Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

Barbara Hannah Grufferman
  • 4.9 (47)
  • 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. 6d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Apr 21

    The Road to 70: Myrna Blyth on Ageism, Aging, and Reinvention

    “Ageism is like racism — disgraceful and widespread.” — Myrna Blyth  KEY LINKS  Myrna Blyth’s Substack, Editor’s Journal: https://myrnablyth.substack.com  If you have an idea for a future episode of AGE BETTER, email me at agebetterpodcast@gmail.com  In this special Road to 70 episode of AGE BETTER, I talk with iconic editor, media trailblazer, and lifelong observer of women’s lives Myrna Blyth about what it really means to grow older with purpose, curiosity, honesty, and style.  Myrna has spent decades shaping how women saw themselves through major media brands, and now, in her 80s, she’s writing in a more personal voice through her Substack, Editor’s Journal. In this conversation, she shares what she’s learned about aging, ageism, reinvention, and why continuing to grow matters at every stage of life.  Together, we talk about the myths and stereotypes that still surround older women, how media has influenced the way women think about aging, and why so many women need a more truthful and empowering vision of what later life can look like. Myrna also opens up about what inspired her to launch her Substack now, what she hopes to say there, and why staying engaged, observant, and open to change is one of the most important ways to age better.  If you’ve ever wondered how to stay relevant, keep evolving, and move into the next chapter with confidence, this conversation is for you.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why Myrna believes ageism remains one of the most accepted forms of bias  How media has helped shape cultural attitudes about aging, especially for women  What inspired her to launch Editor’s Journal at this stage of life  Why growth, adaptation, and curiosity matter more than ever as we get older  How to think differently about self-perception and the aging process  What women in midlife and beyond should understand about embracing the years ahead  This episode is part of The Road to 70, my special series exploring what it means to step into the next decade stronger, wiser, and more fully yourself.  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.

    1h 5m

  7. Apr 14

    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

  8. 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
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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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