At this point in aging, as a physician, it’s important to differentiate the realities of women who have had hormone replacement therapy and those who haven’t. It’s that important, and it’s that distinct of a difference.
For those who have had no hormone therapy at all, the aging process will quickly accelerate in a woman’s sixth decade. There will be consequences of the damage that has occurred due to hormonal changes: Pre-diabetes, coronary artery disease, elevation in blood pressure, out of control weight gain, and more. Without hormone therapy, women in their 60s are at risk for bone fractions and osteoporosis, hip fractures, vertebral fractures and pain.
This is not unavoidable of course, but It’s best if you can replace hormones at that front end of this process. You do have an opportunity to age gracefully and maintain your vitality and prevent some of those things from happening.
For women who have had hormone replacement, the most exciting thing about this decade is that they have an opportunity to leave a legacy of ongoing wisdom and to share it with younger women. Women in their 60s are well into their journey and have gained impressive wisdom and intellect over the years, perfect for empowering the women behind them.
From a sexuality standpoint, there are a lot of women that are very active well into their 70’s and 80’s. The nice thing — at this point — is that most often kids are out of the house, you’re looking at retirement, and you have some more time to be able to enjoy with your partner, focusing on kind of reconnecting and re-romancing each other.