The Positive Pause

Healthspan Over Lifespan: What Women Need to Know About Aging Well

• National Menopause Foundation • Season 1 • Episode 42

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0:00 | 35:27

In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill speaks with Leslie Kenny, co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and founder of Oxford Healthspan. Leslie shares her powerful personal story of overcoming a life-threatening diagnosis and how that journey led her to focus on helping women improve their healthspan, especially during midlife. Together, they explore the science and practical strategies behind aging well, emphasizing empowerment, prevention, and daily action. 

Key Concepts Covered 

  • The importance of patient advocacy and taking ownership of health decisions 
  • The difference between chronological age and biological age, and why healthspan matters more than lifespan 
  • Why women often live longer than men but experience more chronic illness in later years 
  • The role of inflammation in aging and disease 
  • How functional movement, not gym workouts, plays a key role in long-term health 
  • The impact of diet including plant-based nutrition, fiber, and nutrient-dense foods on aging and menopause symptoms 
  • The role of muscle mass in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health 
  • The benefits and misconceptions around hormone replacement therapy and the need for better education 
  • Why movement should be joyful and social rather than rigid or intimidating 
  • The importance of daily habits in shaping long-term health outcomes 

 This episode reinforces a powerful message: aging is not just about how long we live, but how well we live. By focusing on small, consistent changes in movement, nutrition, community, and self-advocacy, women can significantly improve their healthspan. Leslie Kenny’s story is a reminder that taking control of your health today can dramatically change your future. 

Connect with Leslie: