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Hi ladies, this is Rhonda and Welcome to “The She Shed”. This is my blog dedicated to addressing the special circumstances of life for boomer-aged women.

The She Shed is a resource designed with our unique experiences and challenges in mind. As you navigate the golden years, our blog is here to support and inspire you. From health and wellness to personal finance, we’ll cover a plethora of topics to empower your journey.

You may be asking, why are we carving out a section of our blog just for women?

Well, I found a summary in a great article online from the University of Virginia that give a wonderful, quick review of five key issues for Baby Boomer women: 

“1. Women outnumber men in the oldest age groups.

Despite a faster rate of increase in life expectancy among males since 1980, it’s still the case that women outnumber men in the oldest age groups,” Crespin said. “Women comprise nearly two-thirds of Virginia’s 85-and-older population, which means there are about twice as many women as men in this age group.

“The life expectancy gap between males and females not only results in a numerical imbalance between the two sexes, but it also contributes to the formation of a different set of aging experiences, support needs, and planning considerations for each sex.”

2. More Women Than Men Develop Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia.

Because more females than males survive to an older age, a greater number of women eventually require care for Alzheimer’s disease and die of its related complications,” Crespin said.

3. More Women Than Men Experience Disability in Old Age.

The survival ‘advantage’ among females also means that, compared to males, greater numbers of females must negotiate disability in old age,” Crespin said. “Over half of female Virginians age 85 or older report having ambulatory and/or independent living disabilities, with each of these disabilities affecting more than twice as many females as males.”

4. More Women Than Men Live Alone in Old Age.

Crespin said an additional consequence of longer female life expectancy is that a greater proportion and number of females live alone in old age. This is not only because females tend to outlive their male spouses, Crespin said, but also because divorce rates have risen, and men are more likely than women to get remarried, often to women of a younger age.

5. Women Are More Likely to Need Long-Term Care from Paid Caregivers.

Given that more females than males face dementia and/or disability in old age without the benefit of informal care provided by a spouse, Crespin said it’s not surprising that women represent the majority of those in Virginia who pay for formal, professional, long-term care.”(https://news.virginia.edu/content/5-things-baby-boomers-need-know-they-grow-older):

Our blog’s content is categorized into five key areas, each designed to support your journey through the golden years.

The Health & Fitness section offers invaluable insights into maintaining physical vitality, while Finance & Retirement Planning aims to equip you with the knowledge to manage your economic future confidently. The Leisure & Hobbies category is a treasure trove of inspiration, packed with ideas for enjoyable pastimes and travels. In the Mental Well-being section, you’ll find resources dedicated to nurturing your emotional health and cognitive vigor. Lastly, our Community Engagement category emphasizes the importance of social connections and provides guidance on meaningful communal involvement.

Here are a few of the specific topics we’ll be exploring together in future She Shack posts :

1. Understanding Menopause and Post-Menopause Health
2. Maintaining Strong Bones and Joints
3. Navigating Widowhood
4. Balancing Family and Self-Care
5. Managing Finances as a Single Woman Post-60
6. Fitness Tips for Women Over 60
7. Skin Care and Aging Gracefully
8. Exploring New Hobbies and Skills
9. Nutrition for Optimal Health
10. Embracing Aging with Confidence and Grace

Welcome to The She Shed and I look forward to spending more time with you discussing the issues that matter to us. In case you want to learn about issues that affect both men and women, come check out our Big Bad Baby Boomer Blog here:

Rhonda

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