Podcast Summary: How to Age Up
Episode: How to Wish You Were 66 Instead of 35
Host: Yasmin Tayag and Natalie Brennan, The Atlantic
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Introduction
In the How to Age Up episode titled "How to Wish You Were 66 Instead of 35," hosts Yasmin Tayag and Natalie Brennan delve into the evolving science of aging and question whether our cultural narratives are keeping pace. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and thoughtful discussions, the episode challenges conventional views on aging, particularly focusing on women's experiences with menopause and societal expectations.
Personal Reflections on Aging
Navigating Perceptions of Age
Natalie Brennan opens the conversation by reflecting on societal notions of the "perfect age" for women:
Natalie Brennan [00:59]: "I'm thinking about it because I just turned 29 and a great age, a perfect age... 34. It's gonna work out for me by 34, which I know then I'm gonna turn 34 and laugh at that and be like, what I thought was 34 is actually 42."
Yasmin Tayag shares a similar sentiment, expressing the disconnect between expectations and reality:
Yasmin Tayag [01:54]: "Well, I'm 37. And it's funny. When I was a kid, I thought 37, you know, like my parents, I would have it all together."
The hosts emphasize that aging is a continuous process, often misunderstood and influenced by cultural hype, especially around milestone birthdays like 30.
Shifting Cultural Narratives on Aging
From Infantilization to Empowerment
Natalie highlights the negative portrayal of aging women on the internet and in media:
Natalie Brennan [02:52]: "There’s this big cultural hype around turning 30... the Internet is not usually a space that promotes positive ideas of aging for young women."
Contrarily, Yasmin observes a positive shift in how aging is perceived, citing celebrities who embrace their age gracefully:
Yasmin Tayag [03:39]: "We’re seeing celebrities who rose to fame in their 20s become even more sexy and powerful as they turn 30 or 40 or 50. Like Chloe Sevigny, Alexa Chung, even Beyoncé. They’re just owning their age..."
Both hosts acknowledge that increased self-confidence and self-acceptance often come with age, leading to greater personal and professional fulfillment.
Menopause and Healthy Aging
Introducing Dr. Karen Adams
The conversation takes a scientific turn with the introduction of Dr. Karen Adams, an OB-GYN and director of the Stanford Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging. Dr. Adams provides valuable insights into menopause and its broader implications on women's health and well-being.
Misconceptions and Medical Gaps
Dr. Adams explains the historical lack of focus on menopause in medical training:
Dr. Karen Adams [05:39]: "...before I went to Stanford, I was in charge of training all of the OB GYN residents at Oregon Health and Science University... they actually weren't learning how to take care of women over 40."
She highlights the significant gap in medical education regarding menopause, leading to widespread misconceptions and inadequate patient care.
The Women's Health Initiative Study
A pivotal topic is the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study and its impact on hormone therapy awareness:
Dr. Karen Adams [28:19]: "The Women’s Health Initiative was the biggest trial in women's health at that time... we found that the people over 70 were the ones who had heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, etc., while those between 50 and 60 actually had benefits."
Dr. Adams emphasizes that hormone therapy is highly beneficial for women under 60 without contraindications, countering the fear-mongering effects of the WHI study.
Embracing Menopausal Zest
Beyond the Negatives
The concept of "menopausal zest" is introduced as a positive outlook on post-menopausal life:
Dr. Karen Adams [13:24]: "It’s a time in a woman’s life when there’s some just stepping into your power... my friends rate they are happier at their work, in their relationships, with their partners, in their overall well-being..."
Benefits of Menopause
Dr. Adams outlines the numerous benefits that come with the cessation of menstruation:
- End of Menstrual Symptoms: No more PMS, pelvic pain, or menstrual migraines.
- Enhanced Sexual Freedom: Less concern about contraception leads to improved sex lives.
Dr. Karen Adams [14:17]: "Sex is supposed to be adult play. It’s supposed to be fun... It’s a great way to manage pain."
