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]  

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“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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RESOURCES & LINKS 

- Osteoboost Official Website 

- Video: Laura Yecies Discussing Osteoboost 

- Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Website 

- Email questions to [email protected]  

AGE BETTER host Barbara Hannah Grufferman and Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost, discuss Osteoboost, an FDA-approved device using NASA-inspired vibration therapy to combat bone loss. Laura explains how the technology works, its impressive clinical results (85% reduction in spinal bone loss), and who benefits most.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

- Early intervention in bone health is crucial; hip fractures pose significant risks 

- Osteoboost uses precision vibration technology inspired by NASA research 

- The device works best when combined with nutrition and exercise 

- Particularly effective for postmenopausal women with osteopenia 

- FDA-approved and backed by clinical studies showing microarchitectural improvements 

- Telehealth options are available for prescriptions 

- Future studies planned for osteoporosis applications 

*Note: For informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.* 

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“I think everyone should have Lp(a) measured.” 

Key Resources to Go Deeper: 

- Dr. Ann Marie Navar 

- Lp(a) 

- Get a Free Test to Check Your Lp(a) Level  

- Previous episode with Dr. Navar about ApoB 

About This Episode: 

Join us for an enlightening discussion about Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a critical but often overlooked marker for cardiovascular health. In this episode, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman takes a deep dive with medical expert Dr. Ann Marie Navar from UT Southwestern Medical Center about why this single test could be vital for understanding your heart disease risk, especially if you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease. 

Key Topics Covered: 

- What Lipoprotein(a) is and how it differs from standard cholesterol measurements 

- Why Lp(a) testing is particularly important for certain individuals 

- The genetic nature of Lp(a) and its implications for family health 

- Current treatment options and promising new therapies on the horizon 

- Practical steps for discussing Lp(a) testing with your healthcare provider 

Key Takeaways: 

- Lp(a) is a distinct type of cholesterol particle not captured in routine lipid panels 

- High Lp(a) levels significantly increase risk of heart disease and stroke 

- Lp(a) levels are primarily determined by genetics and remain stable throughout life 

- Current guidelines recommend universal Lp(a) testing for adults 

- New treatments specifically targeting high Lp(a) levels are expected by 2026 

- Managing other risk factors can help offset the risk of elevated Lp(a) 

- Coronary artery calcium scoring can provide additional risk assessment 

Learn More About Dr. Ann Marie Navar 

Dr. Navar is a preventive cardiologist and epidemiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center whose research focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention, risk prediction, and clinical decision-making. She is a leading expert in advanced lipid testing and cardiovascular risk assessment. This is Dr. Navar's second appearance on AGE BETTER, following her previous discussion about the ApoB test, which was one of the most down-loaded episodes in 2024.  

Connect With Barbara: 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you! 

- Email: [email protected] 

- Connect on Instagram HERE 

Note: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. 

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 "The mouth is the gateway to the body." - Dr. Jon Marashi 

KEY LINKS REFERENCED IN THE EPISODE: 

Learn more about Dr. Jon Marashi HERE 

Follow Dr. Marashi on Instagram HERE 

Listen to the The Huberman Lab episode on oral health HERE 

Connect with AGE BETTER host Barbara Hannah Grufferman HERE  

Are you aware that your oral health could be the key to preventing some of today's most concerning health conditions? In this eye-opening episode of AGE BETTER, celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Jon Marashi reveals the powerful connection between your mouth and your overall health, and how this relationship becomes even more crucial as we age. 

ABOUT OUR GUEST: 

Dr. Jon Marashi is one of the country's leading cosmetic dentists, known for his expertise in both the aesthetic and health aspects of dentistry. Based in Los Angeles, he has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate relationship between oral health and whole-body wellness, while helping patients achieve both healthy and beautiful smiles. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: 

- The surprising link between oral bacteria and conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer's 

- Which trending dental practices (like tongue scraping and oil pulling) actually work 

- How to prevent and even reverse early cavities through proper care 

- Why the lower half of your face can be the biggest indicator of your age 

- Simple, daily habits that can dramatically improve both your oral and overall health 

- The truth about cosmetic procedures like veneers - what they can and can't do 

- How to maintain a youthful smile without invasive procedures 

WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS: 

Your mouth is more than just a smile - it's a gateway to your overall health and longevity. The practices and insights Dr. Marashi shares could help you prevent serious health conditions, maintain a more youthful appearance, and potentially add years to your life through better oral care. Whether you're in your 30s and focused on prevention, or in your 60s looking to maintain your dental health, this episode provides actionable steps for every stage of life. 

NEXT WEEK: 

Stay tuned for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Ann Marie Navar about the Lp(a) blood test and why you need it. Subscribe now so you don't miss it!  

Want to continue the conversation? Follow us on Instagram @barbarahannahgrufferman and share your biggest takeaways from this episode. Your questions and comments help shape future episodes! Send your thoughts to [email protected]  

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