Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

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  GLP-1s After 60: How to Lose Weight Without Losing Muscle — with Heidi Skolnik EP 213 15.09.2026 26min

  “You never used to think, ‘Am I eating enough?’ You’re always thinking, ‘Can I eat less?’ And now I want you to think: Are you eating enough?” — Heidi Skolnik  Key Links  Learn more about Heidi Skolnik HERE   Get more info on “Your GLP-1 Game Plan: What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About How to Eat, Move, and Thrive on Weight Loss Medications” HERE   GLP-1 medications have transformed weight loss, but especially after 60, losing weight is only part of the equation. Sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist Heidi Skolnik returns to AGE BETTER to explain how to use these medications without sacrificing muscle, bone, strength, or good nutrition.  What You Will Learn  Why rapid weight loss can put muscle and bone at risk  How much protein you may need—and why more isn’t always better  Why resistance training is essential  How to eat when your appetite is dramatically reduced  What to do about nausea, constipation, and dehydration  Which supplements may actually help—and which are mostly hype  How GLP-1s can change your relationship with food and “food noise”  If you’re taking a GLP-1, considering one, or simply want to understand these medications better, this episode is for you.  Follow AGE BETTER, and share this episode with someone who needs it. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 
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  AT 79, KATHRYN GRODY IS STILL UNFINISHED EP 212 08.09.2026 1t 15min

  “I want to proceed unfinished . . .think of the changes as adaptations, not surrender.” — Kathryn Grody  KEY LINKS  Kathryn Grody’s one-woman show, The Unexpected 3rd — October 13–November 1 at George Street Playhouse The Unexpected 3rd — tickets and information  Don’t Listen to Us with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody — Kathryn and Mandy’s podcast with their son, Gideon Listen to Don’t Listen to Us  “The Layers” by Stanley Kunitz — the poem Kathryn reads during our conversation Read “The Layers”  How Not to F*ck Up Your Face by Valerie Monroe Visit Valerie Monroe’s Substack  What does getting older actually feel like?  At 79, award-winning actress and writer Kathryn Grody isn’t interested in pretending she has aging figured out. She’s funny about it, angry about parts of it, grateful for it—and determined to keep discovering who she is.  Kathryn joins me for a wonderfully candid conversation about entering what she calls her “third and final act,” which inspired her one-woman show, The Unexpected 3rd. We talk about the strange experience of feeling like yourself while suddenly being treated as “old,” why allowing her hair to go gray felt almost radical, and what happens when the world begins making assumptions about what you can—and can’t—do.  We also talk about strength and changing bodies, needing more time to recharge, bringing new people into your life as old friends are lost, the fear of mortality, marriage and family, and the unexpected social-media fame that came when her son Gideon began filming Kathryn and her husband, Mandy Patinkin, simply being themselves.  And then the conversation goes somewhere deeper: How do we acknowledge what is hard about aging without allowing fear and loss to become the center of our lives?  Kathryn’s answer has stayed with me. Stay curious. Keep adapting. Keep participating. Keep making room for new experiences. And above all, don’t assume you’re finished.  If this conversation speaks to you, please share it with a friend who is thinking about what her own next chapter might look like. And be sure to follow AGE BETTER wherever you listen, subscribe to the AGE BETTER YouTube channel, and leave a rating or review—it really does help more women find the show. 
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  English Doesn't Have the Right Words for Growing Older — with Maggie Rowe EP 211 01.09.2026 25min

  “One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made is overvaluing status and undervaluing purpose. And as I get older, I hope to switch that out.” — Maggie Rowe  KEY LINKS  Lisen to ‘50 Words for Snow’ podcast HERE  Learn more about Maggie Rowe HERE   Read AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET newsletter HERE    What if some of the problem with aging is simply that we don’t have good enough words for it?  English gives us elderly, senior, over the hill, anti-aging—and the particularly maddening “you look good for your age.” But in other languages, there are words that describe growing older very differently: as ripening, accumulating wisdom and experience, becoming more grounded, letting go of old burdens, and approaching life with renewed curiosity and wonder.  My guest today is writer and performer Maggie Rowe, co-host of the fascinating podcast 50 Words for Snow, which explores words from other languages that have no direct English equivalent.  Maggie introduces me to words and ideas I wish we had been using all along—including a Japanese concept that compares aging to ripening and becoming more complex and layered with time, another that describes the treasure trove of experience we accumulate through life, and shoshin, or “beginner’s mind”: the ability to approach life with curiosity instead of assuming we already know everything.  We also have some fun deciding which aging words deserve to be retired forever.  But the deeper question is one worth thinking about: Do the words we use merely describe aging—or do they influence what we expect aging to be?  Because if the language surrounding getting older is mostly about decline and loss, it’s easy to start believing that story. What happens when we replace some of those words with ones that recognize what can actually increase with age—perspective, freedom, purpose, curiosity, self-knowledge and the ability to appreciate our lives?  This conversation may make you think differently about the words you use to describe yourself—and this stage of your life.  Listen to this episode and then tell me: What word would YOU choose to describe growing older?  Send me your word at [email protected] or share it with me on social media.  And if this episode made you think, please follow AGE BETTER, leave a rating or review, and share it with a friend.Those small actions make a huge difference in helping more women discover the show.  And don’t forget to sign up for the AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET for more of the ideas, research and practical strategies that can help all of us age better. 
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  Vaginal Health After 60: What Actually Works for Dryness, Pain & UTIs with Dr. Margaret Nachtigall EP 210 25.08.2026 34min

