What does the science of ageing really tell us about how — and why — we age? And more importantly, what can we actually do about it?

In the opening episode of Be Well Age Well, hosts Dr John Ward and Dr Susannah Ward lay the foundation for the entire series by diving into the biology, complexity, and misconceptions of ageing with one of Australia’s most respected leaders in Geriatric Medicine, Professor Leon Flicker AO.

Professor Flicker is the inaugural Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, a practising geriatrician, and an internationally recognised researcher in frailty, successful ageing, and dementia prevention. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications and decades of clinical and academic leadership, he brings clarity, credibility, and perspective to a topic often clouded by hype.

Together, they explore:
What modern science tells us about how and why we age
The role of genetics, epigenetics, stress, and environment
Whether any supplements or medications truly influence ageing
Why quality of life and function matter more than lifespan alone
What current ageing and longevity research is really focusing on

As always, the conversation is warm, accessible, and grounded in real-world relevance — translating complex science into clear, practical insights listeners can reflect on immediately.

Key Takeaways & Actions:
Ageing is modifiable, not fixed — lifestyle and environment matter
Focus on function, adaptability, and quality of life, not just years lived
Be cautious of “anti-ageing” claims not supported by evidence
Small, consistent changes across key lifestyle pillars can have meaningful impact over time

This episode sets the scene for the six pillars of functional longevity explored throughout the series and invites listeners to rethink ageing as a dynamic, adaptable, and deeply human process.

Whether you’re a health professional, someone in midlife planning ahead, or simply curious about living well for longer, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful, and empowering place to start.

Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here www.ataraxiacollective.com.au

What does the science of ageing really tell us about how &mdash; and why &mdash; we age? And more importantly, what can we&nbsp;actually&nbsp;do about it?
In the opening episode of&nbsp;Be Well Age Well, hosts Dr John Ward and Dr Susannah Ward lay the foundation for the entire series by diving into the&nbsp;biology, complexity, and misconceptions of ageing&nbsp;with one of Australia&rsquo;s most respected leaders in Geriatric Medicine,&nbsp;Professor Leon Flicker AO.
Professor Flicker is the inaugural Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing, a practising geriatrician, and an internationally recognised researcher in frailty, successful ageing, and dementia prevention. With over&nbsp;500 peer-reviewed publications&nbsp;and decades of clinical and academic leadership, he brings clarity, credibility, and perspective to a topic often clouded by hype.
Together, they explore:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What modern science tells us about&nbsp;how and why we age</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of&nbsp;genetics, epigenetics, stress, and environment</li>
<li aria-level="1">Whether any&nbsp;supplements or medications&nbsp;truly influence ageing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why&nbsp;quality of life and function&nbsp;matter more than lifespan alone</li>
<li aria-level="1">What current ageing and longevity research is really focusing on</li>
</ul>
As always, the conversation is warm, accessible, and grounded in real-world relevance &mdash; translating complex science into&nbsp;clear, practical insights&nbsp;listeners can reflect on immediately.
Key Takeaways &amp; Actions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ageing is&nbsp;modifiable, not fixed &mdash; lifestyle and environment matter</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on&nbsp;function, adaptability, and quality of life, not just years lived</li>
<li aria-level="1">Be cautious of &ldquo;anti-ageing&rdquo; claims not supported by evidence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Small, consistent changes across key lifestyle pillars can have meaningful impact over time</li>
</ul>
This episode sets the scene for the six pillars of functional longevity explored throughout the series and invites listeners to rethink ageing as a&nbsp;dynamic, adaptable, and deeply human process.
Whether you&rsquo;re a health professional, someone in midlife planning ahead, or simply curious about living well for longer, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful, and empowering place to start.
Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ataraxiacollective.com.au">www.ataraxiacollective.com.au</a>

Be Well Age Well is an 8-part health and wellbeing podcast that asks a simple but powerful question:
It’s not just about how long you live — but how well you live and age.

Hosted by an inspiring father–daughter doctor duo, this series brings together credible science, lived experience, and practical wisdom to help listeners optimise their health, function, and quality of life at every age.

