According to AARP over 44% of Americans ages 40-59 are considered obese, and for adults over 60 that number is around 42%. Hormone changes can cause fat accumulation, especially in our midsections, and that collides with age-related muscle loss, which means our bodies don't burn calories or process sugar as efficiently. Then, of course, comes the expected cascade of possible health complications associated with the extra weight. I don't want this to sound bleak, and the purpose in me sharing these statistics is to say that we CAN change the narrative. It is possible, and it is never too late. When Joan MacDonald received some unwelcome health news from her doctor, she knew that she had to make some changes. With guidance from her fitness guru daughter, Michelle MacDonald, Joan began her own health and fitness journey, in her seventies, to go on to inspire many others to do the same through her Train With Joan platform. Not only are grateful women re-discovering themselves and getting their lives back, but they are becoming a part of a greater community of support and friendship. Joan has become a major fitness influencer with almost 2 million followers on social media, and she has authored her memoir and self-help book, Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment. Oh, and did I mention Joan Macdonald was on the cover of Women's Health magazine in 2023? Amazing! I can't wait for you to meet this 77 year-old dynamo with her amazing can-do spirit! You can find Joan's book Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment on Amazon. You can follow Joan on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/ https://www.facebook.com/trainwithjoan The Train With Joan app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple. You can find Michelle MacDonald at: https://www.instagram.com/yourhealthyhedonista/ https://www.facebook.com/YourHealthyHedonista https://thewonderwomen.com/ Follow Asking for a Friend on Social media outlets: https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/ https://www.facebook.com/askforafriendpod/ Please provide a review and share. This helps us grow! https://lovethepodcast.com/AFAF