Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman
  • 4.0 (3)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you're like most of us who are over 45, you have a lot of questions about how to age better. Right? Award-winning author and host Barbara Hannah Grufferman will get those questions answered during age-positive conversations with some of the best experts in the world. If you are 45+, this podcast will be your go-to source to get the right information about style, sex, health, menopause, money, work, adult children, aging parents, and so much more. Just like she does with her books focusing on positive aging, Barbara will inspire you to love your age, whatever age you are! As she says in the trailer, "Join me on this journey. Hold my hand! It'll be so much more fun if we do it together!" 

  1. 4D AGO

    The After-60 Reset: Strength, Energy, and Resilience with Heike Yates

    Key Links:  Heike Yates website  Book: Pursue Your Spark   Heike Yates on Instagram  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:  Why midlife can be a powerful time to embrace change—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually  What “functional strength” really means (and why it’s the goal after 60)  How to listen to your body and adjust your workouts without guilt  Simple ways to protect your energy—through movement, nutrition, recovery, and self-care  Why community support can be a game-changer for motivation and accountability  How small, consistent changes can create big results over time  Why you’re never too old to go after what lights you up—yes, even now  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 agebetterpodcast@gmail.com or reach out on social media.

    36 min

  2. APR 7

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

    “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: agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  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 agebetterpodcast@gmail.com.

    1h 8m

  3. MAR 24

    The Road to 70: Vaginal Dryness After 60—Fix UTIs & Painful Sex with Dr. Margaret Nachtigall

    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:  What’s normal (and what’s not) when it comes to vaginal health after menopause  The most common symptoms in your 60s, including dryness, burning, irritation, and urinary changes  Why women should not be embarrassed to bring up symptoms with their doctor  The importance of regular exams and testing, including pelvic exams and HPV screening when appropriate  Hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, including local estrogen  How vaginal health and urinary symptoms/UTIs are often connected  When pelvic floor therapy can help  How lifestyle choices (including exercise and smoking) affect vaginal and sexual health  How to protect intimacy and maintain a healthy sex life after menopause  Why it’s never too late to start treatment and feel better  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 agebetterpodcast@gmail.com.

    53 min

  4. MAR 17

    What Is Yoga Nidra? New Research on the Lie-Down Guided Meditation for Insomnia & Anxiety with Dr. Erica Sharpe

    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 agebetterpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment, or send me a DM on social media.

    39 min

  5. MAR 10

    A Tribute to Jeff Galloway: The Run/Walk/Run Method That Changed My Life

    KEY LINKS  • Jeff Galloway’s website (Run/Walk/Run + training resources) • Book: “Marathon: You Can Do It!” byJeff Galloway  ABOUT THIS REPLAY (TRIBUTE)  I’m replaying this episode from July 2022—back when this show was called GRUFFtalk—because Jeff Galloway recently passed away. And I wanted to honor him the best way I know how: by letting you hear his voice, his encouragement, and the simple method that helped millions of people get moving.   Jeff had a gift for making running feel possible, not intimidating. He used to say, “If you can walk, you can run.” That message didn’t just inspire me—it changed my life. Jeff’s Run/Walk/Run approach helped me train for my very first marathon… and since then I’ve run 17, with #18 on the horizon.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE  • Exactly how the Run/Walk/Run method works (and why it’s so effective for beginners)  • How walk breaks can help you go farther, feel better, and lower injury risk  • Smart recovery basics—why rest is part of the plan, not a failure  • Simple strategies to stay motivated (even if your “goal” is just getting out the door)  • Jeff’s practical tips if running feels tough on your knees—including options for runners with arthritis   CONNECT  • Have a question or topic idea for the show? Email me: agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  • Subscribe to my Age Better Cheat Sheet newsletter on Substack for action-oriented ideas to help you stay strong, healthy, and independent.

    37 min

  6. MAR 3

    The Invincible Brain: How to Protect Memory and Lower Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

    Key Links  Dr. Majid Fotuhi’s Website (NeuroGrow Brain Fitness Program) is HERE   Dr. Fotuhi’s book, The Invincible Brain (Amazon) is HERE   Dr. Fotuhi’s TED Talk is HERE   Documentary referenced in this episode — Monster in the Mind (IMDb) is HERE  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I’m joined by world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi for a powerful, hopeful, and deeply practical conversation about brain health, memory, and what we can do right now to protect cognitive function as we age.  This episode is part of my Road to 70 series, where each month I talk with a trusted expert about one key area of healthy aging to help me—and all of us—get ready for the next decade.  Dr. Fotuhi’s new book, The Invincible Brain, is based on his highly regarded brain health program, and this conversation is packed with the kind of clear, science-backed information so many of us need—especially if Alzheimer’s or dementia runs in the family.  We talk about what’s actually driving cognitive decline (and why it’s often not just one thing), what the latest biomarker testing can and cannot tell us, and why lifestyle changes are far more powerful than most people realize.  One of my favorite takeaways from Dr. Fotuhi is this:  “Our brain is more invincible than we think. Decline can be slowed and even reversed.”  If you’ve ever worried about brain fog, memory slips, menopause-related cognitive changes, or the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, this is an episode you’ll want to hear all the way through.  What you’ll learn in this episode  Why Dr. Fotuhi says the brain is far more resilient and adaptable than most people think  The biggest myths about aging, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s risk  How menopause can affect memory and cognition—and what women should understand  Why Alzheimer’s is often a “soup of abnormalities,” not one simple disease process  The difference between genetics and epigenetics (and why family history is not destiny)  What the newest blood biomarker tests can reveal—and their limitations  What a proper, proactive brain-health workup should include  Dr. Fotuhi’s five pillars of brain health: exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and brain training  Practical first steps you can take now to protect your brain and lower your risk over time  This is one of the most important AGE BETTER conversations I’ve had on the show, and I’m so glad to share it with you.  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 agebetterpodcast@gmail.com and connect with me on social media.

    59 min

  7. FEB 17

    The Road to 70: Easy Everyday Eye Makeup After 60 with Laura Geller

    Key Links & Resources  Watch the full tutorial on YouTube (step-by-step demo): Barbara Hannah Grufferman → AGE BETTER playlist  Laura Geller Beauty: laurageller.com  Products mentioned:  Balance-n-Brighten Color-Correcting Foundation   Spackle Primer with SPF 30  Wonder Balm Cheek Tint  Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner  Kajal Longwear Mascara  Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color   Connect with Laura Geller on Instagram   Episode Summary  If you’ve been doing your eye makeup the same way for years—and lately it just isn’t giving what it used to—this episode is your reset. Laura Geller (founder of Laura Geller Beauty and QVC icon for 25+ years) shares her simple, confidence-boosting approach to everyday eye makeup that is easy peasy. We focus on easy techniques that lift, brighten, and polish your look without piling on more products—and you’ll hear exactly how to tweak your routine so you feel like you, only a little bit better.   What You’ll Learn  Laura’s “three Es” approach that simplifies your routine: eyeliner, eyelash, eyebrow  How to subtly lift the eyes and face using strategic liner and shadow placement  The easiest way to create a polished look with minimal products (and what’s actually worth using)  Layering tricks that make makeup look more natural and longer-lasting  How to choose eyeliner shades (black vs. brown vs. navy) and why waterproof formulas can be your best friend  Mascara and brow tips that instantly make your face look more defined and awake  Why skincare habits—especially SPF—make makeup look better (and wear better)  Connect With Me  Come say hi on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode and if you have any ideas for future episodes of AGE BETTER.  Or . . . reach by sending an email to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  And if you want to watch this episode, don’t forget to check out the full step-by-step tutorial on my YouTube channel: Barbara Hannah Grufferman → AGE BETTER  playlist. And while you are over there . . . subscribe!  Subscribe to AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET on Substack!

    1h 5m

  8. FEB 10

    Must-Have Heart Health Tests for Postmenopausal Women

    PRINT THIS AND TAKE IT WITH YOU TO YOUR NEXT ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM:   ESSENTIAL BLOOD WORK SCREENING TESTS CHEAT SHEET   February is AMERICAN HEART MONTH, so we’re replaying this solo episode where I dive into the essential blood tests and health screenings every postmenopausal woman should ask about during your annual physical. Drawing on expert insights from past episodes, I talk through why it’s crucial to go beyond routine tests and discuss additional screenings that can help detect potential health risks early.   WHAT I COVER IN THIS EPISODE:   - The importance of the lipid panel for understanding heart health.   - How the Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) test provides a more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment.   - Why high levels of C-reactive Protein (CrP) can indicate dangerous inflammation levels.   - The critical role of Vitamin D for bone and immune health, especially in midlife women.   - How regular blood glucose testing can help catch diabetes early.   - The significance of blood pressure monitoring for heart disease prevention.   - Why women should prioritize bone density tests to prevent osteoporosis.   - The importance of monitoring  waist circumference as an indicator of health risks.   - The need for regular cancer screenings, including Pap smears, mammograms, and colonoscopies, for early detection.   - Regular cancer screenings are essential for early detection.   KEY LINKS TO LEARN MORE:  Learn more about the ApoB test HERE  Learn more about the LP(a) test HERE    Learn more about inflammation HERE   Learn more about heart health and atrial fibrillation HERE   Learn more about blood glucose and insulin resistance HERE   CONNECT WITH ME:  Instagram: @BarbaraHannahGrufferman     X/Twitter: @BGrufferman   Facebook: @BarbaraHannahGruffermanAuthor   Please Rate & Review the Show!     If you enjoyed today’s episode, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who would benefit from these essential health tips.

    14 min
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About

If you're like most of us who are over 45, you have a lot of questions about how to age better. Right? Award-winning author and host Barbara Hannah Grufferman will get those questions answered during age-positive conversations with some of the best experts in the world. If you are 45+, this podcast will be your go-to source to get the right information about style, sex, health, menopause, money, work, adult children, aging parents, and so much more. Just like she does with her books focusing on positive aging, Barbara will inspire you to love your age, whatever age you are! As she says in the trailer, "Join me on this journey. Hold my hand! It'll be so much more fun if we do it together!" 

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