While national medical organizations recommend women begin undergoing routine DEXA scans at age 65 to gauge bone density, doing so earlier can detect the bone-thinning conditions osteopenia and osteoporosis and offer the opportunity for treatments to stem bone loss.
Walking shoes for older adults should accommodate changes in foot shape, cushioning needs, balance, joint health, and skin sensitivity. People should look for lightweight walking shoes with a supportive, stable sole; secure fit; flexibility; and adequate toe room.
Typical age-related changes can sometimes overlap with disease symptoms that should not be dismissed as “getting older.” The latter include sudden or significant vision changes, marked weakness, falls, and increasing difficulty managing routine tasks.
New research is challenging some established restrictions after pelvic organ prolapse surgery and beginning to support a more individualized approach to recovery, including allowing resumption of some activities, such as low-impact exercise and lifting items, sooner after surgery than previously advised.
Health scams can involve fake patient portal messages, Medicare calls, and “miracle cures,” extracting money and sensitive information from victims. Older adults can be especially vulnerable to health scams because they are more likely to have savings, receive government benefits, or have memory loss.
A 2026 analysis of 36 studies suggests that premenopausal women who undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments that remove the ovaries or shut down their function face elevated risks of long-term cardiovascular disease and dying of cardiovascular problems.
Mounting research shows that grip strength is associated with overall health and longevity. Grip strength usually declines in tandem with age-related muscle loss, which is linked with frailty, chronic disease, and the body’s capacity to withstand stress, illness, or injury.
Frequency of sexual intercourse doesn’t affect a woman’s pelvic floor health. But being sexually active can help women notice certain problems, such as pain during intercourse, that may signal underlying pelvic floor problems or conditions affecting the vagina and vulva.
In October 2026, the American College of Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued new or expanded guidance surrounding the use of hormone therapy for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.
It’s common for adults to wake up with stiff joints because they haven’t been moving for many hours. To loosen up joints, people should gently move stiff areas. A warm shower or bath can help, as well as applying a heating pad before stretching or exercising.