  “For vaginal estrogen . . . there’s no window of timing. If you’re 80 years old and your body has not seen estrogen in 30 years, you can still start local vaginal estrogen. It’s not too late. You can start.” — Dr. Margaret Nachtigall  We talk a lot about protecting our hearts, our brains, and our bones as we get older. But what about vaginal health?  In this episode of AGE BETTER, Dr. Margaret Nachtigall joins me to talk about what really happens to the vagina and urinary tract after menopause — and, more importantly, what we can do about it.  We cover vaginal dryness, burning and discomfort; why urinary urgency and recurrent UTIs can be connected to menopause; when symptoms are normal and when they’re a red flag; and the treatments that can make a real difference. Dr. Margaret explains the role of local vaginal estrogen, hyaluronic acid, moisturizers and lubricants, pelvic floor physical therapy, and other options — including what women with a history of breast cancer should discuss with their medical team.   We also talk about sex after 60, STI protection with a new partner, pelvic exams as we age, and one message I especially want women to hear: you do not have to simply accept vaginal discomfort as part of getting older. There are treatments, and it is never too late to ask for help.  If you’re in your 60s, 70s or beyond — or care about someone who is — this is an important conversation to hear and share.  Listen now, and then talk with your healthcare provider about what makes sense for you.  Are you loving AGE BETTER? Consider subscribing and following wherever you tune in. Check out AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET newsletter on Substack.   See you next week! 
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  More Years or Better Years? What Women Over 50 Really Want EP 209 18.08.2026 16min

  “Your doctor can be the expert on the medicine. But you are still the expert on the life you’re trying to protect.” – Barbara Hannah Grufferman  KEY LINKS  The original study in PLOS One is HERE   AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET on Substack is HERE   What do we really want as we get older—more years, or better years?  A fascinating new study of more than 6,000 adults over 50 asked people to make some surprisingly personal choices about aging, health, quality of life, independence, and who should have the final say when medical decisions need to be made.  In this solo episode, I unpack the findings that caught my attention most—especially what women said about quality of life versus simply living longer, why what our bodies can do becomes increasingly important as we age, and why maintaining a voice in our own healthcare matters.  I also share the experience that fundamentally changed the way I think about physical function and independence: watching my mother’s world become smaller after a hip fracture.  You’ll come away with a different way to think about longevity—not simply as adding years, but as protecting your ability to live the life you want for as long as possible. And I’ll give you one question to ask yourself that can help clarify what you’re really trying to protect as you get older.  If this episode makes you think, share it with another woman and ask her: What is the one thing you most want to protect as you get older?  And please follow AGE BETTER with Barbara Hannah Grufferman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. It’s one of the easiest ways to help more women find the show. 
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  Health Span, Wealth Span, Life Span: The New Rules of Longevity with Michael Clinton EP 208 11.08.2026 45min

