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
Related Articles
