Important Women's Health Facts
Science has long proven that women have a longer life expectancy than men; and that women’s health differs from men’s both physiologically and emotionally.
And since the month of May marks several important health reminders — Arthritis Awareness Month, Blood Pressure Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as Women's Health Week (May 8-14) — RMF is putting the focus on some imtportant women's health facts to keep in mind as you age.
- Arthritis risks
Did you know that female athletes are more likely to injure their knees due to differences in knee and hip anatomy? Injuries such as ACL tears can dramatically increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
Walking in high-heeled shoes increases stress on the knee joint, making osteoarthritis even more likely. So what can you do to fight back against knee pain?
- Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that even moderate weight loss can decrease your risk of osteoarthritis by 50%.
- Make sure your fitness routine includes exercises to build strength in your quadriceps, the large muscles that run along the front of your thighs and help stabilize your kneecaps.
- Blood pressure
The blood vessels in female hearts are smaller in diameter and more intricately branched when compared to the male anatomy. This may be one reason why women’s heart attack symptoms are often radically different than men’s.
And because women are often primary caregivers for children, households and aging family members, they are more likely to delay seeking treatment, despite the fact that high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack, aneurysm or stroke. Protect the health of your arteries by eating a heart-healthy diet, keeping blood sugar and alcohol intake under control, and maintaining a regular fitness program.
- Mental health in women
One in eight women experience depression in their lifetime. That’s twice the rate of men — and that was before the added stress of the pandemic. The good news? More women are being open about their mental health struggles, helping to shine a light on its prevalence and de-stigmatize a legitimate medical condition that requires treatment.
Communication is key to feeling better. Be open and honest with your healthcare provider about what you’re experiencing, and let them help guide you to next steps and treatment options.
Don’t overlook the importance of women's financial health
Enjoying good physical health means living longer — and that means you need a plan for financial wellness in retirement. Outliving your money is the biggest fear for those heading toward retirement, according to Transamerica’s 2021 Retirement Survey. But retirement security may be closer than you think.
Home equity is generally the largest asset for most homeowners, but it’s too often overlooked as a means to fund a comfortable retirement. That’s where a reverse mortgage can help.
You may have heard a lot from friends and family or even from television about what reverse mortgages are, but it's important to weigh all the pros and cons for yourself. It all starts with education so you can decide if a reverse mortgage solution is the right choice for you. Reach out to RMF at (888) 277-1567 to connect with a local loan specialist who can help you explore your options for funding a healthy, active retirement.
This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans retire more freely, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating; a 4.7-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 888-277-1567 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.