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South African women are living longer than men, with female life expectancy currently sitting at around 69.6 years, compared to 64 years for men, according to Statistics South Africa. But living longer doesn’t always mean living healthier.
Experts refer to this as the “morbidity-mortality paradox“, where women tend to outlive men, but often spend more of their later years managing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Cancers such as breast and cervical cancer can also develop without obvious symptoms, making regular health checks more important than ever.
The good news is that many of these conditions can be prevented, delayed or treated more successfully when detected early.
“This is where the idea of healthspan becomes important,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas. “Lifespan refers to how long you live. Healthspan is about how many of those years are spent in good health, remaining active, independent, and able to enjoy life. Our goal shouldn’t simply be to add years to life, but to add healthy years.” And here’s how Dr Hadebe suggests you achieve this.
Make prevention part of your routine
Many of the health conditions that become more common with age develop gradually and often don’t cause noticeable symptoms until complications arise. That’s why regular preventative screening is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health.
Rather than waiting until you feel unwell, use your annual check-up to identify potential health risks early and take action before they become more serious.
Health checks every woman should know about
As you get older, speak to your healthcare provider about the screenings that are appropriate for your age and risk factors. These may include:
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose checks from age 40 onwards.
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Mammograms from age 40, depending on your personal and family history.
- Bone density scans after menopause or earlier if you’re at increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Annual wellness assessments to review your overall health and discuss any changes or concerns.
“We often avoid screening because we think that what we don’t know can’t hurt us,” says Hadebe. “Unfortunately, the opposite is often true. Screening helps detect health problems before they become difficult to manage, giving you more treatment options and better health outcomes.”
Healthy habits matter too
Regular screenings are only one part of healthy ageing. Women should also prioritise:
- Regular physical activity, including strength and resistance exercises.
- A balanced, nutritious diet.
- Good quality sleep.
- Managing stress.
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption.
“Of course, life doesn’t have to be boring,” adds Hadebe. “A little indulgence in moderation does you more good than bad.”
Take advantage of preventative benefits
Many medical schemes offer preventative healthcare benefits that encourage members to stay on top of their health. These often include annual wellness screenings, as well as age-appropriate preventative care such as Pap smears, mammograms, bone density screening and other recommended health checks. Bonitas also offers wellness and female health programmes – designed to support members through different stages of life.
As August marks Women’s Month, there is no better time to put your own health first. Don’t wait until symptoms appear before taking action. Booking your annual wellness screening and staying up to date with recommended health checks can help detect potential problems early, improve treatment outcomes, and give you the best chance of enjoying more healthy, active years.
Your future health starts with the decisions you make today. Schedule your screening, know your numbers and make preventative care part of your routine.