In this thought-provoking and uplifting episode of ?Older Women and Friends,? host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, sits down with singer, writer, and vintage fashion enthusiast Mollie Kaye for a powerful conversation about loneliness, visibility, personal expression, and the surprising ways older women can create meaningful connections in everyday life.

As many women move through midlife and beyond, they often face new challenges, including social isolation, changing identities, retirement transitions, and a sense of becoming invisible in a culture that tends to prioritize youth. In this episode, Mollie shares her deeply personal story of confronting loneliness after turning 50 and discovering an unexpected path toward connection and community.

Her journey began with a simple yet creative experiment: every Tuesday, she dressed in elegant, vintage-inspired 1950s clothing while running everyday errands. What started as a fun personal challenge quickly evolved into something much bigger. Strangers began stopping her to talk, compliment her outfits, share their own memories, and start spontaneous conversations. These small moments of interaction revealed something profound ? self-expression can become a powerful bridge to human connection.

? In This Episode You?ll Discover:Why loneliness and social isolation are increasingly common for older adults
How personal style and self-expression can create unexpected human connections
The psychological benefits of being visible and authentic at any age
How creativity and individuality support confidence and emotional well-being
Why older women often feel overlooked?and how to reclaim visibility and voice
Practical ways to build community, friendships, and meaningful interactions in everyday life
How embracing uniqueness can help people age with purpose, joy, and confidence

Whether you are an older woman navigating life after midlife, someone supporting aging parents, or simply interested in the evolving conversation around aging well, social connection, and personal empowerment, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on how we can stay connected and engaged at every stage.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/C9imhzayMAQ/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mollie-kaye-expression-bridge-connection-9oise/

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mollie+kaye

"Without IMPERNANCE There Is No Expansion" - Kat Miller

Welcome to Older Women and Friends, where host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, meets fascinating women who are redefining what it means to grow older with wisdom, independence, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, Jane talks with psychotherapist Kat Miller, who challenges everything that we think we know about aging. While many believe aging means decline and loss, Kat offers a radical and refreshing perspective: aging can be a path to cognitive expansion, emotional depth, freedom, and joy.

Together, Kat and Jane explore how ageism shapes our cultural beliefs ? and how older women themselves often internalize harmful stereotypes about aging. Kat explains why breaking free from ageism is the first step toward ?aging freely,? and how natural declines in speed, energy, and independence can actually create growth in wisdom, adaptability, clarity, and meaningful connection.

This episode dives into:

The hidden benefits of cognitive slowing and expanded thinkingWhy impermanence can bring peace instead of fearHow aging reshapes independence and deepens relationshipsWhy talking about impermanence can help us relax and improve the quality of our lives.

Jane and Kat also discuss purpose after retirement, redefining self-care in later years, and how older women can embrace their changing energy, shifting priorities, and evolving roles with confidence.

If you?ve ever wondered:

Is aging really all loss?How do I prepare emotionally for later life?What does aging well actually mean?How can I live with more freedom and less fear?

This conversation invites you to rethink aging ? not as something to resist, but as something to inhabit fully.

Because aging isn?t the end of becoming ? it?s a new chapter of becoming wiser, freer, and more fully yourself.

Author Field

Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women

www.agefreely.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibVcoFUfItI

https://mariashriver.com/collection/games/

Join me and guest Sara Zeph Geber, an expert on solo aging, as we discuss the growing number of adults 50+ choosing to live independently. This episode explores the opportunities and challenges of aging without immediate family support, offering insights into financial planning, healthcare, social connections, and building intentional communities. Sara and I highlight the positives of solo aging, including independence, flexibility, and emotional well-being, while providing practical advice for older women seeking a purposeful, secure, and fulfilling life in later years.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/

https://sarazeffgeber.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w

#aging #older women #wisdom #resilience #self-care #determination #purpose #courage

If you watch the Winter Olympics, you have seen and heard about luge, a sport where athletes race down an icy track on a small sled, lying on their backs with their feet pointing forward, reaching speeds over 90 mph.

 

At age 34, today?s guest, Anne Abernathy, set the record as the oldest female to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. But that wasn?t the ending of her career.

She made the US Virgin Islands? luge team six more times. At age 63, Anne was the oldest woman to compete in the sport at the Olympics.

And just for the heck of it, she honed her archery skills.

