There’s a stereotype that eating disorders are a young woman’s illness. Many treatment centers cater primarily to young people, and even adult treatment centers often have a predominantly young adult population.
As a result of this, when someone experiences an eating disorder in midlife or later, they may face not only the challenges and stigma of the diagnosis but also a sense of isolation, feeling as though others in their age group don’t share their struggle. The reality, however, is that eating disorders can affect people of any age.
In this episode, Betsy Brenner shares her story of confronting and recovering from an eating disorder in midlife. She discusses her experience living parallel lives—outwardly maintaining her image as the happy, perpetually positive person she was taught to be, while secretly struggling deeply, and what it was like to finally confront painful emotions after decades of suppression.
Betsy is a recovery speaker, peer support mentor, and author of the memoir The Longest Match: Rallying to Defeat an Eating Disorder in Midlife.
Betsy is a former hospital attorney and longtime high school tennis coach. She has also been a hospice volunteer and speaker on grief and end-of-life decision-making. For the past decade, she has led a bereavement group in her community. Now, her primary focus is on speaking, mentoring, and leading support groups in the eating disorder field. She has shared her story at treatment centers, conferences, and through webinars and podcasts, offering hope and guidance—especially to women in midlife facing similar challenges.
Betsy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University and a Juris Doctorate from American University Law School.