  "Our own personal longevity is only 25% genetic. So the other 75% are in our control." — Michael Clinton  KEY LINKS  Learn more about “Longevity Nation: The People, Ideas, and Trends Changing the Second Half of Our Lives” HERE  Michael Clinton's Roar Forward, including the Reimagineers stories and free monthly newsletter is HERE  Connect with Michael Clinton on LinkedIn HERE   Read Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack HERE  Barbara’s Website is HERE   ABOUT THIS EPISODE  Michael Clinton ran Hearst Magazines. Then he left, wrote ROAR, built a company, and ran a marathon on every continent — most of it after 60.  For his new book – Longevity Nation -- he interviewed more than 70 experts. Not just doctors. Technologists, urban planners, dermatologists, wealth strategists. What came back was a single, connected picture of what it actually takes to live a long life well — and it is far more in your hands than you have been led to believe.  Here's what you'll take away:  Life layering. Why the old sequence — school, work, retire — is obsolete, and how to build a second set of identities in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. The 57-year-old with the kids gone and the job gone is at a beginning, not an end.  Proof it's never late. A woman took her first welding class at 70 and launched a business at 81. A veterinarian started school at 56.  Baby steps, not overhauls. Michael's exact instruction for starting anything new — and why nobody solves this in a weekend.  The money conversation nobody has. The one question to ask your bank that tells you whether your money outlives you. Plus a statistic about women and their finances that will make you sit up.  Loneliness and frailty. Why your world quietly shrinks, how that becomes a physical problem, and the single habit every expert on this show agrees on.  What's actually here now. Wearables, early-detection testing, GLP-1s beyond weight loss, and precision medicine built around your biology, not the average.  And one thing to do this week. Just one. You'll know it when you hear it.  You can't control getting older . . . but you can control how you do it.
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  Desire Has No Expiration Date: The Science of Intimacy After 60 with Dr. Anna Elton EP 207 04.08.2026 25min

  "Just have fun — because if we don't have fun, what's the point?" — Dr. Anna Elton  Desire doesn't retire. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anna Elton — licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical sexologist, and author of the new book The Formula of Desire: What Brings Us Together and Drives Us Apart and the Science of Connection — for a frank, warm, and surprisingly practical conversation about connection, intimacy, and desire after 60. Dr. Elton works with couples in their 60s, 70s, and even early 80s, and she brought her best tools for us.  Links:  The Formula of Desire by Dr. Anna Elton → HERE  Learn more about Dr. Anna Elton → HERE  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why retirement and an empty nest can quietly redirect your desire — and how to point it back where you want it  A ridiculously fun "A through Z" exercise that couples in their late 70s are using to feel like they're dating again  The exact number of seconds a hug (or a kiss!) needs to last to trigger your brain's bonding hormone  How to escape "roommate syndrome" when you're suddenly together 24 hours a day  A gentle, shame-free way to start conversations about intimacy — even if you've avoided them for decades (hint: it involves a drawer)  The "credit score" for your relationship that took one couple five minutes to complete — and four hours to talk about  What Dr. Elton tells women who feel guilty about wanting companionship again after loss  Plus, Dr. Elton's top three takeaways — including the one thing that disappears first in long-term relationships and how to bring it back this week.  If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe and follow Age Better wherever you listen — it's the best way to make sure you never miss an episode. Have an idea for a future episode or a comment about this one? Email me at [email protected]. And for more tools you can put to work right away, read the Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack. 
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  Is 4 Minutes of Exercise a Day Enough? Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein Says Yes . . . BUT EP 206 28.07.2026 20min

  "Four minutes a day works . . . but not if you are an average or above average person in terms of physical activity level." — Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein  You've seen the headline everywhere: just four minutes of exercise a day is enough. There's a real study behind it — a randomized trial published in PLOS ONE — and the results are genuinely impressive. But the fine print matters. In the first episode of a new occasional series, I put a headline-making study under the microscope with orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein of Duke, who gives it to us straight: yes, no, or yes . . . BUT.  KEY LINKS  The study: "4 minutes of daily exercise" trial (PLOS ONE) is HERE   Dr. Wittstein's book: The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan is HERE   Follow Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein on Instagram HERE   My AARP article interviewing Dr. Benjamin Levine on reversing heart age is HERE   My AARP article on the Japanese Interval Walking Training program is HERE   The Age Better Cheat Sheet newsletter on Substack is HERE   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN  What the study actually found — and why it applies to people who are inactive with existing mobility limits, not to everyone  The 10-second single-leg balance test, and the eye-opening research on what being able to pass it predicts  The sit-to-stand benchmark Dr. Wittstein checks in clinic — can you get out of a chair without using your arms?  Why the real headline may be compliance: participants did the workout 81% of days for three months  Why four minutes is NOT enough for bone health, heart health, or body composition — and what the research says actually protects your bones  The 7,000-steps finding that's replacing the 10,000-steps myth  "Exercise snacks": how one-minute bouts of movement throughout the day add up  Joint-friendly ways to get real intensity: the Norwegian 4x4, the air bike, Japanese interval walking, and incline treadmill walking that spares your knees  THE BOTTOM LINE  Something is better than nothing — but where you start determines what four minutes can do for you. If you're just getting going, this study is proof that a small, doable daily habit creates meaningful change. If you're already active, keep going: the benefits of exercise are dose-dependent, and four minutes won't maintain what you've built.  LET'S KEEP GOING  If this episode was useful, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and follow AGE BETTER wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And for the simple, actionable takeaways from every conversation — including this one — sign up for my newsletter, the Age Better Cheat Sheet, on Substack. I'll see you next week. 
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  After Menopause, Now What? Do Women 60+ Feel Ignored? EP 205 21.07.2026 8min

