WOONSOCKET, R.I. – CVS Health has announced a new collaboration with The Midlife Collective, a media company and community platform dedicated to changing the cultural conversation around women and aging. As part of the collaboration, the two organizations will conduct a research study designed to better understand the physical, emotional, social and life experiences of women in midlife. Findings from the study will help inform The Midlife Collective's upcoming documentary, Her Second Act, which will highlight the transformative possibilities of midlife and challenge outdated narratives about aging.
The research will explore the realities women face during this stage of life, while identifying opportunities to better support their health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. By bringing together clinical expertise, original research and storytelling, CVS Health and The Midlife Collective hope to inspire broader conversations about what it means to thrive during a woman’s midlife journey. Seventy-five million women in the U.S. are currently in some stage of perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause. Approximately two million women transition into menopause each year, and 8-10 million women experience menopausal symptoms in any given year. This transition typically occurs when women are in their late 40s or 50s and is characterized by a significant decrease in estrogen levels.
“For too long, conversations about midlife have been centered around symptoms and limitations,” said Dr. Joanne Armstrong, vice president, chief medical officer of women’s health, CVS Health. “But midlife can also be a time of growth, reinvention and possibility. Through the work with The Midlife Collective, we will pair rigorous clinical research with powerful storytelling, elevate women’s voices, better understand their needs and bring greater awareness and education to this important stage of their health journey.”
The study will build on a growing recognition that midlife encompasses far more than menopause alone. Research will examine a range of experiences, including health, identity, caregiving, relationships, career transitions, financial wellbeing and personal fulfillment. The findings are expected to provide new insights into how women navigate this phase of life and where additional support may be needed.
Her Second Act, currently in development, co-directed by Abby Epstein and Constance Zimmer and produced by Julie Flakstad, seeks to challenge the cultural narrative around women and aging by highlighting stories of recalibration, resilience and discovery. Through interviews, emerging science, expert perspectives, personal and celebrity stories, the documentary aims to help women reimagine midlife as one of the most profound chapters yet.
“After years of listening to women’s midlife experiences, one thing is clear: the story we’ve been told is blatantly wrong,” said Constance Zimmer, Emmy-nominated actress, co-founder of The Midlife Collective. “We aim to highlight the complexity and possibility of midlife so women feel seen and understood. Through our collaboration with CVS Health, we’re pairing storytelling with research to deepen understanding and shape a more accurate and inspiring narrative for future generations.”
This collaboration is part of CVS Health's commitment to supporting women at every stage of life through access to care, education and evidence-based resources. CVS Health develops customized programs and solutions across its lines of business that support every stage of a woman’s health journey, including midlife.
