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Healthy ageing for women
Hi, I’m Dr Rhonda Anderson, a Brisbane-based exercise physiologist specialising in women’s health and healthy ageing.
Want a quick, insightful (& fun) guide to thriving as an older woman?
Subscribe to download The A-Z of Healthy Ageing e-book now.
Why I started Fit and Well
Three reasons
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First, I don’t think older women’s health gets enough attention. Until recently there wasn’t even much research in this area, so it’s been hard for women to educate themselves. I wanted to create a business where older women’s needs are front and centre.
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Second, too many women miss out on precious years of their life because of disease and disability. They commit so much of themselves to others, and when finally it can be their turn, many are dealing with chronic illness. As the research shows though, we can do a lot to prevent this.
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Third, I’m an exercise physiologist and for decades I’ve been struck by the difference that exercise and movement can make, mentally as well as physically. It’s like a wonder drug. Yet most older women either don’t do it, don’t do enough of it, or don’t do what they need.
To sum up, I wanted to provide education and exercise for older women, to give them choices in how they live the second half of their lives.
Problems I solve
I feel stiff and ‘old’
Our tissues do change with age, but they also change through lack of movement. If we don’t regularly move in a way that uses our full range, our mobility slips away. The good news is that by being patient, gentle and consistent we can start to reverse this process and gradually look, move and feel 'younger'.
I want to avoid or treat chronic disease
The main diseases that claim the lives of Australian women are dementia, heart disease and stroke. But others — such as cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis — are prevalent too. I focus on exercise, diet, sleep and stress reduction because these are central to either protecting us from chronic disease or improving our lot if we already have it.
I want to feel good within myself as I get older
There's a big difference between our chronological and our biological age, and that difference comes down to our lifestyle. Simple practices that improve our mindset, posture, breathing, movement, sleep and nutrition can help us to feel vibrant and alive at every age.
I’m carrying too much weight
You're not alone. At least two-thirds of women over age 50 are overweight or obese. The combination of menopause and ageing can result in extra weight, especially around our middles. But as much as an expanding waistline is common with age, it’s not inevitable, and women who adopt a healthy lifestyle do vastly better at avoiding or minimising it.
I want to retain my independence
Older people — and especially older women — often lose balance, strength and physical function with age. We blame this on getting older, but the truth is that we lose what we don't use. I help women to build or maintain strength, balance and mobility so they can continue living full and satisfying lives.
Life After Menopause
5 Key Habits of Healthy, Vital Older Women
Our older years can be some of the best of our lives, as long as we’re healthy. So what does it take to be a healthy, vital older woman?
Good habits.
This book outlines those habits and steps you through them. It includes interviews with women who’ve successfully put them into practice, and a quiz to help you identify what you need to focus on.
I’ve had women tell me it’s their bible.
Listen to 'The #1 Habit of Vibrantly Healthy Older Women
- and How to Develop it'
Blog posts
Being fit or fat: does one cancel out the other?
It’s an old debate. If we’re overweight or obese but active, does our activity counter those extra kilos? The answer seems to be in.
Remember when cancer was the disease everyone was afraid of? That’s probably been replaced by dementia. But here’s another study confirming that we can improve cognitive function.
Is breast screening still important after 75?
We’re told for yonks to get mammograms and that early detection saves lives. Then at age 75 we’re often told it doesn’t matter anymore. Why? And is that wise?
