Essentials For The Midlife Woman * Spotlight My Health

When I first started writing this blog, I did an article on things that I couldn’t do without that was well received. The past couple of weeks, I’ve been thinking that I need to do a similar post, but concentrating on essentials for the midlife woman.

The items I’m listing below are just my own opinion, some serious and slightly embarassing and some not, but nonetheless, essential—at least to me.

“Ownourawesome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites”.

1. Good Skin and Face Care

I have to admit that I’ve been blessed with decent skin that hasn’t given me much trouble until recently. What age does to our skin just shouldn’t be allowed to happen. Right!

Now that I’ve gotten to a certain age, (no, I’m not admitting to what that age is!!), I’m noticing that the skin on my face doesn’t feel as good as it always has in the past, so I’ve recently started using a face cream in the mornings and at night.

I use a cream that contains both retinol and hyaluronic acid. And since I have a very sensitive nose, any types of lotions, creams, hairsprays, shampoos and conditioners, etc. I use, need to have very little scent to it.

Because of this, I’ve known for some time that there is a difference between “unscented” and “fragrance free”. Unscented means that ingredients have been added to a product to “mask” the scent of other ingredients in the product.

Fragrance free simply means that no other ingredients have been added to mask or alter the scent of the original product even if the original product has ingredients that have odor.

What Cream/Lotion is Right For You?

You can find all types of face creams here. You may have to try several different products before you find the perfect cream for your face. Since, I’m still in the process of trying different creams, I’m not really giving a specific product here as I know we all have very different types of skin and needs.

However, I’ve indicated a couple of different creams because what works for me may not work for you and in fact may make your skin worse. And I’d hate for that to happen.

But I do encourage you to look here for all different types of skin creams and moisturizers and give some a try until you find one that you like. You will be glad and your skin will thank you.

And don’t forget the rest of your body. I have very dry skin on my legs and here I go old school with the always easy to find—Jergens Lotion. My nose actually thinks the scent of Jergens is pleasant and it does a good job on my legs and the rest of me.

midlife woman taking a walk through the forest

2. T-shirts

Since I’ve gone through menopause, all I wear to sleep in is a big ole T-shirt. I started this when I was too hot at night to sleep and the only thing that helped me stay cooler was a cotton T-shirt that I had cut off the crew neckline and sometimes the sleeves a bit if they came below my elbows.

I get the T-shirts big enough that they don’t cling. No shorts or jogging pants—just undies and my big T-shirt. I was not only more comfortable, but also cooler and my legs are unencumbered.

There is also a jamie product available called “Cool Jams” that a friend made me aware of. The material for these jammies absorbs your sweat and moves the dampness to the top of the material so it quickly dries.

These are similar to my t-shirts, but they also come in many other styles and colors if you prefer. I have not tried them as I’m quit happy with my t-shirts, but you can find them very easily on Amazon.

3. Bladder Leakage or Overprotective Bladder

Yes, you read that right, I’m writing about something that doesn’t really get talked about and that includes by me. But, if I want my article to be about true essentials for the woman in midlife, I have to cover this issue, right?

If you’ve had a child, the chances of ocassional leakage is pretty much a given. And the older we get, the chances of incontinence rise. I suspect that is why we are seeing more products that help with this, come to the marketplace in the past several years.

Depending on what your needs are, there are all kinds of very absorbent pads available and go so far that you can find incontinence underwear that come in all sizes.

The most recent type of undies for this looks like your everyday type of undie that can be found here. Two brands I’m aware of, are Speax and Silhouette.

How they work

These undies are made with the “wicking” material that we are seeing more and more of. See jammies above. This material was designed to take the dampness away from you and and then dry quickly. Wash them on delicate and dry with low heat to help retain construction and last longer.

I would only try one or two pairs at a time until you find the brand/type that suits you.

Think about ordering these types of things online if you don’t like doing so in your neighborhood store. They’ll come in a box that no one will know what is inside. Better than going through the grocery line if that bothers you.

4. Comfy Shoes For the Midlife Woman

Woohooo! You have no idea how much better your feet will feel, when you finally decide to stop wearing the impossibly high heels that we women insist on wearing. I’m only five feet, two; so I’ve always worn heels. It just felt like I needed to.

About two or three years ago, I decided to no longer purchase shoes with a heel higher than two inches. I’ve also concentrated on the more chunky heel that luckily is in style these days.

I didn’t go cold turkey, but gradually have gotten rid of most of my shoes with the higher heels. And I feel much more balanced on my feet. I also don’t feel like I’ve lost anything stylewise as you can see by the shoes below.

I planned what shoes I needed, so I could keep my eyes open in case I came across what I was looking for. But it was worth it and I’m sure my feet, legs and back are thanking me!

5. Staying Regular

I know, I know; this is another taboo topic that no one talks about. But, I will admit to ocassionally needing help in this area, so I needed to find a good fiber solution that doesn’t make me start running to the bathroom as soon as I get to work.

