Wool Goddess

As someone who has weathered her fair share of hormonal storms, health hiccups, and the occasional identity crisis that can come with entering life’s so-called “second half,” I’m always curious (and admittedly a little cautious) when a wellness guru that I have loved since the 80’s promises to help me “dial back my age.”

So when I picked up A Better Second Half: Dial Back Your Age to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by Liz Earl I wondered: Is this going to be another glossy, green-juice-fueled fantasy? Or something more grounded and genuinely helpful?

Thankfully, it’s the latter—and then some.

A Personal, Practical Approach

This book feels like sitting down with a wise friend over a pot of herbal tea. Liz Earle, now in her sixties, doesn’t preach from a pedestal. She shares her own experiences, menopause, divorce, reinvention, and blends them with evidence-based research, holistic health insights, and gentle encouragement. She talks about everything from gut health to hormone balancing to mental resilience, all in a tone that’s reassuring, not patronizing.

The book is divided into clear, digestible sections, nutrition, exercise, sleep, skincare, hormones, brain health, purpose, and each one ends with “takeaway” tips that feel realistic rather than aspirational. Think “add fermented foods to your diet” rather than “go on a 30-day cleanse and only eat wild blueberries.”

Science Meets Self-Care

What sets A Better Second Half apart is how Liz Earle weaves the latest longevity science with the sort of nurturing self-care wisdom many women only start to prioritise once life slows down (or falls apart a little). She’s not afraid to talk about the hard stuff: declining muscle mass, emotional burnout, hormone havoc, and the social invisibility that can sneak in after 50.

But the tone isn’t defeatist. It’s empowering.

Liz Earle’s core message? It’s never too late to feel better, stronger, and more connected—to yourself and the world around you.

Who This Book Is For

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, and especially if you’ve gone through menopause, a major health transition, or simply feel like you’ve lost a bit of your spark, this book offers hope. It’s not a quick fix or a miracle plan. It’s a toolbox.

It’s also inclusive of women who’ve faced health challenges. Liz Earle acknowledges the complexity of real life. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or simply trying to muster energy for your day, she encourages small, sustainable steps toward wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

A Better Second Half is part science manual, part memoir, and part self-help guide. It doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of aging, but it does reframe them, offering a powerful perspective shift from decline to potential.

Liz Earle’s message is simple but profound: the second half of life can be vibrant, joyful, and deeply fulfilling, if we learn to listen to our bodies, fuel them wisely, and reconnect with our purpose.

If you’re looking for a midlife manifesto that blends heart and science with practical advice, this one’s well worth a spot on your nightstand.

Love & healing hugs