What can we learn about living longer—and living better—from a country where health and aging go hand in hand? In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, doctor of nursing practice and functional medicine expert, reflect on their recent travels to Taiwan—one of the leading countries in life expectancy.

Drawing from personal experiences and medical perspectives, Dr. Jillian and Dr. Ade discuss the habits that support a longer health span, not just lifespan. From nutrient-dense meals and fermented foods to daily movement, community connection, and mindful practices, they explore how Taiwanese culture supports healthy aging in both body and mind.

They also provide practical, culturally inspired strategies to improve your gut health, reduce stress, and make movement a natural part of your routine—all while maintaining the realities of midlife in the modern world.

If you found value in this episode, we encourage you to share it with someone who’s passionate about thriving in midlife. Subscribe to The Modern Midlife Collective, leave us a review, and join us as we continue to explore science-backed, culturally rich approaches to health, hormones, and longevity.

Highlights:

• The connection between nutrient-dense diets and long-term health
• How fermented foods and bone broth contribute to optimal gut and hormone health
• The role of movement, from walking to tai chi, in daily longevity
• How mindfulness and cultural rituals reduce stress and support well-being
• The importance of community engagement and social connection
• What the U.S. can learn from Taiwan’s approach to food regulation and wellness

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Ade Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has empowered hundreds of women to reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through science-based, personalized care.

With a deep commitment to transforming the landscape of midlife health, she blends cutting-edge medical innovation with a functional, root-cause approach to wellness. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women's health and passionate about service and health equity. Dr. Akindipe also serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, advocating for greater access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.