Angela’s story
Angela, 55, is an Executive in the financial services sector, with older children still living at home. Recently divorced, she found herself questioning whether this is all there is to life. Work felt uninspiring and meaningless, her friendships felt superficial, and she had a nagging sense of disillusionment and hopelessness.
On top of this, Angela had begun noticing the early signs of ageing: weight gain, stiff joints, increasing blood pressure and cholesterol. She felt less mobile, less empowered and more vulnerable than she ever expected to in her fifties. The combination of emotional dissatisfaction and physical decline left Angela feeling untethered and low—frustrated by her body, disconnected from herself and disillusioned about her future.
When Angela engaged EmpowerHer, her health coach recognised that her emotional wellbeing was as important as her physical health. Together, they began by exploring Angela’s values, her vision for the next 20 years, and the sources of both her stress and her fulfilment. Creating this sense of “why” gave Angela a clearer direction and helped her see that her current state was not permanent—it was a starting point.
Drawing on longevity science, her coach introduced baseline testing: a DEXA scan for body composition and bone density, strength and mobility assessments, and lab work to track cardiovascular risk factors. This gave Angela objective data and a roadmap for action on her physical health. Inspired by Dr Vonda Wright’s research on women’s ageing with strength and mobility, under the guidance of her coach, Angela began a progressive exercise plan designed to build muscle, improve balance and protect against frailty in later decades.
At the same time, her coach wove in the emotional and psychological work championed by research into leading a purposeful life in mid-life and beyond:
Reframing midlife not as decline, but as an opportunity to cultivate purpose, redefine success and the meaningful ways she could shape her next chapter.
Encouraging Angela to invest in relationships and community to reduce her sense of isolation.
Helping her shift her perspective on time.
Over time, Angela began to notice progress on both fronts. Physically, she lost weight, improved her mobility, and saw her blood pressure and cholesterol stabilise. Emotionally, she felt less lonely and more engaged, reconnecting with friends and exploring activities that reignited her sense of curiosity and joy. She started thinking about a new career and stepping away from her professional life in financial services to explore her passion for teaching.
Perhaps most importantly, Angela began to view her health not just as the absence of disease, but as the foundation for living with vitality and meaning. By addressing both her physical markers and her emotional barriers, she has built the resilience, vision and hopefulness to move into her next chapter with strength, clarity and renewed purpose.
‘I was successful on paper and to the outside world, but felt so disconnected, lonely, and worried about my health and my future. My coach helped me tackle both the emotional and physical aspects of my wellbeing, using evidence, frameworks and personalised strategies. She helped me think about my values and my purpose in the coming decades, and with that help, I’ve started planning my next career—at 55! I feel more purposeful, grounded and connected, and now I’m really looking forward to the years ahead.’ — Angela
