About the Hosts:

Janet Evans is an ex-M&C Saatchi advertising creative with a successful history in the industry, having won numerous radio and TV awards. Her expertise and creativity have been recognized in media beyond advertising.

Dr. Amelia Haines is an experienced medical doctor with 30 years of experience, specializing in sexual health, mental health, and relationship counseling. She brings her extensive medical knowledge to a wider audience through her public speaking and written work.

Episode Summary:

In this final episode in Season 1 of “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday,” Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haines explore the universally challenging transition known as the 'Empty Nest Syndrome'. This podcast promises to be a sanctuary for women over 40 who are navigating the complexities of life after their children have flown the coop. With a blend of humor, medical insights, and real-life experiences, the hosts delve into the emotional turbulence that often accompanies this significant life stage.

Janet and Amelia offer personal anecdotes and professional advice, discussing how sudden changes, such as children leaving home, can impact parents. They touch on the varying degrees of adjustment disorders, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with one’s partner throughout parenting, and the need for personal fulfillment beyond child-rearing. With their book “Empty Next” as a backdrop, they provide honest reflections on coping with change, managing relationships post-parenting, and redefining oneself in the face of an empty home.

Key Takeaways:

• Empty nest syndrome, while not an official medical syndrome, is widely recognized as an adjustment disorder with a varying impact on parents when children leave home.
• The syndrome can last for a relatively short duration but has the potential to lead to depression if not addressed.
• Maintaining and nurturing the spousal relationship during child-rearing years is critical for the transition to post-parenting life.
• Engaging in personal interests and community connection is vital for newly emptied nesters to find fulfillment and establish a new sense of identity.
• Cultural perspectives on empty nest syndrome provide a diverse understanding of this global phenomenon.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Amelia Haines on the inevitability of children leaving home: “I think I’ve always just been aware that that’s what life does.”
• Janet Evans on the unanticipated nature of her son leaving: “I just sailed along, not really… It never crossed my mind.”
• Janet Evans on maintaining a connection with grown-up children: “I think one thing that I missed the most was the shift from being his somewhat of a confidant.”
• Dr. Amelia Haines on in-law relationships: “It’s hard to get on with, […] You need to be super generous.”

Resources:

• The hosts discuss their collaborative book titled “Empty Next,” available for purchase on Amazon.

To win a copy of the book, go to the Win page on hope1032.com.au

For more episodes and insightful conversations, follow our podcast and join us on our journey to explore life’s adventures and complexities for women 40+ fabulous!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Collett Smart is a respected psychologist, educator, public speaker, and author with over two decades of experience working in both private and public school settings, as well as in private practice. Known for her expertise in child development, Collette has garnered recognition for her contributions to the field of psychology and education. She has authored the book “They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times,” which addresses parenting challenges and provides guidance for raising teenagers. With a passion for discussing mental health, relationships, and the complexities of teenage development, Collette brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to parents and educators alike.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday for women who are 40 plus fabulous,” hosts Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haines invite psychologist Collett Smart to delve into the intricacies of parenting teens. The conversation begins with a reminder of the whimsical days when children thought their parents were the epitome of cool and ventures into the challenges that come with the shifting dynamic as children grow into teenagers.

The episode offers a candid look into the seismic shifts that occur as children transition into their teenage years, exploring the physical exhaustion of early parenthood versus the emotional toll of guiding adolescents through life’s complex scenarios. Collette Smart shares her personal experiences with her own children and reiterates the importance of conversations around body image, mental health, and the pressures teenagers face in an increasingly digital landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognising that teenagers communicate in different ways, and being open to non-traditional formats, such as texts or notes, can be crucial in maintaining open lines of communication.
• Setting boundaries and normalising body image insecurities are essential conversations parents should have with their teens amidst the bombardment of social media influences.
• Mental health in adolescents is more openly discussed now than ever before, yet parents still need strategies to identify and address potential signs of depression or anxiety.
• Encouraging resilience and connection to safe adults outside of the parental unit can provide teens with additional support systems.
• It’s never too late to start or repair relationships with your children, emphasising that consistent effort and an open heart can lead to positive outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• Teenagers are always communicating with you, even if it’s not with words. Look for communication in their behaviors.
• Technology is the biggest difference in this generation to our generation, having the smartphone in their pockets all the time.
• You can be paying all the money for tutors, schools in the world. You are flushing it down the toilet if your child is not having good enough sleep.

• Children crave boundaries. They don’t need a 40-year-old BFF; they need you to be their parent.
• Our young people often clam up with us because they think we’re either going to freak out or it’s going to be a lecture.

Resources:

• Collette Smart’s book: “They’ll Be Okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times”
• Collette Smart’s podcast Raising Teens with Collett Smart

For more episodes and insightful conversations, follow our podcast and join us on our journey to explore life’s adventures and complexities for women 40+ fabulous!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Dr. Naras Lapsys is a longevity expert, recognized for his profound knowledge and contributions to the field. With a keen interest that dates back over a decade, Dr. Lapsys has been at the forefront of the conversation surrounding longevity medicine and healthy aging. His professional career includes extensive research and a deep understanding of the aging process that has contributed to his expertise. He is a key figure in the field, contributing to the foundation of longevity medicine and being part of the society that champions this emerging medical specialty.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of “She Wasn’t Born Yesterday,” hosts Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haines engage in an illuminating conversation with Dr. Naras Lapsys, an expert in the field of longevity medicine. The discussion delves into the intricacies of aging and the pursuit of extending both health span and life span. Beginning with personal anecdotes and smoothly transitioning into a scientific exploration, the dialogue is fuelled by curiosity and a quest for practical insights for those over 40.

Dr. Lapsys shares his profound insights into the difference between health span and life span, underlining the importance of quality of life in one’s later years. The episode is rich with discussions on caloric intake, exercise, and the impact of longevity medicine as an evolving field. Emphasizing the role of consistent lifestyle choices beginning at an early age, Dr. Lapsys offers actionable advice backed by scientific research. The episode is not only educational but serves as a motivational tool, encouraging listeners to actively participate in shaping their aging journey as well as the distinctions between longevity, aging gracefully, and healthy living.

Key Takeaways:

• Caloric Intake and Body Composition: Overconsumption of calories is a significant contributor to aging; maintaining an optimal caloric balance and body composition is crucial for health span extension.
• Exercise as a Priority: Daily physical activity, irrespective of weather conditions, is paramount in promoting longevity and improving quality of life as we age.
• The Impact of Longevity Medicine: This emerging specialty in medicine focuses on enhancing health span by targeting the aging process early on and throughout life.
• Blue Zones: These are regions where people live exceptionally long, healthy lives, providing a template for lifestyle habits that promote longevity.
• Lifestyle Choices and Aging: Early and consistent healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, play a pivotal role in determining the quality of aging.

Notable Quotes:

1. You could go to your next reunion and be with your classmates from high school graduation… and see that some of them are looking like they’re aging a bit better or worse than others.
2. How many calories are we consuming? One good way is you just look at yourselves. We can look at ourselves in the mirror.
3. Healthy longevity medicine is optimizing health span by targeting the aging process across the lifespan.
4. It’s a decision that we make – Dr. Lapsys on actively participating in one’s healthy aging process.

For more episodes and insightful conversations, follow our podcast and join us on our journey to explore life’s adventures and complexities for women 40+ fabulous!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.