A Conversation with Rachel Lankester, Ageism Disrupter, Midlife Mentor and Founder of the Online Hub, Magnificent Midlife

Rachel Lankester is an ageism disrupter, midlife mentor and founder of Magnificent Midlife, an online hub inspiring and supporting women 40+. She's the author of Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond, which was recommended as one of seven top books about menopause in The New York Times. She's also the host of the ⁠Magnificent Midlife Podcast⁠ and founder of MenoClarity, an online information hub about menopause, which she started because she felt there was too much scaremongering, hype and fear in current menopause narratives, especially in the UK.

From Rachel:

"When I was 41, I was given a diagnosis of early menopause. I was hoping for a second child at the time, so it was pretty devastating. It meant the end of my fertility and dreams of that baby. It also catapulted me into a period of intense self-doubt, sadness and feeling very lost. I had no idea why this had happened to me, nor how to take care of myself. I also allowed the diagnosis to completely change my perception of who I was as a woman. I saw myself as a dried-up old prune!

Over time I discovered that diet, lifestyle and mindset can massively impact perimenopausal hormonal change and for a short time my menstrual cycle and premenopausal hormone levels came back.

I also eventually realized I am no less of a woman because I am older, even though society likes to tell me that on a daily basis. Looking around, I couldn't find resources to help me, so I created them. I didn't want women to arrive in perimenopause as unprepared, disconcerted and sad as me.

I didn't want any perimenopausal woman to feel this was the beginning of the end, as I did. I want women to see the magnificence in midlife and menopause, and to feel empowered to embrace what may be the best stage of their lives yet.

I now spend my time challenging negative sexist, ageist stereotypes and narratives wherever and whenever I can. I help women get the messy midlife stuff sorted, so you can create and sustain a next chapter that will excite and delight you long term.

I'm passionate about helping women navigate the often messy middle of life. So you can thrive not just survive. And become the woman you were always meant to be.

I believe the older and more experienced we get, the more we have to offer the world and especially those women coming up behind us. We get better with age not worse.

I don't believe in denying we're getting older or hiding it either. I'm not ashamed to be a midlife woman. I'm proud of it. I think I've earned those midlife stripes just as much as I've earned the laughter lines around my eyes. They don't diminish me in any way."

Rachel is passionate about enabling women to create and live a positive new narrative when it comes to midlife, menopause, and ageing. She's also determined to challenge the status quo and bash negative stereotypes associated with women 40+.

Rachel's motto is to be "prepared, not scared," as she challenges the negativity bias in the west surrounding aging. She reminds us that "menopause is temporary; it's a tunnel, not a cave." Rachel advises listeners to stay curious and to listen to our bodies, especially during menopause, a sensitive time in our lives when we may reconsider what may no longer be serving our health and wellbeing.

Websites:
https://magnificentmidlife.com/
https://themuttonclub.com/
https://menoclarity.com/

Magnificent Midlife Podcast:

⁠https://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast/⁠

Rachel's book: ⁠https://magnificentmidlife.com/book/⁠

Social media links:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/magnificentmidlife/

Twitter/ X | https://twitter.com/MagnifMidlife

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/magnificentmidlife

Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellankester/

Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.co.uk/MagnificentMidlife1/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEteu6Z2mW1z1wnHiVB08uw