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Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Ageing with Power
Brought to you by Penguin.
STRONGER MUSCLES AND BONES, INCREASED MOBILITY, LIFELONG INDEPENDENCE AND A NEW MENTALITY FOR AGEING WITH POWER.
This cutting-edge guide to nutrition, training and lifestyle will optimise a woman's body for longevity, through menopause and beyond.
Strong skeletal muscle drives healthy longevity – yet too often women neglect this important measure of fitness. Indeed, more than 70% of women experience musculoskeletal symptoms like joint pain, muscle loss and reduced bone density as they enter perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms – what Dr Vonda Wright refers to as the 'musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause' – can often set us up for osteoporosis, osteopenia, broken bones, increasingly limited mobility and reduced independence later in life. That trend stops now. Unbreakable outlines a new and direct path to protecting ourselves against this too-common fate.
Drawing on her decades of experience as a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon helping women at all fitness levels to repair their bones and regain strength, Dr Wright gives clear action steps to shield us from the timebombs of aging in four critical
Pinpointing the right combination of cardio and resistance training for you to aid in tissue regeneration and improve metabolic What to eat to extinguish inflammation, repopulate your gut biome, and support strong bones and muscle How to manage chronic stress, get more restorative sleep, and turn down systemic inflammation in your daily What to take to target the elimination of 'zombie cells' and improve your cell function.
Including a six-week, master exercise protocol to jumpstart skeletal and muscular strength, critical information about baseline blood and mobility tests that will help you understand your current health state, and twenty easy, anti-inflammatory recipes, Unbreakable is an invaluable guide to adding more vibrantly healthy life to your years.
Vonda Wright 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025
STRONGER MUSCLES AND BONES, INCREASED MOBILITY, LIFELONG INDEPENDENCE AND A NEW MENTALITY FOR AGEING WITH POWER.
This cutting-edge guide to nutrition, training and lifestyle will optimise a woman's body for longevity, through menopause and beyond.
Strong skeletal muscle drives healthy longevity – yet too often women neglect this important measure of fitness. Indeed, more than 70% of women experience musculoskeletal symptoms like joint pain, muscle loss and reduced bone density as they enter perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms – what Dr Vonda Wright refers to as the 'musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause' – can often set us up for osteoporosis, osteopenia, broken bones, increasingly limited mobility and reduced independence later in life. That trend stops now. Unbreakable outlines a new and direct path to protecting ourselves against this too-common fate.
Drawing on her decades of experience as a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon helping women at all fitness levels to repair their bones and regain strength, Dr Wright gives clear action steps to shield us from the timebombs of aging in four critical
Pinpointing the right combination of cardio and resistance training for you to aid in tissue regeneration and improve metabolic What to eat to extinguish inflammation, repopulate your gut biome, and support strong bones and muscle How to manage chronic stress, get more restorative sleep, and turn down systemic inflammation in your daily What to take to target the elimination of 'zombie cells' and improve your cell function.
Including a six-week, master exercise protocol to jumpstart skeletal and muscular strength, critical information about baseline blood and mobility tests that will help you understand your current health state, and twenty easy, anti-inflammatory recipes, Unbreakable is an invaluable guide to adding more vibrantly healthy life to your years.
Vonda Wright 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025
Audible Audio
Published August 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 4, 2025
If you want to hear repeatedly that all aging/menopause symptoms can be cured by a good workout, you’ll like this. I was expecting more in the line of an explanation of why symptoms appear erratically, and there’s some of that but not in depth. Extra pounds? Work out with weights. Migraines? Work out. Depression and mood swings? Work out.
October 18, 2025
Very informative book. If you like more science based descriptions, you'll love this book because the author uses more scientific language. She's also good at explaining those terms though. I purchased the audiobook and it comes with PDF's for the program, if you chose to follow her strength training program. I got this book because I'm working on strengthening my body post menopause and I've listened to several podcasts with her and liked what she had to say regarding the subject of menopause and building strength.
November 5, 2025
It definitely raised my understanding of the amazing anti-aging benefits of strength training and exercise. At the same time, it gave me incentive to pursue both.
May 31, 2026
This is obviously a non-fiction book. It’s essentially focused on supporting women to age well, with power and strength. She confronts the myth that women are fragile and it’s a steady decline after menopause and how we’re not given the same advice as men to keep strong and power into older age. I think she did a great job.
