Our guest, Sue McShane, is a valued member of The Aging Project Community whose personal journey shows the power of self-advocacy, self-awareness, and taking small, consistent steps toward better health.
At 60, Sue is feeling stronger, healthier, and more empowered than ever, but it wasn’t always that way. After years of struggling with mental health, trauma, and chronic health concerns, she discovered genetic testing, glucose monitoring, and strength training, which have helped her optimise her health and transition off antidepressants after 27 years.
Sue shares how understanding her DNA has been the missing piece in her health puzzle, proving that health isn’t just about how you feel—it’s about knowing what’s happening beneath the surface.
Key Episode Highlights
1️⃣ Health is a life-long journey and there’s always more to learn
- Sue thought she knew everything she needed about health—until she discovered The Aging Project Podcast and started learning about genetic testing and personalised health.
- Health is never “done.” It’s a lifelong process of learning, adapting, and making informed choices.
- Symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, weight gain, cholesterol and anxiety were the calling cards that moved her into action.
2️⃣ From Trauma to Transformation
- Childhood trauma & long-term stress – Sue grew up in a violent home, which she believes triggered long-term health issues.
- Spent 27 years on antidepressants after being told by a GP that “everyone needs them.”
- Battled postnatal depression and chronic infections, leading to years of antibiotic use.
- Menopause became another turning point—when she sought medical help, she was offered more antidepressants and a statin. That’s when she decided to take control of her health.
3️⃣ The Tools That Changed Everything
Sue took inspiration from The Aging Project and began exploring:
✔ Fitgenes testing – Helped her understand her genetic predispositions and vitamin needs.
✔ Glucose monitoring (Vively) – Showed how her body responded to different foods.
✔ Strength training – Lifting heavy weights helped her build muscle and improve metabolism.
✔ Nutritional focus – Adjusting B12 and B6 levels played a key role in her transition off antidepressants.
4️⃣ What We Need to Know About Our Health
- Many GPs aren’t trained in menopause, genetics or nutrition
- Genetic testing is no longer just for celebrities—it’s an accessible, powerful tool for understanding your unique health risks.
- Health is like a jigsaw puzzle—you don’t get the full picture all at once, but every piece helps.
- Your DNA is the missing piece—without it, you’re guessing about what your body really needs.
Key Takeaway
Sue’s story is proof that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. Healing isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing journey, and small, intentional steps make all the difference.
Understanding your DNA is a game-changer. It gives you the power to personalise your health, prevent disease, and make smarter choices for longevity.
Want to Learn More?
? Join our FREE DNA Webinar – Discover how genetic testing can unlock better health.
? Sign Up Here
? Connect with Sue:
Instagram | Website | YouTube
? Interested in Trauma-Informed Yoga?
Check out Frontline Yoga for programs designed for first responders.
Final Thought
“Your health is never finished. It’s a journey that unfolds step by step. And it’s never too late to take that first step toward healing.” – Sue McShane
? Thanks for tuning in! Stay well, friends, and we’ll see you next week.
– Shelley Craft & The Aging Project Team
