Next Act Ninjas: Mastering Lifestyle Longevity

As we close out 2025 and step into 2026, I’m guiding you through a simple but uncomfortable reset: an end-of-year journaling process designed to cut through autopilot, status quo comfort, and fuzzy decision-making. This is not “new year, new you.” It’s an honesty-first realignment with the lifestyle you want for your Next Act.In this episode, you’ll do two focused sessions:(1) Reflect on the last 12 months with questions like: What did I normalize that I don’t want to normalize anymore? Where did I run a pattern that no longer fits? What am I holding onto that I’m ready to release? Then you’ll write one powerful paragraph: “The Truth About My Year.”(2) Design your next 12 months with specificity (not vague inspiration): how future-you lives day-to-day, what energy/mobility/routines look like, and what environment actually supports that version of you. We also bring in a rightsizing lens—without forcing a one-size-fits-all narrative. Sometimes staying put is right. But sometimes “aging in place” is fear dressed up as virtue—and an oversized, high-maintenance home can quietly tax healthspan and wealthspan. We’ll treat your home like a set of variables and ask what truly supports your next decade. Finally, you’ll choose your biggest NO (what you’re done tolerating) and your boldest YES (a behavior-based non-negotiable), so you can enter 2026 with momentum instead of drift. If you realize you’re at a decision point, book a Rightsized Home & Health Review here: https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxand we’ll map next steps together. Chapters00:00 Year-End Reset: Why Comfort Creates Drift in Retirement03:40 Session 1 (2025 Reflection): What You Normalized + What You’re Ready to Release07:15 Session 2 (2026 Intentions): Future-You in Daily Behaviors (Not Vague Goals)10:31 Rightsizing Lens + Your Next Step: Home Fit, Healthspan, Wealthspan13:11 Taking Action: Next Steps for Your Journey ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

If you’ve ever looked around your “forever home” and felt torn—grateful for the memories, but quietly aware the house may not fit your next decade—this episode is for you. Rightsizing looks like a real estate decision, but the hardest part is often psychological: identity, grief, guilt, and the fear of regret. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt walks you through why your brain fights change (status quo bias, the endowment effect, and loss aversion), and why that internal tug-of-war can make a practical move feel like an emotional earthquake. We dismantle the three powerful “forever home” myths—especially the big one: your house is not your legacy…your time and presence are. You’ll also get concrete ways to honor the chapter without dragging the entire house into the next one: how to “capture” the home in photos/video, choose keepsakes intentionally, redefine what home means, and use simple rituals that give your nervous system closure. And not everyone should move so Rachael shares what to consider when it comes to your rightsizing decision. The real red flag is staying from avoidance rather than a clear-eyed strategy. Next Step👉 take this FREE Rightsizing Readiness Quiz: https://bit.ly/4aiIBxx to see where you land when it comes to “home fit” and “health fit”.Chapters00:00 You’re Not Just Leaving a House—you’re Renegotiating Identity01:18 The Emotional Knot: Grief, Guilt, Fear, Obligation02:26 Why Your Brain Resists Change: Status Quo Bias03:16 Endowment Effect + Loss Aversion (Why This Feels Like an “Earthquake”)06:01 Myth #1: “My Home Is My Legacy” (Spoiler: It’s Your Time)07:31 Myth #2: Do Your Kids Actually Want the House?09:04 Myth #3: Moving Doesn’t Erase the Story—it Starts a New Chapter09:59 Practical Healing: Capture the Chapter (Photos, Video, Memory Book)12:05 Keep the Meaning, Not the Maintenance: Rituals + Closure15:48 The Emotional Upside of Rightsizing (Energy, Bandwidth, Community Fit)17:44 Stay or Move? The Red Flag Is Avoidance (Not Loyalty)20:16 Next Step: Take the Rightsizing Readiness Quiz (Home Fit + Health Fit) ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Most adults over 55 are sitting on more wealth in their walls than in their retirement accounts—and it feels safer to just stay put “a little longer.” In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt, PhD, breaks down why waiting to rightsize your home until your 70s or 80s is often the riskiest move on the board.You’ll hear the story of two similar couples who make