ow do women establish a sense of well-being throughout their lives? According to a new survey, decisions that Hwomen make in their 20s, 30s and 40s can pave the way to wellness into their 60s and 70s and beyond.

The first-ever study titled "The State of Women's Wellness," commissioned by Lean Cuisine and conducted by iVillage.com, focused on six areas of wellness: physical and nutritional, spiritual, emotional, occupational, intellectual and social wellness. Finding a healthy balance between each represents a woman's overall sense of wellness, but the milestones, wellness goals, obstacles and solutions are different at every age.

The Seven Ages of

Women's Wellness

Childhood, when some healthy lifestyle patterns are formed by living with your parents.

20s Milestone: Complete education and start career.

Wellness Goals: Manage stress, start healthy habits.

Obstacle: According to the survey, women this age are more likely to describe meals they eat on a regular basis as "not too healthy."

Solution: Keep healthy foods on hand (yogurt, fresh fruit, frozen entrees).

30s Milestone: Parenthood and work schedule. According to the survey, women say wellness is important, but being a mom makes it harder to achieve.

Wellness Goals: Eat healthy meals, take time for exercise.

Obstacle: Time

Solution: Get organized and plan meals and exercise time. Have healthy frozen entrees on hand for a quick meal. Combine watching kids and walking or running by pushing kids in a stroller; schedule exercise at night when husband can watch kids.

40s Milestone: Turning 40.

Wellness Goals: Maintain or lose weight. According to the survey, 84 percent admit indulging in something that tastes good but may not be good for you.

Obstacle: Metabolism slows down.

Solution: Get more exercise; eat healthy meals in which you know the full nutritional profile, from calories to vegetable servings.

50s Milestone: Empty nest.

Wellness Goals: Staying mentally, emotionally well.

Obstacle: Motivation, as reported by 61 percent of survey respondents.

Solution: Pamper yourself a little. When you feel nurtured, you'll take better care of yourself.

60s Milestone: Retirement age.

Wellness Goals: Adjusting to life after career.

Obstacle: Old habits. Most women surveyed said "wellness could be better incorporated into my life."

Solution: With more time, you have more opportunities to try new healthy recipes, new ways to reach fitness goals.

70s and beyond . . .

Milestone: First age-related health issue.

Wellness Goals: Stay vigorous.

Obstacle: Fear.

Solution: Keep a positive attitude, which 64 percent of women surveyed say they do. Surround yourself with caring friends and family.

To help you stay well at any age, check out two new free interactive tools on LeanCuisine.com. The first tool is a meal planner, with recipe ideas, calorie trackers and snack ideas. The second tool is a fitness planner that allows you to choose a time length with an activity, from a stroll on the beach to a kickboxing class, to calculate calories burned. You can also find articles on wellness ranging from how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet to managing stress.

- Courtesy of Family Features