  Hi everyone—thanks for tuning in.  In this replay of a short solo episode of AGE BETTER, I’m doing something a little different: I’m turning the mic around and asking you to help shape what comes next.  Menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves—and that’s a very good thing. But for those of us in our 60s and beyond, I keep wondering: What happens after menopause?  Because the conversation often seems to stop right when many of us are asking some of the most important questions of our lives.  Our bodies are changing. Our priorities are changing. Our relationships, work, purpose, energy, confidence, and health concerns may all be shifting. And yet women in this chapter are too often ignored or left out of the conversation.  I don’t want that. And I know you don’t either.  As I map out future episodes of AGE BETTER, new video content, live conversations, and the work I’m doing on my next book, I want to hear directly from you.  In this episode, I’m asking:  What are you navigating right now in your 60s and beyond?  What do you want to know more about—physically, emotionally, spiritually?  What is keeping you up at night?  What topics do you wish experts would talk about more honestly?  Do you want shorter tips, deeper conversations, more video, more audio, or live Q&As?  Your voice matters. Your questions matter. And your answers will help shape the next chapter of AGE BETTER.  Email me at [email protected] or reach out on social media.  We are not done. We are not invisible. And the conversation is just getting started. 
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  Rebuild Bone Density After 60: Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein's Plan EP 204 13.07.2026 46min

  "A wrist fracture is a marker of increased risk for a hip fracture later in life. I tell women: that is a wake-up call. Don't wait until you're 65 to have your bone density checked." — Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein  KEY LINKS  Subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet newsletter on Substack — where I go deep into the research behind every episode – HERE  Learn more about Dr. Wittstein's book, The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan HERE  Follow Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein on Instagram HERE  Get more info about the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation HERE  ABOUT THIS EPISODE  I'm replaying my conversation with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein — orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Duke University and author of The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan — because since it first aired, I've received more questions about bone density, joint pain, and osteoporosis than about any other topic. This episode answers them.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN  Why bone loss accelerates after menopause — and why it's never too late to build bone, at any age  The landmark LIFTMORE trial: how women in their 60s and beyond gained bone density in just eight months of heavy lifting  How heavy is "heavy"? The difference between lifting that builds bone and lifting that doesn't  Can you jump if you have arthritis? Dr. Wittstein's surprising answer — plus her simple swelling rule  What your DEXA scan may be missing, and the one add-on test to ask about  The truth about calcium: why spinach doesn't count, and the best non-dairy sources  Prunes, vitamin K, magnesium — which supplements and foods have real evidence behind them  Why a wrist fracture in your 50s or 60s is an early warning sign you should never ignore  Dr. Wittstein's top three daily habits for stronger bones and joints after 60  Aging isn't the problem. Losing strength is — and that's something you can change.  Follow AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode. Would rather watch than listen? Episodes can be found on the Barbara Hannah Grufferman YouTube channel (Playlist: AGE BETTER) by clicking HERE.  
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  5 Things I Actually Do to Age Better After 200 Episodes EP 203 07.07.2026 26min

  “Today I'm pulling back the curtain on the five things I am actually doing right now to age better, thanks to a few of the over 200 guests I've had on this show.”  Key Links Referenced in This Episode:  Episode with Laura Yecies about Osteoboost on AGE BETTER is HERE   Episode with Dr. Jennifer Han about Seen Nutrition Calcium + K2 Chews on AGE BETTER is HERE   Episode with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein about Resistance Training and the Norwegian 4x4 on AGE BETTER is HERE   Episode with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan about Creatine on AGE BETTER is HERE   Episode with Dr. Kerry Burnight about JoySpan on AGE BETTER is HERE  What You Can Expect to Learn  After more than 200 episodes of AGE BETTER, people often ask me:  What do I actually do because of what I’ve learned from my guests?  In this first “real life roundup” episode, I’m sharing five products, habits, and practices I’ve personally added to my own life after conversations with some of the doctors, scientists, researchers, and innovators who have come on the show.  You’ll hear how these conversations changed the way I think about my bones, muscles, energy, cardiovascular fitness, and even joy — and why each one earned a place in my real-life routine.  This is not about doing everything at once.  It’s about choosing one smart change that can help you feel stronger, healthier, more capable, and more alive.  All of the full expert conversations are linked above, so you can go deeper on anything that sparks your interest.  And remember: we can’t control getting older, but we can control how we do it.  Please follow or subscribe to AGE BETTER wherever you listen. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review — it truly helps more women find the show.   Connect with Barbara:  Barbara Hannah Grufferman website Instagram @Barbara Hannah Grufferman  Facebook @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor Love Your Age: The Small-Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life  
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  Metabolic Syndrome: The Hidden Risk to Your Strength, Energy, and Independence with Dr. Susan Brian and Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein EP 202 30.06.2026 36min

