The Real Muscle Loss After 50 Isn’t What You See in the Mirror

How The Words You Use About Aging Change Your Body

In this episode, I get into something that shapes how we age more than most people realize: the stories we tell ourselves about getting older. Hearing dismissive comments, age stereotypes, and “it’s all downhill from here” narratives online made me wonder — what if those beliefs are actually affecting our health, energy, and longevity? I unpack fascinating research on the mind-body connection, including studies showing how negative beliefs about aging can influence memory, walking speed, cardiovascular health, and even lifespan. You'll hear about the subtle ways culture, social media, and casual self-deprecating language reinforce these beliefs — and what we can do instead to protect both our mindset and our physical well-being. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m too old for that,” this episode may completely change the way you think about aging. ***** Check out the original Medium post HERE [https://medium.com/crows-feet/every-senior-moment-joke-is-a-mild-health-risk-df1f42d2d8e0] - and be sure to follow me!

3 Supplements To Avoid After 50 (you're probably taking at least one of them)

In this episode, I get into something that’s become incredibly common in the wellness world over 50: taking more and more supplements in the name of “healthy aging.” Thing is, the science behind them isn’t always as reassuring as the marketing makes it seem. I share my personal experience rethinking three supplements I stopped taking after uncovering research tied to heart risks and unintended side effects. I also talk about how health information can be shaped by bias, why dosage matters more than most people realize, and how even “natural” products can act like powerful drugs in the body. This episode may give you pause before you add another supplement to your personal longevity plan. ***** For the written version, check out this story on Medium here. [https://medium.com/crows-feet/im-a-health-writer-over-50-here-are-three-supplements-i-no-longer-take-27f30b3cb2ef] Not yet a Medium member? Use this link [https://medium.com/crows-feet/the-real-muscle-loss-after-50-isnt-what-you-see-in-the-mirror-4c3bf275c61c?sk=fda550804500620a1cb9f5dae1ce3bba] (and please consider joining - I provide 3x/weekly fitness advice for people 50+)

The Real Muscle Loss After 50 Isn’t What You See in the Mirror

In this episode, I get into why muscle power—the ability to move weight with speed—is the most critical yet often overlooked factor in aging. While many focus solely on strength, muscle power actually declines at nearly double the rate as we age. This directly impacts our reaction time and functional independence. I geek out a bit on the science behind fast-twitch muscle fibers, why they're the first to go, and their role in preventing falls. The good news? It's easy to add power to your current workout without creating a new routine. Hint: It's a matter of changing tempo. ***** For the written version and to view the exercises, check out this story on Medium here. [https://medium.com/crows-feet/the-real-muscle-loss-after-50-isnt-what-you-see-in-the-mirror-4c3bf275c61c] Not yet a Medium member? Use this link [https://medium.com/crows-feet/the-real-muscle-loss-after-50-isnt-what-you-see-in-the-mirror-4c3bf275c61c?sk=fda550804500620a1cb9f5dae1ce3bba] (and please consider joining - I provide 3x/weekly fitness advice for people 50+)

The Biggest Lies About a Slow Metabolism After 50

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest myths I hear all the time—especially from clients over 50: the idea that a “slow metabolism” is the reason behind weight gain. I share why that belief doesn’t actually hold up, what science really says about metabolism and aging, and why blaming it might be holding you back more than helping you. Here's what’s actually going on in midlife—everything from changes in activity levels and muscle mass to hormonal shifts that affect hunger and fat distribution. I also talk about what you can control, and the practical, realistic strategies that truly make a difference if you want to stay strong, healthy, and lean as you age. ***** For the narrative version of this podcast, be sure to follow me on Medium HERE [https://medium.com/@linda_86854] - and read this Medium post here [https://medium.com/crows-feet/the-biggest-lies-about-a-slow-metabolism-after-50-04a60097e350].

What No One Tells You About Finding Purpose After Retirement

In this episode, I talk about a moment that stopped me in my tracks—being shown my “predicted lifespan” during a financial planning session—and how that sparked a deeper reflection on retirement, identity, and what comes next. After decades of chasing goals, pushing limits, and constantly striving for more, I found myself wondering: who am I if I’m no longer working toward something big? I also get into the surprising pressure retirees face to find a new “grand purpose.” I challenge the idea that we must reinvent ourselves to live a meaningful life. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a purpose to feel complete, this conversation might shift your perspective. ***** For the narrative version of this podcast, be sure to follow me on Medium HERE [https://medium.com/@linda_86854] - and read this Medium post here [https://medium.com/crows-feet/what-no-one-tells-you-about-finding-purpose-after-retirement-c559e4baec55].