What would health look like if you were in control? Starting the conversation
- Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30

Imagine waking up each morning not just alive, but truly well—feeling vibrant, clear-headed, and in control of your body and mind. For so many of us, the traditional approach to health has become something we accept by default: when something feels off, we visit a doctor, receive a prescription, and hope for the best. But what if there was another way? A path where you didn’t just react to illness, but actively shaped your own health and well-being every single day?
It’s easy to feel at the mercy of the healthcare system, especially as we age. Retirement shouldn’t mean giving up control over our health, yet for many women over 50, it can feel like a slow surrender—a series of prescriptions, side effects, and unanswered questions. We patch up symptoms with medication, but rarely address the root causes: our lifestyle, what we eat, how we move, and the support we have around us.
Years ago I had the pleasure of reading Dr. Sandro Galea’s book Well, which reminds us that true health is about more than just avoiding disease. It wasn't as if I did not know that but this book just made it so clear. True health and wellness is about thriving, about creating a life that supports our bodies and minds in every possible way. For women over 50, this means looking beyond the doctor’s office and embracing a holistic approach that puts you in the driver’s seat.
I can't tell you how often I have watched the documentary, The Blue Zones, because I think we should all see it at least once. Think about the places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives—the Blue Zones. There, longevity isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better. Their secret? Simple, whole foods. Plant-based meals shared with friends and family. Daily movement woven into the rhythm of life. A strong sense of community and purpose. These are the elements that truly nourish us, body and soul.

Let's be honest: Americans may live longer, but too often, we live sicker. We’re surrounded by processed foods, isolated by our busy lives, and disconnected from the support that makes all the difference. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You have the power to change your story—to choose foods that heal, to find joy in movement, to build a circle of support, and to listen to your body’s wisdom.
Taking charge of your health isn’t about rejecting modern medicine or ignoring your doctor’s advice. It’s about knowing that you are your own best advocate. It’s about making informed choices—choosing a plant-based lifestyle, embracing whole foods, and finding ways to move that feel good to you. It’s about recognizing that self-care is not selfish, but essential. And it’s about trusting yourself to know when something is truly off, and when a simple change in your daily habits could make all the difference.
For women over 50, this is an invitation to reclaim your health as your own. To see retirement not as a loss of control, but as a new chapter where you get to decide what wellness looks like for you. It’s a chance to rewrite the narrative—to choose quality of life over quantity of years, and to trust that you have the wisdom and power to thrive.
So let’s start the conversation. What does health look like for you, when you’re the one in control? What small changes could you make today that would help you feel more vibrant, more connected, more alive? Remember, you are not alone on this journey.
Together, we can create a future where every woman over 50 feels empowered to live her healthiest, most joyful life.
Don't hesitate to contact me to discuss how you can live a more vibrant lifestyle and the many options we offer to assist you on your journey.

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