Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman

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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. JUL 29

    How Well Are You Aging? These Two Numbers Will Tell You — with Brady Holmer

    Before we dive in, I want to encourage you to learn more about Brady Holmer and his work. He's the founder of the Physiologically Speaking newsletter and editor of Run Long, Run Healthy. You can also check out his e-book, VO₂ Max Essentials, which breaks down one of the most important health metrics we discuss in this episode.  Here are the links:  Physiologically Speaking: https://bradyholmer.substack.com  Run Long, Run Healthy: https://www.runlongrunhealthy.com  VO₂ Max Essentials e-book and website: https://www.bradyholmer.com/  Now, onto the episode...  Hi everyone. I’m Barbara and this is Age Better.  We often focus on numbers like weight, cholesterol, or blood pressure—but what if there were two other numbers that could give you a much clearer picture of how well you're aging? In this episode, I talk with physiologist and science communicator Brady Holmer about VO₂ max and heart rate variability, or HRV—two powerful, science-backed metrics that most of us were never taught to track, but absolutely should.  VO₂ max reflects your aerobic capacity and overall cardiovascular fitness, while HRV measures how well your body recovers from stress. The best part? You don’t need to be a marathon runner to improve either of these—and they can be key indicators for longevity, resilience, and quality of life.  Whether you’re new to exercise or already walking and lifting regularly, this episode will give you a better understanding of how to stay strong, mobile, and fit as you age.  As Brady says in our conversation, “Walking is an underrated health hack.” And I couldn’t agree more.  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

    41 min
  6. JUL 15

    Why Strength Should Be a Vital Sign: Dr. Alan Rozanski on the Six Domains of Aging Strong

    “Let’s stop ‘aging gracefully’ and start aging strong”                                        -Dr. Alan Rozanski   In this powerful and practical conversation, Barbara is joined by Dr. Alan Rozanski, a nationally recognized expert in preventive cardiology, Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and founder of one of the country’s top cardiac rehabilitation programs. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to age better—and why strength may be the most overlooked key to thriving after 60.  Dr. Rozanski explains that aging doesn’t happen in a straight line—it jumps, especially around age 60. That’s when declines in muscle mass, mental sharpness, and energy can take a sharp turn. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Using his groundbreaking Six Domains of Optimal Health and Vitality framework, Dr. Rozanski shares science-backed, actionable strategies for building physical strength, cultivating mental vitality, managing stress, deepening purpose, and fostering emotional resilience and social connection.  Whether you’re in midlife or well beyond, this episode offers a roadmap for becoming not just older—but stronger, sharper, and more alive. It is a true masterclass in aging better.   Key Takeaways:  Aging isn’t linear—it accelerates at key moments, including around age 60.  Strength training is essential for preventing falls, frailty, and decline.  Resistance training should be included in standard medical guidelines.  Measuring muscle strength can be as important as tracking blood pressure.  Daily physical activity can dramatically lower your risk of early death.  Living with purpose fuels vitality, energy, and emotional wellbeing.  Loneliness is a serious public health threat—but it can be reversed.  Emotional mastery helps you navigate challenges with resilience.  Stress, when managed well, can become a force for growth.  Small steps—like a few bodyweight squats a day—can change your trajectory.  Learn more about Dr. Alan Rozanski HERE  Learn more about Barbara Hannah Grufferman HERE  FOLLOW ‘AGE BETTER’:   To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!     WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!    Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  7. JUL 8

    Weighted Vests: Should You Be Using One? NYT’s Danielle Friedman Weighs In

    Key Links:  Read Danielle Friedman's New York Times column: “Weighted Vests: Do They Actually Do Anything?” HERE  Listen to Ep 158 “On Muscle” with Bonnie Tsui HERE  Hi everyone. I'm Barbara and this is AGE BETTER.  In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Danielle Friedman, best-selling author, award-winning journalist and New York Times columnist, to unpack one of the latest midlife fitness trends: weighted vests.  Are they truly a secret weapon for stronger bones and muscles—or just another overhyped wellness gimmick?  Danielle shares what she learned after interviewing leading experts in bone and muscle health for her latest New York Times column. Together, we explore:  What the science really says about weighted vests and bone density  Whether vests actually help build muscle strength or endurance  The potential risks of using them, especially for women 50+  How to choose and use one safely if you’re curious to try  Whether you're already a fan or wondering if it’s worth the investment, this 20-minute conversation will give you the clarity you need.  LEARN MORE ABOUT AGE BETTER PODCAST     Age Better podcast delves into a diverse range of topics, including finance, work, health, fitness, style, makeup, hair, nutrition, travel, relationships, sex, menopause and more. Each week, I'll bring you the latest insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice.    SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND QUESTIONS   Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  8. JUL 1

    Surviving Sepsis, Living with Disability, and Reclaiming Life Through Writing with Journalist Jackie Duda

    KEY LINKS:  Learn more about sepsis HERE  Listen to Jackie’s 1:20 Podcast HERE  Connect with Jackie on Instagram HERE  Jackie’s GoFundMe page is HERE  What does it really mean to start over—after nearly everything has been taken away?  In this powerful and deeply inspiring conversation, I talk with journalist and advocate Jackie Duda, who shares her extraordinary journey through chronic illness, disability, and survival. Once a thriving writer, Jackie’s life took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. But it was a near-fatal bout of sepsis in 2021, triggered by a colon perforation, that changed everything.  Jackie opens up about the physical and emotional toll her health battles took on her and her family—and how she slowly, courageously found her way back. Now, she’s using her voice to raise awareness about sepsis, chronic illness, and osteoporosis, and to help others reclaim joy despite life's hardest moments.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  What sepsis is—and why awareness could save your life  How chronic conditions like Crohn’s, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos can derail a life  The emotional impact illness has on families  Why osteoporosis should be taken seriously—at any age  How writing became a lifeline and tool for advocacy  The importance of community, joy, and owning your health journey  FOLLOW ‘AGE BETTER’:  To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!    WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!   Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

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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