"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 

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 

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.  

“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

“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].  

“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. 

“What’s good for the heart is good for the head.” 

Key Links & Resources 

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 

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. 

“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! 

“All good scientists are skeptics.” — Dr. Anthony Pearson 

Key Links 

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: 

A few key takeaways from this conversation 

Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode! 

“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. 

“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: 

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.

“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!