BY SANDRA GUY

Now that our 60s are the new 40s, age-wise, it’s time to rethink the negative ideas of an inevitable decline into the misery of hot flashes, bloated bellies and thinning hair.

Sure, these issues may arise as women’s ovaries stop releasing eggs, putting an end to menstrual periods, and starting a process that ends in menopause. Other side effects of menopause may include mood swings, a racing heart, breast tenderness and urinary incontinence.

The process actually starts as women approach their late 30s, when their ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone.

But stay positive and know that you can stay in great shape, defying the stereotypes, if you’re disciplined and determined.

After all, you’ll be able to wear a “revenge dress,” or if that’s not your thing, make yourself feel fabulous defying those who insist that you must become decrepit. And you’ll fight declining health and bone loss all the while.

Start now with a serious exercise and diet routine that builds muscle, keeps your bones strong and empowers you to be svelte.

A key aspect of this lifestyle involves serious strength training — and we’re talking working up to 15- to 20-pound weights in each hand as you do squats, bicep curls and clean-and-presses.

Of course, you must continue to do cardio workouts, but you may want to rethink your strategy. Instead of doing long runs, focus on shorter all-out sprints to maintain the physique you want.

You may also consider using a supplement, including one that contains chasteberry, the dried fruit from the chaste tree — a source of antioxidant support. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radicals that cause damage to healthy cells.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used chasteberry over 2,500 years ago to treat menstrual symptoms. It’s believed that chasteberry also helps the pituitary gland to rebalance hormones during menopause.

Check first with your doctor to ensure that it won’t interfere with any medications. You may choose a liquid supplement or a blend with eleuthero, astragalus, saw palmetto, and prickly ash bark to gain support for a healthy endocrine system.

You’ll be glad that you’ve made time to research these issues.