Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman
  • 4.9 (49)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

AGE BETTER is the podcast for women 60+ who want to be strong, informed, energized, and in charge of the years ahead. Each week, award-winning author, journalist, and healthy aging advocate Barbara Hannah Grufferman talks with leading doctors, scientists, authors, and experts about what really matters now: building muscle, protecting your bones, fighting frailty, supporting your brain, deepening your connections, improving sleep, rethinking nutrition, staying mobile, nurturing intimacy, and living with real purpose. This is not about slowing down or settling in. It is about knowing what to do now so you can stay strong, healthy, independent, and engaged for decades to come. Because while living longer is the goal, living better—with strength, purpose, joy, and connection—is the point. AGE BETTER will help you take charge of what happens next.

  1. 4d ago

    Metabolic Syndrome: The Hidden Risk to Your Strength, Energy, and Independence with Dr. Susan Brian and Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

    “Physical activity is really such a linchpin in being able to change the trajectory of how you age.” — Dr. Susan Brian  “Resistance training is probably your most proactive tool under your control for trying to reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.” — Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein  Key Links & Resources  Subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack HERE  Follow Barbara Hannah Grufferman on Instagram HERE  Follow Dr. Susan Brian on Instagram HERE  Follow Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein on Instagram HERE    Episode Summary  Metabolic syndrome is not one single disease. It’s a cluster of warning signs — including waist size, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and blood sugar — that together can tell a much bigger story about your health.  And for women in their 60s, this matters because metabolic syndrome is not just about lab numbers. It can affect your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, inflammation, bone health, muscle quality, mobility, and physical capacity.  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I talk with two leading physicians: Dr. Susan Brian, a board-certified endocrinologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Duke.  Together, they explain why metabolic syndrome becomes more common after menopause, how visceral fat and insulin resistance can affect the body, and why this issue is deeply connected to how strong, mobile, energetic, and independent you feel as you age.  You’ll learn:  What metabolic syndrome is and why having three of the five key markers matters  Why insulin resistance is often at the center of the pattern  How menopause can shift fat storage toward more visceral belly fat  Why metabolic health and musculoskeletal health are closely connected  How metabolic syndrome can affect muscle, bone, joints, stamina, and frailty risk  Why muscle is so important for blood sugar control  Why walking, strength training, and “starting somewhere” can make a real difference  What to ask your clinician if you think you may have metabolic syndrome or be heading in that direction  Where GLP-1 medications may fit for some women — and why strength training matters if weight loss is part of the plan  The big takeaway: metabolic syndrome is not just about weight. It’s about how your body is functioning — and the earlier you recognize the pattern, the more opportunity you have to change the trajectory.  Dr. Brian encourages women to know their numbers, advocate for themselves, and figure out what kind of physical activity they can do consistently.  Dr. Wittstein emphasizes resistance training, starting where you are, and building the right team around you — because protecting muscle, bone, mobility, and strength is central to aging better.  Calls to Action  If this episode helped you, please follow or subscribe to AGE BETTER wherever you listen to podcasts.  Share this episode with a friend, sister, partner, or anyone who wants to stay strong, healthy, and independent as they get older.  And make sure you subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack, where I go deeper into the newest research on healthy aging and break down what it means for you.  Have an idea for a future episode or a question you want answered? Email me at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com.

    36 min

  2. Jun 23

    Practical Optimism: The Science of Hope, Purpose, and Resilience with Dr. Sue Varma

    “Is this a problem to be solved — or a truth to be accepted?” – Dr. Sue Varma  LINKS:  Dr. Sue Varma’s website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/  Practical Optimism: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/practical-optimism/  Follow Dr. Sue Varma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorsuevarma/  Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack: https://barbarahannahgrufferman.substack.com/  Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarahannahgrufferman/  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I’m joined by Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, and author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.  This is not a conversation about pretending everything is fine.  It’s not about forced positivity, ignoring the hard things, or telling yourself to “just look on the bright side.”  Instead, Dr. Sue explains how practical optimism helps us face reality with more clarity, more courage, and more action.  We talk about why optimism is not simply something you’re born with — it is something you can practice. Dr. Sue shares how to interrupt worst-case-scenario thinking, how to stop spiraling, and how to begin asking better questions when fear takes over.  We also talk about something so many women in midlife and beyond are thinking about: purpose. What happens when your roles shift, your children need you less, your work life changes, your relationships evolve, or you find yourself wondering, “What now?” Dr. Sue offers a refreshing way to think about purpose that does not require a grand mission. Sometimes it starts with the small things we choose to place on our calendar.  You’ll also hear her simple approach to processing difficult emotions instead of pushing them aside: name it, claim it, tame it, and reframe it. And we talk about the powerful connection between emotional health and physical well-being — because, as Dr. Sue says, the body often tells the truth before we do.  We also get into loneliness, connection, community, and the surprising difference between being lonely and learning how to enjoy your own company. Dr. Sue explains why we need both a people practice and an aloneness practice — and why small, everyday moments of connection may matter more than we think.  This episode is filled with practical tools you can use right away, including the four M’s of mental health: movement, mastery, mindfulness, and meaningful engagement.  If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or ready to approach this next chapter with more strength, hope, and self-trust, this conversation is for you.  Please follow or subscribe to AGE BETTER wherever you listen. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review — it truly helps more women find the show.  You can also follow me on Instagram at @barbarahannahgrufferman, and subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack for more practical, science-backed tools to help you live stronger, longer, and better.

