Have you ever wondered what 50-year-old women talk about when they meet? Last Thanksgiving, I had the joy of spending time with my sister and my old friend of forty years and counting. With a friendship that has lasted several decades and countless memories as college roommates, it was a blessing to come together again. As much as we reminisced about the past, we also discussed the present—especially our health and wellness journeys.
We laughed a lot as we recalled the carefree days of our youth – our first crushes, awkward dates, relationships, and heartbreaks. But as the hours passed, our focus shifted. As we relived our nostalgic memories, we also discussed our current lives and how we are taking care of our bodies and minds as we age. Now, let’s break down what we talked about and see if you can relate if you are in your fifties or older.
What do 50-year-old women talk about?
1. Healthy eating
We talked about the foods we eat now and those we’ve decided to avoid. Sugar, for instance, was a big topic. We shared tips on sugar alternatives that don’t spike blood sugar or pack on pounds. We even debated the benefits of hibiscus tea for lowering cholesterol and how simple dietary changes can make a world of difference.
2. Physical activity
Physical activity was another big theme. We attended a fitness class together, sweating and laughing as we tried to keep up with the moves. It was a reminder that staying active is crucial—not just for weight management but also for keeping our joints and hearts healthy.
3. Beauty and fashion
We may be in our fifties, but beauty and fashion are always a trendy topic for women of all ages. Although, I imagine our sense of beauty and fashion would be entirely different from that of twenty-year-old women. We focused on skincare routines, anti-aging products, makeup tips, and mature fashion trends.
4. Family and Relationships
We talked about our parents (those who are alive and those who have gone to be with The Lord), children, spouses, extended family, and friends. We faced the reality of life changes, such as kids going to college, starting their careers, empty nesting, and caring for aging parents.
5. What’s trending now
We did our own version of celebrity stalking, catching up on who is dating who and which celebrities are killing it. Of course, we added in a dose of politics and business news!
6. Menopause, perimenopause, and aging-related health problems
Then, we talked about the less glamorous yet important topics: aging joints, climbing blood pressure, increasing blood sugar, menopause, hot flashes, mood swings, and the stubborn weight gain that seems to come out of nowhere. Although these changes are inevitable as we age, we will embrace the changes in gratitude as we get to be alive to experience these symptoms. We plan to keep striving and doing our best to stay healthy every season of our lives because every challenge brings us an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.
Embracing the seasons of life
Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be negative. Our bodies may not be what they were in our twenties, but they’re still strong and capable. The key is learning to embrace and adapt to these changes with grace and determination.
We all agreed that adopting a healthier lifestyle isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about celebrating the life we have now. It’s about being grateful for each day and doing what we can to make the most of it. That means eating nourishing foods, staying active, and prioritizing our mental and emotional well-being. It also means taking time to connect with the people who matter most—whether that’s over a cup of hibiscus tea or during a shared workout.
Staying healthy and young at heart
As women in our fifties, we are at a unique stage in life. We’ve gained wisdom and perspective, but we are also facing new challenges. The good news is that we have the power to take control of our health and embrace this season with open arms.
Here are some of the tips we came away with from our Thanksgiving reunion:
1. Focus on whole foods
Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugar and salt, and try herbal teas for added health benefits.
2. Stay active
Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, or going to the gym. Aim for moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes five days per week.
There is irrefutable evidence that regular physical activity can prevent or help better manage several chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression, and osteoporosis.
3. Take care of your skin
Invest in good skincare and use sunscreen.
4. Prioritize your mental health
Aging gracefully is as much about mindset as it is about physical health. Practice gratitude, stay socially connected, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
5. Embrace change and thrive
Recognize that change is a part of life. Instead of resisting it, find ways to embrace it and thrive. Small, consistent habits do add up over time.
For more on how to embrace change and age gracefully, please check out “Are You Aging Gracefully?”
Final thoughts
So, what do 50-year-old women talk about when they hang out? If you are in your fifties, can you relate? I mentioned the top six topics that we 50-year-old women talked about during our Thanksgiving reunion. But I don’t want you to assume that was all we discussed. We also talked about our career aspirations and retirement plans, our current hobbies and interests, our travel plans for next year, which may include a trip to Singapore, our personal and spiritual growth, and our hopes for the future.
This Thanksgiving was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much we have to be thankful for. It’s a blessing to grow older, to have a body that carries us through life, and to share these experiences with people we love.
To my fellow women navigating this beautiful, challenging, and rewarding season of life: let’s support each other, celebrate our successes, and lift each other up when times get tough. Here’s to embracing change, staying healthy, and living fully—at every age.
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Yours in health and fitness.
Doctor Abi
