IT is an inevitable fact of life, as we grow older so our bodies will encounter more and more creaks, cramps and cracks.
Yet, though inevitable it doesn't mean we have to give in to the ravages of time.
No matter a woman's age, there are steps she can take to tackle those health problems that emerge in her 30s, 40s and 50s.
Many solutions come in the form of simple lifestyle changes, a change in diet or taking a little more exercise than normal, for example.
Here, a team of experts explore the issues you are most likely to face across the three decades, and offer tips about how to best cope with the changes life throws at you.
YOUR 30s
Fine lines and wrinkles
The dawning of your fourth decade is a time when the first hints of ageing are likely creeping across your face.
It's likely you will become more conscious of your skin health and the seemingly sudden appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
To preserve moisture in the skin, ensure you have plenty of healthy fats in your diet – good sources are oily fish, avocado and raw nuts and seeds
To ward off the earliest signs of ageing, a few key tweaks to your diet can be key.
Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at Superfooduk.com, told The Sun Onlineeating more healthy fats can help.
"To preserve moisture in the skin, ensure you have plenty of healthy fats in your diet – good sources are oily fish, avocado and raw nuts and seeds," she said.
"Ensure a good intake of vitamin C and antioxidants to support collagen, by consuming a wide range of vegetables and fruits."
Adding a serum to your skin care regime can also help, added Sonja Dymalovski from What Skin Needs.
She said: "Hydration is the key to young looking skin, and adding a serum to your foundation is a great way to get that youthful dewy look.
"I would go for a serum with oils that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like Jojoba oil and Plantolin."
She suggests trying Hydrating Facial Serum by What Skin Needs.
Hangovers getting worse?
As you wave goodbye to your 20s, be warned – hangovers will get worse, and last longer.
You'll likely want to still enjoy nights out.
But, whereas you could previously enjoy a few glasses of wine and wake up fresh faced and ready to attack the day, once you turn 30 that luxury is consigned to history.
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Even a large glass of Sauv Blanc will torment your very being, the morning after a civilised night out.
Nutritionist Cassandra Barns said there are a number of foods you can eat, that help counter the effects, giving the liver a much-needed boost.
"Bitter foods, such as watercress and rocket, cruciferous foods including broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale, and sulphur-rich foods including eggs can help support the live," she said.
"As can onions, garlic and leeks, and lemon juice, which is great to use in salad dressings."
Pregnancy
For many, their 30s is the age at which thoughts will turn to starting a family.
But, as fertility declines with age, even trying for a baby in your early 30s is likely to be harder than in your 20s.
Dr Marilyn Glenville, a leading nutritionist and author of Getting Pregnant Faster said: "Focus on eating healthily and your lifestyle habits in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Minimise processed foods, sugary foods and other junk foods, as well as coffee; and drink alcohol only in moderation – all these can have a detrimental effect on joint health
"Base your diet on whole foods, organic where possible, and cut down as much as possible on processed foods, sugary foods, alcohol and coffee."
Ditch running for yoga
In your 30s, a combination of cardio and weight-bearing exercise can prove best to maintain general fitness.
However, you may need to cut back on the intensive exercise that you did in your 20s, and introduce more calming and strengthening exercise such as pilates or yoga, especially if you are trying for a baby.
Lynne Robinson, pilates guru and founder of Body Control Pilates told The Sun Online: "Pilates can help by rebalancing your muscles, improving your alignment, making your breathing more efficient, and improving your core Stability."
YOUR 40s
Bone strength
In your 40s bone strength can begin to deteriorate gradually.
At this age, weight-bearing exercise becomes particularly important and should be a regular part of your routine.
"This doesn’t have to mean lifting weights in a gym, but any activity where the bones and muscles are working against gravity, including brisk walking, tennis and dancing," said Cassandra.
"In terms of what to eat, alongside the considerations for your 30s, ensure you have plenty of calcium and magnesium-rich foods.
"Calcium-rich foods do not have to include dairy (milk) products; in fact there is even evidence that high intake of dairy products can be detrimental to bone health.
"For both minerals, focus on green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds, almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts), fish and seafood.
"Buckwheat (a gluten-free alternative to wheat) and high-cocoa dark chocolate are also good sources of magnesium."
Stress
A woman's 40s can also be a very stressful time of life – this is often when women are juggling career and family life to the maximum.
Dr Glenville said: "To support balanced energy and blood sugar levels and the health of the adrenal glands, it is important to avoid high-sugar foods.
"And refined carbohydrates and stimulants such as coffee, and try to have a good source of protein with every meal (fish, eggs, beans or lentils, nuts or seeds) in combination with unrefined complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, and of course vegetables.
"If you snack, make sure that snacks also contain some form of protein and complex carbohydrates – such as almond butter or tahini on oatcakes, or half a boiled egg on rye crispbread.
"Gentle exercise can also help to balance stress levels."
YOUR 50s
Hormonal changes
Entering your 50s comes with a raft of hormonal changes, that are likely well underway.
Cassandra said: "Supporting gradual energy release from foods and balanced blood sugar levels can be even more important at this time, with the same suggestions as above (combining protein foods, vegetables and unrefined carbohydrates; avoiding sugary foods and refined carbohydrates).
"Eating this way can also help to maintain a healthy weight and metabolism.
"Include a range of pulses and beans as well as a good variety of vegetables, both of which are sources of natural phytoestrogens (plant compounds that can mimic oestrogen)."
She said soya is a well-known source of phytoestrogens too, but a balanced intake of soya from whole bean sources combined with other beans and pulses is a better approach than focusing solely on soya.
Cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale can also support balanced hormone levels, she added.
Joint problems
At this age joint problems may also begin to manifest.
Shona recommended: "Oily fish can be an excellent choice because of their omega 3 fatty acids, which can have anti-inflammatory properties.
"Flax and chia seeds and their oils contain a vegetarian source of omega 3.
"Gentle spices such as turmeric and ginger can also be good natural anti-inflammatories, in foods or as teas.
"Emphasise foods that alkalise the body, such as green vegetables, vegetable juices, lots of fresh herbs and sprouted beans or seeds.
"Minimise processed foods, sugary foods and other junk foods, as well as coffee; and drink alcohol only in moderation – all these can have a detrimental effect on joint health."
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