The book is split into three. First she tells you how we age and what the challenges and barriers to aging well are, which is an eye opener. As a biologist myself, I really enjoyed the level of detail she went into. I thought it was fascinating and really engaging. She then talks about what you can do, to improve how you age, which essentially is eating well, exercise, hormone replacement etc. stuff we all know, but she takes you into so much more detail as to the …why! The last bit is how to age powerfully. So she goes into a bit more depth about what the future could hold. I’d seen a few mediocre reviews on this.. about how the book was just about strength training etc. But it was actually, so much more, and I feel those review actually missed the point! I actually found it really insightful, as a 49-year-old woman, going through menopause, who thinks very highly of exercise and staying healthy, this book was brilliant. The author clearly is an authority on the topic, as an orthopaedic surgeon and also having gone through menopause and midlife herself, so I felt that she knew what she was talking about.
The book itself is only about half the length as it appears, as the last half of the book is really an appendix full of recipes, exercise routines etc, so it’s not overly long. It’s about 250 pages. I would actually highly recommend this to anyone. It really gives you a measure of what you need to be focused on, which is cardiovascular fitness, strength training, eating properly (protein and fibre!), ensure you have good supplements (if you need them) ensure you get good sleep, ideally HRT etc. Highly recommend for midlife women who really just want to keep on top of their health.
The book is split into three. First she tells you how we age and what the challenges and barriers to aging well are, which is an eye opener. As a biologist myself, I really enjoyed the level of detail she went into. I thought it was fascinating and really engaging. She then talks about what you can do, to improve how you age, which essentially is eating well, exercise, hormone replacement etc. stuff we all know, but she takes you into so much more detail as to the …why! The last bit is how to age powerfully. So she goes into a bit more depth about what the future could hold. I’d seen a few mediocre reviews on this.. about how the book was just about strength training etc. But it was actually, so much more, and I feel those review actually missed the point! I actually found it really insightful, as a 49-year-old woman, going through menopause, who thinks very highly of exercise and staying healthy, this book was brilliant. The author clearly is an authority on the topic, as an orthopaedic surgeon and also having gone through menopause and midlife herself, so I felt that she knew what she was talking about.
The book itself is only about half the length as it appears, as the last half of the book is really an appendix full of recipes, exercise routines etc, so it’s not overly long. It’s about 250 pages. I would actually highly recommend this to anyone. It really gives you a measure of what you need to be focused on, which is cardiovascular fitness, strength training, eating properly (protein and fibre!), ensure you have good supplements (if you need them) ensure you get good sleep, ideally HRT etc. Highly recommend for midlife women who really just want to keep on top of their health.
November 27, 2025
UNBREAKABLE A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO AGING WITH POWER By Dr. Vonda Wright; Orthopaedic Surgeon and Longevity Specialist, is published by Penguin Random House Australia September 2025
Review by Lorraine Parker
For me, the title of this book “Unbreakable”, combined with the word “power” almost put me off reading. (I had immediately conjured up ‘Superwoman” and beyond reality.)
The familiar line of, ‘you can’t judge a book by it’s cover’, very quickly became true. Unbreakable is the cutting edge, of a new and scientific mentality toward aging. Aging with good health, thus maintaining our power. Although Vonda wright’s emphasis is on women, especially in relation to the changes our bodies experience with menopause, the importance of strength in muscle and bones, and nutrition, and more, I believe, could also benefit men.
As well, mobility and therefore independence is directly linked to strong muscles and strong bones.
Vonda Wright describes the ‘hallmarks’ of aging as six ‘Time Bombs’. In summary;
1. DNA is not our destiny. The science of ‘telomeres’ which shorten over time is a basic scientific fact.
2. Inflammaging. (to me an interesting and new term and a must read later in her book).
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Mitochondria regulate cell division, cell growth, cell death and how calcium works in the body. This essential activity depends on lifestyle choices (nutrition and exercise, and they also manages free radicals.
4. Senescience. Addresses the life span of our cells and the importance of stem cells which can become any type of working cell. Without these we can have chronic damage and inflammation. Wright mentions estrogen which “helps keep molecular pathways safe and clean”. Also addressed in later chapter.
5. Fuel Gauge Malfunction. Linked to insulin signalling which may decrease in women with aging.
The final time bomb;
6. Stem Cell Exhaustion. A fascinating section. Stem cells can become, for example; muscle, bone, blood, or brain cells. Regular muscle use increases stem cell activity, and in turn gives better circulation, reduction in inflammation and less oxidative stress. Not to forget nutrition and the avoidance of over processed foods.
This is a very bare outline. The following chapters give further information and much more such as; ‘mindset’, practical exercises to assess and measure yourself in how you are in your own, ‘unbreakable’ state; (BMI, heart rate, gait speed, muscle strength, aerobic activity). The “shield” of estrogen needed in relation to menopause is particularly meaningful for any age.
The Appendix 1 is of integral importance - sixty pages.
Appendix 2 includes hands on Recipes – 25 pages
Appendix 3 focus is managing pain and injury and age-related osteoarthritis.
