| | | | Dr. Mike Roizen, chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic, recently made a bold prediction: within the next 10 years, 90 will be the new 40.
It's the kind of statement that stops you in your tracks—and it's been on my mind ever since reading the Global Wellness Summit's new Future of Wellness: 2025 Trends report. Most trend forecasts chase what’s next. This one dug deeper, exploring what’s needed. And the biggest takeaway? We’re living in an age of extremes when it comes to wellness. On one side: the rise of “hardcare”—think high-tech optimization, hyper-personalized supplements and luxury-priced longevity clinics. On the other: a growing hunger for “softcare”—slower living, digital detoxing and the kind of wellness that prioritizes connection over calibration.
The report made clear that these two approaches aren't competing—they're coexisting. And for women in midlife, that nuance matters.We deserve access to both: the cutting-edge science and the soul-nourishing rituals. The $269 pill and the long walk without our phones. The menopause telehealth companies and the art of doing nothing.
What struck me most, though, was the reminder that our goal isn't just to live longer—it's to live better. Health span over lifespan. Purpose over performance. As we move into a new season of wellness, maybe it's less about chasing what's optimal and more about choosing what's sustainable, satisfying, and real.
Here's to navigating both sides of care—with clarity, curiosity, and compassion. |
| Supermodel-Turned-Maternal Health Advocate Christy Turlington-Burns on How to Make Every Mother Count Christy Turlington may be best known for gracing magazine covers and runways, but for the past 15 years, her most impactful work has taken place far from the fashion world. As the founder of Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for all, Turlington has emerged as one of the most respected voices in maternal health advocacy.
Flow Space spoke with Turlington about the enduring mission behind her work, the importance of women leading systemic change, and why the most powerful answers often come from within. |
When you reflect on your work with Every Mother Counts, what are you most proud of? I'm proud that it still exists today. Starting a nonprofit wasn't something that I had on my bucket list, so I kind of fell into the work and, you know, it sort of evolved like “right place, right time,” in terms of being able to contribute in a meaningful way to the conversation. But then to be here for 15 years… I have built relationships with not only policy makers, but also community-based providers, and actually the whole spectrum of people who are committed to ensuring healthy birth outcomes. I'm proud of the relationships, and I'm proud that people are aware of what we do and what we stand for. It's not always easy, but we're still here.
What's the next big thing you're hoping your advocacy work accomplishes? Well, at this moment, it's a difficult time to know...what is the role of advocacy? here are the bright lights at this moment? And I think it's really about supporting other women who are brave enough to run for office. I think it's such a critical thing. And I think the more women who can run with personal experiences that connect with other people and also really help tell the story of what we're trying to solve for, there's nothing more important than that. So yeah, support women, supporting other women in this moment and getting behind them in every way we can—whether it's just psychosocial support, applauding them because it takes a lot of bravery and courage to do it. It's not very mother-friendly work to run for any kind of political office. For those of us who don't have that bravery or time to go all in, we need to support them.
What are two to three actions you think are necessary to really ensure every mother counts? I think, you know, acknowledging one's own mother is a really important step. I think it's one of the things when we talk to various audiences, not everyone has chosen to or has become a mother for whatever reasons. And so one of those things of kind of coming back to, like, what it really means and stands for, is like honoring where we come from, ourselves and the sacrifices that moms make in whatever regard throughout our lives. It's hard work. It's beautiful work, but having that sort of respect societally, I think, is really important in terms of advancing anything around healthcare and like, you know, encouraging more women to thrive in the roles themselves.
How do you find flow? I listen to my body, and my body usually tells me the things that [I need]. I think it's just important to listen to our bodies and not be looking outside of ourselves always for answers and solutions for wellness when we actually do have the answers within. |
Answers to Your Protein Questions! Protein has become the darling of wellness marketing, with countless influencers and supplement brands urging women—especially those in midlife—to double or even triple their intake. But when you strip away the noise, what does the science actually say? It turns out, the answer depends on your age, lifestyle and overall health goals. While many Americans already consume more protein than they need, midlife women often require more—not less—as they move through perimenopause and menopause. That’s because protein absorption becomes less efficient with age, making it essential for preserving muscle mass, maintaining bone density and supporting metabolic health. Research shows that for most postmenopausal women, the sweet spot for optimal physical function is around 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. And for women engaged in strength training or working toward fat loss, that number can climb significantly higher. But experts agree: it's not just about hitting a number—it’s about quality and timing, too. Spreading protein intake evenly across meals can support muscle retention, stabilize blood sugar and enhance overall body composition. And while animal-based proteins like eggs, chicken and fish deliver high-quality amino acids, plant-based options like edamame, lentils and tofu deserve more than just an honorable mention. Flow Space Advisory Council members recently shared their snackable, high-protein favorites like Greek yogurt bowls, sprouted almonds and canned salmon with chili crisp—all of which pack a protein punch without compromising on taste. That said, not all protein hype holds up. In an interview with our friends at Katie Couric Media, nutrition expert Dr. Federica Amati reminded us that clever marketing—especially around whey protein and high-protein packaged foods—can cloud our understanding of what’s actually beneficial. She urges women to focus on overall diet quality, prioritize fiber-rich, whole foods, and think critically about which supplements (if any) they truly need. In the end, protein isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but it is an essential tool. When used wisely, it can help women move through midlife with more strength, resilience and energy to spare. |
CHECKING the ingredients in our haircare products as study after study links chemical hair straighteners—most often used by Black women in the U.S.—with an increased risk of cancer, specifically uterine, endometrial, ovarian and breast cancers, as Drugwatch notes.
WATCHING Elisabeth Moss in the final season of The Handmaid's Tale, which returns to Hulu on April 8 and promises, "the revolution is here."
SHOPPING Flow Space Advisory Council member Stacy London's Riverstone Deviled Egg Tray, part of her collaboration with luxury pottery brand Haand. READING Maria Shriver’s newly released book, I Am Maria, a deeply personal collection of poetry, in which she reflects on her journey through divorce, grief and self-discovery. |
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