What if the narrative about aging — the one we've absorbed since childhood — is fundamentally wrong?

Mimi Ison calls herself a "pro-aging midlife enthusiast," and she means it. She's shuffling, lifting weights, and proving that aging doesn't have to mean shrinking your life.

This conversation goes beyond fitness tips. We explore how ageism gets baked into us as young as age three, why using age as a default excuse keeps us stuck, and how shifting your mindset can literally change what your body is capable of.

Mimi shares her journey from expecting the worst at 50 to discovering strength training, learning to shuffle, and building a community of people ready to challenge what midlife "should" look like. She's not here for toxic positivity — she's a realist about the hard parts — but she's also proof that there are peaks and valleys at every age, and that growth doesn't stop at 30, 40, 50, or beyond.

In this episode:

• How ageist beliefs form in early childhood (and why that matters)
• Strength training as a tool for rewriting age-based limitations
• The crossword puzzle metaphor for aging with intention
• What actually matters as we age
• How Mimi inspires women across the globe to start moving

Mimi Ison is a pro-aging advocate, fitness enthusiast, and the voice behind @heymiddleage. In her 60s, she's challenging stereotypes about what midlife looks like through strength training, dancing, and honest conversations about aging. She's on a mission to help people on the cusp of change take that first step toward a stronger, more intentional life.

Connect with Mimi:

• Instagram: @heymiddleage
• Facebook: Hey Middle Age
• Blog: heymiddleage.com