Women Positively Ageing

Written by: Barbara Bray
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to 'Women Positively Ageing', the podcast that brings you the best of current research and advice on how to live well for longer. I’m your host Barbara Bray and in each episode I’ll be joined by an expert in ageing and health research talking about the health challenges they have found and how they can be prevented or reduced. The thought of ageing may fill you with dread but there are tools out there to - help you overcome those fears - learn what challenges to watch out for and - proactively change your lifestyle to age happily and well Join me and my guests as we discuss living well for longer, enjoy the show and do let us know what changes you put in place.
    2022
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
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Episodes
  • Navigating Nutrition in Later Life

    Navigating Nutrition in Later Life
    Jan 28 2025
    This conversation explores the challenges and strategies involved in caring for aging parents, focusing on nutrition, hydration, and the importance of social eating. Expert Mary Merheim and guest Clare Bayley share personal experiences and practical tips for enhancing the nutritional intake of elderly loved ones, addressing issues such as appetite loss, medication effects, and the significance of making mealtime a social event. The discussion also introduces Grandbars ®, a nutritious snack designed for seniors, emphasising the need for caregivers to approach these challenges with empathy and understanding. Introduction “What do you for an ageing parent who is struggling to eat well”? With people living for longer, greater pressure on the health and social care system and the continued cost of living crisis, the responsibility of supporting ageing parents is increasingly falling on adult children. Recent research from Age UK suggests that one of the biggest concerns people have about supporting an older relative is their lack of knowledge around what to do to help their parents as they age. 6.6 million people aged 40-60 (79%) who are considering caring for or supporting an older parent in the future, worry that they wouldn’t know how to support them Age UK’s research also shows that 3.3 million adults aged 40-60 already currently care for or support at least one older parent with tasks including: taking them shopping or doing their shopping for them (72%)helping with household chores (68%)accompanying them to medical appointments (67%)looking after them if they are unwell (63%) Stepping from the territory of ‘doing a bit of shopping’ to helping with cooking and eating is a delicate balance, and in today’s podcast I will be speaking with nutrition advisor, dementia doula and author of the book ‘Navigating Nutrition in Later Life’, Mary Merheim. Mary was a teacher specialising in Autism until she took time off to look after her elderly father. Her mission became to combat his lack of appetite. She took what he DID want to eat and tweaked it to make it more nutritious. This is how Grandbar ® cakes were born in 2021. and we are joined by guest Clare Bayley, age 51 from Evesham, Worcestershire. A mother of 4 sons (3 adults and 1 age 6!) and grandmother to girl age 4. She is a business owner and has an elderly mother with dementia who is staying in her home while they arrange permanent care. She’s recently experienced difficulty in providing the right nutrition to her mum as her tastes, appetite and needs change. She says “this was I subject area I knew very little about but now feel passion for”. NB: this information does not replace personalised advice from a Health Care Professional Notes: The responsibility of supporting aging parents is increasingly falling on adult children.Understanding the parent-child relationship is crucial in caregiving.Hydration is often overlooked but is essential for elderly care.Appetite loss in older adults can stem from various causes, including medication.Social eating can significantly improve nutritional intake for seniors.It's important to avoid being the 'food police' when caring for ageing parents.Taste preferences change with age, impacting food choices.Finding the root cause of appetite loss is key to addressing it effectively.Grandbar ® offers a nutritious option for older adults struggling with appetite.Caregivers should accept that they won't have all the answers and that ageing is a natural process. Constipation – Although not covered in the episode, it’s also a contributor to poor appetite and worth investigating Further Resources: Navigating nutrition in later life – book by Mary Merheim Mary Merheim | Author, Public Speaker, Good Death Lady and founder of Elderly Nutrition UK The Helping Hands guide for feeding elderly people Best Food For Elderly People With No Appetite | Helping Hands I’m loving creating this podcast, but there are costs with it, so if you could tip me the price of a cup of coffee that would be a big help to creating some more of the fantastic content you’ve been enjoying. https://ko-fi.com/barbarabray36248
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    44 mins
  • Bladder Health and Nutrition: Empowering Women in Mid-Life

