Older Women & Friends: Real Women. Real Experts. Real Talk About Aging

This episode explores how our earliest family experiences—especially the complex bond between mothers and daughters—shape our mental health, emotional patterns, self-worth, and relationships across the lifespan. From childhood attachment and unmet emotional needs to adulthood independence and identity, this discussion uncovers the hidden layers that influence how women navigate life after 50, retirement, and aging well.

Dr. Debra Mandel shares real-life insights from her clinical experience, including how shame, emotional wounds, and communication breakdowns often carry into midlife and beyond—impacting long-term relationships, confidence after 50, and overall wellness. You’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin the journey toward healing, clarity, and transformation.

This episode also dives into the evolving realities of older women’s lifestyle, aging gracefully, and dealing with aging emotionally in a fast-changing world. From generational differences and modern family dynamics to the challenges of ageism, loneliness after 60, and shifting social roles, this conversation offers both validation and actionable guidance.

●     How mother–daughter relationships evolve in midlife and beyond

●     The deep connection between shame, self-worth, and emotional health

●     How early family dynamics shape relationships after 50

●     Practical tools for healthy communication, active listening, and emotional healing

●     How to rebuild confidence, independence, and personal identity after 50

●     The importance of mental health after retirement and life transitions

●     How to navigate family conflict, boundaries, and generational differences

●     Why community, social connection, and support systems matter more than ever

●     How to find purpose in life after 50 and create fulfillment in later life

https://drdebraonline.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.debramandel/?hl=en

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debra-Mandel/author/B0CMJZ65XT?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d6d868b6-35b9-43e0-adef-f093e0020883

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-mandel-636a304b/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8Rr98_iwmpnx0_gz2BdBw

What happens when women over 50 are forced to take control of their finances after divorce, retirement, caregiving, or the loss of a partner? Or what about women who want to be financially savvy at any time in their lives?

In this episode of Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well, host Jane Leder sits down with wealth management expert and Super Woman Wealth author Regina McCann Hess to discuss financial independence for women over 50, retirement planning, divorce recovery, aging well, and building lasting money confidence.

Growing up in a financially unstable household after her parents’ divorce, Regina learned early how deeply money fears, emotional health, and independence shape women’s lives. Now, after more than 25 years in wealth management, she helps older women navigate life transitions, retirement, caregiving, widowhood, gray divorce, financial planning, and long-term security with confidence and clarity.

This conversation explores:

• financial literacy for women
• retirement and aging well
• money mistakes after divorce
• caregiving burnout and women’s health after 50
• financial scams targeting older women
• building confidence after 50
• women and investing
• emotional relationships with money
• long-term care planning
• self-worth, independence, and reinvention later in life
• 
  

If you’re searching for practical life advice for women over 50, healthy aging for women, financial wellness, personal growth after 50, or inspiration to take control of your future, this episode delivers both emotional insight and actionable wisdom. It's a great place to start!

Perfect for listeners who love aging well podcasts, women empowerment stories, lifestyle podcasts for women, inspirational stories podcasts, and real conversations about money, retirement, emotional health, and fulfillment after 50

Oh, boy, this is an episode that a ton of older women need to hear, and that includes yours truly!

In this episode, my guest is Deb Benfield, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author . Our focus: how older women can break free from decades of body shame, ageism, and diet culture—and begin rewriting their relationship with their bodies with compassion, dignity, and truth.

For many women over 50, body image struggles don’t disappear with age—they often intensify. Shaped by lifelong cultural messaging, family influences, and societal expectations around beauty and thinness, these internal narratives can impact emotional health, mental health, self-worth, and overall well-being across the lifespan.

Together, Deb and I unpack what it really means to pursue aging well—not by controlling the body, but by caring for it. We also explore the growing pressures facing women in midlife and beyond, including the rise of weight-loss drugs, unrealistic beauty standards, and the persistent belief that our value is tied to how we look.

• How your “body story” was formed—and how to begin rewriting it with awareness and self-compassion
• Why diet culture and internalized ageism continue to affect women well into later life
• The powerful shift from trying to control your body to learning how to care for it
• Practical, research-informed tools to reduce negative self-talk and improve emotional and mental health
• How to build a more compassionate, supportive relationship with your body as a lifelong partner
• Why self-care is essential—not indulgent—for personal growth, resilience, and fulfillment
• How to navigate cultural pressures and reclaim your sense of purpose, wisdom, and self-worth

Whether you’re exploring reinvention, seeking deeper self-awareness, or simply tired of the exhausting cycle of body criticism, this episode offers a refreshing and realistic path forward.

