TEDx Dalt Vila 2025 Proposal:
The Power of Menopause
Evolution, Longevity, and the Grandmother Hypothesis
This TEDx talk will highlight an evolutionary biology perspective on menopause and ageing, framing menopause not as a physiological decline but as an evolutionary advantage, known as the ‘Grandmother Hypothesis.’
By shedding light on the important role post-menopausal women play in society, this talk will challenge long-standing stigmas around ageing and demonstrate how menopause can be a powerful phase of life that fosters wisdom and leadership.
While most species remain fertile until death, humans and several aquatic mammals are the few species where females outlive their reproductive years (see Figure 1. below).
This unique evolutionary adaptation suggests menopause has a purpose beyond biology, with social and cultural benefits. The Grandmother Hypothesis proposes that this evolutionary quirk has evolved to allow women to invest time and energy into their grandchildren, increasing the survival and reproductive success of their offspring. By shifting focus away from reproduction, women are free to become mentors, leaders, and caregivers, offering critical support within their family and community networks.
In a world that increasingly values youth and productivity, menopause can be reframed as an opportunity for intergenerational mentorship, wisdom sharing, and legacy building. Society often overlooks the contributions of older women, but the Grandmother Hypothesis gives us a framework to recognise and celebrate their vital roles. With life expectancy increasing, post-menopausal women represent a growing demographic that can reshape industries, communities, and change the political landscape.
A deeper understanding of why women are uniquely evolved to drive global change will amplify the powerful, feminine force that defines Ibiza.
Objectives:
I hope to inspire audiences to rethink ageing and recognise the critical roles that older women have played—and continue to play—in shaping human history and culture. This talk encourages women to embrace their post-reproductive years as a time of strength, wisdom, social contribution, and leadership including:
- A new understanding of menopause as an evolutionary advantage.
- Insights into how menopause and the Grandmother Hypothesis have shaped human society.
- An empowering message that challenges negative stereotypes about ageing.
- Inspiration to view menopause as an opportunity for reinvention and leadership for the benefit of the wider community.
Evidence-based textbook
Below is an excerpt from Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners:
Figure 1. below shows the 52 species of mammals and their average female life expectancy. The red bar indicates the reproductive years and the grey bar shows the number of years survived on average, after the reproductive years. An asterisk (*) indicates the species where postreproductive years are significant in comparison to reproductive years (killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, and humans).
Ellis S, Franks DW, Nattrass S, et al. (2018). Postreproductive lifespans are rare in mammals. Ecol Evol. 2018;8:2482–2494.
Learn more
Menopause: More Than an Evolutionary Quirk?
Menopause is unique to just a handful of species; humans (Homo sapiens) and several aquatic mammals, including killer whales (Orcinus orcas), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), and narwhals (Monodon monoceros). While these sea creatures may initially appear to have little in common with humans, they are social animals and tend to live in groups, known as pods. These pods can consist of several families which are, in many cases, matrilineally related.
Experts have suggested that menopause is an evolutionary phenomenon that increases the chances of a mother passing on her genetics. It enables her to devote more energy to the family or pod’s survival rather than continuing to reproduce. Offspring born to older mothers have a lower survival rate than those born to younger individuals. Therefore, shutting off reproduction at middle age and assisting in the care of grandchildren preserves genetic lineage more efficiently than competing with younger descendants who are also reproducing.
This theory is known as the grandmother hypothesis of menopause. However, it is currently just that, a hypothesis. Although there is strong evidence to support it, some scientists argue that menopause is simply an evolutionary quirk that has persisted in our genes for no particular reason. However, if proven, the grandmother hypothesis would explain why humans and other species go through menopause, and why women’s life spans can extend far beyond the reproductive years.
The authors highlight this evolutionary biology theory as it underpins one of the central themes of this book: reframing menopause as a positive experience. In both humans and killer whales, older females support the survival, wellbeing, and reproduction of their offspring and grand-offspring. In humans, this extends to society as a whole, meaning that even women who do not have children of their own can make valuable contributions to future generations by sharing their experience, love, and wisdom.
TED and TEDx Talks:
I ensure that my talk fully complies with TEDx Content Guidelines and Copyright Guidelines. I understand that if my talk does not meet these standards, the organisers have the right to withhold it.
I commit to presenting only well-founded, evidence-based scientific information. I will ensure that any scientific claims I make are supported by credible, peer-reviewed research and that I will clearly explain the basis for any factual statements. I recognise the importance of avoiding pseudoscience and will not misuse scientific language to promote unverified or unsubstantiated ideas.
References from the TEDx archives:
TEDxHawkesbury 2023: Amanda Thebe Should Men Talk About Menopause?
TED Podcast 2022: Dr Jen Gunter The Menopause Manifesto
TEDxBrayfordPool 2022: Bev Thorogood ADHD in menopausal women
TEDxAmsterdamWomen 2022: Saron Patronilia Win-win with corporate menopause
TEDxBoston 2021: Erika Ebbel Angle Thriving in perimenopause is all about cleavage
TED Global Idea Search 2021: Andrea Berchowitz The link between menopause and gender inequity at work
TED Podcast 2021: Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter Is Menopause the Beginning of the End?
TEDxMountPenn 2020: Debra Atkinson What Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be A Lie
TEDxMcMinnville 2020: Dr Karen Adams Sleep, Sex, and Menopausal Zest
TEDWomen 2019: Lisa Mosconi How menopause affects the brain
TEDxLambeth 2019: Katie Day The roar of the menopause
Biography:
Kath Berry
Bachelor of Health Sciences, Masters of Science (Research), author with over 25 years of clinical experience. Member of the International Menopause Society (IMS)
Having commenced a Bachelor’s degree in Australia in 1995, after graduating in 2000, Kath spent time working in several hospitals in China. She then returned to Australia and completed a Master of Science Research degree (MSc) in drug and alcohol addiction medicine at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her thesis was based on a clinical trial she set up between UTS and Sydney South West Area Health Service. As Australia’s first ever hospital-based acupuncture clinical trial, the study required two years of preparation across three ethics jurisdictions and paved the way for further collaboration between university departments and hospitals.
Contact Kath Berry: [email protected]
Concurrently, Kath fuelled her passion for enhancing the acupuncture profession through high quality education, networking, and mentoring by setting up a nonprofit organisation, The Acupuncture Network. In 2007 she studied at the Lincoln Recovery Center in NYC with Dr Michael Smith and became a certified NADA ear acupuncture trainer. From 2008 to 2010 she worked with Balance Healthcare and the Journal of Chinese Medicine in the UK before consulting with Acupuncture Professional.
After moving to Ibiza in Spain in 2015, she was nominated Vice President of the Acupuncture Now Foundation and consultant to Evidence Based Acupuncture, two USA non-profit advocacy organisations.
In 2018 she joined with paediatric expert Dr Julian Scott to provide continuing professional development training for acupuncturists all over the world via TreatingChildren.com. Then, in 2019 she developed fertility and menopause masterclasses with eminent acupuncture specialists; their teachings inspired this book >> and are shared here >> at Treating Women Academy at TreatingWomen.com.
Kath is a happily divorced mother of two and proud women’s health advocate. She helps practitioners empower women to reach their full potential through courses on enhancing health, achieving balance, promoting confidence, and encouraging sexual vibrancy.