  “Physical activity is really such a linchpin in being able to change the trajectory of how you age.” — Dr. Susan Brian  “Resistance training is probably your most proactive tool under your control for trying to reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.” — Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein  Key Links & Resources  Subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack HERE  Follow Barbara Hannah Grufferman on Instagram HERE  Follow Dr. Susan Brian on Instagram HERE  Follow Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein on Instagram HERE    Episode Summary  Metabolic syndrome is not one single disease. It’s a cluster of warning signs — including waist size, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and blood sugar — that together can tell a much bigger story about your health.  And for women in their 60s, this matters because metabolic syndrome is not just about lab numbers. It can affect your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, inflammation, bone health, muscle quality, mobility, and physical capacity.  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I talk with two leading physicians: Dr. Susan Brian, a board-certified endocrinologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Duke.  Together, they explain why metabolic syndrome becomes more common after menopause, how visceral fat and insulin resistance can affect the body, and why this issue is deeply connected to how strong, mobile, energetic, and independent you feel as you age.  You’ll learn:  What metabolic syndrome is and why having three of the five key markers matters  Why insulin resistance is often at the center of the pattern  How menopause can shift fat storage toward more visceral belly fat  Why metabolic health and musculoskeletal health are closely connected  How metabolic syndrome can affect muscle, bone, joints, stamina, and frailty risk  Why muscle is so important for blood sugar control  Why walking, strength training, and “starting somewhere” can make a real difference  What to ask your clinician if you think you may have metabolic syndrome or be heading in that direction  Where GLP-1 medications may fit for some women — and why strength training matters if weight loss is part of the plan  The big takeaway: metabolic syndrome is not just about weight. It’s about how your body is functioning — and the earlier you recognize the pattern, the more opportunity you have to change the trajectory.  Dr. Brian encourages women to know their numbers, advocate for themselves, and figure out what kind of physical activity they can do consistently.  Dr. Wittstein emphasizes resistance training, starting where you are, and building the right team around you — because protecting muscle, bone, mobility, and strength is central to aging better.  Calls to Action  If this episode helped you, please follow or subscribe to AGE BETTER wherever you listen to podcasts.  Share this episode with a friend, sister, partner, or anyone who wants to stay strong, healthy, and independent as they get older.  And make sure you subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack, where I go deeper into the newest research on healthy aging and break down what it means for you.  Have an idea for a future episode or a question you want answered? Email me at [email protected].  
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  Practical Optimism: The Science of Hope, Purpose, and Resilience with Dr. Sue Varma EP 201 23.06.2026 32min

  “Is this a problem to be solved — or a truth to be accepted?” – Dr. Sue Varma  LINKS:  Dr. Sue Varma’s website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/  Practical Optimism: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/practical-optimism/  Follow Dr. Sue Varma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/  Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack: https://barbarahannahgrufferman.substack.com/  Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarahannahgrufferman/  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I’m joined by Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, and author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.  This is not a conversation about pretending everything is fine.  It’s not about forced positivity, ignoring the hard things, or telling yourself to “just look on the bright side.”  Instead, Dr. Sue explains how practical optimism helps us face reality with more clarity, more courage, and more action.  We talk about why optimism is not simply something you’re born with — it is something you can practice. Dr. Sue shares how to interrupt worst-case-scenario thinking, how to stop spiraling, and how to begin asking better questions when fear takes over.  We also talk about something so many women in midlife and beyond are thinking about: purpose. What happens when your roles shift, your children need you less, your work life changes, your relationships evolve, or you find yourself wondering, “What now?” Dr. Sue offers a refreshing way to think about purpose that does not require a grand mission. Sometimes it starts with the small things we choose to place on our calendar.  You’ll also hear her simple approach to processing difficult emotions instead of pushing them aside: name it, claim it, tame it, and reframe it. And we talk about the powerful connection between emotional health and physical well-being — because, as Dr. Sue says, the body often tells the truth before we do.  We also get into loneliness, connection, community, and the surprising difference between being lonely and learning how to enjoy your own company. Dr. Sue explains why we need both a people practice and an aloneness practice — and why small, everyday moments of connection may matter more than we think.  This episode is filled with practical tools you can use right away, including the four M’s of mental health: movement, mastery, mindfulness, and meaningful engagement.  If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or ready to approach this next chapter with more strength, hope, and self-trust, this conversation is for you.  Please follow or subscribe to AGE BETTER wherever you listen. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review — it truly helps more women find the show.  You can also follow me on Instagram at @barbarahannahgrufferman, and subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack for more practical, science-backed tools to help you live stronger, longer, and better. 
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  How Not to Die Too Soon: Dr. Michael Greger on Food, Cholesterol & Aging Better EP 200 16.06.2026 25min

