Health
Inspiring Women Prove Health Has No Age Limit
Health Points
- Staying proactive about your health can lead to a longer, more vibrant life
- Having symptoms dismissed is common, but self-advocacy improves outcomes
- Activities, fitness and mental resilience help people thrive as they age
The journey of aging is unique for every woman — and for many, it’s filled with both health challenges and empowering breakthroughs. Across the country, women of all ages are reclaiming their health stories, highlighting the importance of being an active participant in one’s wellbeing no matter the year on the calendar.
Layne Horwich is a shining example. At the age of 100, she discovered a lump in her breast and faced the diagnosis of cancer head-on. Choosing her treatment path, she surprised her doctors and soon celebrated her 101st birthday cancer-free. Her story is a powerful reminder that vigilance and self-exams matter at every stage of life.
“Don’t ever think it’s too late to care about your health,” Layne shared, offering encouragement to older adults everywhere.
Meanwhile, menopause is finding community as women openly discuss their experiences. Melani Sanders’ viral “We Do Not Care Club,” launched after she posted a relatable video about the apathy and even rage many feel during perimenopause and menopause, struck a chord. Thousands reached out to share their own stories, validating the emotional ups and downs that come with life’s transitions.
“I just don’t care as much what people think anymore,” Melani explained. “I never expected so many women to say the same!”
Other stories echo the importance of persistence when it comes to health concerns. Tennis legend Venus Williams spoke candidly about years spent seeking answers for debilitating symptoms caused by fibroids. “I was outraged,” Venus said. “Doctors never linked my pain to fibroids. I had to keep pushing for myself.” Advocating for one’s health, especially as we age, can make all the difference.
In the fitness world, aging doesn’t mean slowing down. Halle Berry, 58, recently shared her joy about feeling “unapologetically free” in her body and life. Her positive outlook is inspiring to others embracing a second act filled with movement and celebration of every decade.
Experts remind us that paying attention to subtle changes in health — whether it’s heart rhythms, energy or moods — is crucial as we get older. Cardiologists offer quick steps for calming a racing heart, and oncologists stress self-exams. Several women’s experiences highlighted how symptoms are sometimes dismissed or attributed to stress or anxiety, underlining the need for self-advocacy.
From new moms facing postpartum complications, to women discovering breast cancer later in life, and countless others navigating menopause and beyond, these stories show that age is no obstacle to living well. Proactivity, community, and a positive outlook make the journey richer — and often, much healthier.