How to Age Stronger: Why Holistic Health Is No Longer Optional (Especially After 40)

My Journey From Nurse to Holistic Health Advocate

I became a nurse in 2001. Honestly, it wasn’t the best fit for my personality. I’ve always been more of a big-picture thinker—curious about why things happen and fascinated by patterns. As an introvert with a naturally slower pace, the detail-driven, fast-moving world of nursing wasn’t easy for me.

But over 20 years in healthcare taught me lessons I wouldn’t trade. I had a front-row seat to the chronic health crisis we face as a nation, especially among seniors. And those years shaped my passion for holistic health—a passion I now share through my work as a wellness coach.

Why Holistic Health Matters in Midlife

As I approach 50, I’m thinking less about dying and more about living well until I die. I want to stand tall, walk confidently at 90, protect my brain health, stay engaged with people and ideas, and continue making a difference.

I believe most of us want the same things—but if we want them later, we must start preparing now.

The Warning Signs in Your 40s

Here’s what I’ve observed: until about our 40s, most of us can “get away” with unhealthy habits—poor nutrition, too much sugar and caffeine, lack of exercise, stress, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms. Our bodies are resilient and work hard to maintain balance, but by midlife the cracks begin to show.

That’s when we enter the cycle of “chasing symptoms”:

• Acid reflux? Take a pill.

• Pre-diabetes? Another pill.

• High cholesterol? More medication.

• Depression, thyroid issues, muscle spasms… the list goes on.

I’m not against all medication, but far too often we cover symptoms instead of addressing root causes. And every new prescription carries side effects that may require yet another drug.

The Specialist Shuffle in Your 60s and 70s

By the time many people reach their 60s or 70s, they’ve collected a lineup of specialists: cardiologist, podiatrist, dermatologist, nephrologist, diabetic educator. The burden of coordinating care falls on the patient, who must keep track of medications, side effects, and conflicting advice.

It’s rare to find a medical provider who steps back and looks at the whole person.

Taking Ownership of Your Health

Here’s the truth: you are the expert on you.

No one else is up at night wondering if your fatigue might be due to a nutrient deficiency, or if your brain fog might be related to stress, hormones, or gluten. I’ve worked alongside wonderful healthcare professionals, but the system itself is broken.

If you want a high-quality life, you must take ownership of your health. No one else will design it for you.

The Whole Self Blueprint

This is where I begin with every client. The Whole Self Blueprint is a simple but powerful tool for taking an honest inventory of your life. It looks at six key areas:

• Relationships

• Work & Purpose

• Money

• Physical health

• Emotional health

• Spiritual health

Taking inventory helps you see patterns before they become crises. It shifts you from reaction to prevention and gives you a roadmap for making meaningful changes.

If you’d like to try it for yourself, you can receive a copy of the Whole Self Blueprint free when you enter your email at https://www.wisdomandwellnesscoaching.com/blueprint

Why This Matters

When you invest in your whole self—body, mind, and spirit—everyone benefits. The best version of you not only improves your life but also blesses your family, your work, and your community.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re starting to feel the cracks of midlife—or if you simply want to age with energy, clarity, and purpose—it’s time to move beyond chasing symptoms.

At Wisdom and Wellness Coaching, I help women apply the Whole Self Blueprint to create personalized strategies for strength, peace, and vitality.

Schedule your free 50-minute RESET Session here: https://www.wisdomandwellnesscoaching.com/reset

and take the first step toward a healthier, more purposeful tomorrow.