Episode 24:2 Navigating Women's Health and Aging Well: Insights from Susan Salinger

In this episode, Nancy Griffin welcomes author and SuperAgerSusan Salinger to discuss the hidden barriers women face regarding health and aging. Sue shares her journey of research, personal stories, and practical advice for women to prioritize their well-being, dismantle stigma, and embrace later life with purpose and connection.

About Susan

Susan Salenger is a non-fiction writer, an avid reader, and a passionate foodie with a particular love for dark chocolate. For more than 25 years, she and her husband owned Salenger Films, a company that produced and distributed corporate training films worldwide.

Her book, Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System, was published by She Writes Press on April 12, 2022. The book explores the barriers women face inobtaining the best possible medical care. Salenger examines the persistent gender bias within the healthcare system and the ways in which women are often treated differently from men. Even in recent years, inequities remain.

Sue also addresses the internal barriers many women face.Women frequently put their own health behind the needs of their families, and some experience guilt when they become ill, which can influence critical medical decisions and lead to regret. Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, she uncovers the emotional conflicts many women experience when navigating complex healthcare choices.

Sidelined includes a comprehensive resource directory offering services and support to help women determine the best path forward for their healthcare needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-blame and shame impact women’s health decisions. Women often withhold illness due to stigma and cultural expectations. They are ashamed to go to the doctor and embarrassed to ask questions.
• For many diseases, women have different symptomsfrom men. Autoimmune diseases and Illnesses like heart attacks and chronic pain often have had trouble getting diagnosed. The doctor says “It's all in your head” because there is no data to support women’s symptoms, which reinforces women’s proclivity to blame themselves. This creates a vicious circle.
• Many times, Illnesses are random, but we tend to give disease a meaning. There are alcoholics that don't have a liver problem and people with lung cancer that have never smoked.
• De-stigmatization is the first step on the road to transparency and health. Self-advocacy and soliciting second opinions in critical to navigate a broken healthcare system. Do your research. Understand your diagnosis. Get a second opinion.
• Social connections, purpose, and community are paramount for mental and physical health. Find something that gives you self-satisfaction and makes you feel good about yourself. Prioritize meaningful connection.