Holistic Health and Lifestyle Choices
Emphasizing the role of lifestyle in healthy aging, Dr. Adams advocates for:
- Physical Activity: Building strength rather than focusing solely on appearance.
- Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Managing menopausal symptoms and overall mental well-being.
Cultural Pressures and Beauty Standards
The Anti-Aging Industry
Natalie and Yasmin critique the pervasive anti-aging trends that prioritize perpetual youth over healthy aging:
Yasmin Tayag [16:58]: "The messaging right now is how can you freeze your body in place... What benefits are we missing out on? Are there benefits to looking older?"
They discuss the rise of "baby Botox" and its implications:
Yasmin Tayag [17:20]: "Baby Botox is the idea that you start getting small doses early to freeze yourself in place... The number of 20-somethings who got Botox jumped 71% from 2019 to 2022."
Double Standards in Aging
The hosts explore how societal expectations differ for men and women, highlighting the lack of a cultural counterpart to menopause for men:
Yasmin Tayag [32:35]: "Men go through changes, too... but it’s not the same as women’s menopause."
They argue that internalized messages about aging affect all genders and advocate for a broader cultural shift.
Practical Advice for Managing Menopause
Developing a Roadmap
Dr. Adams provides actionable strategies for women to manage menopausal symptoms effectively:
Dr. Karen Adams [26:26]: "I can take people’s hot flushes and night sweats away in about three weeks with some estrogen..."
She stresses the importance of:
- Hormone Therapy: Safe and effective when appropriately administered.
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Beneficial for sleep disturbances and mood issues.
- Accessing Certified Experts: Encouraging women to seek out certified menopause specialists via the Menopause Society.
Balancing Hormones and Lifestyle
Dr. Adams cautions against viewing hormone therapy as a cure-all and underscores the importance of a balanced approach to health:
Dr. Karen Adams [30:32]: "What decreases the risk of dementia is... don’t smoke, minimize alcohol intake, exercise, eat mostly plants, manage chronic health conditions..."
Conclusion
The episode culminates with a poignant reflection on embracing aging as a positive and empowering journey. Yasmin and Natalie share their transformed perspectives, inspired by Dr. Adams' insights. A moving poem underscores the beauty and grace that come with age, encouraging listeners to look forward to the future with optimism.
Natalie Brennan [37:08]: "Happy old age is coming on bare feet, bringing with it grace and gentle words and ways which grim youth have never known."
The hosts leave listeners with a sense of hope and encouragement to redefine aging beyond societal pressures and embrace the opportunities that each new decade brings.
Key Takeaways
- Cultural Shift Needed: There's a pressing need to reshape societal narratives around aging, particularly for women.
- Menopause as Empowerment: Menopause can be a period of increased well-being and personal power, termed "menopausal zest."
- Medical Education Gaps: Enhanced training for healthcare providers on menopause can significantly improve women's health outcomes.
- Balanced Approach to Aging: Combining hormone therapy with healthy lifestyle choices fosters better aging experiences.
- Challenging Beauty Standards: Moving away from anti-aging trends toward embracing natural aging processes benefits overall well-being.
Notable Quotes:
- Natalie Brennan [00:59]: "I always remember thinking that everything would magically be figured out at [a certain age]."
- Yasmin Tayag [03:39]: "They’re just owning their age, and they’re modeling that getting older can still be sexy and powerful."
- Dr. Karen Adams [13:24]: "Menopause is a time of stepping into your power."
- Dr. Karen Adams [26:26]: "Hormone therapy is the most beneficial treatment for menopausal symptoms for eligible women."
- Natalie Brennan [37:08]: "Happy old age is coming on bare feet, bringing with it grace and gentle words and ways which grim youth have never known."
This episode of How to Age Up serves as an enlightening exploration of aging, particularly addressing the female experience with menopause. By blending personal narratives with expert advice, Yasmin Tayag and Natalie Brennan provide a comprehensive and empowering perspective on aging that challenges existing cultural narratives and encourages listeners to embrace the natural progression of life.