#Empowerment

A new fitness trend is capturing the attention of women worldwide—including in Thailand: rucking, or walking while wearing a weighted vest. Data indicate that sales of weighted vests have surged by over 50% globally in the past year, reflecting a growing appetite for this low-impact, strength-boosting exercise (Axios). Advocates claim rucking offers a unique blend of strength training and cardiovascular benefits with minimal joint stress, making it particularly appealing for women seeking a practical and effective way to improve their health.

Fresh insights from leading clinical experts underscore a new era in how menopause and women’s sexual health are discussed, experienced, and managed, with significant relevance for Thai society as the population ages. Mayo Clinic’s recent coverage during Women’s Health Week highlights both the evolving science and practical strategies that support midlife women in thriving through this key life stage—not simply surviving it (mcpress.mayoclinic.org).

For millions of Thai women, menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55—a period often described in Thai as “วัยทอง” (the golden age). However, rapid hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can cause an array of symptoms. International research and clinical experience, such as that shared by an internal medicine consultant at Mayo Clinic, reveal that around 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, alongside weight gain, bone density loss, cognitive “brain fog,” sexual discomfort, and reduced libido. The expert emphasizes, “Aging collides with menopause. You have to do more, eat less to stay the same, but then weight comes around the tummy that’s more related to estrogen than aging.”

As global efforts intensify to destigmatize men’s sexual health, the latest research and advocacy underscore the urgent need for open dialogue—challenging outdated expectations and transforming silent suffering into collective well-being. This movement toward normalization is rapidly gaining ground, with far-reaching implications for Thai society where traditional views on masculinity persist.

Men’s health has long encompassed more than just the physical; mental and emotional well-being are increasingly recognized as critical. Yet, across the world, men statistically have a shorter life expectancy than women due in large part to heart disease, diabetes, mental health disorders, and cancer, with underlying causes being intertwined lifestyle choices and social barriers. Reluctance among men to seek preventative care or address issues early is often tied not only to the stigma of vulnerability, but also misinformation and societal attitudes that equate open discussion with weakness (Life & Style, 2025).

Menopause, often viewed as a period of decline in women’s health and relationships, is being re-examined in light of recent research and expert perspectives. Contrary to long-standing myths, the latest findings suggest that menopause can mark the beginning of a renewed journey in intimacy and wellness, encouraging women to embrace this life stage with confidence and proactive self-care. These insights, showcased in an influential op-ed recently published by a wellness advocate in South Africa, have resonated globally, including among Thai health professionals and women’s rights advocates.