very different choices: one defers everything until 75, the other rightsizes during their Go-Strong decade. Same starting point, completely different outcomes for stress, mobility, and money.Rachael unpacks the hidden costs of delaying a move: rising maintenance and repair bills, creeping utilities, taxes, and insurance, plus the huge opportunity cost of keeping more than half of your net worth trapped in your walls instead of working for you. You’ll also learn how market risk, sequence-of-return risk, and the “comfort trap” can quietly crush the retirement you thought you were protecting.Rachael walks you through practical steps to get out of passive waiting and into strategic action: how to calculate your true housing cost, assess how concentrated your wealth is in your home, and use your Go-Strong years to design a home and lifestyle that support the next 20–30 years—before a health event or crisis forces your hand.Whether your best move is to sell and buy something easier to live in, unlock equity with a reverse mortgage, or turn your current home into an income-producing asset, this episode will help you see the real trade-offs of “rightsizing now vs. later” so you can protect both your healthspan and wealthspan.Next steps:👉 Take the free Rightsizing Readiness Quiz https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxFind out where you are on the spectrum from “we’re fine for now” to “we’re cutting it close.” You’ll get tailored results plus the option to book a Rightsized Home & Health Review with Rachael to run your numbers and map out your next move.👉Save the date for our next Rightsize Without Regret Workshop https://www.rightsizeretirement.com/ Chapters00:00 The Risks of Waiting to Rightsize01:39 Two Couples, Two Timelines: Rightsizing Now vs Waiting to 7504:01 Your Go-Strong Decade: When Health and Wealth Curves Cross04:59 The “Paid-Off” Myth: Why Your Forever Home Isn’t Low-Cost05:23 Hidden Money Leaks: Repairs, Taxes, Insurance, and Utilities06:51 Understanding Opportunity Costs08:01 Market Risk and Sequence-of-Return Risk: The Double Hit of Delaying09:34 Execution Costs: Decluttering, Moving, and the High Price of Overwhelm10:54 Cognitive Load and Comfort Traps: Why Future You Won’t Want This Job12:43 Passive vs. Strategic Waiting13:37 Action Steps: Calculating True Housing Costs and Equity Concentration17:04 Thought Experiment: Crisis Move vs Planned Rightsizing Timeline18:59 Next Steps: Rightsizing Readiness Quiz & Rightsized Home and Health Review ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

If you’re between 55 and 70, this episode is a wake-up call. These years are your Go-Strong decade—the last window where your body is still responsive, your brain is sharp, and your wealth is often at its peak. It’s also the most dangerous decade to drift.In this episode, Rachael Van Pelt breaks down the three types of drift that quietly sabotage your retirement: health drift, house drift, and wealth drift. You’ll learn why “I’ll deal with it later” is so costly in this season of life—and how small, intentional moves right now can dramatically change your 70s and 80s.We talk about protecting strength and mobility, deciding whether your current home truly fits the next 20+ years, and turning retirement accounts and home equity into a clear, livable plan instead of a black box. You’ll also walk through four simple check-ins: Body, Brain, Bank, and Base.If you’re ready to stop drifting and start designing your Next Act on purpose, be sure to book your free strategy session with Rachael. It's a chance to assess your healthspan, your home fit, and how best to rightsize your retirement.👉 Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/3Ajb46KChapters00:00 Why Ages 55–70 Are Your Most Dangerous Years to Drift03:25 Understanding Drift: Health, House, and Wealth04:53 Health Drift: When “I’m Fine” Slowly Becomes “This Is Hard”07:22 House Drift: When Your “Forever Home” Quietly Becomes a Trap09:53 Wealth Drift: Working Longer vs. Designing Sustainable Income12:08 Connecting the Dots: How Home, Health, and Wealth Interact13:26 Four Quick Check-Ins: Body, Brain, Bank, Base14:42 Comfort as a Cage: Balancing Ease with Challenge in Your 60s16:13 Stop Drifting: Design Your Go-Strong Decade (Rightsized Home & Health Review) ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Most adults over 55 are sitting on more wealth in their home than in their retirement savings—and that imbalance creates real stress. If your house has an abundance of equity while your monthly