With three decades immersed in the health and wellness industry, I’ve witnessed countless trends. Often trends morph into fads that may produce short term change but generally not long-term sustainable results. Most have come and gone – and some are recycling yet again!

However, I believe that 2024 is the beginning of significant change.

In 2024, I’m not just foreseeing trends; I’m envisioning transformative shifts that will revolutionise how we perceive and manage our well-being.

Today, I’m sharing some of the wellness trends forecast for 2024 that may enhance women over 50s health, redefining their journey towards a healthier, happier and more beautiful midlife experience.

1. Embracing Menopause: A Holistic Approach to Hormonal Health

Menopause is having a moment and in 2024, the conversation around education and awareness will expand.

For far too long, menopause has been shrouded in silence and stigma, leaving women unprepared and unsupported in their transition. 2024 will push menopause awareness further into mainstream conversation. I also see the narrative shifting from menopause being a ‘disease’, to an empowering stage of life where, with the right help and approach, women can step into their power and thrive.

Many women over 50 are also seeking a more holistic understanding of hormonal health during this transformative phase. In conjunction with mainstream medical assistance, integrative medicine, personalized nutrition, and mind-body practices can be explored to manage symptoms and optimise health.

These trends foster a positive narrative around menopause, encouraging women to advocate for their health and embrace this new era of life with confidence.

2. Longevity Vs Appearance

Women over 50 want to do more than just look good. They want to optimise their health so that they can live vibrantly into old age.

Longevity has developed from being merely a buzzword to a central focus in health and wellness in 2024. Longevity now transcends merely extending life to being all about enhancing quality of life and living vibrantly as we age.

Simply, we want to live better for longer.

There is continuing research into the potential of specific supplements, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modifications that contribute to improved longevity. Taking a holistic approach to your health where various strategies are intertwined together can help women over 50 create a way of living that helps to optimise longevity.

It’s about adding life to your years, not just years to your life.

3. Nourishment Over Restriction

The narrative around food is changing for women over 50.

The days of restrictive diet culture are dwindling (thank goodness!). If you are like me, then you will have tried (and mostly failed) at many diets over the decades. Now it’s time to do things a little differently. In 2024, we’re steering away from extreme diet trends and embracing a well-rounded, enjoyable, and sustainable approach to nutrition.

Protein is a key player in building stronger bodies, while previously demonised foods like dairy and carbohydrates make a welcomed comeback.

The focus on gut health and the importance of consuming a diverse range of foods are also gaining prominence. As studies establish links between gut microbiome and women’s health issues, this trend becomes a powerful ally in improving how women feel and age.

The power in these approaches, lies in understanding that to operate optimally, we must fuel our bodies with a variety of healthy foods and nutrients.

4. Fitness for Vibrant Ageing

Regular exercise emerges as a game-changer for women over 50, going beyond physical health to encompass self-confidence, preventing health issues, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving mood.

Physical activity is more than a lifestyle: it can be a form of treatment in itself. If exercise could be packed into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the world.

Strength training, in particular, takes the spotlight as a powerful ally, promoting not only physical strength but also bone health and vitality. It’s a shift from conventional perceptions of strength training for women over 50 which focused on light weights and high repetitions. Recognising that in everyday life women are lifting heavy objects, we therefore must train heavier than 2kg dumbbells, empowering women to stay active, independent, and resilient as they embrace the aging process.

Redefining how we approach fitness becomes key in fostering vibrant aging.

5. Sleep Your Way to Health

With science around sleep developing over recent years, sleep is being recognised as a superpower in 2024, particularly for women over 50.

Lack of sleep and sleep quality plays a role in the increased the risk of dementia and also an array of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Quality sleep on the other hand plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall rejuvenation.

As hormonal changes and ageing affect sleep patterns, prioritizing good sleep hygiene becomes essential. Establishing morning and evening rituals that promote restful sleep helps to optimise how your body operates and ages.

Recognizing the importance of sleep is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of holistic well-being.

6. Increased Focus on Social Connections

In our 2024 post covid era, experts are seeing an increased need and desire for connection.

With the restrictions experienced by many through covid, a recognition of how social connection impacts our health was highlighted. Research indicates that, among other things, lack of social connection impacts baseline stress and inflammation.

Often, I also see menopausal women who are struggling with the changes happening to their body and mind, retreating and avoiding social situations. They may feel like they are the only ones experiencing these changes and find it difficult to come to terms with body composition changes. Many women also feel ‘invisible’ at this time of life.

Whether rekindling existing friendships, forming new connections, or prioritising family bonds, healthy socialising becomes an integral part of the well-being journey.

The shift from isolation to connection becomes a powerful trend in fostering mental and emotional resilience.

7. Bio hacking

In recent years, the term “biohacking” has gained popularity, often conjuring images of individuals connected to wires, injecting substances, and consuming numerous pills in an effort to reverse or slow down their biological clock.

However, at its core, biohacking can simply mean making lifestyle adjustments to optimise health and well-being as one ages.

Historically, biohacking has been predominantly male-centric, neglecting the unique biological and physiological needs of women. But 2024 signifies a pivotal shift. Women are not only actively engaging in biohacking but are also pioneering its future. This transformation stems from an increased recognition of women’s distinct health requirements and responses.

Simple, natural bio hacks can be instrumental during menopause, involving practices like temperature therapy, nutritional adjustments tailored exercise strategies and even mindfulness.

8. Health Coaching

Health Coaching in 2024 is becoming recognised in a variety of settings as a way to empower individuals to take control of their health and make positive lifestyle changes.

With women over 50 understanding that they have at least one third of their life remaining, they are increasingly prioritising their health and wellness, so that they can live vibrantly into old age.

As women’s body and biology change during their menopause transition, it’s necessary to look at things a little differently if you want to thrive in midlife and beyond. Women over 50 may therefore need to make changes to some areas of their health which can be challenging when habits have been instilled for decades.

Health coaching can assist women over 50 with creating behaviour change and optimising their health.

The Health Coaching process aims to help overcome barriers and provide support to succeed with health goals. The process also helps establish internal motivation for change, helps women become more confident in their abilities and helps achieve sustained lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

As we step into 2024, this year holds transformative opportunities for women over 50 in their health and wellness journey.

The increasing science and awareness surrounding menopause and aging provide the tools needed to explore exciting opportunities for personal growth and transformation. It’s about taking a holistic approach, empowering women to thrive and create a healthier and more beautiful midlife journey.

By embracing these wellness trends, women over 50 can navigate their journey with confidence, vitality and a deep understanding of their unique health needs. Each trend becomes a stepping stone toward a future filled with well-being, happiness, and the celebration of the beauty that comes with age.

My Personalised REINVENT Coaching aligns perfectly with the 2024 trends mentioned in this article. Through a holistic approach which also encompasses the latest research, my coaching ensures women over 50 are empowered to create their most beautiful midlife through enjoyable but sustainable lifestyle changes.

If you are ready to reinvent your new era in 2024, book a complimentary 20 minute chat with me now.

Tania xx