Created by HealthyWomen and WebMD, Aging Smart, Aging Well is a new nationwide initiative spotlighting the health information needs and concerns of women ages 40 and older.
From bone and heart health to mental and sexual health—and everything in between—our initiative is based on results from a comprehensive survey of more than 3,100 respondents. Its goal: to reveal the health experiences, concerns and intimate conversations that women are—and aren't—having with their health care professionals.
To that end, we examined the attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of midlife women seeking their own path to wellness as they age—especially into, through and past menopause. The survey revealed unspoken worries as well as shocking gaps in necessary health screenings. (Notably, 61 percent of women under age 65 say they have not been screened for colorectal cancer despite the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recommendation that screening begin at age 50 and the American Cancer Society recommending that it start even earlier, at age 45.)
The number of women ages 65 and older is expected to double nationwide within the next 40 years, and as this population increases, we believe our initiative will raise awareness of midlife women's healthy aging needs. We also hope to promote a national dialogue among women, their health care providers and even policymakers to address gaps in the important information, screenings and care that women need to age healthy for decades to come—physically, emotionally and sexually.
Together, we can foster greater awareness of the health changes that can occur over a woman's lifetime, ensure women have the information they need on lifestyle and treatment strategies to promote health and well-being and bring meaningful change to our health care system to improve care to women at all life stages.
Learn more about our unique partnership here.
Learn more about our survey findings here.
Watch health care experts discuss insights from the survey here.
Download the full Aging Smart, Aging Well report here.
Need a place to start your own Aging Smart, Aging Well journey? Visit the HealthyWomen Healthy Aging Center.
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Watch the Video: What Does It Mean to Age Smart and Well
HealthyWomen Experts
Good Friends Are Good for Your Health. Here's Why. by HealthyWomen Chairwoman Christine Verini
Real Women, Real Stories
How Surgery Threw Me Into Abrupt and Complete Menopause
I Thought I Had a Pinched Nerve, But I Was Really Having a Heart Attack
I Never Thought I Could Have a Heart Attack, But I Did
A Numb Arm Led to My Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
My Back Pain Turned Out to Be a Vertebral Compression Fracture
Age Smart with Dr. Barb DePree,
Member, HealthyWomen Women's Health Advisory Council
Estrogen Can Substantially Decrease the Risk of Alzheimer's
Help Your Health Care Professional Talk About Sex
What You Need to Know About Menopause
Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You? (downloadable pdf)
What Every Woman Should Know About Menopause
The Health Risks That Come With Menopause
Hot Flashes and Heart Attack Risk: What's the Connection?
STDs and Menopause: What You Need to Know
Constipation and Menopause: Are You a No-Go?
How Menopause Messes With Your Sleep
HealthyWomen Resources
Learn more about bone and joint health
Learn more about heart disease
Watch this video for a message from HealthyWomen CEO, Beth Battaglino, RN.
