After nearly two years, I’m back wearing an Oura ring. A lot has changed: the Oura 5 is slimmer, chicer, and it’s got a cooler charger. More importantly, the app has loads more insights on women’s health, including menopause symptoms. And, notably, everyone is now wearing one.

When I first started flashing my rose gold band, Oura was still an emerging brand that had been brought to the public’s attention by Prince Harry. I only really knew other runners who swore by it for recovery purposes. Then I got pregnant and stopped tracking everything, but in the meantime, health tracking seems to have been taken to a whole new level.

I’ve only had it on for a couple of weeks, but I’d forgotten how much I love tracking health data. Despite various bedtime interruptions, I’m scoring high every night for sleep (even after the odd glass of wine!). Every morning, Oura tells me I’m well rested and ready to take on the day. And you know what? That’s all the morning motivation I need to get out there and run a little faster at lunchtime or start work with a bit more vim.

We spend a lot of time these days slamming wearable tech for making people anxious about their health. While it’s undeniable that over-tracking can stop us from moving, sleeping and living intuitively, I really do think that tech can help us if we use it responsibly. After having a miscarriage, for example, my Oura ring gave me three months’ worth of cycle data to take to my GP, which allowed me to ask questions about my hormonal health, knowing that I couldn’t be fobbed off with invitations to keep a symptom diary.

These accessories aren’t necessary, but if you’re into tracking and tech, then they can be useful. 

Alongside the key pillars of regular exercise, quality sleep, social connection and stress reduction, good nutrition is crucial for supporting brain health. A 2023 study reported that people who followed a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish and whole grains had Alzheimer’s biomarkers at levels similar to those of individuals almost 18 years younger.

So, what are older women – especially those who really know their stuff when it comes to nutrition – eating every day to stay mentally alert and healthy in later life? And what could we learn from them when it comes to adapting our eating habits as we age? Stylist spoke to a 70-year-old nutritionist and another in her mid-60s to find out which foods really matter when it comes to looking after your brain. 

Question:

I want to improve my hormonal health – what kind of exercise should I be prioritising?

Answer:

For most people, doing some form of regular physical activity is likely to be more beneficial than worrying about finding the perfect type of exercise. Research consistently shows that regular movement supports physical and mental health across the lifespan. Whether that’s strength training, running, dancing, swimming, cycling, gardening or simply walking more, the benefits add up over time.

A balanced routine that includes a mix of strength, cardiovascular fitness and mobility exercises can provide the broadest health benefits. But when it comes to hormonal wellbeing, consistency is often more important than choosing one particular workout style.

The key thing is that movement shouldn’t feel like another source of pressure. The most hormone-friendly exercise is the exercise you enjoy enough to do consistently. Finding activities that fit your life, feel sustainable and make you feel good is likely to do more for your long-term health than chasing the latest fitness trend.