The references (in fine print) cover 24 pages and leave the reader in no doubt that this is a culmination of Dr. Vonda Wright’s research and her qualification of Orthopaedic Surgeon and Longevity Specialist.
The index is just as impressive and user friendly.
A practical hands on scientific guide that should be read by all. Even if you are already long past menopause, or young and confident in your own prowess and not near menopause, or, if you are male and seeking to understand your female partner, or if you are female and want to move forward in the best possible health. A must read.
Review by Lorraine Parker
For me, the title of this book “Unbreakable”, combined with the word “power” almost put me off reading. (I had immediately conjured up ‘Superwoman” and beyond reality.)
The familiar line of, ‘you can’t judge a book by it’s cover’, very quickly became true. Unbreakable is the cutting edge, of a new and scientific mentality toward aging. Aging with good health, thus maintaining our power. Although Vonda wright’s emphasis is on women, especially in relation to the changes our bodies experience with menopause, the importance of strength in muscle and bones, and nutrition, and more, I believe, could also benefit men.
As well, mobility and therefore independence is directly linked to strong muscles and strong bones.
Vonda Wright describes the ‘hallmarks’ of aging as six ‘Time Bombs’. In summary;
1. DNA is not our destiny. The science of ‘telomeres’ which shorten over time is a basic scientific fact.
2. Inflammaging. (to me an interesting and new term and a must read later in her book).
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Mitochondria regulate cell division, cell growth, cell death and how calcium works in the body. This essential activity depends on lifestyle choices (nutrition and exercise, and they also manages free radicals.
4. Senescience. Addresses the life span of our cells and the importance of stem cells which can become any type of working cell. Without these we can have chronic damage and inflammation. Wright mentions estrogen which “helps keep molecular pathways safe and clean”. Also addressed in later chapter.
5. Fuel Gauge Malfunction. Linked to insulin signalling which may decrease in women with aging.
The final time bomb;
6. Stem Cell Exhaustion. A fascinating section. Stem cells can become, for example; muscle, bone, blood, or brain cells. Regular muscle use increases stem cell activity, and in turn gives better circulation, reduction in inflammation and less oxidative stress. Not to forget nutrition and the avoidance of over processed foods.
This is a very bare outline. The following chapters give further information and much more such as; ‘mindset’, practical exercises to assess and measure yourself in how you are in your own, ‘unbreakable’ state; (BMI, heart rate, gait speed, muscle strength, aerobic activity). The “shield” of estrogen needed in relation to menopause is particularly meaningful for any age.
The Appendix 1 is of integral importance - sixty pages.
Appendix 2 includes hands on Recipes – 25 pages
Appendix 3 focus is managing pain and injury and age-related osteoarthritis.
The references (in fine print) cover 24 pages and leave the reader in no doubt that this is a culmination of Dr. Vonda Wright’s research and her qualification of Orthopaedic Surgeon and Longevity Specialist.
The index is just as impressive and user friendly.
A practical hands on scientific guide that should be read by all. Even if you are already long past menopause, or young and confident in your own prowess and not near menopause, or, if you are male and seeking to understand your female partner, or if you are female and want to move forward in the best possible health. A must read.
November 7, 2025
Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power is one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply informative and genuinely empowering. Dr Vonda Wright takes what could easily be an overwhelming topic - how our bodies change with age - and turns it into something clear, practical, and motivating.
What I loved most is how useful it is. Every chapter offers real-world, doable advice: how to protect your bones, build strength, eat to support energy, and even measure your progress with simple tests. It’s not filled with jargon or impossible routines—it’s written in plain, encouraging language that makes you feel you can actually do it.
I also appreciated that it covers all the basics. Instead of focusing on just one thing (like hormones or fitness), Dr Wright ties everything together - exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and longevity. The six-week program at the end brings it all together so you can start right away, no matter your current fitness level.
It’s clear that the author genuinely wants women to thrive, not just “age gracefully.” The science is solid, but it’s presented in a way that feels approachable, not clinical. I came away feeling stronger and more confident about what’s ahead - and with a plan to keep it that way.
If you want a guide that’s inspiring but also practical and easy to understand, Unbreakable is an excellent choice. It’s a book I’ll be returning to often as a reference and reminder that ageing doesn’t mean slowing down—it means powering up.
What I loved most is how useful it is. Every chapter offers real-world, doable advice: how to protect your bones, build strength, eat to support energy, and even measure your progress with simple tests. It’s not filled with jargon or impossible routines—it’s written in plain, encouraging language that makes you feel you can actually do it.
I also appreciated that it covers all the basics. Instead of focusing on just one thing (like hormones or fitness), Dr Wright ties everything together - exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and longevity. The six-week program at the end brings it all together so you can start right away, no matter your current fitness level.
