A fresh start over 50 - The real gifts of post-menopause

Menopause is a milestone in the lives of many women. The end of menopause marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It can bring physical changes, emotional ups and downs and new life goals.

Many people feel that they are "not themselves" - but the truth is that the woman who can live more freely than ever before is born.

Physical changes - finding a new balance

Hormonal rearrangement takes place after menopause, but the consequences - such as slower metabolism, loss of bone mass, changes in skin and muscle condition - are still being felt.

The good news: the body responds incredibly well to conscious careeven at the age of 60 or 70.

What can you do for him?

• Muscle strengthening - Exercising 2-3 times a week with light weights or your own body weight will help strengthen your muscles and bones.
• Cardio movement - Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing - improves circulation, mood and helps keep weight in balance.
• Flexibility - Yoga, pilates or stretching to improve mobility and protect your joints.
• Nutrition - More calcium (green leafy vegetables, seeds, dairy products), vitamin D, healthy sources of protein (fish, eggs, pulses), and antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables.
• Regeneration - Quality sleep, stress reduction techniques (meditation, breathing exercises).

Mary, 63, who had not exercised for 30 years, started with a 20-minute walk a day. Six months later, she was doing Nordic walking and her bone density was measured to have improved.

Spiritual change - the birth of a new identity

After the menopause, many women experience a sense of emptiness, especially when the children are out of the house or when they feel less challenged at work. This is perfectly natural.

This period not about lamenting lost youth, but about discovering inner freedom may say.

What can you do for him?

• Setting up your own time - Now is the time to do the things you've been putting off for years.
• Setting new goals - Courses, trips, creative projects, volunteering.
• Emotional connection - Deep conversations with friends, renewing relationships, joining women's communities.
• Developing self-awareness - Journaling, meditation, coaching or the help of a psychologist.

Julianna, 58, started painting after her children were born. She now has her own exhibition and runs a local community art group.

Spiritual changes - a time of wisdom

In the post-menopausal years, many women also open up new horizons mentally. This is a great time to learn and explore new interests.

What can you do for him?

• Learning - New languages, online courses, book clubs.
• Mentoring - Sharing experiences with younger generations, community involvement.
• Creativity - Crafts, writing, gardening, music.
• Spiritual freshness - Puzzles, strategy games, memory exercises.

Katalin, 70, started a computer graphics course after retirement and now sells her digital images in international online galleries.

Emotional value - loving yourself again

One of the most important gifts of post-menopausal life is that you no longer have to meet so many expectations. It's a liberating feeling - it gives you the chance to love yourself as you are.

• Don't compare yourself to your younger self - focus on what you have learned and achieved.
• Allow yourself to relax, enjoy and play.
• Rediscover your femininity - it's not age-related, it radiates from within.

"The turning point is not the downhill slope of life, but the bend in the road where you can see the whole road you've been on and decide where to go next."

Golden age, not twilight

The post-menopausal period is not a loss, but a transformation.
This age gives you the opportunity to:

• Rebuild the health of your body
• Strengthen the stability of your soul
• Feed the curiosity of your mind

This is a time for conscious, value-rich, self-identified living.

With heart and love:
Erika Borbély
Naturopath, creator of the Wellbeing Lifestyle Programme