✨ This is a conversation about more than body image—it’s about reclaiming your life, your voice, and your freedom as a woman.

It’s never too late to embrace aging, redefine what it means to live well, and choose a path of self-respect, confidence, and unapologetic authenticity.

https://www.debrabenfield.com/book

https://www.debrabenfield.com/

In this compelling episode of Older Women and Friends, host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Becky Whetstone to explore one of the fastest-growing social trends today: gray divorce—and why more older women are choosing to redefine love, relationships, and personal fulfillment after 50.

With over two decades of clinical experience—and four marriages of her own—Dr. Becky brings a rare combination of professional expertise and lived experience to this powerful conversation. Together, they unpack the emotional, psychological, and societal factors shaping modern relationships, especially during major life transitions like aging, retirement, and shifting identity.

Why are women initiating nearly two-thirds of divorces later in life? What really happens behind the scenes in long-term marriages? And how can individuals navigate relationship challenges while prioritizing self-care, purpose, and emotional well-being?

This episode dives deep into the realities of aging and relationships, revealing how patterns like emotional disconnection, lack of communication, and unmet needs often build over time. Dr. Becky explains how attachment styles, personal history, and self-worth influence our relationship choices—and how we can break unhealthy cycles to create a more meaningful life.

You’ll also discover practical tools for deciding whether to stay in a marriage or move on, including key questions every couple should ask before making a life-changing decision. The conversation also explores alternative relationship models like “living apart together” (LAT), showing that modern relationships don’t have to follow traditional rules to be successful.

Beyond relationships, this episode highlights the importance of personal growth, independence, and reinvention in later life. As we age, we often reevaluate our priorities—seeking deeper purpose, stronger friendships, and a more authentic sense of self. For many older women, this stage becomes an opportunity to reclaim identity, build confidence, and embrace a new chapter with clarity and intention.

• Why gray divorce is increasing among older women
• The most common reasons long-term relationships break down
• How to evaluate your marriage before making a decision
• The role of emotional connection, communication, and attachment styles
• How self-worth and identity evolve across the lifespan
• Ways to rebuild life after divorce with confidence and independence
• The importance of friendships, support systems, and social connections
• How alternative relationship models can support modern lifestyles
• Why personal growth, wisdom, and self-care are essential for aging well
• 
  

https://doctorbecky.com/about-doctor-becky/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marriagecrisismanager/

https://medium.com/@doctorbecky

What does it really mean to age well?

In this thought-provoking episode of Older Women and Friends, host Jane Leder sits down with renowned gerontologist Tracey Gendron, author of Aging Unmasked: Exploring Ageism and How to End It.

We cover a lot of ground:

• Why aging is about growth, development, and lifelong learning

• How older women can embrace their age with confidence and authenticity

• The surprising psychological benefits of growing older, including the “positivity effect.”

• Why meaningful friendships and intergenerational relationships matter throughout the lifespan

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

• Aging well with confidence and purpose

Dr. Gendron also shares powerful insights from her research and global talks, encouraging listeners to own their age proudly and reject outdated stereotypes about older adults.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate aging with purpose, curiosity, and self-acceptance, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to grow older.

Because aging isn’t something to resist—it’s something to understand, embrace, and celebrate.

https://www.traceygendron.com

In this thought-provoking and uplifting episode of “Older Women and Friends,” host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, sits down with singer, writer, and vintage fashion enthusiast Mollie Kaye for a powerful conversation about loneliness, visibility, personal expression, and the surprising ways older women can create meaningful connections in everyday life.

As many women move through midlife and beyond, they often face new challenges, including social isolation, changing identities, retirement transitions, and a sense of becoming invisible in a culture that tends to prioritize youth. In this episode, Mollie shares her deeply personal story of confronting loneliness after turning 50 and discovering an unexpected path toward connection and community.

Her journey began with a simple yet creative experiment: every Tuesday, she dressed in elegant, vintage-inspired 1950s clothing while running everyday errands. What started as a fun personal challenge quickly evolved into something much bigger. Strangers began stopping her to talk, compliment her outfits, share their own memories, and start spontaneous conversations. These small moments of interaction revealed something profound — self-expression can become a powerful bridge to human connection.

