Aging with Purpose: The Science Behind Building a Stronger Body and Mind with Janet McConnell - Episode 97

This latest episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, "Aging with Purpose: The Science Behind Building a Stronger Body and Mind," features host Diane Carbo and special guest Janet McConnell, a health longevity advocate, speaker, and bodybuilder in her late sixties. The episode covers the importance of physical and mental health for caregivers and aging adults, offering practical advice and inspiration.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

• The Caregiver's Plight: Diane opens with a powerful statistic: 63% of family caregivers become seriously ill or die before the person they're caring for passes away, highlighting caregiving as a public health crisis. She and Janet emphasize the critical need for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being.
• A "Classic Car" Philosophy: Janet compares our bodies to classic cars—we get only one, so we must take care of it. She shares her personal health crisis in her mid-fifties when she was blindsided by a diagnosis of early heart disease despite feeling healthy. Instead of taking the stack of prescriptions offered by her doctor, she asked for six months to try a different approach.
• The Power of Small, Consistent Changes: Janet's transformation began with a trainer she met at the gym at 5 a.m. three days a week. She emphasizes that she didn't change her diet at first, proving that you don't have to do everything perfectly all at once. She and Diane discuss the "Atomic Habits" concept of making tiny, consistent changes that lead to significant results over time.
• Strength Training for All: Janet encourages listeners to begin with bodyweight exercises, such as sitting down and standing up from a chair, and using household items like jugs of water for added resistance. She stresses the importance of working with a trainer or physical therapist, especially if you have chronic health conditions, to ensure you are exercising safely and effectively.

• The Brain-Building Benefit of Muscle: One of the most groundbreaking parts of the discussion is the connection between strength training and brain health. Janet explains that exercising large muscle groups, especially the legs, stimulates the production of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This protein helps repair nerve cells and keeps the brain resilient, which may be why some of her clients with neurodegenerative diseases have not gotten worse.
• The Importance of Protein: The episode highlights that diet is crucial for building and maintaining muscle. Janet recommends that a person's daily protein intake should be at least 0.5 grams per pound of body weight to maintain muscle. Diane adds that it's beneficial to spread protein intake throughout the day, aiming for 25 to 30 grams per meal.
• Mindset and Confidence: Janet's key takeaway is a powerful mantra: "Aging is inevitable, but decay is optional". Both she and Diane stress the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your goals and having a positive perspective to age with confidence.

Learn more about Janet's work and resources at https://www.ignitefitnesswithjanet.com/ and in her book, Elements of Aging. 🎧✨