92: Becoming Happier While Growing Older: With Dr. Kerry Burnight

Today we share the mic with the remarkable Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist, speaker, and author of the brand-new book Joyspan. Dr. Burnight challenges the cultural narrative that aging equals decline and shows us how to reframe our mindset to embrace the gifts that come with getting older. As the daughter of 96-year-old social media sensation Betty, Kerry has learned firsthand what it means to age with joy.  Kerry dives deep into how living your best life isn't just about fitness and nutrition — it's also about cultivating a healthy, resilient mind. She shares the simple yet powerful mental shifts we can make to create a fuller, richer life. From embracing our authenticity to letting go of the pressure to stay young, Kerry reminds us that we've already been young — now it's time to thrive in a new chapter that brings its own unique rewards. Kerry also shines a light on the billion-dollar industries built on the fear of aging, and she urges us to question the belief that youth equals beauty. Instead, she celebrates the qualities that actually improve with age, such as emotional regulation, humility, wisdom, and deeper connection.  We also explore Kerry's new book Joyspan, a revolutionary look at the years between midlife and old age that focuses not just on lifespan or healthspan, but on joyspan — the amount of life we live with genuine joy. Imagine the possibility of more years filled with laughter, purpose, growth, and meaningful connection. Kerry helps us understand that even those dealt the toughest hands can cultivate joy through mindset, attitude, and intentional action. This episode is packed with heart, insight, and practical wisdom for women at every stage of life. You'll leave feeling uplifted and empowered to age not just gracefully — but joyfully. Be sure to grab a copy of Joyspan for yourself and the women you love, and don't forget to leave Kerry a review on Goodreads to support her mission of joyful aging. _________________________________________   Dr.  Burnight taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She was a speaker to the U.S. White House at the Elder Justice Summit and at the U.S. Department of Justice. She has appeared on such T.V. programs as CBS News, NBC News, The Doctors, and Money Matters.   Pre-order Dr. Kerry's book Joyspan here: https://joyspan.info/pre-order *Subscribe, Share, & Rate our Show. And follow us on social media:**   📷 Instagram: @GirlsTalkHealthyAging   Facebook Group: Girls Talk Healthy Aging: https://www.facebook.com/groups/330434366004030 🌐 Website: GirlsTalkHealthyAging.com   📧 Email: [email protected] Follow & Message Shawna on Instagram: @shawnakaminski Grab Shawna's book 'Lose Your Menopause Belly' and other freebies here: https://shawnakworkouts.com   Follow & Message Alli on Facebook & Instagram: Alli Kerr and @allikerrfitness (respectively).  Train with Alli at The Pink Physique in person in Macon, Georgia or Online here: https://www.thepinkphysique.com