What if the key to transforming entire economies lies in enabling women's health?

Women's health and wellbeing are finally receiving the attention they deserve. From the challenges of perimenopause to the broader goal of ageing well, one thing has become clear: there is a significant gap in research into the unique health experiences of women, particularly at key life stages such as perimenopause and post-menopause.

To better support Australian women aged 45–60, we first need to understand how they fare across various pillars of wellbeing. Here’s a snapshot of recent data that highlights both opportunities and challenges.

Physical Health & Wellbeing

• 55% of women report excellent or very good health. However, 56% live with at least one chronic condition, such as musculoskeletal disorders or cardiovascular diseases (source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW))
• Further, around 82.9% of Australian women aged 45 - 54 do not adhere to the recommended physical activity guidelines (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics , 2022)

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing

• 55% of women experiencing menopause symptoms report negative impacts on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Additionally, 32% say these symptoms have affected their relationships with their partners (source: Office for Women Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet)

Nutritional Wellbeing

• Research from the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) highlights the Mediterranean diet's benefits in reducing disease risk.
• Yet in Australia, 64% of women are not consuming the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and only 24% meet both guidelines (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics , 2022)

Social Wellbeing

• Strong social connections, healthy relationships, and a sense of belonging are essential for overall wellbeing. Community engagement and supportive networks are vital.

• A comprehensive review in Frontiers in Global Women's Health highlighted that women's social ties are particularly beneficial during times of stress, contributing positively to their physical, psychological, and relational health.

Financial Wellbeing

• Older women in Australia are at a greater risk of financial and housing insecurity compared to men. 33% of single women are at risk of living in poverty by age 60, making economic stability a critical concern.
• A report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency highlights that women retire with, on average, half the superannuation of men, increasing their likelihood of living in poverty during retirement.

Occupational Wellbeing

• This involves having meaningful, fulfilling work or purposeful daily activities. Feeling valued and maintaining work-life balance are key aspects.
• However, women aged 45+ continue to face significant challenges in the workforce. A 2023 literature review by Michelle Brown of The 澳大利亚昆士兰大学 , in partnership with Basic Rights Queensland , highlighted that "persistent negative stereotyping surrounding both gender and age... continues to fuel the nuanced discrimination faced by women aged 45+ in the workforce... and [these challenges] are a systemic and institutionalized problem."

The Call for Allyship

There is much work to be done to improve women's wellbeing. One of the most powerful ways that individuals and workplaces can address these challenges is through allyship.

By creating safe spaces for open dialogue and breaking the taboos around sensitive topics like menopause, mental health, loneliness and financial difficulty, we can better support women to seek support and help themselves during key stages of a woman's life.

Advocating for supportive policies, sharing knowledge, and promoting education are all vital steps toward a future where midlife women thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let’s continue to shine a light on these issues and work together to drive positive change.

#WomensWellbeing #MenopauseSupport #MentalHealth #Allyship #HealthEquity #AustralianWomen