As we get older, our bodies start to slow down — and in turn, we need to take better care of them. Some steps are easier than others, like eating a wholesome diet and making it a point to walk for 30 minutes each day. Other initiatives can be harder to execute, like quitting smoking and allotting enough time to sleep between full-time jobs and taking care of families.
Of course, many of the changes that come with age are natural and virtually impossible to halt. A woman in her 40s will experience a decline in fertility leading up to menopause, which is when she will likely experience uncomfortable symptoms including hot flashes, memory lapses, night sweats, and mood swings. Your metabolism will also decline, making gym time more important than ever.
A good chunk of this list may seem dark and gloomy, but women in their 40s are also the most confident they’ll ever be! And although they’re at greater risk for heart disease and Alzheimer’s, there are several precautions women can take to try to ward off chronic health problems.