How to Prevent Breast Cancer in Your 60s

By Vera Viner
If you are a woman in your 60s, you may be slowing down in your life, such as getting ready for retirement, taking care of grandchildren, and trying out fun hobbies during your free time. While you may think it is time to settle down, you still have a lot of life to live; you should keep working on keeping your breasts healthy and preventing breast cancer.

Stick to a Healthy Weight

In your 60s, it may be particularly difficult to stay at a healthy weight, but it is vital for your breast health. Losing weight is never easy, but it can be done. You may want to work with a professional trainer who can help provide you with fitness and diet tips to get back to a healthy weight. Your everyday choices will need to reflect a healthier lifestyle. For instance, stick to eating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains while avoiding processed foods and excess sugar. Try to at least go on a walk for half an hour 4 or 5 times per week. There are plenty of fitness options available such as exercise classes like Zumba or Pilates, indoor pools, and stationary bikes.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use

Once you retire, you may become more lax in certain parts of your health, such as drinking excess alcohol. Without needing to get to work the next day, you may want to have an extra drink or two. However, you must avoid doing this, as it could significantly damage your health. Having even two drinks every day is linked to breast cancer development. You should stick to drinking no more than four or five glasses of wine or beer every week.

Exercise Three to Four Hours Per Week

In your 60s, it may be harder than usual to stick to an exercise schedule because of the aches and pains you may feel from aging. Working with a physical medicine doctor or coach may help, as these professionals could create a specific exercise plan for your health history. It’s vital to keep moving for at least three hours every week. It’s even better if you can exercise for 5 to 7 hours a week. As stated previously, there are countless of choices to mix up your exercise routine and keep it fun. You can go biking indoors or outdoors, swim at your local pool,  go on long walks, play sports like soccer or basketball, take dance classes, or jog on a regular basis.

Additionally, don’t forget to gain the benefits of early detection. Please continue to have annual mammograms and monthly self-exams. If you’d like more information about how to remain healthy in your 60s, please take a look at this video.

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