 

As you might have guessed, Anne?s journey was not trouble-free, far from it. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma just before her first Winter Olympic Games; she?s had twenty knee operations, too many broken bones to count, and her home was demolished in a hurricane.

 

So, the question remains: What drives a star athlete to continue competing against all odds, and what has Anne learned about herself and the process of getting older?

Takeaways

Anne Abernathy set the record as the oldest female luge competitor.

She faced numerous challenges, including cancer and serious injuries.

Her background in music helped her cope with the pressures of competition.

Anne discovered luge during a trip to Lake Placid, New York.

She trained for three years before competing in her first Olympics.

Despite being told she couldn't train due to cancer, she persevered and competed in six Olympics.

Anne's serious brain injury led to a unique recovery process.

She transitioned to archery after retiring from luge and continues to compete.

Aging has provided Anne with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

She believes that getting older is liberating, not limiting.

https://anneabernathy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anne.abernathy1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-abernathy-709213/

I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom.

I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride!

Takeaways

Jane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity.

She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error.

Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes.

Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging.

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age.

Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death.

Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging.

Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections.

Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning.

Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane. 

Titles

A Journey into Podcasting at 77

Vitality and Humor in Aging

Sound bites

"I want to be a podcaster."

"It's okay to make mistakes."

"Humor is key to aging."

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster

05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality

10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning

15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing

22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytelling

janeleder.net

https://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends

When I think about moving from a home that my husband and I have shared for 32 years, I break out in a cold sweat. There's the kitchen with its overabundance of antique bowls and gadgets, my great-grandmother's china, my office with decades worth of my books, research materials, and file folders. And then there's my husband's studio with . . . Well, don't get me started. So this is where Jeannine Bryant can help save the day. She's a senior move manager who owns her own company and knows all about helping seniors or their sons and daughters. Well, let's face it, we're talking daughters. She helps find that place between too much and too little, and how we can keep the memories and not the stuff. 

Takeaways

Moving can be an emotional experience, especially after many years in one home.

Women often take on the responsibility of organizing family belongings.

Right-sizing is a more positive approach than downsizing.

It's never too late to start decluttering and organizing.

Discussing death and planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones.

Family experiences can motivate proactive planning for one's own belongings.

Start decluttering with easy items to build momentum.

Keepsakes should be displayed or used to bring joy.

Gifting items to loved ones can create meaningful memories.

Resources like senior move managers can provide valuable assistance. 

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Moving

02:57 The Role of Women in Family Organization

05:45 Understanding Right-Sizing vs. Downsizing

08:43 The Importance of Early Planning

11:38 Confronting the Topic of Death

14:41 The Value of Proactive Planning

17:36 Practical Steps to Declutter

20:40 Making Decisions on Keepsakes

23:42 Gifting and Sharing Memories

26:43 Planning for a Move

29:47 Connecting with Seniors

32:53 Resources for Moving and Decluttering

https://easyrightsizing.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNA775OFJQif29NHbfuovw

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninebryant/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jeannine+bryant&crid=13KK34II4WFGS&sprefix=Jeannine+Bry%2Caps%2C91&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

Kelly Jackson, 73, and Sally, 75, are sisters who have lived together without husbands or children for almost 20 years. They reconnected as live-in caregivers for their mother, and during the four years they cared for her, they turned to blogging and short videos to keep their spirits up. They used the handle, "Midlife Gal's Gone Gray," and their mission was to ensure that women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond never stop laughing. After a decade living in Honolulu, the sisters are back on the mainland, intending to become senior social media influencers.

With over 300,000 viewers on their platforms and thousands of likes, shares, and subscribers, I'm betting on their success.

Chapters

00:25 Introduction and First Impressions

00:48 Sisters Reunited: A Journey Begins

10:25 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

17:16 Caring for Mom: A New Chapter

23:06 Finding Laughter in Life's Challenges

28:40 Political Humor and Social Media Aspirations

30:26 Words of Wisdom for Older Women

"We're two sisters, old as dirt and bold as brass. Reality at its most bizarre."

Takeaways

The sisters had a non-traditional upbringing with a mother who was not very maternal.

They decided to care for their mother when they realized she needed help.

Laughter and humor are essential for coping with life's challenges.

Moving to Hawaii was a significant turning point in their lives.