• Why loneliness and social isolation are increasingly common for older adults
• 
  
• How personal style and self-expression can create unexpected human connections
• 
  
• The psychological benefits of being visible and authentic at any age
• 
  
• How creativity and individuality support confidence and emotional well-being
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• Why older women often feel overlooked—and how to reclaim visibility and voice
• 
  
• Practical ways to build community, friendships, and meaningful interactions in everyday life
• 
  
• How embracing uniqueness can help people age with purpose, joy, and confidence
• 
  

Whether you are an older woman navigating life after midlife, someone supporting aging parents, or simply interested in the evolving conversation around aging well, social connection, and personal empowerment, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on how we can stay connected and engaged at every stage.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/C9imhzayMAQ/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mollie-kaye-expression-bridge-connection-9oise/

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mollie+kaye

"Without IMPERNANCE There Is No Expansion" - Kat Miller

Welcome to Older Women and Friends, where host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, meets fascinating women who are redefining what it means to grow older with wisdom, independence, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, Jane talks with psychotherapist Kat Miller, who challenges everything that we think we know about aging. While many believe aging means decline and loss, Kat offers a radical and refreshing perspective: aging can be a path to cognitive expansion, emotional depth, freedom, and joy.

Together, Kat and Jane explore how ageism shapes our cultural beliefs — and how older women themselves often internalize harmful stereotypes about aging. Kat explains why breaking free from ageism is the first step toward “aging freely,” and how natural declines in speed, energy, and independence can actually create growth in wisdom, adaptability, clarity, and meaningful connection.

This episode dives into:

• The hidden benefits of cognitive slowing and expanded thinking
• Why impermanence can bring peace instead of fear
• How aging reshapes independence and deepens relationships
• Why talking about impermanence can help us relax and improve the quality of our lives.

Jane and Kat also discuss purpose after retirement, redefining self-care in later years, and how older women can embrace their changing energy, shifting priorities, and evolving roles with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Is aging really all loss?
• How do I prepare emotionally for later life?
• What does aging well actually mean?
• How can I live with more freedom and less fear?

This conversation invites you to rethink aging — not as something to resist, but as something to inhabit fully.

Because aging isn’t the end of becoming — it’s a new chapter of becoming wiser, freer, and more fully yourself.

Author Field

Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women

www.agefreely.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibVcoFUfItI

https://mariashriver.com/collection/games/

Join me and guest Sara Zeph Geber, an expert on solo aging, as we discuss the growing number of adults 50+ choosing to live independently. This episode explores the opportunities and challenges of aging without immediate family support, offering insights into financial planning, healthcare, social connections, and building intentional communities. Sara and I highlight the positives of solo aging, including independence, flexibility, and emotional well-being, while providing practical advice for older women seeking a purposeful, secure, and fulfilling life in later years.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/

https://sarazeffgeber.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w

#aging #older women #wisdom #resilience #self-care #determination #purpose #courage

If you watch the Winter Olympics, you have seen and heard about luge, a sport where athletes race down an icy track on a small sled, lying on their backs with their feet pointing forward, reaching speeds over 90 mph.

At age 34, today’s guest, Anne Abernathy, set the record as the oldest female to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. But that wasn’t the ending of her career.

She made the US Virgin Islands’ luge team six more times. At age 63, Anne was the oldest woman to compete in the sport at the Olympics.

And just for the heck of it, she honed her archery skills.

As you might have guessed, Anne’s journey was not trouble-free, far from it. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma just before her first Winter Olympic Games; she’s had twenty knee operations, too many broken bones to count, and her home was demolished in a hurricane.

So, the question remains: What drives a star athlete to continue competing against all odds, and what has Anne learned about herself and the process of getting older?

Takeaways

Anne Abernathy set the record as the oldest female luge competitor.

She faced numerous challenges, including cancer and serious injuries.

Her background in music helped her cope with the pressures of competition.

Anne discovered luge during a trip to Lake Placid, New York.

She trained for three years before competing in her first Olympics.

Despite being told she couldn't train due to cancer, she persevered and competed in six Olympics.

Anne's serious brain injury led to a unique recovery process.

She transitioned to archery after retiring from luge and continues to compete.

Aging has provided Anne with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

She believes that getting older is liberating, not limiting.

https://anneabernathy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anne.abernathy1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-abernathy-709213/

I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom.

I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride!

Takeaways

Jane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity.

She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error.

Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes.

Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging.

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age.

Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death.

Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging.

Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections.

Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning.

Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane. 

Titles

A Journey into Podcasting at 77

Vitality and Humor in Aging

Sound bites

"I want to be a podcaster."

"It's okay to make mistakes."

"Humor is key to aging."

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster

05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality

10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning

15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing

22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytelling

janeleder.net

https://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends