Get ready to redefine aging with this replay of one the most popular episodes of 'Age Better' from 2024, featuring Chip Conley, co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy (MEA)! In this chat with Age Better host Barbara Hannah Grufferman, Chip, who wrote a best-selling book called “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age,” revolutionizes how we view and experience midlife, transforming it from a period of apprehension to one of opportunity and growth. 

What You’ll Learn from this Episode: 

- Social wellness is crucial in midlife, sometimes even more than personal wellness. 

- Anticipated regret is a form of wisdom, guiding us to make choices that align with our long-term goals. 

- Embracing new beginnings and experiences is linked to a longer, healthier life. 

- The midlife chrysalis is a period of profound personal growth, leading to new passions and purposes. 

- The importance of social connections and support for older individuals cannot be overstated. 

Learn More About Chip Conley: 

Website: https://chipconley.com 

Book: Learning to Love Midlife: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Midlife-Reasons-Better/dp/0316567027/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686075515&sr=8-1 

Chip Conley on Rich Roll podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rich-roll-podcast/id582272991?i=1000641285807 

Chip Conley TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/chip_conley_an_alternative_to_the_midlife_crisis?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare 

Listen and Subscribe:   

To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!  

Share Your Ideas and Questions:   

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected]  

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In this replay of a solo episode, I talk about the power of regularly stepping back to reassess and tweak your life—your habits, your goals, your mindset—especially as you age. You’ll hear why staying stuck doesn’t serve you, and how even small changes can help you move forward with purpose, energy, and joy. 

I also share some of the science-backed tools that helped me reset—like resistance training and Interval Walking Training (IWT), a Japanese method that has transformed how I move, feel, and live. 

What you'll learn in this episode: 

Why reassessment is essential to aging better 

How to adapt when your body (or life) changes 

The psychology of goal setting and realignment 

How journaling and mindfulness support your growth 

Why celebrating progress—no matter how small—keeps you moving forward 

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stalled, or unsure about what’s next, this episode is your invitation to reassess, tweak, and reclaim your momentum. 

Let’s stop waiting—and start living. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT AGE BETTER PODCAST    

Age Better podcast delves into a diverse range of topics, including finance, work, health, fitness, style, makeup, hair, nutrition, travel, relationships, sex, menopause and more. Each week, I'll bring you the latest insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice.      

Listen and Subscribe      

To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!      

Share Your Ideas and Questions      

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected]     

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last episode in May, which is NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH, I’m joined by Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), to bring you an exclusive look at the latest research and expert insights from the Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO)—the premier bone health conference in the country. 

I’ve served as a longtime trustee of BHOF and currently act as Special Advisor, helping expand our Be Bone Strong™ Marathon Teams and Walking Clubs around the country. Even though I couldn’t attend this year’s ISO in Washington, D.C., Claire was there front and center, and she's here to share what every woman over 50 must know to stay strong, mobile, and independent. 

From new technologies to the power of strength training—and the glaring gaps in diagnosis and treatment—we cover the biggest issues and the most hopeful breakthroughs in bone health today. 

What You'll Learn: 

Why exercise is medicine when it comes to bone health 

The powerful role of strength training at every age 

How to be proactive—not reactive—about your bones 

What the osteoporosis treatment gap means for you 

Why diagnosis often comes too late, and how to catch it early 

The vital role of primary care doctors in managing bone health 

How family history can predict fracture risk 

The urgent need for more menopause and bone health research 

What’s next in emerging technologies for better diagnosis 

Why starting healthy habits now can prevent fractures later 

Key Resources: 

Learn more about the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org 

Join or start a Be Bone Strong™ Walking Club: email [email protected] 

Previous episode with Rebekah Rotstein on Buff Bones: Listen here 

Let’s Stay Connected: 

Love this episode? Have a question or a topic you'd like to hear more about? Email me at [email protected] or leave a comment on Instagram @BarbaraHannahGrufferman. 

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WANT TO BE BAD TO THE BONE? 

May is NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS MONTH so we’re replaying one of our best episodes about bone health.  

Our focus today is on empowering midlife women with the tools you need to boost bone health and prevent osteoporosis. 

Guest: Rebekah Rotstein, Founder of Buff Bones 

Rebekah is an expert in bone health, passionate about helping others strengthen their bones through scientifically-backed exercises. After her own osteoporosis diagnosis, she developed Buff Bones, a program that has helped many women take control of their bone health. 

What You’ll Learn in this Episode: 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and take the first step towards a healthier future. Whether you’re looking to prevent bone loss or simply want to improve your overall health as you age, this conversation is for you.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT REBEKAH ROTSTEIN AND ‘BUFF BONES’: 

Buff Bones: https://buff-bones.com 

Earlier Age Better Episode with Rebekah Rotstein: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/age-better-with-barbara-hannah-grufferman/id1623436268?i=1000627578855 

LEARN MORE ABOUT AGE BETTER PODCAST 

Age Better podcast delves into a diverse range of topics, including finance, work, health, fitness, style, makeup, hair, nutrition, travel, relationships, sex, menopause and more. Each week, I'll bring you the latest insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice.    

Stick with Me!   

Let's embark on this remarkable journey together! We'll explore new concepts, challenge old beliefs, and inspire one another to not just embrace but genuinely LOVE our bodies, minds, and spirits as we get older.   

Listen and Subscribe   

To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!   

Share Your Ideas and Questions   

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected]  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Let’s be honest — taking care of someone you love can be all-consuming. But what if tech could take some of that weight off your shoulders?” 

Key Resources: 

Get more information about Tendercare HERE 

Watch Shauna Sweeney’s touching caregiving journey HERE 

Hi everyone. I'm Barbara and this is Age Better. 

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Shauna Sweeney, former Meta executive turned caregiving innovator, who’s on a mission to transform how we support family caregivers. 

After her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Shauna found herself thrown into the complex, emotional, and often isolating world of caregiving. That experience inspired her to create Tendercare, an AI-powered platform that provides guidance, support, and relief for the 54 million Americans caring for a loved one — mostly unpaid, often unseen. 

We dive into the role of technology in caregiving, how AI can reduce burnout and streamline decision-making, and why we desperately need healthcare reform to support our aging population. Shauna also opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving, the importance of community, and how self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. 

This episode is for anyone who’s currently a caregiver, expects to be one, or simply wants to understand what so many families are facing — and why smart solutions like Tendercare could be the support system we’ve been waiting for. 

Key Takeaways: 

We want to hear from you! 

If you’re a caregiver — or want to share your own story — reach out to me at [email protected] or leave a comment on Instagram @barbarahannahgrufferman. 

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"A new study shows that small changes to how you eat today could mean a stronger, sharper, more independent you tomorrow. Let’s dive in . . ." 

Links Referenced: 

Listen to my previous conversation with Gretel Schueller on Protein Needs for Midlife Women HERE or WATCH HERE ON YOUTUBE. 

Read U.S. News & World Report articles on Nutrition and Aging HERE, HERE, & HERE 

Read U.S. News & World Report 2025 ‘Best Diets’ Rankins List HERE 

Read the full Nature Medicine Study on Diet and Healthy Aging HERE 

In this episode of AGE BETTER, I’m joined once again by Gretel Schueller, Managing Editor of Health & Wellness at U.S. News & World Report. Together, we unpack fascinating new research showing how the way we eat in midlife can dramatically shape the quality of our lives as we age. 

We dive into the role of nutrition to aging better, the dangers of ultra-processed foods, the critical connection between the gut microbiome and aging, and why small, realistic changes to your plate today can mean a stronger, sharper, more independent you tomorrow. 

We also explore why meal prepping could be a secret weapon for better nutrition, why plant-based foods are getting more emphasis in future dietary guidelines, and the surprising gap in nutrition education for medical professionals. 

Whether you’re 40, 50, 60, or beyond—it’s never too late to make meaningful changes! 

Key Takeaways: 

It’s never too late to make a difference in your diet. 

Only 9.3% of study participants achieved healthy aging without chronic diseases. 

The average American diet is not supportive of healthy aging. 

Ultra-processed foods significantly undermine long-term health. 

Meal prepping can help you stay on track with healthy eating. 

Adding more plant foods to your plate can improve overall health and aging. 

Nutrition education remains limited in the medical field. 

The microbiome plays a major role in healthy aging. 

Future dietary guidelines will likely push more plant-forward options. 

Small changes today can lead to significant improvements over time. 

Prefer to Watch? 

You can also watch the full episode on my YouTube channel under the AGE BETTER playlist: Barbara Hannah Grufferman YouTube Channel  

Follow AGE BETTER: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow AGE BETTER on your favorite podcast platform and leave a quick rating or review—it helps so much! And don't forget to share this episode with someone who wants to stay strong, sharp, and independent for decades to come. 