income feels tight, you’re not alone. Today’s episode is a deep dive into the smartest, safest ways to turn housing wealth into retirement flexibility.I’ll walk you through the full menu of equity-unlocking strategies: rightsizing, downsizing, HECMs, cash-out refis, ADUs, leasebacks, renting part of your home, and even shared-equity agreements. Each option has its own timing traps, emotional hurdles, and long-term implications—so you’ll hear both the opportunities and the risks.If you attended my recent Rightsize Without Regret workshop, consider this your next step: a detailed, practical breakdown of how to align your home, health, and finances for the next 20–30 years.If you want help mapping out your own scenario—or deciding whether to stay put, move, house-hack, or unlock equity strategically—book a strategy call with me using the link below. Let’s design a Next Act that expands your freedom instead of shrinking it.Lifestyle Longevity Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discoveryChapters00:00 Why So Many Retirees Are House-Rich but Cash-Poor01:07 Exploring Home Equity Strategies02:07 Emotional Weight of Homeownership After 5503:16 Today’s Real Estate Climate: What It Means for Retirees04:44 Downsizing Done Right: Cash Flow, Freedom, and Trade-Offs06:18 Cash-Out Refinancing in a High-Rate World: Pros and Pitfalls07:41 Reverse Mortgages (HECM): When They Work and When They Don’t09:13 House Hacking for Retirees: Roommates, Rentals, and Passive Income10:32 ADUs for Income: Garage Conversions, Backyard Units, and ROI Reality11:39 Shared Equity Agreements: Creative Liquidity Without New Debt12:58 Sell and Stay: The Leaseback Strategy for Aging in Place14:08 The Long-Game Lens: Market Cycles, Taxes, and Health Considerations15:30 How to Choose the Right Equity Strategy for Your Next Act ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Most people don’t lose freedom because of age — they lose it because they never designed it.In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt reveals how your home, habits, and health can either anchor you to the past or launch you into your Next Act. Through powerful stories, science-backed insights, and a “Freedom Floor Plan” exercise, you’ll learn why adaptability — not comfort — is the real anti-aging formula.You’ll discover:Why our parents’ “age-in-place” model is failing usThe three myths keeping homeowners stuck (and broke)The biology of adaptability — and how novelty, movement, and proactive change rejuvenate your body and brainHow to align Function + Flow + Future to design your own blueprint for freedomJoin Rachael for her free live workshop “Rightsize Without Regret” to start drafting your personal home-and-health blueprint → https://rightsizeretirement.comChapters00:00 Freedom Isn’t Found — It’s Designed02:51 For Freedom Don't Follow in Your Parent's Footsteps05:21 How Adaptability Improves Health Longevity06:58 Three Myths That Keep Homeowners Stuck08:16 Function + Flow + Future: The Real Freedom Formula08:59 Breaking Free from Emotional Attachments10:48 Vision-Casting Exercise: Your Freedom Floor Plan11:49 How Freedom Fuels Your Physiology12:29 Designing Freedom Intentionally ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Comfort feels safe—but biologically, it’s slowing you down. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt unpacks the neuroscience and physiology of “the comfort trap”: how predictability dulls neuroplasticity, lowers metabolism, and shrinks your life.You’ll learn how rightsizing your home and habits reignites your body’s adaptive systems, rebuilds resilience, and opens up new freedom in your Next Act. Discover your Goldilocks Zone—that “just right” level of challenge that keeps you strong, sharp, and ageless.🎯 Topics Covered:– The psychology of comfort and identity attachment– Predictive coding and metabolic slowdown– Why underload accelerates aging as much as stress– The “comfort loop” and how to break it– Hormesis and the science of micro-stress for longevity– How rightsizing your home can reboot your healthspan– Finding your “Goldilocks” lifestyle for lasting vitality👣 Take one rebellious step this week—then join Dr. Rachael Van Pelt’s free online workshop:Rightsize Without Regret → https://rightsizeretirement.comChapters00:00 When Comfort Becomes a Cage01:53 The Science of the Comfort Trap03:46 The Psychology of Comfort and Change04:57 The Hidden Stress of Staying Put06:32 Underload: The Silent Twin of Overload07:12 Finding Your Goldilocks Zone08:28 The Comfort Loop