Women reveal when they truly knew they'd hit their 40s – do you agree?

The Irish Sun

5 days ago

BRITISH women have revealed the tell-tale signs they knew they'd hit their 40s.
A poll of 1,500 aged 40 plus revealed the top signs that made them realise they had hit their 40s.
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1,500 women were polled on the signs that made them realise they were in their 40s
Credit: Getty
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One of the top signs included realising the music you listen to isn't popular anymore
Credit: SWNS
Some of the top signs were when they start sounding like their mum, are excited by the latest home appliances, and prefer baths to nights out.
A poll of 1,500 women aged 40 plus found 19 per cent didn't accept they'd completed their fourth decade until they were at least two or more months into it.
With other
Going to bed before 10.30pm, realising their favourite album is 25 years old, and developing a tendency to complain about the price of things were similarly revelatory.
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The research was commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause which provides nutritional support for women before the
It forms part of a campaign to raise awareness of perimenopause among women in their 40s and highlight the support available to them.
More than half (51 per cent) of those aware of perimenopause tended to think of it as something which happens to women when they get old – which 81 per cent don't consider themselves to be.
While 12 per cent admitted they hadn't heard of this "rarely discussed"
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Perimenopause expert Emma Bardwell, and author of The Perimenopause Solution, said: 'Life is constantly teaching us new things.
"As you get older, these revelations can turn out to be real wake-up calls.
The bizarre symptoms of menopause, according to a specialist
"When I entered the perimenopause at the age of 42, it was an incredibly challenging time.
"I couldn't find the support I needed, and didn't know where to turn.
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"Women don't always want to hear this but, if you're in your forties, you're likely to be perimenopausal as hormone levels are changing at that time.
"Fortunately, we now have so much more information and are better educated than ever about this time of life. And, the good news is, it's never too early to start putting yourself - and your health - first."
With thinking your celeb teenage crush is now 'getting on a bit' and feeling relieved when social gatherings get cancelled similarly revelatory.
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Despite these moments of realisation, 15 per cent consider their 40s to be the
With the top three best things about this decade including caring less about what people think, appreciating the little things in life, and knowing themselves better.
It also emerged 75 per cent of those polled have taken their health more seriously than they had before since hitting 40.
And for many, perimenopause is likely to be part of their reason for prioritising this more – 50 per cent have been or going through this stage of life.
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Although 80 per cent wish they had known more about it before they experienced it.
They described the experience as emotionally draining (21 per cent), physically tiring (17 per cent), and stressful (10 per cent).
Carried out through OnePoll, the research identified the one piece of advice those polled would give their younger selves, with 22 per cent revealing it would be to read more about the perimenopause.
A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause, a one-a-day tablet providing 25 nutrients including vitamin B6 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, said: 'When it comes to the perimenopause, there is a clear lack of understanding, and what this means for women.
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"Although some may know what the perimenopause is, this stage of life comes with plenty of myths, misconceptions, and misunderstanding.
"Advice is often lacking, and women are not sure where to turn.
"There are steps you can take for advice, with talking to a health professional a great starting point.'
TOP 40 - MOMENTS WOMEN REALISED THEY WERE IN THEIR 40s
Caught yourself talking about how fast the year is going
Began enjoying the idea of a "quiet night in"
Started going to bed before 10.30
Realised you sound like your mum
You felt relieved when social events were cancelled
Having to look up slang used by younger family members, friends and colleagues
You now can't read the 'small print' because it's too small to read
Realised you'd rather have a nice bath than a night out
Realised your favourite album was 25 years old or more
Noticed once fashionable items of clothing had become fashionable again
Heard a song from your youth in a supermarket and realised it's now considered a "classic"
Became more interested in healthy eating
Took a multivitamin as part of a new health routine
Realising a song you still know all the dance moves to was released last century (e.g. Hit Me Baby One More Time, Macarena, Saturday Night)
Realised you couldn't drink without a three-day hangover
Noticing you make a noise when standing up / sitting down
Became annoyed at forgetting reusable bags
You finally understood the importance of a good nap
Forgot your own age - more than once
Started using the phrase "back in my day" unironically
Looked forward to weekends mainly for cleaning or gardening
Being unable to function without your morning coffee
Realised you were getting irrationally excited about home appliances
Realised you enjoyed complaining about the price of things
Cared more about the weather forecast than weekend plans
Bought a pair of "sensible shoes" - and liked them
Spoke to your younger colleagues and friends about bands they knew nothing about
Thinking your celeb teenage crush is now "getting on a bit"
Started choosing seats over standing at gigs
Complained about modern music and how it was too loud
Realising people are looking to you for advice
Felt surprised by how young police officers' look
Became irrationally worried about younger people not wearing coats in cold weather
Became extremely loyal to a particular brand of tea
Realising you had a predominantly 2000s and 2010s Spotify playlist
Stopped being able to drink coffee after 4pm
Had to explain just how big the Spice Girls were to someone younger
Made a conscious decision to stop dyeing grey hairs
Suddenly became more active on Facebook
Began treating your house plants as your children
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Some women said they knew themselves better and were more confident in their 40s
Credit: Getty
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