Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman
  • 4.9 (41)
  • 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. 6H AGO

    A Painless Mammogram? The Breakthrough Technology Changing Breast Cancer Screening

    “Too many women skip mammograms because of pain. But now, there’s another option.” — Dr. Margaret Nachtigall  Key Links & Resources  Learn more about Pink Medical and VeraScan HERE   Follow Barbara on Instagram HERE    Contact Barbara: agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  About This Episode  In this episode of AGE BETTER, Barbara is joined by frequent guest Dr. Margaret Nachtigall, reproductive endocrinologist at NYU and Medical Director of Pink Medical. Together, they discuss why mammograms are essential for early detection, why pain has been a barrier for too many women, and how new technology like VeraScan is changing the future of breast cancer screening. They also dive into how hormonal changes affect breast density, the role of genetic testing, and what women of all ages can do to stay proactive about breast health.  Why You Should Listen  Understand why breast cancer screening is still the number one tool for early detection and survival.  Learn how VeraScan offers a painless, compression-free alternative to traditional mammograms.  Discover how hormonal changes — especially around menopause — impact breast density and screening needs.  Hear how genetic testing is being used to personalize breast health care.  Walk away with practical strategies and Dr. Margaret’s top takeaways for staying on top of your breast health.  If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.       And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  2. OCT 7

    Healthy to 100: The Secret to Longevity and Healthy Aging with Ken Stern

    “Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and social connection may be the real key to living to 100.” — Ken Stern  Key Links & Resources  Healthy to 100: How Strong Ties Lead to Long Lives by Ken Stern is HERE  Learn more about the Longevity Project HERE Listen to Ken’s podcast Century Lives HERE  In this episode of AGE BETTER, I’m joined by Ken Stern—former CEO of NPR, founder of the Longevity Project with Stanford, and author of the brand-new book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives. His groundbreaking research reveals that the real secret to longevity isn’t diet, exercise, or genetics—it’s our social connections.  We explore what the U.S. can learn from the world’s longest-lived societies, why intergenerational communities thrive, and how purpose and engagement can add years to your life. Ken also shares why loneliness has become a public health crisis, and what we can do to build stronger social ties for a healthier, happier future.  Why listen?  Learn why social connection is as critical as diet and exercise  Discover how loneliness impacts health as much as smoking  Explore practical ways to build your own “social health infrastructure”  This conversation will inspire you to think differently about aging—and about the relationships that matter most.  If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.       And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min

  3. SEP 23

    The Vagus Nerve Truth: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t) with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey | Part 2

    “Everyone’s talking about ways to ‘stimulate your vagus nerve.’ But what actually works—and what’s just hype?” — Dr. Kevin Tracey  Key Resources & Links   Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE  Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s new book: The Great Nerve  Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s TedTalk: Watch Here  Center for Bioelectronic Medicine: Official Site  SetPoint Medical: Official Site  Clinical Trials: clinicaltrials.gov  Follow me on Instagram for updates and giveaways: @BarbaraHannahGrufferman  Have a question for Dr. Tracey? Email Barbara at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon, researcher, and one of the most cited medical experts in the world, we’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to the vagus nerve.  If you’ve seen cold plunges, breathwork hacks, or gadgets claiming to “activate” your vagus nerve, you’ll want to hear this. Dr. Tracey explains what’s real, what’s promising, and what you can skip. We also dive into why inflammation is at the root of so many chronic conditions—and how new therapies might one day change the way we treat disease without relying on drugs.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why only two methods actually stimulate the vagus nerve in a proven way  Which “vagus nerve hacks” online might help—and which are misleading  How breathing practices can change your heart rate (but what we still don’t know)  Why cold exposure and even the “diving reflex” may play a role in calming inflammation  What questions to ask before spending money on vagus nerve products  And don’t forget—we’re giving away copies of Dr. Tracey’s groundbreaking book, The Great Nerve. Winners will be chosen from listeners who share Parts 1 or 2 (or both!). Just share the link to the episode on Instagram, tag me @barbarahannahgrufferman, and you’re entered! Easy peasy!  If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.       And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  4. SEP 16

    The Vagus Nerve Breakthrough: Fighting Inflammation Without Drugs — with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey (Part 1 of 2)

    “Someday, devices that stimulate the vagus nerve may replace many of the drugs people take for chronic disease.”— Dr. Kevin Tracey  Key Resources & Links  Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s new book: The Great Nerve  Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s TedTalk: Watch Here  Center for Bioelectronic Medicine: Official Site  SetPoint Medical: Official Site  Clinical Trials: clinicaltrials.gov  Follow me on Instagram for updates and giveaways: @BarbaraHannahGrufferman  Why Listen to This Episode?  In this first of a two-part series, I sit down with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon, CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and founder of the field of bioelectronic medicine. He’s also one of the most widely cited medical experts in the world. Together, we explore the science behind the vagus nerve, a vast communication highway between your brain and body that is proving to be a powerful regulator of inflammation.  Just weeks ago, the FDA approved the first implantable vagus nerve device for rheumatoid arthritis, a breakthrough that could pave the way for treating other conditions without drugs. Dr. Tracey explains what this milestone means, how the device works, and why it could someday replace some of the medications people rely on for chronic disease management.  What You’ll Learn in Part 1  What the vagus nerve is, where it’s located, and why it matters.  How inflammation drives diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and more.  The story behind the FDA-approved device that may change how we treat rheumatoid arthritis.  Why bioelectronic medicine could represent a seismic shift in healthcare.  ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF ‘THE GREAT NERVE’! How to enter: listen to the episode, share the link on Instagram and tag me @BarbaraHannahGrufferman⁠ . You’ll be automatically entered to win a copy of this seminal book.   If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.      And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. SEP 9

