Podcast Summary: Post Reports – "How to get stronger as you age"

Date: October 25, 2025
Host: Maggie Penman
Guests: Florine Shuber, Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson, Mabel (University of Toronto)

Overview

This episode of Post Reports, hosted by Maggie Penman, dives into new research challenging the inevitability of decline in aging, showing that many people can become stronger, healthier, and happier as they grow older. Through the experiences of 91-year-old Florine Shuber and insights from researchers Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson and her colleague Mabel, the show explores practical strategies for reclaiming wellness after 60 and emphasizes the powerful influence of psychological and social well-being.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Florine Shuber’s Story: Reclaiming Strength in Her 80s

[00:02–01:13, 08:50–11:55]

• Falling and Realization:

  • Florine began experiencing falls in her early 80s, a frightening experience that motivated her to change.
    • "Old people don't realize when they fall...they don't know they're falling until you're about this far from the ground. And I found it pretty frightening." – Florine Shuber (00:09)
  • She started working with a personal trainer and focused on strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Transformation and Perspective:

  • Now 91, Florine claims she feels younger and more engaged than she did ten years ago.
    • "You can improve. And I see it in myself for sure. I'm much, much stronger than I was 10 years ago. So I know that's possible." – Florine Shuber (00:57)
  • Moved into a vibrant retirement community, Christie Gardens, and learned new tech skills to connect with family.

• Advice and Outlook:

  • Stresses the importance of physical activity and socialization.
    • "You have to get physical. You just have to. You have no choice and of course, to socialize." – Florine Shuber (10:43)
  • Recognizes the challenge of losing friends with age, but encourages making new connections despite difficulties.
    • "The older you are, the less friends you have. So you have to push yourself to make new friends. And that's not easy for a lot of people, although I would encourage it for sure." – Florine Shuber (11:04)
  • Discusses perseverance:
    • "It takes a lot of work, hard work. You have to be consistent with it, and you can't just give it up...the one thing about me is I do finish when I start." – Florine Shuber (11:31)

2. The Science: Aging Doesn’t Equal Decline

[01:13–06:42]

• Public Perception vs. Data:

  • Hosts highlight that the widespread belief in steady decline with age is not always accurate.
    • "Many of us might think aging is a straight line. We get older, we get weaker, we need more help. But that's actually not always the case." – Maggie Penman (01:13)

• New Research Findings:

  • Researchers Mabel and Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson from the University of Toronto discuss a longitudinal study that examined thousands of Canadians aged 45–85.
  • Key finding: About 25% of participants improved in their physical, psychological, or social wellness over three years, a phenomenon the researchers call "reclaiming wellness."
    • "About 25% of them actually improved over time...we notice that people improve in terms of their physical wellness, psychological and emotional wellness, their social wellness, and self rated wellness." – Mabel (03:53)

• What Predicts Positive Change?

  • The most important predictor for improvement is psychological and emotional wellness at baseline—much more so than physical factors.
    • "People who were doing well psychologically and emotionally were five times more likely to improve their health in other ways." – Maggie Penman (05:16)
    • "If you weren't depressed at baseline, you were much more likely to be able to improve in the other domains." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (05:34)

• Actions That Help:

  • The same health advice everyone hears—quit smoking, eat well, sleep well, stay active, and nurture social connections—holds true.
    • "These are all things we know. It's just nice to put a little scientific rubber stamp on it...if you're not well, you can get better because you have control over some of these items." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (04:50)
  • Strong social connections matter, but depth is more important than breadth.
    • "If you have one or two dear friends that are all you need in life, but they are wonderful, that's really important." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (06:24)

3. Practical Lessons and Optimism

[Throughout]

• Florine as Inspiration:

  • Host Maggie Penman reflects on Florine's example of determination, lifelong learning, and reinvention.
    • "The thing I was so impressed by is how Florine just doesn't give up. And when I think about what we can learn from her and from this new research about aging is that change is possible, but we still have to make it happen for ourselves." – Maggie Penman (11:55)

• Changing the Narrative:

  • Both research and personal testimony emphasize that getting stronger and healthier is possible at any age, contradicting fatalistic ideas about aging.
    • "The idea is you can maintain right to the end." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (04:50)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On surprise and improvement:
  • "I'm surprised at how much interest I have in the world and in courses, and it's exciting." – Florine Shuber (00:57)
• On the science of improvement:
  • "Yes, if you're not well, you can get better because you have control over some of these items." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (04:50)
• On redefining aging:
  • "I guess I don't want the message that you have to be a raging extrovert to age well...if you have one or two dear friends that are all you need...that's really important." – Dr. Esme Fuller Thompson (06:24)
• Florine’s philosophy:
  • "You have to work hard at it, but you have to work hard at everything. You know that." – Florine Shuber (11:31)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Florine’s first experience with falls & her decision to get stronger – 00:02–00:44
• New research on aging; factors linked to improvement – 02:41–05:53
• Importance of emotional health and social connection – 05:16–06:42
• Florine’s life story and personal strategies – 08:50–11:55
• Key advice for aging well – 10:43–11:31

Episode Takeaways

• A significant portion of older adults can improve their health and vitality, defying the common assumption of inevitable decline.
• Emotional and psychological wellness is a key driver in regaining or enhancing overall health as we age.
• Consistent physical activity, openness to new social connections, and a willingness to adapt are critical practices.
• You don’t need to be an extrovert; meaningful relationships and a positive mindset are what matter most.

Tone: The episode is optimistic, encouraging, and acknowledges the challenges of aging while focusing on resilience and the power of personal agency.

For more inspiring stories, check out The Optimist section at The Washington Post and consider subscribing to the Post Reports podcast for continued coverage of positive news and expert insights.