Did you know that a backed up gut can also affect your symptoms of an overactive bladder? Nothing like two whammies going on at the same time.

There are all kinds of fiber and/or probiotics on the market these days. You can find them in powder form, tablets, wafers, fiber thins and blends that can be added to your favorite drink or shake and you can even find them in gummy form. Probiotics can also be found sugar free.

I have found a store brand powder (Walmart) that is tasteless, so when I need a little help, I put a scoop in my morning coffee. It doesn’t change the taste or texture of my coffee, so this solution suits me. You can also find plenty of choices here.

6. Close Family and Friend Relationships

When your kids are grown and you know that within a certain number of years you will be retiring, you begin to think of where you want to spend your time once retirement happens.

I know for me being near family and friends will be important and I know it won’t be in our current home, even though I love it, it has just become too big. So, the dilemma is where would I prefer?

I’m not someone to leave this to the last minute and I would assume a lot of you would not either, so start thinking about this several years before retirement happens so you can have your cake and eat it too. Meaning, staying close to family and friends while at the same time living where you want to live.

I’m a beach person, always have been, but I don’t live near a beach, so I always thought I would spend my later years in a beach town. Actually, I’ve made it quite known to my family that is what I plan on doing—the problem is where and then can I afford where I choose.

Love Myrtle Beach, SC

I absolutely love the area around Myrtle Beach, SC, but most of our family and friends of course, live in the Maryland, Southern PA and Northern VA areas. The Myrtle Beach area is a 7-8 hour drive from where we live now—way to far to visit frequently with family and friends.

So, I plan on concentrating on looking along the Maryland coastline which would leave us in a very doable nice drive to visit family and/or friends when we feel the need. Family is one of the most important things to me with my friends running a close second.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to find someplace that suits us and keeps us close enough to see everyone. Anyone have any ideas for a nice place to live within a half hour of the Maryland coastline?

7. Aches and Pains and Help for the Midlife Woman

When I was thirty, I wouldn’t have believed it if someone had told me to expect the aches and pains that come along as you get older. I’d have to say this started in my 40’s, but I didn’t find something that actually worked until some years later. And that is Voltaren.

For the last several years, I’ve been getting it by prescription, but this past year things changed, and you can now get it over the counter. You may even have seen a commercial or two on it.

I have arthritis in both of my hands; sometimes they are so stiff and achy, its hard to type. That’s why I was given the prescription by my doctor. I was very skeptical that a topical gel could do better than the arthritis strength tylenol I was using.

After the first two or three times of use, I was a true believer. I would pull out the Voltaren and rub it on and in no time, my hands feel much better and able to function again.

Truthfully, my whole family uses it now, its that good. I had to get several tubes, so I would actually have some when I need it. And my opinion is its worth every penny.

8. Balance and Purpose

Balance is hard because as women, most of us have been taught that we need to put others first—always. Otherwise, we may not be considered or looked upon as a good wife, mother and friend.

If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know that I don’t necessarily agree with that assumption, because I truly believe that saying “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”.

Balance and purpose don’t just happen naturally and on their own. It takes changing our mindset and to recognize that both of these qualities need to become an essential part of our lives moving forward.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish because when you take care of yourself and therefore feel your best, you are much more able to take care of others, your home, work or whatever comes your way. It’s like getting the troops ready for battle.

And it’s called “balance”. When we make sure there is balance in our life, most times anything that comes your way, isn’t such a big deal because you feel more able to handle the ups and the downs of life. Check out my article on “self care” for more explanation of this.

Purpose may not be what you think

Purpose also may not mean what you usually think of as purpose. You don’t need to figure out what my “big purpose in life” is. The “why am I here”. Purpose can be just the things that make you want to get up in the morning and get your day going.

Purpose is how you define it and the goals you set for your days. No one elses. And that can be as simple as taking care of you and your family. (Notice I said “you” first). That’s purpose.

Or maybe today you are going to see a friend you haven’t seen for a while for lunch. That’s purpose. Or you plan on taking your kids to a play time, so you can get some things done alone and faster. That’s purpose.

Maybe you don’t really have anything on your calendar today, but to spend time with your family in front of the fireplace because its cold and snowy outside and maybe watch a movie together. That’s purpose.

It’s about possibly changing the way you look at things to create true balance and purpose in your life. Changing your mindset to create balance and purpose in your life will also help you feel more confident and create peace in your life. Balance and purpose in your life can change things and you, tremendously.

Final Thoughts

We all transition into different phases of our lives. Midlife and looking down the road to retirement can be quite natural or hectic depending on how you look at it.

When you start thinking about things ahead of time, you allow the time for things to happen and be the way you want them.

And when you are armed with products and thoughts that actually help you along the way, its even better. I hope the products I’ve mentioned along with the diffence in mindset helps you along your midlife journey.