    33 min

  3. Jun 16

    How Not to Die Too Soon: Dr. Michael Greger on Food, Cholesterol & Aging Better

    “What’s good for the heart is good for the head.”  Key Links & Resources  Watch the How Not to Die  documentary:  https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-not-to-die-documentary/  Get How Not to Die  by Dr. Michael Greger: https://amzn.to/49Ffmni   Visit NutritionFacts.org:  https://nutritionfacts.org/  Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen:  https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen/  Lower LDL Cholesterol Naturally with Food:  https://nutritionfacts.org/book/portfolio/  Subscribe to Age Better Cheat Sheet on Substack:  https://barbarahannahgrufferman.substack.com/  How Not to Die Too Soon: Dr. Michael Greger on Food, Cholesterol & Aging Better  In this episode of Age Better,  I’m joined by Dr. Michael Greger, one of the most recognized voices in lifestyle medicine and evidence-based nutrition, and the New York Times bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Diet, and How Not to Age.  We’re talking about the new How Not to Die  documentary, created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his landmark book, and what its message means now — especially for women in their 60s and beyond who want to protect their heart, brain, bones, muscles, energy, and independence.  Dr. Greger shares why food is not just about weight or willpower, but one of the most powerful tools we have to influence how we age. We talk about the connection between artery health and brain health, why cholesterol matters so much, what to do if a whole-food, plant-based diet does not lower LDL enough, and his take on one of the most debated foods in the kitchen: olive oil.  We also get into protein, muscle, bone health, B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, creatine, and why this way of eating does not have to be all-or-nothing.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why the message of How Not to Die  may be even more urgent 10 years later  How Dr. Greger’s grandmother helped shape his mission as a physician  Why heart health and brain health are deeply connected  What women should understand about cholesterol, LDL, and the Portfolio Diet  Which foods may help support healthier cholesterol levels  Dr. Greger’s current thinking on olive oil  How women can get enough protein on a whole-food, plant-based diet  What nutrients deserve special attention, especially B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s  Why resistance training still matters for muscle and strength  How creatine may fit into the conversation around aging and muscle  Why it’s never too late to start eating better  The three foods Dr. Greger most wants people to add: berries, dark leafy greens/cruciferous vegetables, and legumes  The three things he suggests cutting back on first: trans fats, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages  As always, talk with your own healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet, medications, or supplements — especially if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, or other medical concerns.  And I’d love to hear from you. If you have an idea for a future episode or a guest you’d like me to interview, send me a note at  agebetterpodcast@gmail.com.  Please subscribe or follow Age Better  wherever you listen, and don’t forget to check out my newsletter, Age Better Cheat Sheet, on Substack for more smart, science-backed tools to help you stay strong, healthy, and independent for the long haul.

    25 min

  4. Jun 9

    The New Science of Fulfillment: How Purpose, Joy, and Connection Help You Age Better with Dr. Kerry Burnight and Dr. Sanjay Shetty

