The Gift of Age Podcast

I sat with Professor Fiona Stanley in her Fremantle home a few months ago to record this conversation.What struck me was not only what she said, but how she lives.At nearly 80, she is deeply engaged, physically active, intellectually sharp, and entirely uninterested in the idea that ageing is a process of decline.But this conversation is not only about ageing.It is about a life of purpose, a life that has shaped public health, transformed how we think about children’s wellbeing, and brought attention to the social and cultural forces that determine health across generations.Her work on folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, helping prevent neural tube defects, has changed the lives of millions.It is also a conversation about curiosity, courage, and contribution and what it means to remain fully engaged with the world across the decades.Earlier this week, I shared a few reflections from our conversation. This is the full discussion, richer, wider, and grounded in a life lived with intention.In this conversation, we explore:* The experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to children’s health and social justice* The role of early life and environment in shaping health across the lifespan* Her work with Aboriginal communities and her perspective on equity, culture, and care* What it means to lead, contribute, and remain engaged over decades* And, towards the end, her refreshingly clear view on ageingThere is an ease to this conversation, the kind that comes when someone has nothing to prove and everything to share.And perhaps that is what stands out most. Not only what has been achieved, but how she continues to live.With curiosity. With clarity. With strength and purpose.If you’re thinking about how to approach ageing, not as decline but as possibility, I think you’ll be inspired by this conversation.You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

There is something about water that calls many of us back as we age.In this episode of The Gift of Age Podcast, I speak with champion open water swimmer and coach Ceinwen Roberts about why swimming, whether in the ocean or a pool, can become one of the most powerful practices for strength, calm and vitality in midlife and beyond.“You never regret a swim.”— Ceinwen RobertsShow NotesSwimming is one of the rare forms of movement that strengthens the body, while also calming the mind. As we age, many people rediscover the water not only for fitness, but for the sense of rhythm, resilience and freedom it brings.In this episode of The Gift of Age, I speak with long distance swimming champion and coach Ceinwen Roberts about the beauty and benefits of swimming across the lifespan. Our conversation explores how time in the water can support strength, endurance, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.Watch the full conversation with CeinwenCeinwen shares insights from decades spent both competing and coaching in the water. We talk about the unique physical advantages of swimming, the mental discipline it cultivates, and the powerful sense of connection many swimmers feel with the ocean.Importantly, this conversation is not only for ocean swimmers. Whether you swim in a pool, occasionally dip in the sea, or are simply curious about new ways to support healthy aging, swimming offers a form of movement that is sustainable, restorative and deeply joyful. In this conversation we discuss• Why swimming is such a powerful form of exercise in midlife and beyond• The physical benefits for strength, mobility and endurance• How the rhythm of breathing and movement in water can calm the nervous system• The unique beauty and challenge of ocean swimming• The mental resilience and confidence that swimming can build• Why swimming is not only for elite athletes but for anyone seeking health and vitalityAbout my guestCeinwen Roberts is one of Australia’s leading open water marathon swimmers and a member of the Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. She has completed many of the world’s most iconic endurance swims, including the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming where she holds world records, and is widely respected in the international marathon swimming community.Beyond her own achievements, Ceinwen is a passionate coach and mentor who helps swimmers of all levels pursue their endurance goals. She is also co- founder of the Port to Pub Ultra Marathon Swim, now a major event on the global open water calendar.Ceinwen’s life in the water reflects not only extraordinary endurance, but also a deep commitment to resilience, community and expanding what people believe is possible.This conversation feels especially timely for me, as I will be swimming in a team in the Port to Pub Swim this weekend, my first team crossing from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island. The 19.7 kilometre journey across the Indian Ocean will be shared amongst the six of us. Our fabulous team of swimmers is called Swim4Kids as we are helping raise funds for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF). The event was founded by Ceinwen and has become one of the great open water swims on the international calendar.Why this conversation mattersIn a world that often promotes increasingly complex approaches to health and fitness, swimming remains beautifully simple. It is low impact, accessible across our lifespan, and uniquely capable of supporting both physical vitality and mental calm.Whether in the ocean, a lake or a local pool, time in the water can become one of the most sustaining practices for healthy aging.If you enjoy conversations about longevity strength and living well, consider sharing The Gift of Age with a friend. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

