“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! 

“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. 

Key Links: 

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’m fine… but I don’t feel fully like me,” this episode will land. 

My guest is Heike Yates—triathlete, Pilates instructor for women 50+, and a longtime fitness coach who understands what so many women experience in midlife and beyond: your body changes, your energy changes, your roles shift… and suddenly the old rules don’t fit anymore. 

In our conversation, Heike and I talk about how to adapt instead of starting over—and how to build the kind of strength that actually matters for your real life: getting up off the floor, carrying groceries, traveling with confidence, protecting your bones, and feeling steady in your body again. We also dig into energy and recovery, why nutrition matters more than ever, and how finding joy in movement can be the missing piece that makes everything feel sustainable. 

You’ll leave feeling calmer, clearer, and more capable—because it’s not too late, and it doesn’t have to be extreme. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow/subscribe and leave a review—it helps more women find AGE BETTER. 

And make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter, AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET on Substack, where I share the research, tools, and takeaways to help you stay strong, healthy, and independent for the long haul. 

Have an idea for a topic you’d love me to cover? Email me at [email protected] or reach out on social media. 

“Connection is the most underrated health behavior.” — Tara Parker-Pope 

Key Resources 

Tara’s Substack newsletter: One Day Better  

Subscribe to my Substack: Age Better Cheat Sheet  

Send me topic ideas/questions: [email protected] 

Midlife Pivots: Tara Parker-Pope on Taking Risks and Building One Day Better 

If you’ve been thinking about a pivot—especially in midlife—this episode will give you both inspiration and practical ideas you can use right away. 

My guest is Tara Parker-Pope, an award-winning journalist and author whose work focuses on health, behavior, and the science of human thriving. Tara spent much of her career at leading news organizations, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post, where she helped build pioneering consumer health coverage. Today, she’s writing directly to readers through her Substack newsletter, One Day Better—and we talk about what it’s really like to step into independence, build community, and create structure in a world with a lot less built-in structure. 

But this conversation is about more than career moves. Tara also shares what it takes to be brave in midlife—especially when you’re stepping into something new—and why it matters to surround yourself with people who genuinely support you. She tells a story about a close friend who gave her the best advice at exactly the right time, advice that helped her make this huge pivot: “Never look back—always forward.” It’s simple, powerful, and it might be exactly what you need to hear right now. 

We also talk about why small health decisions matter more than we think, why joy and connection are essential to aging well, and why Tara believes women deserve better health information—especially in midlife and beyond. 

In this episode, we talk about 

What a midlife pivot really looks like—emotionally and practically 

How Tara built One Day Better and what she’s learned from readers 

Why bravery matters—and how supportive relationships can make reinvention possible 

A piece of advice Tara’s friend gave her that changed everything: “Never look back—always forward.” 

Why community and connection are powerful (and underrated) health behaviors 

The impact of the pandemic on health journalism—and on our personal choices 

How to create structure and momentum when you’re working independently 

Why small “one day better” decisions can add up to meaningful change 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness Journalism 
02:55 The Journey into Health Reporting 
06:04 Empowering Readers Through Health Information 
09:01 The Impact of the Pandemic on Journalism 
15:00 Transitioning to New Opportunities 
18:03 The Power of Health Information 
20:56 Creating a Community Through Writing 
22:37 The Vision Behind One Day Better 
28:00 Navigating Reader Engagement and Feedback 
30:00 The Role of Women in Health Information 
31:55 Menopause: A Critical Health Topic 
33:57 Reinvention and Personal Growth 
38:58 The Importance of Community and Support 
41:00 Choosing Topics: A Writer's Process 
46:43 The Evolution of One Day Better 
49:12 Navigating the Challenges of Independence 
52:34 Creating Structure in an Unstructured World 
54:35 Redefining Success and Finding Joy 
01:00:48 Mentorship and Supporting Others 
01:03:12 Taking Small Steps Towards Change 

About Tara Parker-Pope 

Tara Parker-Pope is an award-winning journalist and author whose work focuses on health, behavior, and the science of human thriving. She holds a Master of Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health and is the creator of the free Substack health newsletter, One Day Better. She spent much of her career at leading news organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, where she founded and led pioneering consumer health coverage. She was part of the newsroom team awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for pandemic reporting and won a News and Documentary Emmy for Life, Interrupted, a video series about living with cancer, co-created with author Suleika Jaouad. Her reporting has shaped public policy, including a story that prompted federal rules guaranteeing hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples. She is the author of three books, including For Better: How the Surprising Science of Happy Couples Can Help Your Marriage Succeed. 

Stay connected 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/follow AGE BETTER so you never miss a conversation. And don’t forget to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Age Better Cheat Sheet, for smart, practical, science-backed tools to help you age better. 

Have an idea for a future topic—or a guest you’d love me to interview? Email me at [email protected]. 

In this episode of my Road to 70 mini-series, I’m talking about a topic that so many women deal with—but far too many of us suffer through in silence: vaginal health after 60. 

My guest is my go-to expert on menopause and vaginal health, Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, and this conversation is exactly the kind of straight talk I wish every woman got earlier. We get into what changes are common after menopause, what symptoms should never be ignored, what to ask your doctor, and what treatments can actually help—whether you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary symptoms, or painful sex. 

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe this is just part of getting older,” this episode is for you. Dr. Nachtigall makes it clear: you do not have to just live with it. 

In this episode, we cover: 

Dr. Nachtigall also shares practical, reassuring advice on speaking up, getting answers, and making sure your concerns are taken seriously—because this is a quality-of-life issue, and it matters. 

If this episode helps you, please share it with a friend. So many women need this information. 

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter, Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack, where I share smart, science-backed tips to help you age better, stronger, and with more confidence.  

Be sure to follow AGE BETTER wherever you listen, leave a rating/review if you haven’t already, and come say hi on Instagram. I always love hearing from you—and if there’s a topic you want me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at [email protected]. 

Key links & resources 

Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack 

Playlist of Yoga Nidra Meditations: Includes seated and lying down options, 10- and 30-minute versions, plus one to do before sleep that was used in Dr. Sharpe’s sleep lab trial. 

Yoga Nidra Book with Scripts (Amazon) 

Erica Sharpe’s research (link): https://researchwebsite.com/yoganidra 

Dive Deeper with Research from Dr. Erica Sharpe: 

 Qualitative Study 

    Sleep Lab Protocol 

    Sleep Lab Results 

    Remote Yoga Nidra Abstract  

Episode summary 

If you’re new to Yoga Nidra, this is the episode to start with. I’m joined by Dr. Erica Sharpe, a researcher and practitioner who studies how this guided, lie-down meditation can support sleep, stress relief, and mental health—especially during times when the world feels heavy and our nervous systems are running on high alert. 

We break down what Yoga Nidra is (and what it isn’t), the science behind why it may help with insomnia and anxiety, and exactly what happens during a session—step by step—so you can try it tonight. 

What you’ll learn 

What Yoga Nidra is—and how it differs from mindfulness meditation and a standard body scan 

Why the “between awake and asleep” state may be uniquely restorative 

The typical sequence of a Yoga Nidra session (and why traditional scripts matter) 

What research suggests about Yoga Nidra and falling asleep faster and reducing anxiety 

How Yoga Nidra may complement care for insomnia and stress-related patterns (including the conversation around PTSD and addiction support) 

Simple, beginner-friendly tips for making Yoga Nidra a realistic habit 

Stay connected 

For more science-backed tools to help you Age Better, subscribe to my Age Better Cheat Sheet newsletter on Substack. And I’d love your ideas for future episodes—email me at [email protected], leave a comment, or send me a DM on social media.