Loneliness Is the New Smoking: Why Midlife Women Need Strength, Community & Connection

Loneliness is becoming the new “silent killer” for midlife women—impacting our metabolism, mental health, hormones, and even longevity. In this powerful episode, we uncover why disconnection hits so hard in our 40s, 50s, and 60s—and how rebuilding community, strength, and purpose can change everything.

Today’s guest, Terry Tateossian, is a personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats. After her own transformation from obesity, burnout, and chronic stress, she now helps midlife women reclaim their health and rediscover joy through connection, movement, and intentional community.

We break down:
💥 Why loneliness is as dangerous as smoking for midlife women
💥 How community improves metabolic health, weight loss, adherence & motivation
💥 The biggest mistakes women make with protein, dieting, hormones & strength training
💥 How retreats create emotional safety, belonging, and real transformation
💥 Terry’s powerful journey from hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women’s wellness
💥 Small steps you can take TODAY to feel less isolated and more supported
💥 Why lifestyle—strength training, whole foods, stress reduction—always comes before medication
💥 How identity shifts in menopause and empty nest years impact emotional resilience
💥 What “good” can actually look like in this season of life

If you're a woman in midlife navigating menopause, weight gain, bone loss, stress, identity changes, or a lack of community—this episode will speak directly to you. You are not alone. And your health depends on connection more than you think.

✨ New here? I’m Michele Folan—midlife health coach, podcast host, and advocate for strength, mobility, and longevity for women 50+.
Subscribe for weekly episodes on menopause, metabolic health, HRT, strength training, bone density, peptides, and staying strong enough to avoid the nursing home.

You can find Terry Tateossian at:
https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens...
  / thor.wellness  
   / how.good.can.it.get  
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1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:[email protected]

If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I’ve partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity.

https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.

✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter:
https://michelefolanfasterway.myflode...

🎤 In addition to coaching, I speak to women’s groups, moderate health panel discussions, and bring experts together for real, evidence-based conversations about midlife health.

Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

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