The danger of the reductive eating disorder image is never more apparent when discussing EDs in midlife and beyond. Because an aging body is increasingly more inflexible when facing physical damage, the risks associated with an ED are heightened. Dangers include disruption of heart function, diminishing cognitive ability, and osteoporosis (among others). All risks may be precluded or worsened by disordered eating and often overshadow the incidence of EDs, making detection and diagnosis more difficult. 

 

Bibliography (show notes):

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Dennett, Carrie. “Perspective | The Overlooked Crisis of Eating Disorders among Middle-Aged Women.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 18 June 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/the-overlooked-crisis-of-eating-disorders-among-middle-aged-women/2019/06/14/e5358616-87d5-11e9-a491-25df61c78dc4_story.html.

“Facing Eating Disorders in Midlife.” Performance by Mary Tantillo, UR Medicine, Youtube, 5 Apr. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2IhhewfnHI.

Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD. “What Are Midlife Eating Disorders?” Verywell Mind, 5 Jan. 2021, www.verywellmind.com/midlife-eating-disorders-4177137.

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Disordered Eating in Midlife and Beyond.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/disordered-eating-in-midlife-and-beyond.

Sloneker, Wendy. “Eating Disorders in Midlife and Menopause.” Gennev, Gennev, 12 Feb. 2021, gennev.com/education/eating-disorders-in-midlife.

“What We Need to Know about Eating Disorders in Midlife.” Eating Disorders Catalogue, 24 Aug. 2018, www.edcatalogue.com/need-know-eating-disorders-midlife/.