  “What’s good for the heart is good for the head.”  Key Links & Resources  Watch the How Not to Die  documentary:  https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-not-to-die-documentary/  Get How Not to Die  by Dr. Michael Greger: https://amzn.to/49Ffmni   Visit NutritionFacts.org:  https://nutritionfacts.org/  Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen:  https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen/  Lower LDL Cholesterol Naturally with Food:  https://nutritionfacts.org/book/portfolio/  Subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack:  https://barbarahannahgrufferman.substack.com/  How Not to Die Too Soon: Dr. Michael Greger on Food, Cholesterol & Aging Better  In this episode of Age Better,  I’m joined by Dr. Michael Greger, one of the most recognized voices in lifestyle medicine and evidence-based nutrition, and the New York Times bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Diet, and How Not to Age.  We’re talking about the new How Not to Die  documentary, created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his landmark book, and what its message means now — especially for women in their 60s and beyond who want to protect their heart, brain, bones, muscles, energy, and independence.  Dr. Greger shares why food is not just about weight or willpower, but one of the most powerful tools we have to influence how we age. We talk about the connection between artery health and brain health, why cholesterol matters so much, what to do if a whole-food, plant-based diet does not lower LDL enough, and his take on one of the most debated foods in the kitchen: olive oil.  We also get into protein, muscle, bone health, B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, creatine, and why this way of eating does not have to be all-or-nothing.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why the message of How Not to Die  may be even more urgent 10 years later  How Dr. Greger’s grandmother helped shape his mission as a physician  Why heart health and brain health are deeply connected  What women should understand about cholesterol, LDL, and the Portfolio Diet  Which foods may help support healthier cholesterol levels  Dr. Greger’s current thinking on olive oil  How women can get enough protein on a whole-food, plant-based diet  What nutrients deserve special attention, especially B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s  Why resistance training still matters for muscle and strength  How creatine may fit into the conversation around aging and muscle  Why it’s never too late to start eating better  The three foods Dr. Greger most wants people to add: berries, dark leafy greens/cruciferous vegetables, and legumes  The three things he suggests cutting back on first: trans fats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages  As always, talk with your own healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet, medications, or supplements — especially if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, or other medical concerns.  And I’d love to hear from you. If you have an idea for a future episode or a guest you’d like me to interview, send me a note at  [email protected].  Please subscribe or follow Age Better  wherever you listen, and don’t forget to check out my newsletter, Age Better Cheat Sheet, on Substack for more smart, science-backed tools to help you stay strong, healthy, and independent for the long haul. 
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  The New Science of Fulfillment: How Purpose, Joy, and Connection Help You Age Better with Dr. Kerry Burnight and Dr. Sanjay Shetty EP 199 09.06.2026 34min

  “Fulfillment doesn’t just magically increase. It increases because we’ve prioritized it.” — Dr. Kerry Burnight  Key Links  CenterWell Fulfillment Index Report is HERE  Dr. Kerry Burnight’s book, JoySpan is HERE   Dr. Kerry Burnight’s website is HERE  Info about Dr. Sanjay Shetty, President of CenterWell at Humana is HERE  Overview  What does it really mean to age well?  We talk a lot about blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, muscle, brain health, and staying independent — and all of that matters. But there’s another piece of aging better that we may not be paying enough attention to: fulfillment.  In this episode of Age Better, I’m joined by two terrific guests: Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and author of JoySpan, and Dr. Sanjay Shetty, President of CenterWell at Humana, the organization behind the new Fulfillment Index.  The report found that only 54% of adults over 62 say they feel fulfilled, which means nearly half do not. And as Dr. Shetty explains, fulfillment is about much more than physical health. It includes purpose, emotional stability, optimism, gratitude, connection, security, feeling valued, and the real-life conditions people are living with every day.  One of the most fascinating findings is that fulfillment can dip in the early retirement years, when people often expect life to feel easier and freer. But retirement is not just a financial transition. It can also be a shift in identity, structure, purpose, and the feeling that we’re still needed.  Dr. Burnight brings this back to something deeply practical: fulfillment is not something we simply wait for. Like strength, it requires attention and practice. We talk about self-contentment, purpose with a “lowercase p,” why feeling seen matters so much, and how to move from feeling “meh” to feeling more connected, useful, and alive in your own life.  This conversation is especially important for women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who may be asking: Who am I now? What do I want this next chapter to look like? And what can I do today to create a life that feels not only longer, but fuller?  In this episode, we talk about:  How fulfillment is different from happiness Why so many people can look “fine” on the outside but feel disconnected inside Why fulfillment may dip around retirement How purpose can be small and still deeply meaningful Why physical strength supports more than just your body How self-contentment helps us age with less regret and more compassion Why feeling seen, heard, appreciated, and valued is essential One simple practice to begin building more fulfillment right away  This episode will help you think differently about what it means to age better — and what you can start doing now to build more purpose, connection, strength, and meaning into the years ahead.  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode! 
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  New 2026 Heart Guidelines: What Women Need to Know with Dr. Anthony Pearson EP 198 02.06.2026 1t 20min

