balance too. Thanks for the reminder.
My husband also had melanoma about 40 years ago. A very serious skin cancer. A sunscreen is absolutely necessary every day even if you are staying inside. A melanoma requires a trip to the dermatologist to be monitored for life, I had a squamous cell and I was surprised because I do wear sun screen every day.
Yes! I wear sunscreen rain or shine, inside or out.
Hi Jennifer thank you for sharing I’m 82 and am active but I try to always take vitamins and exercise to stay healthy so I can be around to enjoy every day God has blessed me with. Keep up your good work 💕
I appreciate that you share with us about your health and what you are doing for it. The pill for hair loss is very good information, thank you.
It’s been a nothing short of miraculous for me. Good luck.
I was a baby oil and iodine girl myself. I was out when the sun wasn’t out. Now I wish I had stayed out of the sun. I had precancerous lesions on my face and legs.
I’m so sorry. Who ever came up with that crazy “formula”?
Jennifer Thank you for this post. I to have recently had to start taking medication for pre diabetes and blood pressure. I used to work for a hospital and believe in preventative medicine. I seen alot of people who were in bad shape. I thank God for the health I have. Because it could be worse. Take care of yourself.
You take care too Terryann! My mom used to work in a hospital and it was sobering for sure.
Please share those reply’s. We all want to help ourselves stay healthy!
I will. You ladies are so wise.
About a year ago I started lifting weights again. Nothing real heavy, just five and eight pound dumbbells. I did this a lot in my twenties thirties and forties but got busy in my fifties and stopped. Thankfully I never stopped walking and still continue that. I’m 71 now and when I started lifting weights again I was shocked to find I couldn’t do some of the moves without any added weight or with just one to two pound weights. I started slow and kept improving over time though and so glad I did. I’ve lost ten pounds and four inches around my waist. What got me started is a podcast I heard that discussed how muscle tissue helps modulate blood sugar levels as well as so many other things as we age like preserving bone density and balance. I’ve also increased my protein intake and decreased my processed carbs and I feel so much better and sleep better too. My energy is more even throughout the day and I rarely get hungry between meals.
I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for all you do and happy aging.
Thanks for sharing, that’s so smart! My Dr has me focusing more on getting more protein which is hard to get enough of each day.