喵咪社区

From hot flashes to reading glasses, here鈥檚 what you need to know to stay strong and healthy in your 40s.

As you enter your 40s, you may find yourself dealing with some changes in your body. Knowing what鈥檚 in store can help you prepare for lifestyle changes to stay healthy and happy for decades to come.

The number on the scale might start creeping up

What to expect: Both men and women will probably notice it鈥檚 easier to gain weight as they move past 40. That鈥檚 because our resting metabolic rate, or the rate at which our body burns calories, slows. In addition, as we age, we , and because muscle burns more calories than fat, losing muscle may mean gaining weight.

What can help: Optimizing your calorie intake and incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help prevent weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important way to reduce your risk for age-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and bone and joint problems.

You may see traces of your fun in the sun

What to expect: Although aging in the skin occurs on a continuum, people in their 40s may start to see early , along with a thinning of fat on their face, especially in the temples and mid cheeks. They may also see increased pigmentation of the skin that appears as sun spots or faint reddening.

鈥淭hese changes occur due to a multitude of factors ranging from our genetic makeup and hormone changes to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, toxins, chemicals and pollutants,鈥� says Jenny Hu, MD,听补 dermatologist with 喵咪社区. 鈥淵our cumulative exposure to the sun鈥檚 UV radiation and tobacco use have some of the greatest impacts on skin aging.鈥�

What can help: Reducing additional damage from the sun鈥檚 UV rays is crucial.

鈥淒ermatologists recommend using sunscreens that have an SPF of 30 or greater and are 鈥榖road spectrum,鈥� meaning they protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, both of which contribute to skin aging and skin cancer,鈥� Hu says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to apply a liberal amount of sunscreen with a guideline of at least one ounce 鈥� enough to fill a shot glass 鈥� to exposed parts of the body.鈥�

Be sure to see your dermatologist if you notice moles that have changed color, shape or size, or if you have a lesion that is painful, bleeds or does not heal, as skin cancer risk increases with age.

A new nemesis 鈥� hot flashes 鈥� may emerge

What to expect: Being in menopause means you haven鈥檛 gotten a period for a full year, but it鈥檚 a gradual process that starts years earlier, often referred to as perimenopause. Many women in their 40s will enter perimenopause as their body slows its production of estrogen.

In addition to irregular or more frequent periods, loss of estrogen might lead to symptoms like hot flashes, changes in bladder control, , vaginal dryness or irritation and decreased interest in or discomfort during sex.

What can help: Adopting a healthy lifestyle of nutrition, exercise, regular sleep and stress reduction can help you decrease symptoms and adapt to this new phase of life. For some women, hormone therapy or other medications can help relieve, reduce or optimize symptoms 鈥� talk to your doctor about whether or not it鈥檚 a good choice for you.

Reading the fine print might get even harder

What to expect: Even if you鈥檝e never worn glasses or contacts before, after age 40 you may notice it鈥檚 harder to focus close up, like when you鈥檙e reading. This condition, called , is a normal part of eye aging caused by a hardening of the eye鈥檚 lens.

What can help: Presbyopia can be easily remedied in many cases with a pair of reading glasses. Contacts, prescription eyeglasses and surgery are also available. Also when reading or doing close work. If you experience any sudden changes in vision, call your doctor right away.

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Tina Donvito

Tina Donvito is a freelance writer covering health, culture, travel and parenting.

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