and Fragility09:41 Rightsizing as a Biological Reset11:40 Grieving the Past, Growing Forward12:40 Free Yourself from the Cage of Comfort ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Your future self isn’t 20 years away — they’re built by the choices you make this week. In this episode, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt breaks down the 4-part Longevity Audit — Body, Brain, Bank, and Base — to help you align your health, wealth, and environment for the decades ahead. Learn how strength, neuroplasticity, financial flexibility, and home design all combine to shape your Next Act.Discover how small proactive moves today can radically change your future independence, purpose, and freedom.💡 Register for the free workshop “Rightsize Retirement Without Regret” at https://www.rightsizeretirement.com and download your Rethinking Retirement guide. Chapters00:00 Meet Your Future Self: The Hidden Key to Longevity01:13 The Longevity Audit: A Mirror, Not a Test03:06 Step One: Body Audit — Strength Is the True Fountain of Youth05:06 Step Two: Brain Audit — Keep Challenging Your Mind to Stay Young07:16 Step Three: Bank Audit — Is Your Home Funding or Draining Your Freedom?08:47 Step Four: Base Audit — Does Your Environment Support Vitality?10:30 Case Studies: How a Simple Audit Transformed Lives12:42 Your Future Self Is Already Here: The Compassion Challenge13:48 Vision-Casting Your Next Act: How to Live Stronger, Not Smaller ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Most people say, “I’m never moving again.” But biology has other plans. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt, PhD—Healthspan Coach & Realtor—reveals the truth behind the “forever home” myth.Learn how age-related changes in strength, balance, and cognition affect the way your home supports (or sabotages) your freedom. Discover the three curves of Lifestyle Longevity—mobility, memory, and money—and how timing your move can literally extend your healthspan.We’ll explore real-life stories of couples who chose to act early, neuroscience on comfort vs. novelty, and the “longevity dividend” you earn by proactively designing your Next Act.If you’ve ever wondered whether your current home will fit future you, this episode will change how you think about “aging-in-place” and home equity.🎓 Register for Dr. Rachael’s free online workshop — Rightsize Without Regret and download her free guide “Rethinking Retirement.”  👉 https://rightsizeretirement.comChapters:00:00 How Long Will Your Home Really Fit You?02:06 The Biology Behind the “Forever Home” Myth04:17 The Functional Threshold: When Effortless Becomes Effortful04:54 What “Rightsizing” Really Means05:17 The Three Curves That Define Lifestyle Longevity06:20 Case Studies: Two Couples, Two Very Different Futures08:09 Comfort vs. Growth: The Neuroscience of Change10:10 Future-Proofing Your Lifestyle11:20 The Hidden Cost of “Aging in Place”12:42 Visualizing Your Future Self to Figure Out Fit13:29 Invitation to Rightsize Without Regret Workshop ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Are you ready to create a home — and a lifestyle — that fits who you are now and who you’re becoming? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt explains why rightsizing in retirement beats downsizing in today’s housing market and how to make your next move your best one yet.You’ll learn how to:✅ Reimagine retirement housing in today’s market✅ Use your home equity strategically to extend your wealthspan✅ Align your home with your healthspan and purpose✅ Avoid the top 4 rightsizing mistakes retirees make✅ Turn fear of change into freedom and confidence➡️ Sign up for the free live workshop: Rightsize Retirement Without Regret: How to Unlock Home Equity and Design Your Next Act with Confidence📅Save the Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 12 pm Mountain / 2 pm Eastern🔗Register Now → https://www.rightsizeretirement.com/🎁 Includes Free download: Rethinking RetirementChapters00:00 Why Downsizing Feels Like Losing, and Rightsizing Feels Like Freedom02:11 The Psychology of Fit: Your Home Affects Your Energy and Health04:13 The 3-Step Framework: Vision, Evaluate, Experiment05:51 Four Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)07:34 From Fear to Freedom: Designing a Home that Fits Your Next Act08:59 Invitation to the Workshop ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