They found creative outlets to express themselves and cope with caregiving.

The importance of sibling relationships and shared experiences is highlighted.

Aging can be navigated with humor and creativity.

They reflect on their childhood memories and how they shaped their lives.

The sisters emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life.

Wisdom gained from experiences can be shared with others, especially older women.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

  https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifegalsgonegray

https://www.instagram.com/sallyjackson5848/?hl=en

I'm now up on YouTube.

You can watch this episode at  https://youtu.be/72wGKcF6m4U

In this conversation, Patricia Madson, a drama professor emeritus and author, shares her journey from a curious and adventurous child to a seasoned educator in improvisation.

She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, the transformative power of improvisation in personal and professional life, and the significance of finding

purpose and gratitude in everyday experiences. Patricia also introduces Eastern philosophies that emphasize self-reflection and proactive living, encouraging listeners to appreciate

the interconnectedness of their lives and the people who have influenced them.

You can go to her website:

https://improvwisdom.com/bio.html

Order "Improv Wisdom" on that site or go to Amazon and all other online book stores

My friend and fellow podcaster, Wendy Green, is the host of "Boomer Banter."

heyboomer.biz/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-green-heyboomerpodcast/

https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/

Haven't made a trip to your local cannabis dispensary? Haven't talked to your physician about a medical marijuana card? Don't have a clue how cannabis may help with all kinds of health issues, from insomnia to anxiety, from certain serious diseases to focus/concentration? Or, what the hell? Maybe for relaxation and fun.

How did cannabis get a bad rep in so many circles? What role has racism played? Greed? And why the heck is alcohol seen as somehow okay when cannabis is not?

My guest today is Kelly Goldberg, a cannabis educator and advocate, about the health benefits of cannabis, particularly for women as they age. Kelly shares her personal journey into cannabis advocacy, the historical context of cannabis legality, and the various medical benefits of cannabis. The discussion also covers how to navigate cannabis use, dosage, and the importance of understanding THC and CBD. Kelly emphasizes the need for education and advocacy in the cannabis space, especially for older women seeking alternative health solutions. It's important to find an RN, MD, or a "budtender" who is knowledgeable and can answer questions and suggest or prescribe.

I assume that many of us have smoked "pot" in college and beyond. Or, at least took a "hit" or two at a raucous party. One woman I spoke to said all she knew how to do was "roll" a "joint," but had no idea about the best way to consume cannabis today.

Stick around. You'll learn a lot!

https://scps.depaul.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/kelly-goldberg.aspx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjudgegoldberg/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goldberg.3/

For Questions About Cannabis (or any of the other topics we've covered) [email protected]

Sally Duplantier

[email protected]

This episode, "Likeable Badass" with author/PhD Alison Fagale, covers so many bases that I've chosen more of a summary or an outline.

As I wrote on another site, Alison is a Dynamo who knows her stuff inside and out because she's lived it, taught it, and written about it.

What is it? It is a woman who studies people, the science of people. It is a toolbox that women (and men) can use to hone their communication skills and succeed at what's most important to them.

What does that mean?

Well, here you go with some examples:

The Two Dimensions of Status

The Art of Self-Promotion

The Power of Compliments

Authenticity in Reputation Management

It's always great to get feedback from listeners. You can go to my website at janeleder.net, subscribe to my site for podcast episodes, my blog 80 & Me, information about upcoming guests, and more.

Here is Alison's website:

https://alisonfragale.com/about/

And here is the link to Wellness Wednesday, hosted by Sally Duplantier. This is a free

monthly webinar series that brings practical, evidence-based strategies for healthy aging to hundreds of people each week. Each program is also recorded, so no one misses out on the inspiration and tools to live well. Learn more at www.myzinglife.com.

 

At 60, Denise Taylor began again: downsized, got a divorce, embraced single living, and set off on a journey that included a vision quest, game ranger training, and time living with a Maasai tribe. At 64, she completed her doctorate exploring how people find meaning after full-time work. That research became the seed for ThriveSpan, one of nine books, a model, a philosophy, and a way of living more consciously in later life.

"I could see the future," Denise said. "If I were going to make any changes, I'd better make them now."

Single living was difficult. She realized that she had no friends. Denise and her ex-husband had done everything together. There'd been no room, time, or convenience of friends. But she put in the time and energy and developed enough social contact to make her happy.

