This is the time in a woman's life when the chickens come home to roost – smoking forty cigarettes a day is likely to result in wrinkles and lung problems, a lack of exercise can translate into weight problems and/or Type 2 diabetes, and long term heavy drinking can result in cirrhosis of the liver, and so forth.

A healthy lifestyle, though, is something you can start when you are in this age group. It's never too late for your body to reap the benefits of a healthy living. It is not a good idea to think that just because you've smoked for 30 years, you might as well carry on. This is simply not true. A change to a healthier lifestyle has immediate health benefits. Healthy eating and regular exercise will translate into a healthier you.

Many women reach new highs in their careers at this stage of their lives, but this is often accompanied by a high level of stress, which causes problems of its own.

Common problems women encounter at this age include heart problems, problems with blood pressure, weight gain, osteoporosis, menopause, loss of libido and stress.

It is important as you approach your sixties to remain socially active and mentally stimulated. These two things often counteract depression, which often sets in, as women grow older. Our society does not place sufficient value on age and experience and many women, as they approach their sixties, undervalue their contribution to society and feel useless.

When you feel depressed, you could start to take less care of yourself. This vicious cycle can be very counterproductive to your health.

(Liesel Powell, Health24, July 2003)