Older women must put their health and wellbeing first for a change

Older women must prioritise their health and wellbeing to prevent health crises and live healthier, more active lives for longer.

Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine/Women’s Health Week is a long-overdue initiative that puts the spotlight on the importance of the health and wellbeing of those who account for over 50 percent of our population in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s well-known that women place their individual needs at the bottom of the list, focusing primarily on caring for others – whether children, partners, grandchildren or ailing parents – even at the expense of their own health. Women’s Health Week is therefore an opportunity to change this and to encourage women of all ages to prioritise self-care for their own sake and that of their wider whānau.

It’s essential that all wāhine over 65 years of age – or 55+ if Māori or Pasifika – put themselves first for once. Don’t leave it until the last minute to seek medical attention, as health issues are likely to become more acute and harder to treat if left unaddressed. If you’re more vulnerable, don’t wait until you suffer a health crisis, but take advantage of the entitlements available and make regular GP visits a priority.

The fundamental aims of Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine/Women’s Health Week also align with the goals of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing which is currently underway www.decadeofhealthyageing.org and those of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing | He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tangata.

The UN Decade is a global collaboration involving governments, communities, business and media working together to create more positive, age-friendly environments, increase older people’s participation in society and maximise later life for current and future generations. As New Zealand is still to fully embrace this global opportunity, the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum seeks to advocate for a nationwide Action Plan in line with the UN Decade goals to improve the experience of ageing in this country.

By 2028, one in five of us will be over the age of 65, therefore it’s important for society to have open, frank discussions about older persons’ health. In this regard, Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine/Women’s Health Week is very timely, providing an important opportunity to discuss older women’s health as part of the wider focus on female wellbeing.

Older women can face serious health challenges that demand attention. Heart disease, for instance, remains the leading cause of death among women, with older women being particularly vulnerable. Research indicates that women are more likely than men to die within a year of their first heart attack, a stark reminder of the urgency of having regular health check-ups and proactive management.

Osteoporosis is also a major concern as a woman gets older, and diabetes can be another significant health issue.

Regular visits to the GP are therefore vital. These appointments are not mere formalities; they’re opportunities to review medications to ensure they’re working correctly, have your blood pressure checked, discuss any developing concerns, and undertake preventive screenings for a range of conditions. Such visits are crucial for early detection and successful treatment.

Research by The Selwyn Foundation has revealed that there’s a large cohort of older women who are particularly vulnerable. Living in precarious housing situations – sleeping in cars or on couches, for example – they face additional challenges, with a substantial proportion also living with a disability. These women often have compounded vulnerabilities relating to financial hardship, social isolation and loneliness, and access (eg, to digital services or transport), making ongoing healthcare provision even more critical.

For vulnerable older women, especially those on low incomes, the barriers to getting healthcare at frequent intervals can seem daunting. Affordability and other access issues can lead to delays in seeking medical attention, exacerbating health problems. However, the availability of the Community Services Card can alleviate some of these financial barriers, reducing the cost of visits to a health practitioner, of emergency dental care, and travel and accommodation if referred for treatment at a public hospital outside your area.

Older women, particularly those who live alone, may also experience loneliness and social isolation, depression and anxiety, so appropriate interventions, strategies and access to health services are vital for maintaining mental health and wellbeing.

As older women can be faced with a number of significant health risks, prioritising their own health is a necessity. Regular GP visits should be seen as essential, not optional. For Māori and Pasifika women, starting regular health checks at age 55 can significantly improve outcomes.

By placing their own health at the top of the list, older women will add quality to their later years, enjoy better wellbeing and live healthier, more active lives for longer – all of which will benefit not only the individual, but also their extended whānau as a result.

About Denise Cosgrove

Denise Cosgrove is Chief Executive of The Selwyn Foundation, a registered charity providing services for older people and grant funding for strategic initiatives enabling more equitable outcomes for seniors with great need. It is a proud supporter of the inaugural Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine/Women’s Health Week.  

www.selwynfoundation.org.nz

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