The Art of Ageing Well

Dementia, Caregiving & The Emotional Reality of Aging

What happens when the person who once cared for you begins to need your care? In this deeply personal episode of The Art of Ageing Well, co-hosts Ara Wiseman and Sara Stalker share their experiences caring for their mothers while navigating the emotional realities of cognitive decline, dementia, and aging. Together, they explore the science of brain health, the impact of menopause on cognition, the role of estrogen in healthy aging, and the often-overlooked toll caregiving can take on physical and emotional wellbeing. This conversation offers both practical insights and compassionate support for anyone caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one experiencing dementia or cognitive decline. Whether you are currently a caregiver or simply thinking about how to age well, this episode is a powerful reminder that healthy aging is about more than preventing disease—it's about preserving dignity, connection, purpose, and quality of life. In this episode we discuss: • Dementia vs. Alzheimer's disease • Why women are disproportionately affected • Menopause, estrogen, and brain health • Memory, mood, and cognitive changes in midlife • Osteopenia, osteoporosis, and healthy aging • Blood sugar regulation and cognitive health • Muscle as an endocrine organ • Caregiver burnout and chronic stress • Anticipatory grief and role reversal • The emotional realities of nursing home care • Preserving dignity and connection through aging • Resources and support for caregivers If you are caring for someone with dementia, please know that you are not alone. Resources for support: Alzheimer Society of Canada https://alzheimer.ca Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence https://canadiancaregiving.org Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) https://cmha.ca/ Ontario Caregiver Organization https://ontariocaregiver.ca/ ABOUT THE ART OF AGEING WELL Hosted by nutritionist Ara Wiseman and therapist Sara Stalker, The Art of Ageing Well explores the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of aging with vitality, resilience, and purpose. CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theartofageingwell.com [http://www.theartofageingwell.com/] Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people navigating midlife, caregiving, and healthy aging. www.theartofageingwell.com info@theartofageingwell.com @artofageingwell

GLP-1s Done Right: Food Noise, Muscle Loss & Healthy Aging with Dr. Kashif Parvez

GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but are we having the right conversations about them? In this episode of The Art of Ageing Well, Ara Wiseman and Sara Stalker are joined by Dr. Kashif Parvez, family physician, scientist, and medical educator, for a thoughtful discussion about the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in metabolic health, weight management, and healthy aging. Together, they explore what GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are actually doing in the body, why obesity is far more complex than a simple lack of willpower, and how these medications may be helping people reduce food noise, cravings, and shame around weight. The conversation also dives into some of the most important concerns surrounding rapid weight loss, including muscle preservation, metabolic health, and why the goal should be about much more than the number on the scale. Topics discussed include: • What GLP-1 medications are and how they work • The difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide • Appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and satiety • Food noise, cravings, and dopamine pathways • Obesity, stigma, and the emotional impact of weight struggles • Healthy aging and metabolic health • Why preserving muscle matters during weight loss • The future of GLP-1 medications and addiction research Whether you're considering a GLP-1 medication, currently taking one, or simply want to better understand the science behind these treatments, this episode offers a balanced and compassionate perspective. About Dr. Kashif Parvez: Dr. Kashif Parvez is a Toronto-based family physician, scientist, and medical educator with expertise in metabolic health, obesity medicine, and primary care. He currently serves as Associate Lead Physician at the Queens Quay Family Health Organization and has a special interest in helping patients navigate sustainable approaches to weight management and long-term health. Connect with Us: The Art of Ageing Well Podcast Ara Wiseman, Registered Nutritionist Sara Stalker, Therapist & Coach www.theartofageingwell.com info@theartofageingwell.com @artofageingwell

Perimenopause, Hormones & Healthy Aging: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Most women don't realize they're in perimenopause until symptoms begin disrupting their sleep, mood, energy, weight, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this episode of The Art of Ageing Well, nutritionist Ara Wiseman and wellness coach Sara Stalker explore the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause—and why so many women are told their symptoms are "normal" when they don't feel like themselves. Together, they discuss the early warning signs of hormonal change, the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, how stress affects hormone balance, and why supporting your body through this transition can dramatically impact how you age. Whether you're experiencing hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disturbances, weight changes, brain fog, low libido, or simply feel "off," this conversation will help you better understand what's happening and what you can do about it. Topics discussed: • Early signs of perimenopause • Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone explained • Why stress can worsen hormone symptoms • Sleep, mood, anxiety, and brain fog • Weight gain and metabolic changes • Hormones and healthy aging • HRT and bioidentical hormones • The emotional and psychological side of menopause • Reframing menopause as a powerful life transition Hosted by nutritionist Ara Wiseman, with over 25 years of clinical experience, and wellness coach Sara Stalker, with over 20 years of experience supporting personal growth and emotional wellbeing. The Art of Ageing Well brings together honest conversations about healthy aging, hormones, longevity, metabolism, mindset, nutrition, and modern wellness. Highlights: • Most women experience symptoms years before menopause. • Stress can significantly influence hormone symptoms. • Hormones affect much more than reproduction—they influence mood, sleep, metabolism, bone health, skin, and brain function. • Menopause is not the end of vitality; it can be the beginning of a new chapter. • Nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset all play important roles in supporting hormone health. www.theartofageingwell.com info@theartofageingwell.com @artofageingwell

Food Noise, GLP-1s & the Emotional Side of Weight Loss

In Episode 2 of The Art of Ageing Well, Ara Wiseman and Sara Stalker dive deeper into the emotional and psychological side of GLP-1 medications, food addiction, body image, and the changing relationship many people experience with food. This honest and vulnerable conversation explores “food noise,” emotional eating, dopamine, sugar addiction, body dysmorphia, chronic dieting, childhood conditioning around food, and the shame many people carry around weight and eating habits. Sara also shares her personal experience with GLP-1 use and the relief she experienced from lifelong food noise and compulsive thoughts around food. Together, Ara and Sara discuss: • Food addiction and emotional eating • The psychological impact of GLP-1 medications • Dopamine, reward pathways, and addictive behaviors • Why weight loss is not just physical • Blood sugar balance and sugar cravings • Fiber, gut health, mood, and neurotransmitters • Body image, shame, and perfectionism • Relationships and identity shifts during weight loss • Chronic stress, emotional coping, and self-soothing behaviors • Nourishment, healthy aging, and metabolic health Hosted by nutritionist Ara Wiseman, with over 25 years of clinical experience, and wellness coach Sara Stalker, with over 20 years of experience supporting personal growth and emotional wellbeing, The Art of Ageing Well explores healthy aging, hormones, metabolism, GLP-1s, brain health, caregiving, emotional resilience, and modern wellness through compassionate and intelligent conversations. This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled with food noise, emotional eating, body image, or the emotional complexity of trying to feel healthier in today’s world. www.theartofageingwell.com info@theartofageingwell.com @artofageingwell

GLP-1s & Aging Well: How to Lose Weight Without Losing Yourself

In the first episode of The Art of Ageing Well, Sara and Ara have an honest conversation about GLP-1 medications, healthy aging, metabolism, and why rapid weight loss is not the same as true health. Together, they explore how to use GLP-1s more intelligently while protecting muscle, metabolism, nourishment, and emotional wellbeing. This episode goes beyond diet culture and discusses the importance of sustainable body fat loss, proper nutrition, mental health support, strength training, and maintaining vitality while navigating midlife and metabolic changes. www.theartofageingwell.com info@theartofageingwell.com @artofageingwell