The New Science on Aging Well: Reimagining the Tropes of Elderhood
Dear Rosies,
A couple of weeks ago, I presented some of the data from the upcoming book at AASECT, in a session titled "Reimagining Menopause and Beyond: A Journey of Clarity and Empowerment." Today I would like to share with you the section about changing what we expect from aging physically, and the proven ways to optimize the biostack. I'm going to give this talk live again this coming week- watch for the stream link.
There are a lot of tropes for women (and older women in particular) that are floating around in the culture- from "the bitter widow" to "the busybody" to the "eccentric cool old lady" to the "wise but fading matriarch". These cultural constructs of elderhood shape how we think, but they aren't really true and they aren't really richly written. Yet, individuals internalize these negative stereotypes, accepting diminished roles and expectations. I am encouraging a new frame of elderhood (even if you're 30 or 40 now) as a time of vitality, generativity, growth and joy.
Even healthcare providers may inadvertently accept the narrative of decline, because they simply expect people to age poorly. This then reinforces these stereotypes by neglecting crucial aspects of well-being.
Overturning the American narrative of what it means to be an older person means we have to change the story inside ourselves. We move from an expectation of decline to one of lifelong joy and optimization. Let's not be complicit in our own self-abnegation by accepting negative stereotypes about aging.
Luckily, the community of people interested in self-health and really living well for all of our days has news for all of us: the new stack for optimal aging is upon us.
Here are some quick pointers:
Exercise, yes, but not just any exercise. Free.
Specifically you want to do these three things: 1) Maintain grip strength and leg strength 2) Move all of your joints in the full range of motion everyday and 3) Shake or have some kind of impact that shakes the body a bit, to get blood circulating to stagnant areas.
Mimic wild human behavior at home. Free.
Some proven techniques: Walking barefoot on the ground, being outside in nature. Making contact with earth by touching the soil or hugging trees; deep breathing or breathwork, and contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold water or air to aid vascular pumping and immune system).
Supplements. $150-$500 per month.
We are big believers in light touch Hormone Therapy, especially since the 30 year study of HRT published last month in JAMA. We are also big fans of Peptides, what we think of as a revolution in human health and aging.
Some of the best peptides for aging women include:
- Bremelanotide: Used for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
- GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): Known for its skin rejuvenation properties and ability to promote wound healing.
- Epitalon: Promotes longevity by supporting the health of the pineal gland and regulating the circadian rhythm.
- Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): Enhances tissue repair and recovery.
- CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: These growth hormone-releasing peptides work synergistically to promote muscle growth, fat loss, and improved recovery.
- BPC-157: Known for its healing properties, particularly in the gut and connective tissues.
- MOTS-C
Please note the FDA is in a tizzy about peptides- please consult an integrative medicine specialist for the most up to date information on what's allowed and what's not allowed. There are other supplements that work, too: especially some cognitive enhancers (nootropics) and NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to support cellular health. Caapi vine also helps with neurogenesis and brain health.
Diet. Free.
We all know "you are what you eat". The best advice right now isn't about "meat or no meat", "gluten or no gluten"- it is to seek out an anti-Inflammatory and low toxin diet. The other suggestion is to drink the cleanest water possible- ideally with no added flouride in it. Spring water, ideally. If you can swing it without losing your joy, drop smoking, excess drinking, white sugar, hydrogenated oils and enriched flour. Enriched flour means the wheat was sprayed with folic acid which a large chunk of the population can’t properly digest.
In a time of a strained medical system, we can all take more personal responsibility for our lifelong health and happiness, especially in areas where our doctors may not be fully proactive. The new narrative of aging focuses on the body's potential for optimization, and affirms a more empowering and positive view of elderhood.
Next week I'll share about another happiness key for act 3: The Inner Atmosphere of the Happiest Elders, which we can begin cultivating now.
All love,
Christine
XO
Christine Marie Mason
Founder, Rosebud Woman
“We move from an expectation of decline to one of lifelong joy and optimization.”
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Frequently asked
What is the "new stack" for optimal aging that Christine describes?
It includes intentional exercise for grip and leg strength, full range of motion and light impact work, time spent mimicking natural human behavior outdoors, and targeted supplements like light touch hormone therapy and peptides.
Why does hormone therapy get mentioned as part of healthy aging?
Christine points to the 30 year follow up study on the Women's Health Initiative, published in JAMA, as new support for light touch hormone therapy as a tool for aging well.
What cultural stereotypes about older women does the post push back against?
It names tropes like the bitter widow, the busybody and the wise but fading matriarch, arguing these are cultural constructs of decline rather than biological inevitabilities.
What dietary advice does the post give for healthy aging?
It recommends an anti inflammatory, low toxin diet, the cleanest water available, and cutting back on smoking, excess drinking, white sugar, hydrogenated oils and enriched flour.
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Christine Mason
Founder & Author, Rosebud Woman
Christine Marie Mason is the founder and CEO of Rosebud Woman, a leading brand in women’s intimate wellness and self-care. She is the author of six books on embodiment, intimacy, and awakening, and the host of The Rose Woman podcast—ranked in the top 5% worldwide. A longtime yoga and consciousness teacher, Christine writes and speaks on women’s health, sexuality, and midlife vitality, helping people cultivate love, reverence, and radiant wellbeing in every stage of life.