How Beliefs About Aging Affect Midlife Health and Longevity
Andrea Nakayama
Functional Nutritionist, Founder and former CEO of Functional Nutrition Alliance
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Turns out, those “I’m past my prime” thoughts aren’t harmless—they can literally change your hormones, heart, and health. 😱
In this episode, I talk with Andrea Nakayama, a functional nutritionist and narrative-medicine practitioner (yes, we cover what that means). Andrea explains how our beliefs about aging influence inflammation, cortisol, memory, recovery, and even longevity—and why your mindset may be one of the most powerful tools for midlife women’s health.
If you’re a midlife woman trying to to feel your best during this wacky season of life and want some practical midlife advice for how to evolve into one badass “old” lady, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn:
• The 7.5-year advantage: how positive aging beliefs can literally extend your life
• Why negative beliefs hurt your body: the links to heart health, memory, and recovery
• How mindset + culture shape midlife women’s health
• Andrea’s thoughts on Menopause Hormone Therapy—and why foundations come first
• Sleep, elimination, and blood sugar: the three pillars of midlife health
• Why the stories we tell about aging shape hormones and longevity
Why It Matters for Midlife Women’s Health
This conversation blends science, mindset, nutrition and lifestyle for women navigating hormonal changes, perimenopause, and the mental side of midlife. Andrea and I unpack what every midlife woman needs to know about how her beliefs—not just her biology—can change her health trajectory.
Whether you’re adjusting to new energy levels (uh, yup), noticing body composition changes (also yes 😬), or just craving better balance, this episode offers practical midlife advice that helps you feel in charge again.
Key Takeaways
Do beliefs about aging really affect longevity?
Research suggests positive aging beliefs are associated with longer life expectancy and better functional health. The mechanism likely involves behavior change and shifts in stress/inflammation pathways.
What should I do first—mindset or lifestyle?
Start with foundations: sleep, elimination, blood sugar balance. A regulated nervous system makes mindset work (and any hormone therapy) more effective.
How can I balance blood sugar without tracking?
At each meal/snack, build a plate with fat + fiber + protein and notice how you feel—energy, cravings, mood, sleep.
Chapters:
02:31 What is Narrative Medicine?
06:48 How Your Perceptions About Aging Affect Longevity
08:34 How Our Beliefs Impact Our Physical Health
10:31 What We Can Do About Society’s Negative View of Aging
15:56 How To Improve Our Views of Aging
19:32 Andrea’s Thoughts on Menopause Hormone Therapy
24:37 3 Pillars of Midlife Nutrition
27:09 Is There a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy About Aging?
36:56 How to Shift Your Negative Beliefs
39:30 Our Memories Are Changing, Not Declining
41:52 Key Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
• Breaking the Age Code — Becca Levy, PhD
• The Mindful Body — Ellen Langer, PhD
• Successful Aging — Daniel Levitin, PhD
About Andrea Nakayama:
Andrea Nakayama is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, educator, and host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast. She’s the founder and former CEO of the Functional Nutrition Alliance and has trained thousands of practitioners worldwide to help clients reclaim ownership of their health.
andreanakayama.com | fxnutrition.com | @andreanakayama
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Disclaimer:
Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Further, the opinions of guests on this show do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jessica or anyone affiliated with Belong Wellness.