Thanks for listening—and as always . . . let's AGE BETTER, together! 

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Hi everyone—thanks for tuning in! In this short solo episode of AGE BETTER, I’m doing something a little different . . . I’m turning to YOU. 
 
If you’ve followed my work since The Best of Everything After 50 or Love Your Age, you know I’ve always been passionate about giving women the tools and confidence to live stronger, longer, and better lives. And now that I’m in my 60s, I’m thinking a lot about what comes after menopause—the part no one talks about enough. 
 
This next chapter? It’s full of challenges, yes—but also potential. And I want to make sure that everything I create—whether it’s the next season of the AGE BETTER podcast, new YouTube videos, or even my next book—reflects what YOU need most right now. 
 
So I’m inviting you to tell me: 
- What are you navigating in this phase of life? 
- What do you want more of—physically, emotionally, spiritually? 
- What’s keeping you up at night? 
- What kind of content do you prefer—short tips, longer conversations, video, audio? 
- Would you attend a live Q&A or workshop? 
 
📩 Email me at [email protected] or DM me on social @barbarahannahgrufferman. 
 
🎁 As a thank-you, I’m a super-short digital guide to aging better: “10 Small Shifts to Age Better, Every Day.” To get your free copy click HERE.  
 
Let’s shape the next chapter of AGE BETTER—together. 

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KEY RESOURCES: 

Is your protein intake keeping up with your changing body? In this essential episode of AGE BETTER, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman sits down with Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health and wellness content for US News & World Report and the mind behind their influential annual "Best Diets" rankings. Together, they unpack the science of protein needs for women in midlife and deliver a practical roadmap for optimizing your nutrition without complicated meal plans or excessive meat consumption. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 

ABOUT OUR GUEST EXPERT: 

Gretel Schueller brings her award-winning expertise in nutrition journalism to this conversation. As the curator of the highly anticipated annual "Best Diets" rankings from US News & World Report, Schueller translates complex nutritional science into practical advice that real women can implement in their busy lives. Her evidence-based approach cuts through the noise of fad diets and delivers solutions that support long-term health and vitality. 

Don't miss this protein masterclass that will transform how you think about nutrition in midlife and beyond! 

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LINKS & RESOURCES: 

Learn more about Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor HERE 

Get info about The Grieving Body HERE  

Get info about The Grieving Brain HERE 

Learn more about the Dougy Project (to help grieving children) HERE 

In this episode of AGE BETTER, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman welcomes back Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, neuroscientist, psychologist, and author of the best-selling book The Grieving Brain. This time, Dr. O’Connor joins the show to discuss her latest work, The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing. Together, they explore the profound connection between grief and physical health, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how loss impacts not just the mind but the entire body. 

CHEAT SHEET: 

Grief is more than an emotional experience—it’s a whole-body stress response that affects systems like the heart, immune system, and even the gut microbiome. Dr. O’Connor shares fascinating insights from her research, including how grief can lead to conditions like broken heart syndrome, disrupt sleep patterns, and even influence long-term health through generational grief. She also provides practical strategies for managing grief’s physical toll, from improving sleep quality to fostering community support and self-care routines. 

This conversation is essential for anyone who has experienced loss or wants to better support loved ones who are grieving. By understanding the science behind grief’s physical manifestations, listeners can take actionable steps toward healing and resilience. 

WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS TO YOU: 

Grief is a universal experience, but its physical effects are often overlooked. This episode sheds light on how loss impacts our bodies and offers practical advice for managing these effects. Whether you’re currently grieving or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides valuable tools for navigating one of life’s most challenging experiences with compassion and care. 

Connect with Barbara on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X! 

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In this enlightening episode, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman sits down with author Kortney Yasenka to explore the transformative Swedish philosophy of "Lagom" (pronounced LAH-gom). Together they unpack how this concept of "not too much, not too little, but just right" can revolutionize our approach to life's challenges, particularly during midlife transitions. 

Kortney shares insights from her book, “Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough”, co-written with her Swedish mother, revealing how these ancient principles offer surprising solutions to modern problems from digital overwhelm to family dynamics. 

Learn more about “Swedish Lagom: Finding Joyy in Just Enough” HERE 

Episode Highlights: 

Lagom Cheat Sheet: 

Connect With Us: 

Have ideas for future episodes of Age Better? We'd love to hear from you! Send your suggestions to [email protected]. 

Follow Barbara Hannah Grufferman on Instagram and Twitter for daily inspiration on aging well. 

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