    “Fulfillment doesn’t just magically increase. It increases because we’ve prioritized it.” — Dr. Kerry Burnight  Key Links  CenterWell Fulfillment Index Report is HERE  Dr. Kerry Burnight’s book, JoySpan is HERE   Dr. Kerry Burnight’s website is HERE  Info about Dr. Sanjay Shetty, President of CenterWell at Humana is HERE  Overview  What does it really mean to age well?  We talk a lot about blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, muscle, brain health, and staying independent — and all of that matters. But there’s another piece of aging better that we may not be paying enough attention to: fulfillment.  In this episode of Age Better, I’m joined by two terrific guests: Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and author of JoySpan, and Dr. Sanjay Shetty, President of CenterWell at Humana, the organization behind the new Fulfillment Index.  The report found that only 54% of adults over 62 say they feel fulfilled, which means nearly half do not. And as Dr. Shetty explains, fulfillment is about much more than physical health. It includes purpose, emotional stability, optimism, gratitude, connection, security, feeling valued, and the real-life conditions people are living with every day.  One of the most fascinating findings is that fulfillment can dip in the early retirement years, when people often expect life to feel easier and freer. But retirement is not just a financial transition. It can also be a shift in identity, structure, purpose, and the feeling that we’re still needed.  Dr. Burnight brings this back to something deeply practical: fulfillment is not something we simply wait for. Like strength, it requires attention and practice. We talk about self-contentment, purpose with a “lowercase p,” why feeling seen matters so much, and how to move from feeling “meh” to feeling more connected, useful, and alive in your own life.  This conversation is especially important for women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who may be asking: Who am I now? What do I want this next chapter to look like? And what can I do today to create a life that feels not only longer, but fuller?  In this episode, we talk about:  How fulfillment is different from happiness Why so many people can look “fine” on the outside but feel disconnected inside Why fulfillment may dip around retirement How purpose can be small and still deeply meaningful Why physical strength supports more than just your body How self-contentment helps us age with less regret and more compassion Why feeling seen, heard, appreciated, and valued is essential One simple practice to begin building more fulfillment right away  This episode will help you think differently about what it means to age better — and what you can start doing now to build more purpose, connection, strength, and meaning into the years ahead.  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode!

    35 min

  5. Jun 2

    New 2026 Heart Guidelines: What Women Need to Know with Dr. Anthony Pearson

    “All good scientists are skeptics.” — Dr. Anthony Pearson  Key Links  The Skeptical Cardiologist on Substack is HERE   American Heart Association 2026 Guidelines is HERE   MESA CAC Database is HERE   In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anthony Pearson, the cardiologist behind The Skeptical Cardiologist newsletter on Substack, for a practical conversation about what women over 50 need to know now about heart health. We talk about the new cholesterol guidelines, why personalized risk assessment matters, and why tests like CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB can reveal much more than a standard lipid panel alone.  What You Will Learn:  Why heart disease is still the number one killer of women  The biggest blind spots women over 50 still have about heart risk  What changed in the new cholesterol guidelines  Why earlier detection and more personalized risk assessment matter  Why CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB are getting more attention  What those tests can reveal that a standard lipid panel may miss  Why statins still matter, despite all the noise around them  When non-statin options may make sense  The role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease  The lifestyle habits that still matter most for prevention  A few key takeaways from this conversation  You can feel healthy, exercise regularly, eat well, and still have hidden cardiovascular risk  A standard cholesterol panel does not always tell the full story  CAC, Lp(a), and ApoB can help create a more complete and individualized picture of risk  High Lp(a) is inherited and is important to know about, even before a specific drug is widely available  ApoB is a more precise marker of atherogenic particles and can add valuable information to routine testing  Statins remain an important, well-studied first-line tool for many people  Prevention works best when you start earlier, not after a cardiac event  Cardio exercise, strength training, and maintaining a healthy body composition all matter  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode!

    1h 21m

  6. May 19

    Sexspan: Pleasure, Intimacy, and Better Sex as You Age with Joan Price

    “Sex changes as we age, but for every problem, there is a solution.” — Joan Price   Key Links Referenced During the Episode:  Joan Price website: joanprice.com Joan’s book Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex: Book page Joan’s webinars: Online sex classes and webinars Joan’s sex toy reviews: Sex toys archive   Modern Love Podcast Interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/podcasts/joan-price-widow-sex.html  New York Times Article on Sexspan: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/well/family/sex-span-longevity-health.html  In this candid and empowering episode of Age Better, Barbara talks with returning guest Joan Price — one of the leading voices on sexuality and aging — about the idea of sexspan: how to keep sex, pleasure, and intimacy alive and satisfying as we age. Together, they explore why sex does change over time, why that does not mean it has to disappear, and why the key is to reassess, communicate, and tweak your approach as your body and life evolve. Joan Price’s work focuses on “ageless sexuality,” and she offers books, webinars, and practical advice for older adults navigating these changes.   Barbara and Joan talk about the myths that still surround sex after 60, why intercourse should not be the only definition of “real sex,” and how communication, curiosity, humor, and flexibility can open the door to deeper pleasure and connection. They also discuss solo sex, sex toys, scheduling intimacy, and the importance of speaking up about pain, discomfort, or changing desire instead of quietly assuming this part of life is over. Joan’s webinar offerings include topics like Great Sex without Penetration  and Sex Toys for Seniors, reflecting many of the practical strategies discussed in this episode.   If you’ve ever wondered whether sex can still be joyful, meaningful, and even better as you get older, this episode is for you.  In this episode, we discuss:  What “sexspan” means — and why it matters  The biggest myths about sex and aging  Why it’s so important to expand the definition of sex beyond intercourse  How to “reassess and tweak” your sex life as your body changes  The role of communication, humor, and flexibility in intimacy  How sex toys, lubricant, timing, and positioning can help  Why solo sex is a healthy and valid part of sexual well-being  How to advocate for yourself with a partner — and with your doctor  Subscribe to AGE BETTER so you never miss an episode and please consider leaving a review!   You can watch all episodes and bonus clips on my YouTube channel.