But the beauty of being single allowed Denise to make her own decisions. She no longer had to placate her ex. "There was such freedom," she said. "Every decision is mine."

You'll want to listen to Denise talk about her experiences as a vision quester (Is there such a thing?), her time spent with a Masai tribe, and the owner of four acres of woodland. "Nature has influenced me in so many ways; it certainly influences my writing and the connection I feel to Mother Nature."

https://denisetaylor.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/retirement-relevance-question-who-we-without-doing-dr-denise-taylor-9vn1e/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisetaylor/?originalSubdomain=uk

"We don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today."

"Aging is a process of living." Guest Tracey Gendron, professor, author, and activist, reminds listeners that we don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today. However, the way we learn about aging is filled with misconceptions. We've never learned the truth; instead, we think of aging as a process of physical decline and don't look at the "growth part." Yes, Tracey says, loss and decline are real. There's no getting around that. But so is change and growth. Research shows that as we age, we tend to focus on things that make us feel better, and we are much more able to "prune" the relationships and things that are not working for us. It's part of the wisdom we gain. We understand that we've wasted a lot of time on people who don't give us joy. "The world gets smaller but richer because it is filled with people and things we love.""Older Women & Friends" is richer with Tracey as this episode's guest.Her book, Ageism Unmasked, has garnered oodles of praise like this:?This book is a must-read for anyone who is aging ? and that is every one of us! "Jill Vitale-Aussem, author of Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Livinghttps://www.traceygendron.com/homeAgeism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It-  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/700435/ageism-unmasked-by-tracey-gendron/9781586423223/OR wherever you buy books

It's a new trend, well, maybe not that new. Couples in committed relationships are choosing to live apart. Interesting, eh? The couple might be married, maybe not. Perhaps they are divorced; maybe a partner/spouse has passed away. Whatever the circumstances, these couples agree that they don't have to share the same space to have a happy, healthy relationship.

Vicki Larson, today's guest, has written LATitude: How You Can Make A Live Apart Together Relationship Work. "It seems as if women 50-plus are the movers and shakers," she says. "Many women (and men) are uninterested in replicating past marriages or long-term commitments."

While the statistics don't tell the whole story, it is estimated that ten percent of American couples and those in other countries are living together apart. "It's becoming much more common than we thought," says Vicki.

Vicki tells the story of her own parents, who lived apart for ten years. "It didn't faze me," she says. Her mother left New York City and moved to Florida. She had had enough. (They eventually lived together again.)

Vicki points out that there are no rules when it comes to LAT relationships. Couples fashion whatever works for them. For some, the idea is terrifying. For others, it is a grand creative adventure.

What are some of the benefits of living apart together, according to those who've embraced the arrangement? It gives some breathing space, a "room of one's own." For others, it brings a sexual novelty to the relationship. Still others subscribe to the sentiment that "absence makes the heart grow fonder."

There are, of course, downsides. The romantic partner may not be accepted by the other partner's children. The negative response from some ("Why even get married or commit when you're not living together?") can cause tension between friends and acquaintances. And there are feelings of jealousy/a lack of trust between some couples.

Again, Vicki stresses that living apart together is not for everyone and is not better than traditional relationships, just different. Deciding to live separately requires a lot of discussion, decision-making, and change. But for some, the setup is exactly how they want to live, what for many is a second or third shot at a long-term romantic relationship that works.

https://www.vicki-larson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/vlarson/

https://www.vicki-larson.com/books

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarson/

How to contact Wendy Battles, host of Reinvntion Rebels

https://reinventionrebels.com/about/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyabattles/

Maria Leonard Olsen is a civil litigation lawyer, a journalist, and an author. When she turned 50, she got divorced, got sober, and became an empty nester. For the first time in her life, she was living alone. And for the first time after 15 years as a full-time mom, she had to find a law firm that would hire her.

 

Many women would have folded under the pressure, the loneliness, the Herculean task of putting a life back together. Not Maria. On the suggestion of a friend, Maria decided to try 50 new things in her 50th year. And some of those things were big, real big. Teaser: She bought a motorcycle with a sidecar for her dog. (All these years later, [Maria is 64], she rides on the back of her partner's motorcycle and experiences the freedom that helped her heal.)