What if the true secret to longevity isn’t a supplement, procedure, or miracle cure — but a mindset?In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt reveals why the key to health and independence after 50 lies in protecting your floor — your baseline strength, mobility, immune function, cognition, and emotional resilience. You’ll learn:🏋️‍♀️ The five pillars that hold up your health floor🧠 Why decline accelerates after 50 — and how to reverse it💪 How to bounce back faster from illness or surgery💡 How to build an identity that never compromises on consistencyIf you want to stay strong, mobile, sharp, and independent for decades to come — this episode is your playbook for mastering health longevity in your Go-Strong years.🎧 Listen now and start protecting your floor — because aging well isn’t luck, it’s a lifestyle.📅 Book your free Next Act Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discovery Chapters00:00 The Real Secret to Longevity Isn’t a Pill — It’s a Mindset00:28 Two Paths After 70: Why One Person Thrives While the Other Struggles01:18 From Chasing the Ceiling to Protecting the Floor02:28 Why Baseline Decline Happens Faster After 5003:54 The Five Pillars Holding Up Your Health Floor06:04 How the Pillars Work Together — and What Happens When One Cracks07:02 Identity Over Motivation: Becoming a Protector of Your Floor07:51 Why Compromise Accelerates Aging08:41 Simple Daily Habits That Reinforce Your Health Floor09:31 Bouncing Back After Illness or Injury12:02 Visualize Your Future Self — and Set a Higher Floor12:48 The Difference Between Decline and Mastery Is Mindset14:17 Protecting Your Floor Is the Real Art of Aging Well ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Is your home really supporting your retirement — or secretly draining your wealth and health? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt (Healthspan Scientist, Realtor, and Coach) challenges the myth that “mortgage-free at 65” is the ultimate goal. You’ll learn why homeownership can be both a blessing and a burden, and how to turn your biggest asset into a tool for wealth longevity and healthspan.We’ll cover:The hidden costs of staying in the “forever home”Why location, walkability, and social connection matter more than square footageThree strategies to unlock home equity: downsizing, house-hacking, reverse mortgageA practical framework for deciding what’s right for youWhy your kids probably don’t want the house you’re holding ontoBottom line: Your house isn’t a trophy. It’s a tool — and used strategically, it can multiply your freedom, independence, and longevity.👉 Free Coaching Call:https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discoveryChapters00:00 Introduction: Why Your House Might Be Shortening Your Lifespan00:56 The Double-Edged Sword of Homeownership and Health01:57 When Your Home Becomes a Financial and Physical Liability02:25 The Power of Location: Walkability, Social Connection, and Aging Well03:43 Strategy #1: Downsizing or Right-Sizing for Lifestyle Alignment04:29 Strategy #2: House-Hacking to Unlock Cash Flow and Connection05:23 Strategy #3: Reverse Mortgages Explained—Modern HECMs Demystified06:22 The Hidden Costs of Clinging to the “Forever Home”07:38 A Framework for Deciding: Audit, Health, Opportunity, Numbers08:52 Common Objections: Mortgage-Free at 65 and Leaving the House to Kids10:15 Your Next Steps: How to Turn Home Equity into a Longevity Multiplier11:18 Closing Challenge and Call to Action ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Feeling blindsided by a layoff in your 50s? You’re not alone—many Americans are forced to retire earlier than planned. But this moment can be a fork in the road. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt shows you how to turn job loss into opportunity. Weigh whether to return to full-time work, part-time work, or pivot toward early retirement. Map out strategies to bridge the gap years before Social Security and Medicare. Discover how to align your wealthspan with your healthspan and avoid wasting your best decade.👉 Learn how to:Run the numbers to see if early retirement is possibleCover healthcare and income gaps without draining savingsUse real estate, Roth conversions, and tax strategies wiselyProtect your Go-Strong years (ages 55–65) for health and adventure🎧 Listen now and take control of your Next Act!Chapters00:00 Laid Off in Your 50s? Why It Could Be Your Best Opportunity Yet02:45 Early Retirement vs. Going Back to Work: How to Decide Wisely06:47 Why Your Healthspan Matters More Than Your 401K Balance09:05 Bridging the Gap Years: Healthcare, Income, and Smart Withdrawal Strategies13:22 Maximizing Your Go-Strong Decade: Aligning Wealthspan and Healthspan ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just about robots and sci-fi. It’s already transforming how we age, prevent disease, and protect our independence. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt, PhD, explores the cutting edge where biology meets AI. From cancer detection to digital twins, memory support apps to AI-guided fitness, discover how these tools can help you live longer, stronger, and sharper in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.Learn how to spot hype versus real breakthroughs, what’s available to you today, and what’s just around the corner. If you care about healthspan, wealthspan, and living your best Next Act, this is the episode for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more science-backed strategies on health and longevity.Chapters00:00 The Human–AI Frontier: How Technology Is Rewriting Midlife and Beyond02:41 From Sci-Fi to Reality: AI’s Role in Diagnostics and Disease Prevention04:38 Protecting Brain Health: AI Tools to Detect Cognitive Decline Early06:02 Stronger for Longer: How AI Targets Muscle, Bone, and Metabolic Health07:43 Digital Twins and Brain–Computer Interfaces: The Future of Personalized Medicine09:21 Separating Hype from Reality: What AI Can (and Can’t) Do for Aging Adults ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Are you waiting until 65 or 70 to retire—only to risk missing your best decade of health? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt explains why retirement isn’t one long “golden plateau” but three very different stages: the Go-Strong years (55–65), the Go-Slower years (65–75), and the Go-Less years (75–85). Discover how biology—not your financial planner—shapes your retirement timeline, and why aligning your money with your healthspan is the smartest Next Act decision you can make.If you’re nearing retirement, don’t miss this eye-opening conversation about vitality, family, caregiving, and creating memories when you’re still strong enough to enjoy them.👉 Subscribe for weekly insights on healthspan + wealthspan.👉 Book a free coaching call: https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discoveryChapters00:00 Rethinking the 'Work As Long As Possible" Advice01:38 Retirement Years Aren't Uniform02:47 The Go-Strong Decade: Peak Vitality05:29 The Go-Slower Decade: Navigating Change07:18 The Go-Less Decade: Embracing Wisdom08:57 Timing Retirement to Enjoy Quality Time Remaining ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

What if “just work longer” isn’t an option for your retirement? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt exposes why delaying retirement is bad advice for most Americans—and what smarter strategies you can use instead.You’ll learn how to:✅ Unlock the wealth hidden in your home (downsizing, house hacking, reverse mortgages)✅ Reinvest equity to create sustainable income streams✅ Optimize Social Security and Medicare decisions✅ Protect your healthspan to reduce healthcare costs and extend wealthspan✅ Redefine purpose and lifestyle beyond the paycheckIf your financial plan relies on working longer, it may not be much of a plan at all. Discover how to thrive in your Next Act—even when a paycheck isn’t possible.✨ Ready to design a healthier, wealthier retirement strategy? Book a free discovery call with Dr. Rachael here: https://calendly.com/rachael-vanpelt/discovery👉 Don’t miss these related episodes:• Episode 25: Is Starting Social Security Early the Best Financial Move?• Episode 47: Rightsizing vs. Downsizing: Finding the Perfect Fit for Lifestyle Longevity Chapters00:00 When Working Longer is Not an Option03:16 Shifting Mindset from 'Keep Earning' to 'Growing Existing Wealth'05:12 Leveraging Real Estate for Retirement06:36 Re-invest Any Equity You Pull Out of Real Estate08:17 Intergenerational Strategies for Growing Wealth09:09 Can we Count on Social Security as a Safety Net?11:40 Improve Healthspan to Extend Wealthspan14:02 Creatively Find Alternative Solutions for Extending Wealthspan ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s the original compounding interest for your health and wealth. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Rachael Van Pelt, PhD, reveals why disrupted sleep accelerates aging, drains your finances, and robs you of independence. You’ll discover how sleep impacts metabolism, hormones, brain health, and decision-making — and why a simple “sleep reset” may be the highest-return investment you ever make for your healthspan and wealthspan.