  “All good scientists are skeptics.” — Dr. Anthony Pearson  Key Links  The Skeptical Cardiologist on Substack is HERE   American Heart Association 2026 Guidelines is HERE   MESA CAC Database is HERE   In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anthony Pearson, the cardiologist behind The Skeptical Cardiologist newsletter on Substack, for a practical conversation about what women over 50 need to know now about heart health. We talk about the new cholesterol guidelines, why personalized risk assessment matters, and why tests like CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB can reveal much more than a standard lipid panel alone.  What You Will Learn:  Why heart disease is still the number one killer of women  The biggest blind spots women over 50 still have about heart risk  What changed in the new cholesterol guidelines  Why earlier detection and more personalized risk assessment matter  Why CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB are getting more attention  What those tests can reveal that a standard lipid panel may miss  Why statins still matter, despite all the noise around them  When non-statin options may make sense  The role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease  The lifestyle habits that still matter most for prevention  A few key takeaways from this conversation  You can feel healthy, exercise regularly, eat well, and still have hidden cardiovascular risk  A standard cholesterol panel does not always tell the full story  CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB can help create a more complete and individualized picture of risk  High Lp(a) is inherited and is important to know about, even before a specific drug is widely available  ApoB is a more precise marker of atherogenic particles and can add valuable information to routine testing  Statins remain an important, well-studied first-line tool for many people  Prevention works best when you start earlier, not after a cardiac event  Cardio exercise, strength training, and maintaining a healthy body composition all matter  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode! 
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  Sexspan: Pleasure, Intimacy, and Better Sex as You Age with Joan Price EP 197 19.05.2026 45min

  “Sex changes as we age, but for every problem, there is a solution.” — Joan Price   Key Links Referenced During the Episode:  Joan Price website: joanprice.com Joan’s book Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex: Book page Joan’s webinars: Online sex classes and webinars Joan’s sex toy reviews: Sex toys archive   Modern Love Podcast Interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/podcasts/joan-price-widow-sex.html  New York Times Article on Sexspan: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/well/family/sex-span-longevity-health.html  In this candid and empowering episode of Age Better, Barbara talks with returning guest Joan Price — one of the leading voices on sexuality and aging — about the idea of sexspan: how to keep sex, pleasure, and intimacy alive and satisfying as we age. Together, they explore why sex does change over time, why that does not mean it has to disappear, and why the key is to reassess, communicate, and tweak your approach as your body and life evolve. Joan Price’s work focuses on “ageless sexuality,” and she offers books, webinars, and practical advice for older adults navigating these changes.   Barbara and Joan talk about the myths that still surround sex after 60, why intercourse should not be the only definition of “real sex,” and how communication, curiosity, humor, and flexibility can open the door to deeper pleasure and connection. They also discuss solo sex, sex toys, scheduling intimacy, and the importance of speaking up about pain, discomfort, or changing desire instead of quietly assuming this part of life is over. Joan’s webinar offerings include topics like Great Sex without Penetration  and Sex Toys for Seniors, reflecting many of the practical strategies discussed in this episode.   If you’ve ever wondered whether sex can still be joyful, meaningful, and even better as you get older, this episode is for you.  In this episode, we discuss:  What “sexspan” means — and why it matters  The biggest myths about sex and aging  Why it’s so important to expand the definition of sex beyond intercourse  How to “reassess and tweak” your sex life as your body changes  The role of communication, humor, and flexibility in intimacy  How sex toys, lubricant, timing, and positioning can help  Why solo sex is a healthy and valid part of sexual well-being  How to advocate for yourself with a partner — and with your doctor  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode and please consider leaving a review!   You can watch all episodes and bonus clips on my YouTube channel. 
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  Beyond Healthspan: Build Your Joyspan with Dr. Kerry Burnight EP 196 12.05.2026 59min