Her two-month stay as a volunteer in the poorest section of Nepal made her realize that it's not the number of things you have, but the friends, family, and shared experiences that make us happy. She began to understand that the life of gratitude is so much more precious than trying to be something she was not. A self-described "people pleaser," Maria set out to work on pleasing and loving herself.

Today, one of Maria's greatest joys is helping others. Her experiences with alcoholism, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and racism have given her first-hand knowledge of the suffering and the joys of healing.

Maria is a woman you'll want to get to know.

https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR3cM9aRjes

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4PPYJW/?bestFormat=true&k=50%20after%2050%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_8_de&crid=1LZ6M942D3A5U&sprefix=50%20after

 

Join me in this enlightening episode as I sit down with Gina Vild, author of The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose and Live a Happier and Healthier Life.

I don't know about you, but I've been in a constant state of fight or flight. It feels as if the United States and the rest of the world are upside down and that there is very little we can do to find joy and awe.

Enter Gina Vild and the wisdom she brings to the table, essential wisdom if we are to survive and thrive.

Gina shares her journey from political activist to communication director, from associate dean at Harvard Medical School, to author.

She talks about how poetry, personal purpose, and setting emotional boundaries can transform your life and find joy and awe in everyday moments. It is these moments and moments that we relive from our past that can change our brain waves and levels of "feel good" chemicals like serotonin.

Tune in to learn how to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength. Habits that help us stay sane in tumultuous times.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-vild-908a648/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/gina-vild

https://www.instagram.com/ginavild/

https://www.facebook.com/gina.vild/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B075FFS7NM?ccs_id=71032ad2-f47c-48f8-8518-35e72e6f4d84

POETRY

William Stafford, "Yes"

https://reflections.yale.edu/article/reformation-writing-next-chapter/poem-yes

William Stafford, "Thread"

https://www.slowmuse.com/2019/06/16/the-thread/

Ilana Landsberg-Lewis

https://www.wizwork.net/sign-up

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanalandsberglewis/

https://ilanalandsberglewis.com/elementor-1000/

Join me as I delve into the world of classical music with Roit Feldenkreis, a trailblazing conductor and consultant.

Discover Roit's journey from a small village in Israel to conducting orchestras worldwide, and how she integrates her musical expertise into corporate leadership.

This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of being a female conductor in a male-dominated field, and the innovative ways Roit is bridging the gap between music and business.

https://roitfeldenkreis.com/bio/

https://roitfeldenkreis.com/press/

Recommended Podcast, "Wisdom At Work"

www.wisdomatworkpodcast.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanalandsberglewis/

Three of the past guests on "Older Women & Friends" talk about what they've been up to since we last spoke. All three of their stories represent the exciting escapades of older women who continue to smash stereotypes to simitherenes.

Melissa Davey: At age 65, she left the corporate world to follow a dream of becoming a filmmaker. And, boy, her story is one of determination, creativity, and success. Melissa and I first talked back at the end of 2022. She was one of my first guests on "Older Women & Friends." I was impressed then and even more three years later. Melissa's first documentary film, "Beyond Sixty," profiled some extraordinary older women. It is her second film, "Climbing Into Life," that has put her on the map. Dierdre Wolowniick, the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite, is the subject of this documentary. You may know about her son, who is the subject of "Free Solo." He is the first person who climbed "Cap" without any protective equipment. No ropes. Nothing.

In this episode, Melissa chronicles the amazing life of Dierdre, who tries to get closer to her son and to understand his obsession with climbing.

https://melissadavey.com/

https://melissadavey.com/climbing-into-life/

https://melissadavey.com/beyond-60/

Jeanette Leardi - During these stressful times in our country's history, Jeanette is focused on the 2025 mid-term elections. "To me," she says, "that is ground zero. If we get it right, things can turn around." Switching gears, Jeanette cites the happy rise in the emphasis on intergenerational communication. "It is the most important way to defeat ageism." She offers how we can meet younger folks and the kinds of experiences we can share. I also asked Jeanette about her experience with the publication of her book, Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older.

https://www.jeanetteleardi.com/

https://www.jeanetteleardi.com/aging-sideways-book

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-leardi-3978b126/

Lucinda Skykes - Lucinda sets the record for the most frequent guest on "Older Women & Friends." She is a retired physician who has focused her attention and expertise on sleep and women 50+. It is natural to sleep as much as we age, she says. The objective is to use your time to your advantage, either in the middle of the night or early morning. Lucinda details steps any woman (and man) can take to do exactly that. If you've listened to an episode with Lucinda, you know that she is knowledgeable about so many topics, including wisdom and how we can take advantage of all that we've experienced and live happy, fulfilling lives.

https://lucindasykesmd.com/

https://lucindasykesmd.com/my-story/

Dian Griesel, Ph.D., a renowned perception analyst and hypnotherapist, has dedicated her career to understanding how our conscious and unconscious beliefs shape our perceptions and influence every decision we make, both personally and professionally.