It’s clear that the author genuinely wants women to thrive, not just “age gracefully.” The science is solid, but it’s presented in a way that feels approachable, not clinical. I came away feeling stronger and more confident about what’s ahead - and with a plan to keep it that way.
If you want a guide that’s inspiring but also practical and easy to understand, Unbreakable is an excellent choice. It’s a book I’ll be returning to often as a reference and reminder that ageing doesn’t mean slowing down—it means powering up.
October 22, 2025
Dr. Vonda Wright’s Unbreakable is a transformative manifesto for women determined to redefine what it means to age. With clinical precision and contagious passion, Wright dismantles the outdated notion that aging must equal decline, replacing it with a bold, evidence based blueprint for strength, vitality, and autonomy.
What makes this book so powerful is its dual nature: both a medical guide and a motivational call to action. Wright fuses decades of orthopedic expertise with a deep understanding of the female experience, showing how skeletal muscle, nutrition, and mindset intertwine to shape long term health. Her insights into the “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause” are groundbreaking illuminating the hidden epidemic of muscle and bone loss that silently erodes quality of life for millions of women.
Each chapter radiates empowerment. From practical six week training protocols to recipes that reduce inflammation and promote regeneration, Wright equips women not just to survive aging but to master it. Her voice is clear, compassionate, and deeply inspiring a trusted guide urging women to view their bodies not as fragile, but as dynamic, adaptable systems capable of renewal.
Unbreakable isn’t simply a health book; it’s a movement toward reclaiming power over one’s own body. It deserves a permanent place on every woman’s shelf as a reminder that strength is ageless and that the future of female health begins with resilience, not resignation.
What makes this book so powerful is its dual nature: both a medical guide and a motivational call to action. Wright fuses decades of orthopedic expertise with a deep understanding of the female experience, showing how skeletal muscle, nutrition, and mindset intertwine to shape long term health. Her insights into the “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause” are groundbreaking illuminating the hidden epidemic of muscle and bone loss that silently erodes quality of life for millions of women.
Each chapter radiates empowerment. From practical six week training protocols to recipes that reduce inflammation and promote regeneration, Wright equips women not just to survive aging but to master it. Her voice is clear, compassionate, and deeply inspiring a trusted guide urging women to view their bodies not as fragile, but as dynamic, adaptable systems capable of renewal.
Unbreakable isn’t simply a health book; it’s a movement toward reclaiming power over one’s own body. It deserves a permanent place on every woman’s shelf as a reminder that strength is ageless and that the future of female health begins with resilience, not resignation.
May 31, 2026
3.5 stars for this book aimed at helping women live strong, healthy lives well into their later decades. Dr. Vonda Wright bases her info on science and research - actual medical-based research and not the "do your own research" too many internet influencers are touting. I recommend this book no matter where you are in terms of peri-meno or meno, fitness, or health today. You'll undoubtedly come away from it with good tips to improve your health and longevity.
October 13, 2026
This book has inspired me to not just lift weights and do HIIT workouts, but it had inspired me to become stronger in many more ways.
I bought a grip strengthener and a tester! I have been trying to sit down and stand up with out using any levers. I am going to take my test next week to measure where I am at for longevity.
I am having my book club read this book because I believe we need to encourage and support one another as we experience a new season of life.
I bought a grip strengthener and a tester! I have been trying to sit down and stand up with out using any levers. I am going to take my test next week to measure where I am at for longevity.
I am having my book club read this book because I believe we need to encourage and support one another as we experience a new season of life.
January 12, 2026
I really like the author, when she powers in a podcast her information is so helpful! Most self help books I find annoyingly repetitive. I did read through most and made my own version of her exercise appendix.
The information in this book is incredibly helpful, science based and revolutionary in its effort to help women age with strength. 5 stars to the information.
S
The information in this book is incredibly helpful, science based and revolutionary in its effort to help women age with strength. 5 stars to the information.
S
July 10, 2026
Really love Dr. Wright and her passion for women’s health. I listened to the audiobook and wished I would have been in a position to take notes. I need to go back and access the pdf’s. I felt motivated and inspired by her advice and totally buy in to her recommendations. I have already recognized benefits in my health journey.
February 6, 2026
The beginning of the book provided good info for the common person looking to learn about workouts and strength training. The rest is good if you have a science/medical background. Unfortunately, getting it from the library, you don't have access to the accompanying pdfs.
September 14, 2025
Great book.
Read
October 7, 2025Outlive, but for women
December 5, 2025
Highly unapproachable and unrealistic for most women.
June 14, 2026
Had SOME great content, but was so "sales pitchy" and cheesy I couldn't stand it long enough to finish it. Cut out the word unbreakable (said 2000x/chapter) and I'd read it again.
August 12, 2026
A must read. Simple truths on every page
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews