Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman
  • 4.9 (44)
  • 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. 13H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. JAN 27

    The Road to 70: Skin Care Non-Negotiables in Your 60s — with Dr. Doris Day

    KEY LINKS  Learn more about Dr. Doris Day HERE  Learn more about AGE BETTER CHEAT SHEET newsletter HERE  Line in the Sand SPF Activewear info HERE  Watskin SPF Activewear info HERE   As part of my year-long Road to 70 mini-series, I’m inviting one top expert each month to help guide me—and all of us—as we prepare to enter our next decade feeling informed, confident, and strong.  In this episode, we focus on skin—not just how it looks, but how healthy it truly is.  I’m joined by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, a trusted voice many of you already know from her previous appearances on Age Better. I asked her to get very clear and very practical: What are the absolute skin-care non-negotiables in your 60s? And what’s actually worth considering—and what’s not—when it comes to non-surgical options as we head toward 70?  I also shared my own skin concerns, including crow’s feet, slight jowl drooping, and redness on my face, including a lingering red spot from a past biopsy. Plus, we brought listener questions directly into the conversation.  This is a no-hype, science-backed discussion designed to help you make smart decisions for healthier, better-looking skin—now and in the years ahead.   WHAT WE COVER  The absolute non-negotiables for healthy skin in your 60s  Sunscreen: what really matters and how to use it correctly  Retinoids: when to start, how to use them safely, and who should avoid them  Red light therapy masks—do they actually work?  How to properly layer skincare products  Redness and post-biopsy scarring: what can help  Crow’s feet, skin laxity, and early jowling—realistic expectations  Botox, lasers, and energy-based devices: who they’re for and who should skip them  How to avoid overdoing treatments and compromising skin health  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Consistency beats complexity when it comes to skin care  Healthy skin and better-looking skin go hand in hand  Not every trending treatment is right—or necessary—at this stage of life  Strategic, informed choices matter more than doing “everything”  STAY CONNECTED  For a clear, actionable breakdown of conversations like this, subscribe to my newsletter, Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack HERE.   And if there’s a topic you want me to cover on Age Better, email me at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com or reach out on social media. Your questions help shape this show.  Connect With  Barbara:     Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!     Email: ⁠⁠agebetterpodcast@gmail.com   ⁠⁠  Instagram ⁠: https://www.instagram.com/barbarahannahgrufferman/

    41 min

  7. JAN 20

    2026 Health & Nutrition Trends: What Matters Most — with U.S. News & World Report’s Gretel Schueller

    “Fiber is a health superhero.” — Gretel Schueller   Read the full U.S. News & World Report study: Top Health and Nutrition Trends for 2026 HERE  Each January, the wellness world waits for the U.S. News & World Report rankings—and this year, the USN&WR Health team went a step further. Instead of focusing only on “best diets,” they surveyed a panel of medical experts to identify the health and nutrition trends that will shape 2026.  In this episode of AGE BETTER, Barbara Hannah Grufferman sits down with Gretel Schueller, Health Editor at U.S. News & World Report, to break down what rose to the top, what surprised the experts, and how to think about new health advice without chasing every headline.  They cover the expanded role of GLP-1 medications, how AI-powered wearable technology is changing personalized health management, why “food as medicine” is gaining traction, and why the Mediterranean diet continues to stand the test of time. They also talk about what actually helps people stick with health goals—especially in midlife—when simplicity and sustainability matter more than perfection.  If you’re trying to make smart, realistic health choices in 2026, this conversation will help you focus on what truly matters.  Key Topics Covered  The top health and nutrition trends shaping 2026  GLP-1 medications and their expanding role beyond weight loss  AI and wearable technology for personalized health insights  Why “food as medicine” is having a moment  The critical role of fiber in long-term health  Why the Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard  How to set health goals you can actually stick with  Listen now to learn how to approach 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a lot less noise.  Connect With  Barbara:    Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!    - Email: ⁠⁠⁠agebetterpodcast@gmail.com   ⁠⁠⁠ - Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE

    25 min

  8. JAN 13

    A Solo Canoe Trip at 65—How Far Would You Push Yourself with Sheila Nollert

    KEY LINKS:  Get info on Sheila Nollert’s book HERE  Connect with Sheila on Instagram HERE  As I get closer to 70, I find myself thinking less about what I should be doing at this age—and more about what I’m still willing to try.  That’s why this conversation mattered so much to me.  In this episode, I sit down with Sheila Nollert, a 68-year-old fitness instructor, Instagram creator known as Grandma Moves, and author of the new book No Expiry. At 65, Sheila did something that stopped me in my tracks: she embarked on a solo canoe trip deep into the wilderness—completely alone, with no cell service and no safety net.  What makes Sheila’s story so compelling isn’t just the adventure itself—it’s the five years of doubt, fear, and second-guessing that came before it. We talk honestly about the psychological barriers that hold so many of us back as we age, the impact of other people’s comments, and the quiet voice inside that asks whether we’re still capable of doing hard things.  This is a conversation about aging, yes—but even more so, it’s about self-trust, preparation, resilience, and refusing to let age define what’s possible. Sheila’s story is proof that strength is something we can keep building—and that pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone may be exactly what helps us find our purpose in this next chapter.  If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something bold but wondered if it was “too late,” this episode is for you.  Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Sheila  You already have the ability within you to make things happen  Trust yourself—you know what you’re capable of  Age is not the issue; ability and preparation are  Be aware of self-ageism and how it quietly limits you  Fitness matters because it gives you options  We finally have the time to pursue long-held desires  Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone  You can get stronger—physically and mentally—at any age  Purpose often reveals itself when you say yes to something challenging  Connect With  Barbara:    Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!    - Email: ⁠⁠agebetterpodcast@gmail.com   ⁠⁠ - Connect on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠HERE

    33 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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