Feb. 15, 2026

Longevity Expert Reveals What Really Drives Aging in Midlife, And What You Can Do About It

Longevity Expert Reveals What Really Drives Aging in Midlife, And What You Can Do About It

What if aging isn’t random, but predictable, measurable, and modifiable?


Longevity medicine isn’t about living forever. It’s about protecting your strength, cognition, metabolic health, and independence, especially in midlife.


In this episode with Catherine Johnson MD, Longevity & Precision Health Expert, we unpack what longevity medicine actually means for women over 40 and why the real drivers of aging aren’t what most people think.


This conversation is about understanding how metabolic health, hormones, muscle mass, sleep, and stress quietly shape your health span, the years you live well, not just long.


You’ll learn:

  • The difference between lifespan and health span

  • Why midlife is a critical window for prevention

  • How insulin resistance and cortisol influence weight gain and fatigue

  • Why muscle is an organ of longevity, not just something aesthetic

  • How stress shortens telomeres and accelerates aging

  • Why “normal lab results” don’t always mean optimal health

  • What actually moves the needle for long-term vitality


Many women in their 40s and 50s say, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”They’re not dramatically unwell.


They’re not in crisis. But something feels off.

This conversation explains why.


If you care about staying strong, sharp, and capable after 40, this episode will change how you think about aging.


Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:

🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/


Leave a Voice Note

Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.

🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com


Follow and learn more from Catherine Johnson Here:

https://www.instagram.com/catherinejohnsonmd/

https://myprecisionmedicalcare.com


Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:

Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

—------------------------

00:41 - What Longevity Medicine Actually Means

02:41 - Healthspan vs Lifespan Explained

05:28 - Why Midlife Is a Critical Turning Point

09:20 - “I Just Don’t Feel Like Myself”

13:36 - The Hormone Shifts Driving Subtle Changes

16:56 - What Lab Trends Really Reveal in Midlife

20:18 - What Metabolic Health Actually Means

24:28 - The Cortisol–Insulin Weight Gain Cycle

31:18 - Trends vs What Actually Moves the Needle

33:58 - Stress, Telomeres & Accelerated Aging

36:35 - Why Sleep Is Foundational

39:14 - Muscle: The Organ of Longevity

43:34 - BMI vs Body Composition

45:05 - Is It Too Late After 60?

48:17 - Aging With Agency, Not Fear
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