    45 min

  7. May 12

    Beyond Healthspan: Build Your Joyspan with Dr. Kerry Burnight

    “Joyspan matters because without it, a long life is a drag.” — Dr. Kerry Burnight  Key Links:  Follow Dr. Kerry Burnight on Instagram HERE   Read JoySpan by Dr. Kerry Burnight HERE  Read Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl HERE   Learn more about Dr. Kerry Burnight HERE   What if aging better is about more than just lifespan and healthspan?  In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by leading gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight, author of JoySpan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half, to talk about why joy is such an essential — and often overlooked — part of aging better.  We talk about the difference between joy and happiness, why so many women can be doing all the “right” things for their health and still feel like something is missing, and how to build a more meaningful, connected, resilient life as we get older. Dr. Burnight also shares the four key pillars of JoySpan — Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give — and explains how each one can help us age with more purpose, more strength, and more joy.  In this episode, we discuss:  What Joyspan means  The difference between joy and happiness  Why joy matters so much as we age  The four pillars of Joyspan: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give  How internalized ageism affects the way we age  Why acceptance and resilience are essential  Practical ways to create more joy in everyday life  How to stay engaged, purposeful, and connected in the second half of life  If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, follow AGE BETTER, and leave a rating or review. It helps more women find the show.

    1 hr

  8. May 5

    Why Function Matters More Than Fitness for Aging Better with Scott B. Fulton

    “Fitness can coexist with frailty. Function can not.” — Prof. Scott B. Fulton  KEY LINKS  Scott’s book: FUNCTION: Turn Your Blind Spots into Strengths Scott’s website: WHEALTHSPAN Scott’s YouTube channel: WHEALTHSPAN: Functional Healthspan LIFTMOR study: High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: bonehealthandosteoporosis.org  How do you know if you’re really aging well?  In this episode of  AGE BETTER, I’m joined by  Prof. Scott B. Fulton, author of FUNCTION: Turn Your Blind Spots into Strengths, for an important conversation about why function  may matter even more than fitness when it comes to aging better.  Scott explains why how well you move, balance, think, react, and handle everyday life may be one of the clearest indicators of your future healthspan and independence. We talk about the difference between being fit and being functional, the hidden blind spots that can put you at risk, and the simple at-home self-assessments that can help you identify weak links before they become bigger problems.  We also discuss the five domains of function, functional age versus chronological age, falls, cognition, and why improving the areas where you are weakest may be one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term health.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why function and fitness are not the same thing  What the  five domains of function are  How to identify your personal  blind spots  Why  walking speed, balance, mobility, power, and cognition matter so much  The difference between functional age and chronological age  How simple self-assessments can help you age better  This is a practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone who wants to stay mobile, capable, independent, and fully engaged in life for as long as possible.  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.   Watch all episodes on YouTube!

    39 min
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AGE BETTER is the podcast for women 60+ who want to be strong, informed, energized, and in charge of the years ahead. Each week, award-winning author, journalist, and healthy aging advocate Barbara Hannah Grufferman talks with leading doctors, scientists, authors, and experts about what really matters now: building muscle, protecting your bones, fighting frailty, supporting your brain, deepening your connections, improving sleep, rethinking nutrition, staying mobile, nurturing intimacy, and living with real purpose. This is not about slowing down or settling in. It is about knowing what to do now so you can stay strong, healthy, independent, and engaged for decades to come. Because while living longer is the goal, living better—with strength, purpose, joy, and connection—is the point. AGE BETTER will help you take charge of what happens next.

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