    7 New Studies Every Postmenopausal Woman Needs to Know to Age Better

    In this solo episode of Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, I break down seven brand-new studies that could change the way you think about your health in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.  From the surprising truth about sitting time, to the power of strength training, to how the Mediterranean diet protects both brain and body—this episode is your shortcut to the latest science on aging well.  Why listen? Because research only matters when you know what it means for you. Each study ends with a clear takeaway you can put into practice today  What You’ll Learn  Why breaking up sitting time may be more important than hitting 10,000 steps  The only proven way to fight age-related muscle loss  New evidence that hormone therapy may slow biological aging  Why loneliness is now considered as dangerous as smoking  How a Mediterranean diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk—even with high genetic risk  How the same diet plus calorie reduction and movement cuts diabetes risk by 31%  Why vitamin D deficiency is widespread—and how to fix it  Referenced AGE BETTER Episodes  How Well Are You Aging? VO₂ Max + HRV with Brady Holmer  Creatine for Midlife Women with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan  Can Hormone Therapy Help You Live Longer with Dr. Margaret Nachtigall  Feeling Lonely? We Can Fix That with Joyce Shulman  Fight Dementia After Menopause with Dr. Margaret Nachtigall  Cheat Sheet: Blood Tests All Postmenopausal Women Should Get  Best Diet for Midlife Women with Gretchen Schueller  This Walking Club Builds Bones, Makes Connections and Helps You Age Better  If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.      And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min

  6. SEP 2

    The Truth About Calcium Supplements: Dr. Jennifer Han’s Real Food Solution for Bone Health

    "Calcium from food is the ideal source." — Dr. Jennifer Han  Learn more about SEEN Nutrition: https://www.seennutrition.com  If you’ve been with me for a while, you know bone health is one of my biggest passions. I’ve worked with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation for over 10 years, and I’m always on the lookout for innovations that can truly make a difference.  That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Jennifer Han. She’s a dual residency–trained, board-certified clinical pharmacist, functional medicine practitioner, and co-founder of SEEN Nutrition — the company behind the first calcium chew made entirely from real food.  Dr. Han’s personal story is remarkable. After a rare bone disease fractured her back just two months after giving birth, she set out to completely rethink calcium supplements — and what she’s created could change the way we all think about supporting our bones.  In our conversation, we cover:  Why osteoporosis can affect women at any age — not just later in life  Why most calcium supplements fall short, and what makes food-based calcium different  How small, simple dietary changes (yes, even eating prunes!) can support bone density  The importance of regular DEXA scans for tracking bone health  Why it’s never too late — or too early — to start caring for your bones   Dr. Han’s message is one I want every listener to hear: bone health is a lifelong commitment, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can protect your strength, mobility, and independence for years to come.  Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.    If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.     And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com. I love hearing from you.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  7. AUG 26

    REPLAY: FDA-Approved Osteoboost - Why I Started Using This NASA-Inspired Bone Health Device

    RESOURCES & LINKS  Watch a message from Barbara HERE  Check out the Osteoboost Official Website HERE  Visit the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Website HERE  EPISODE UPDATE This is a replay of our March episode with Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost. Since our original conversation aired, I have started using the Osteoboost vibration belt—30 minutes daily—as part of my bone health routine.  In this conversation, Laura and I 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.  Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.    If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.     And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to agebetterpodcast@gmail.com -- I love hearing from you!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  8. AUG 12

    How This Walking Club Builds Bones, Boosts Connection, and Helps You Age Better

    EPISODE RESOURCES: – Start a Be Bone Strong™ Walking Club – About the Be Bone Strong™ Team – Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation   In this inspiring replay episode of Bone Talk, I sat down with Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), to talk about something close to my heart—walking.  Yes, walking. It may be simple, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger bones, deepen social connections, and reshape how we age. And now, through the Be Bone Strong™ Walking Clubs, we’re bringing that power to communities all across the country.  I share how my own wake-up call with low bone density—despite running marathons and living a healthy lifestyle—transformed me into a passionate advocate for movement, strength, and aging better. We also talk about how walking clubs can be inclusive, fun, and completely doable—no matter your pace, fitness level, or age.  What you’ll hear in this episode:  Why walking is one of the best (and easiest) weight-bearing activities to maintain bone density  How a local stroll in Virginia Beach is now becoming a national movement  The Be Bone Strong™ initiative and how you can start a walking club in your community  Why these walking clubs are about more than fitness—they’re about connection, empowerment, and community  What it really takes to get started (hint: not much!)  Whether you're already walking regularly or thinking about taking that first step, this episode will give you the motivation and tools to move forward—literally.  Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.   If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.    And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com. I love hearing from you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    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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