Midlife is typically defined for women as the time starting around age 35 and going through age 65. About 63% of women in the United States are in midlife, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet, health education and research focused on this important stage and transitional time in a woman’s life have been under-prioritized and underfunded.
Women in midlife face unique health and social challenges, including but not limited, to the menopause transition, balancing work-life, and planning for older age and long-term health and wellness. During midlife, women are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and bone fracture risk, obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders, and breast and gynecologic cancers. Many women during this life stage also are caregivers for children and/or aging parents, which can have implications for their physical, psychosocial, and financial health.
Menopause is part of the SWHR Healthy Aging Network, which engages the following focus areas: Alzheimer’s Disease, Bone Health, Heart Health, Menopause, Midlife Health, and Obesity.
