I firmly told my 15-year-old daughter as she was grouping me with the more mature set.

And you know what, Ive decided to embrace it.

My body isnt the same as it was when I was in my twenties or early thirties.

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Thankfully, for me, with age comeswisdom.

Ive learned that hard doesnt equal better.

Gentle and functional movement

I know Ive got tostay physically activebecause a sedentary lifestylecan accelerate aging1even further.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

registered dietitian specializing in PCOS and menopause

However, this year, I dealt with some pain issues and needed to better prevent injury.

Focusing on functional movements, i.e.

I am an advocate for exploring any and all ranges of motions, to their fullest degrees.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

The way you move matters.

He explains, We have to first learn how to move well and competently before we move often.

Doing it the other way around would be like shooting a canon ball out of a canoe.

soba noodles

We have to have a strong movement base before increasing our tolerance to fitness.

Now, Im fueling my body with what it needs to age well and navigate perimenopause.

Balance hormones naturally with edamame, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds that are rich in plant-based estrogens.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

registered dietitian specializing in PCOS and menopause

As you age, you may notice your body responds differently to certain foods.

Additionally,bone strengthandheart healthare essential as you age.

Pace recommends foods for that, too.

Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

Prioritize sleep

Another thing Im focusing on is adequate sleep.

My babies are now in the double digits and never wake me up at night.

The irony is that some nights, my body just wont let me sleep.

Woman shopping in a grocery store with a basket

Unfortunately, for many women, sleep becomes more difficult as night sweats appear and the hormone fluctuations begin.

The transition to menopause islinked2to sleep disturbances, most often insomnia.

Both are simple but helpful.

Supplements

Lastly, Im enlisting some help insupplementform.

I also usually recommend a high-quality vitamin B as well.

Vitamin D supplementation has beenfound4to slow aging on a DNA level.

Likewise, B vitaminsslow5the rate of cognitive decline.

Optimal brain function and slower aging for me equates to a better quality of life.

I want to view my middle-aged years as vibrant and fulfilling.

My goal on this beautiful aging journey?

To take care of both my mind and body so I can fully relish every moment.

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