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Sleep for Health and Wealth00:54 Understanding Sleep Mechanisms and Circadian Rhythms04:45 The Impact of Sleep on Brain Function and Decision Making06:20 The Impact of Sleep Loss on Independence07:26 Quality vs. Quantity: The Real Sleep Equation08:49 A Good Night's Sleep Starts in the Morning09:41 How Feeding and Fasting Signals Cellular Clocks10:41 How to Reset Your Brain and Body for a Better Night's Sleep13:49 Should You Take Naps?14:42 How Does Exercise Impact Sleep?15:50 Breaking the Cycle of Early Morning Waking17:01 Battling the Mind Muck Around Sleep17:35 Identifying Sleep Disorders and Their Solutions18:24 Sleep Debt Will Drain Your Wealth19:22 Investing in Sleep for Long-Term Benefits  ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Are you tired of leaving the doctor’s office more confused than when you walked in? In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt reveals how the brand-new GPT-5 can be your personal health advocate. Discover how this AI tool helps you unpack confusing diagnoses, prepare smarter questions for your doctor, and even connect your medical decisions to your financial future. Learn how to use AI to protect both your healthspan and wealthspan—so you can stay independent, informed, and in control of your Next Act.📅Free GPT Health Advocate cheat sheet https://mailchi.mp/inplacepro/gpt-5-health-advocateChapters00:00 Health Advocacy with AI02:32 The Power of GPT-5 in Healthcare05:42 Navigating the New Doctor-Patient Dynamics08:28 Empowering Patients with Preventive Strategies11:41 Building Your "Personal Health Narrative"13:46 Learning How to Collaborate with GPT-5 to Improve your Health15:04 Starting the Health Conversation with ChatGPT ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

The AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s here, and it could transform your healthspan, wealthspan, and Next Act more than anything since the post-WWII boom. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt unpacks the U.S. government’s bold AI Action Plan, the staggering longevity breakthroughs experts predict, and why living to 100+ could rewrite the rules of retirement. Learn how to adapt, thrive, and keep your purpose — and your paycheck — in the Age of Intelligence.Chapters00:00 A Transformation on Par with the 1950s Infrastructure Boom03:17 Solving Medicine: A New Era of Healthspan06:53 From Lifespan to Wealthspan: Will Your Money Last if You Live Longer?11:00 What we can Learn from the FIRE Movement14:58 The New World of AGI: Cautionary and Optimistic ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt

Should you buy or rent in retirement? The answer isn’t as simple as the generic advice you’ll find online. In this episode of Next Act Ninjas, Dr. Rachael Van Pelt breaks down the real financial, lifestyle, and emotional trade-offs for renting vs buying in your Next Act. From equity growth and liquidity to reverse mortgages, rising rents, and hidden healthspan factors—you’ll learn how to make a housing decision that supports both your wealth and your well-being for the next 20 years.Chapters00:00 Navigating the Decision to Rent or Buy in Retirement01:40 Current Day Investment Reality Check02:56 Taking Health into Consideration04:11 Rent vs Buy: How do the 20-Year Numbers Stack Up?10:28 Weighing your Options 11:23 Two Very Different Approaches14:08 The Hidden Perks and Pitfalls of Renting or Owning15:30 What Lifestyle do you Envision?17:35 Emotional and Lifestyle Considerations ***************************** Rightsized Home & Health Review https://bit.ly/4aiIBxxRachael Van Pelt, PhD is a retired healthspan scientist turned Realtor and longevity coach helping 55+ adults rightsize with confidence. If you’re unsure whether to move, stay put, or unlock equity, she’ll help you run the numbers, weigh the tradeoffs, and build a plan that supports both health longevity and financial freedom. Rachael works locally (in Colorado) as a Realtor and nationally as a coach. If you want expert guidance for your rightsizing journey, book a free strategy session using the above link. ***************************** ⚠️ Disclaimer: We do not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research.  inPlace Professionals, LLC. 2024 All rights reserved. Broker eXp Realty, LLC  Copyright Notice: This podcast and our YouTube video contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Rachael Van Pelt. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. @drrachaelvanpelt