    Bladder Health and Nutrition: Empowering Women in Mid-Life
    Dec 27 2024
    In this episode we're diving into a topic that's crucial for many, especially as we navigate mid-life: bladder health. We'll be exploring the top five challenges women often face with their bladder health during this stage of life and offering practical advice on how nutrition can play a pivotal role in managing these issues. From urinary incontinence to overactive bladder, pelvic floor weakness, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors we'll cover the key concerns that can impact your daily life. But don't worry, we're not just here to talk about the problems. We'll also provide you with actionable tips on how to support your bladder health through mindful nutrition choices. Guests My guests are Registered Public Health nutritionist Lynn Burns, author of Eating Well for Menopause and Catriona Bannon, Medical Device Business Consultant, middle aged, menopausal and living the life! ( Menopause is not all negative!). Lynn suffered 12 years of bladder issues as a result of an underactive thyroid and Catriona experienced latch-key incontinence during her menopause and used her professional experience in the urology sector to find a solution. Both Lynn Catriona Bannon share personal experiences and practical advice on managing these challenges through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. Summary We emphasise the importance of seeking medical help and understanding the underlying causes of bladder issues throughout the conversation. Lynn delves into the intricate connections between bladder health, neurotransmitters, hydration, lifestyle factors, and dietary considerations, particularly in the context of menopause. The speakers discuss how stress and hormonal changes can impact bladder function, the importance of proper hydration, and how lifestyle choices can exacerbate bladder issues. They emphasise the need for symptom tracking and personalised approaches to managing bladder health, highlighting that solutions are available and that individuals should not suffer in silence. NB: this information does not replace personalised advice from a Health Care Professional Keywords bladder health, women's health, menopause, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, nutrition, hydration, hormonal changes, bladder issues, health challenges, bladder health, menopause, hydration, lifestyle factors, dietary considerations, neurotransmitters, sleep, bladder issues, women's health, symptom tracking Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bladder Health in Midlife 02:05 Common Bladder Health Challenges for Women 10:13 Personal Experiences with Bladder Issues 14:05 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Bladder Health 20:06 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Bladder Health 27:09 Solutions and Management Strategies for Bladder Health Notes: Lynn Burns RNutr Lynn Burns has been a Registered Nutritionist for more than 20 years and is co-author of Eating Well for Menopause. Her experience of living with Interstitial Cystitis followed by learning how many women experience some of the same issues around the time of menopause and beyond listening to a talk by a woman’s physiotherapists led to a chapter on bladder health in the book. Lynn began her career with the UK Government, which gave her a solid grounding in public health nutrition and sparked her interest in adapting nutrition messages to different groups for the most impact on health. Writing, developing on-line nutrition courses and running workshops on a range of nutrition topics is her passion and when not doing that she loves working with young people in the outdoors as a Scout Leader. Follow Lynn on Instagram @lynnburnsnutrition, or lynnburnsnutrition.com Let’s Talk Food Newsletters: Health Professionals Let’s Talk Food (general) Links & Resources https://letstalkfood.thinkific.com/pages/free-bladder-health-download https://letstalkfood.thinkific.com/pages/free-lesson-offer https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-to-avoid-with-interstitial-cystitis#certain-beverages Eating Well for Menopause Eat More Plants Journal For giggles Judi Dench Made Lesley Manville Laugh So Hard She Wet Herself | The Graham Norton Show https://youtu.be/-9Bc_lzxVeI?si=bMTzu7ami6th40q2 Elaine Millar, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and comedian https://youtu.be/J9ZNINhdhN0?si=YjIlOsGl-lL2KNbK Tip I’m loving creating this podcast, but there are costs with it, so if you could tip me the price of a cup of coffee that would be a big help to creating some more of the fantastic content you’ve been enjoying. https://ko-fi.com/barbarabray36248
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    35 mins
  • How to retire well

    How to retire well
    Dec 27 2024
    Today, we're delving into a topic that many of us will face at some point: retirement. This significant life transition brings about a host of changes, and one area that often gets overlooked is how it affects our eating habits. Guests My guests today are dietitian Avril Aslett-Bentley and Olive Strachan MBE. Avril Aslett-Bentley is a very experienced Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian, whose career covers diverse aspects of Nutrition & Dietetics, across the UK & beyond and has semi-retired from her previous full-time academic role. Olive is a Dominican born, business woman and author who lived in the UK and internationally for 53 years before returning to Dominica to settle in 2020. She shares her story of the changes she made and starting over in her 60s. Summary In this episode, we explore the main challenges people encounter when they retire, such as the loss of routine, social changes, financial adjustments, health considerations, and increased leisure time. These changes can lead to shifts in our dietary habits, both positive and negative. But we're not just here to discuss the challenges. We provide practical solutions and advice on how to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during retirement. From establishing a new routine to staying socially active, budgeting wisely, focusing on health, and staying physically active, we've got you covered. The conversation explores the significant changes that occur during retirement, particularly focusing on dietary habits and lifestyle adjustments. Guests Olive Strachan and Avril Aslett-Bentley share their personal experiences, discussing the impact of relocation, social changes, and the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine as one ages. The discussion also highlights the need for awareness regarding vitamin D and other nutritional requirements for older adults. The conversation explores the essential aspects of ageing, focusing on nutrition, hydration, retirement preparation, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. The speakers discuss the nutritional needs of the elderly, particularly regarding calcium and vitamin D, and the challenges of staying hydrated. They emphasize the significance of preparing for retirement not just financially but also in terms of health and mindset. Lifelong learning and keeping the brain active are highlighted as vital components of a fulfilling retirement, along with the importance of laughter and positivity in enhancing quality of life. So, whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, or supporting someone who is, stay tuned for an informative and empowering episode. NB: this information does not replace personalised advice from a Health Care Professional Bullet points of key topics Navigating Retirement: Dietary Changes and Lifestyle AdjustmentsThe Impact of Relocation on Eating Habits in RetirementSocial Changes and Their Effect on Dietary ChoicesExercise and Nutrition: A Guide for Older AdultsVitamin D: Essential Nutritional Needs in Retirement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Positive Aging 00:48 Navigating Retirement: Dietary Changes 06:49 Social Changes and Loneliness in Retirement 12:51 Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle During Retirement 18:53 Nutritional Needs for Older Adults 25:01 Preparing for Retirement: Mindset and Goals 31:11 The Importance of Health Checks 37:05 Embracing New Challenges and Learning 42:45 Conclusion: Making the Most of Retirement Further Resources: Olive Strachan Prime Embracing Change – Olive Strachan MBE’s “Prime” Chronicles a Journey of Resilience and Self-Discovery - Olive Strachan Consultancy British Heart Foundation – 20 tips for a happy retirement 20 tips for a happy retirement - Heart Matters | BHF - BHF MHA Live later life well Eating well in later life | Later Life Hub | MHA Healthy Eating https://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/education-resources/the-interactive-eatwell-guide https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/eating-drinking-ageing-well.html Tip I’m loving creating this podcast, but there are costs with it, so if you could tip me the price of a cup of coffee that would be a big help to creating some more of the fantastic content you’ve been enjoying. https://ko-fi.com/barbarabray36248
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    48 mins

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