  “Joyspan matters because without it, a long life is a drag.” — Dr. Kerry Burnight  Key Links:  Follow Dr. Kerry Burnight on Instagram HERE   Read JoySpan by Dr. Kerry Burnight HERE  Read Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl HERE   Learn more about Dr. Kerry Burnight HERE   What if aging better is about more than just lifespan and healthspan?  In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by leading gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight, author of JoySpan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half, to talk about why joy is such an essential — and often overlooked — part of aging better.  We talk about the difference between joy and happiness, why so many women can be doing all the “right” things for their health and still feel like something is missing, and how to build a more meaningful, connected, resilient life as we get older. Dr. Burnight also shares the four key pillars of JoySpan — Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give — and explains how each one can help us age with more purpose, more strength, and more joy.  In this episode, we discuss:  What Joyspan means  The difference between joy and happiness  Why joy matters so much as we age  The four pillars of Joyspan: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give  How internalized ageism affects the way we age  Why acceptance and resilience are essential  Practical ways to create more joy in everyday life  How to stay engaged, purposeful, and connected in the second half of life  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, follow AGE BETTER, and leave a rating or review. It helps more women find the show.
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  Why Function Matters More Than Fitness for Aging Better with Scott B. Fulton EP 195 05.05.2026 38min

  “Fitness can coexist with frailty. Function can not.” — Prof. Scott B. Fulton  KEY LINKS  Scott’s book: FUNCTION: Turn Your Blind Spots into Strengths Scott’s website: WHEALTHSPAN Scott’s YouTube channel: WHEALTHSPAN: Functional Healthspan LIFTMOR study: High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: bonehealthandosteoporosis.org  How do you know if you’re really aging well?  In this episode of  AGE BETTER, I’m joined by  Prof. Scott B. Fulton, author of FUNCTION: Turn Your Blind Spots into Strengths, for an important conversation about why function  may matter even more than fitness when it comes to aging better.  Scott explains why how well you move, balance, think, react, and handle everyday life may be one of the clearest indicators of your future healthspan and independence. We talk about the difference between being fit and being functional, the hidden blind spots that can put you at risk, and the simple at-home self-assessments that can help you identify weak links before they become bigger problems.  We also discuss the five domains of function, functional age versus chronological age, falls, cognition, and why improving the areas where you are weakest may be one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term health.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why function and fitness are not the same thing  What the  five domains of function are  How to identify your personal  blind spots  Why  walking speed, balance, mobility, power, and cognition matter so much  The difference between functional age and chronological age  How simple self-assessments can help you age better  This is a practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone who wants to stay mobile, capable, independent, and fully engaged in life for as long as possible.  If this episode helps you, please share it with a friend or family member who needs to hear it.   And as always,  I’d love to hear from you—send me your ideas for future episodes at [email protected] and connect with me on social media.   Watch all episodes on YouTube! 
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  The Road to 70: Myrna Blyth on Ageism, Aging, and Reinvention EP 194 21.04.2026 1t 4min

  “Ageism is like racism — disgraceful and widespread.” — Myrna Blyth  KEY LINKS  Myrna Blyth’s Substack, Editor’s Journal: https://myrnablyth.substack.com  If you have an idea for a future episode of AGE BETTER, email me at [email protected]  In this special Road to 70 episode of AGE BETTER, I talk with iconic editor, media trailblazer, and lifelong observer of women’s lives Myrna Blyth about what it really means to grow older with purpose, curiosity, honesty, and style.  Myrna has spent decades shaping how women saw themselves through major media brands, and now, in her 80s, she’s writing in a more personal voice through her Substack, Editor’s Journal. In this conversation, she shares what she’s learned about aging, ageism, reinvention, and why continuing to grow matters at every stage of life.  Together, we talk about the myths and stereotypes that still surround older women, how media has influenced the way women think about aging, and why so many women need a more truthful and empowering vision of what later life can look like. Myrna also opens up about what inspired her to launch her Substack now, what she hopes to say there, and why staying engaged, observant, and open to change is one of the most important ways to age better.  If you’ve ever wondered how to stay relevant, keep evolving, and move into the next chapter with confidence, this conversation is for you.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Myrna believes ageism remains one of the most accepted forms of bias  How media has helped shape cultural attitudes about aging, especially for women  What inspired her to launch Editor’s Journal at this stage of life  Why growth, adaptation, and curiosity matter more than ever as we get older  How to think differently about self-perception and the aging process  What women in midlife and beyond should understand about embracing the years ahead  This episode is part of The Road to 70, my special series exploring what it means to step into the next decade stronger, wiser, and more fully yourself.  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, follow AGE BETTER, and leave a rating or review. It helps more women find the show.