What actually happens to women as we move through our 50s and 60s?And where does hormone therapy sit in the broader picture of aging well?In this opening episode of The Gift of Age Podcast, I’m joined by integrative medical practitioner Dr Lucy Caratti to explore the real science behind midlife and beyond. With more than 15 years of clinical experience and deep expertise in menopause, metabolic health and hormonal balance, Dr Lucy brings clarity and nuance to a space often crowded by confusion.Together we discuss hormones, strength, metabolic health and the practical strategies that help women preserve vitality, cognition and resilience as they move through midlife and beyond.* In this episode we explore:* Hormone therapy in women over 60* Muscle as metabolic and neuro-protection* The role of oestrogen in cognitive health * Mental health and identity in later life* Practical, evidence-based strategies to stay strong and wellAbout Dr Lucy CarattiDr Lucy Caratti is an integrative medical practitioner with more than 15 years of clinical experience and a particular focus on women’s health. Her work centres on menopause, metabolic health, gut function and hormonal balance.She combines conventional medical training with evidence-based integrative medicine to provide a holistic and practical approach that helps women better understand their bodies and take control of their health and vitality at every stage of life.Dr Caratti holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Western Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (FACNEM).If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Gift of Age for weekly science -informed conversations with experts and inspiring voices exploring longevity, strength & purposeful aging. Share this episode with someone who might find it helpful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

Welcome to the Gift of Age Podcast. This very short introduction gives you an insight into the forthcoming exciting series - conversations about ageing with vitality, passion and purpose: the science, the secrets and the strategies. Episodes will include conversations with inspiring experts, thought leaders and practical effective tools to support longevity, women’s health and live stronger and with meaning. Thank you for joining the conversation! Dr Linda Friedland This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

I’m so excited to finally share this.The Gift of Age Podcast has arrived.This short introduction is a glimpse into what this podcast will explore; real conversations about living stronger, wiser, and more intentionally as we age.Over the coming weeks, I’ll be speaking with remarkable guests and sharing insights drawn from medicine, science, lived experience, and the extraordinary stories of people redefining what it means to grow older.I’m so glad you’re here at the beginning of this journey.warmest regards Linda This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

To my loyal and wonderful Substack subscribers. Forgive me the sidetracking from Gift of Age. Going into 2026, I do promise you much scientific as well as inspiring material on all things midlife, aging, vitality, longevity life hacks and meaningful living. My Gift of Age podcast too, will be launched in the new year. But for now our community is grieving deeply and we are trying to make sense and process the way forward. I bring you an amazing powerful voice in this deeply honest and heart wrenching video conversation. Joanne Fedler, my dear friend (and actually a cousin once removed) is the author of 16 books. She's a writing mentor and a retreat facilitator. She holds an LLM from Yale University and has been a woman’s and human rights activist for decades. This was not the conversation Joanne and I had planned to have.We were meant to speak about writing, identity, meaning, and a life well lived, as part of the launch of The Gift of Age podcast. But in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre, we felt compelled to address some painful and challenging questions.This is not a political conversation.It is a human, historical, and moral one. It is about what happens when an ancient hatred resurfaces and brutal targeted violence occurs and what this asks of those willing to see clearly.Mindful of your busy life, I have edited this powerful video to just 34 minutes . Don’t miss this painfully honest and profoundly powerful interview!Wishing those of you who celebrate Christmas- a peaceful, joyful and meaningful one.With blessings for light and love to shine through, Linda This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com

“Hello! I’ve been sending you written ‘Gift of Age; posts for the past few weeks, but today I’m excited to share my first introductory video! 🎥 This is a chance to hear directly from me about what this newsletter is all about and the journey ahead. I hope you enjoy it and feel more connected.“I’d love for you to forward this email to someone who might enjoy the content I’m creating. Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already and stay tuned for more videos in the future!”Aging is a privilege—but let’s do it well!warmest regardsLindaSent from my iPhone This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drlindafriedland.substack.com