Your hosts are:
Associate Professor Dr John Ward, 81-year-old Physician Geriatrician, and NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2024, and
Dr Susannah Ward, 44-year-old Specialist Physician of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Member Health & Wellbeing Committee, author, speaker, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and Founder of Ataraxia Collective.

With warmth, humour, and a touch of generational banter, John and Susannah translate complex, evidence-based medicine into clear, practical steps that listeners can actually use — whether they’re health professionals, patients, mid-life optimisers, or simply curious humans wanting to live well.

Across eight expertly curated episodes, Be Well Age Well explores the science of ageing and the six core pillars of functional longevity:
Exercise for life and independence
Nutrition for long-term health
Sleep and recovery
Social connection 
Living with meaning & purpose
Reducing toxins
Flexible growth, purpose, and adaptive change

Episodes:

1: The Science of Ageing

2: 1st Pillar: Exercise

3: 2nd Pillar: Nutrition

4: 3rd Pillar: Sleep

5: 4th Pillar: Social connections

6: 5th Pillar: Living a life with meaning and purpose

7: 6th Pillar: Avoiding toxins

8: Making changes and building healthy habits

Each episode features leading national experts and finishes with key takeaways and suggested actions, making the series ideal for both personal growth and professional development.

Why listen?
Because this isn’t wellness fluff or fear-based anti-ageing hype trying to sell you stuff and take your money. Age Well Be Well is a reliable source of credible, engaging, and refreshingly human advice — a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to ageing well, hosted by two generations of doctors who truly walk the talk together.

Useful. Succinct. Entertaining. Evidence-based.
Join us and discover how to live your best life — no matter your age or stage.

Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here www.ataraxiacollective.com.au

Be Well Age Well&nbsp;is an 8-part health and wellbeing podcast that asks a simple but powerful question: It&rsquo;s not just about how long you live &mdash; but how well you live and age.
Hosted by an inspiring&nbsp;father&ndash;daughter doctor duo, this series brings together credible science, lived experience, and practical wisdom to help listeners optimise their health, function, and quality of life at every age.
Your hosts are:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Associate Professor Dr John Ward, 81-year-old Physician Geriatrician, and&nbsp;NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2024, and</li>
<li aria-level="1">Dr Susannah Ward, 44-year-old Specialist Physician of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Member Health &amp; Wellbeing Committee, author, speaker, yoga and mindfulness teacher, and Founder of&nbsp;Ataraxia Collective.</li>
</ul>
With warmth, humour, and a touch of generational banter, John and Susannah translate complex, evidence-based medicine into&nbsp;clear, practical steps&nbsp;that listeners can actually use &mdash; whether they&rsquo;re health professionals, patients, mid-life optimisers, or simply curious humans wanting to live well.
Across eight expertly curated episodes,&nbsp;Be Well Age Well&nbsp;explores the science of ageing and the&nbsp;six core pillars of functional longevity:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Exercise for life and independence</li>
<li aria-level="1">Nutrition for long-term health</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sleep and recovery</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social connection&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Living with meaning &amp; purpose</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reducing toxins</li>
<li aria-level="1">Flexible growth, purpose, and adaptive change</li>
</ul>
Episodes:
1: The Science of Ageing
2: 1st Pillar: Exercise
3: 2nd Pillar: Nutrition
4: 3rd Pillar: Sleep
5: 4th Pillar: Social connections
6: 5th Pillar: Living a life with meaning and purpose
7: 6th Pillar: Avoiding toxins
8: Making changes and building healthy habits
Each episode features leading national experts and finishes with&nbsp;key takeaways and suggested actions, making the series ideal for both personal growth and professional development.
Why listen? Because this isn&rsquo;t wellness fluff or fear-based anti-ageing hype trying to sell you stuff and take your money.&nbsp;Age Well Be Well&nbsp;is a reliable source of credible, engaging, and refreshingly human advice &mdash; a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to ageing well, hosted by two generations of doctors who truly walk the talk together.
Useful. Succinct. Entertaining. Evidence-based. Join us and discover how to live your best life &mdash; no matter your age or stage.
Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here <a href="https://www.ataraxiacollective.com.au">www.ataraxiacollective.com.au</a>