The middle of five siblings, Dian grew up doing her best to balance the "uppers" and the "lowers." She tried to be non-disruptive, not to cause any dissention among the ranks. She was the unofficial "peace maker" in the family. And

it was her experience growing up that groomed Dian to be the "quiet, confident advisor" or, as she describes it, "the fly on the wall."

Some of the Key Points of Discussion in this energetic, eye-opening episode:

Objective vs. Subjective Age: While we can't change our chronological age, our mental attitude and actions can significantly influence how young we feel. Dian's personal experiences and professional insights reveal how maintaining an active lifestyle and positive mindset can make a difference.

Biological Age: Utilizing tools like the Tanita Body Fat scale, Dian monitors her biological age, which often reflects a much younger state due to her healthy habits. She shares practical advice on hydration, nutrition, and physical activity.

Fountain of Youth Myths: From historical quests to modern-day fads, Dian offers a grounded perspective on the true keys to longevity and vitality?movement, nutritious eating, and genuine social connections.

Embracing Mortality: Dian discusses her philosophy on aging and death, emphasizing the importance of living fully and purposefully each day, despite life's inevitable challenges.

She is known to millions as @SilverDisobedience.

https://diangriesel.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/

https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/

The Woman Behind The Mother

Poet, novelist, essayist, and editor Jill Bialosky had wanted to write about her mother for some time, but she was busy with other projects, and the timing was not right. But then her mother passed away from Alzheimer's during COVID, and Jill, unable to attend the burial in another city, watched the abbreviated burial on FaceTime. "It was," she said, "very difficult to process her death."

As many authors do, she turned to writing to process her grief. Her essay about the FaceTime Funeral appeared in the New York Times; The floodgates opened wide. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/opinion/coronavirus-burial-facetime.html

Jill's mother was born in 1933 into a world in which women were expected to marry, have children, and live happily ever after. Tragically, her husband died when she was twenty-five, and she was left to care for three daughters, all under the age of three. "She was so unequipped," Jill said. "The advice of family and friends was to find a new husband to take care of us. That's what she did." Unfortunately, that marriage didn't last.

When Jill began to write about her mother in earnest, she decided to start with her mother's death and to move from there, tracing her mother's life back to her childhood. In this episode of "Older Women & Friends," she explains why she decided to move from the end to the beginning. She also takes a hard look at what living in an institution is like and her evolving view of people with Alzheimer's. "They no longer control the narrative of their lives, but are still expressing and participating."

This is a touching, insightful episode that should not be missed.

https://www.jillbialosky.com/

Another recommended podcast for mid-life women.

"Aging with Purpose and Passion" with Beverly Glazer

https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/

"I tell women all the time that embracing one's authentic self in life takes time.

It is like peeling multiple layers of an onion," said Clare. "You want to be the same person, no matter where you are."

Clare Beckton grew up "very poor." Her family lived in a three-room shack with no running water. What she understood early on was how power was wielded by her father, her brothers, and the men in the small farming community where she lived and how women got the short shaft. "I was a feminist at an early age," Clare said. "I knew that I wanted to make a difference."

There were no strong, self-assured female role models in Clare's life. But she decided to go to law school, and with no money, she set out to win all the school awards and land a scholarship, which she did. Upon graduation, she was encouraged to go to graduate school in law and nabbed a teaching fellowship. Later on, she then spent twenty-three years in the Canadian Justice Department.

"I call this stage of life rewirement, not retirement," Clare said. "I focus only on my passion for making a difference with women entrepreneurs and older women in the workplace."

"I tell women all the time that embracing one's authentic self in life--knowing who we are as a person-- takes time, like peeling multiple layers of an onion," said Clare. "You want to be the same person, no matter where you are."

How do you connect with your authentic self? Clare offers many suggestions:

Reconnect with your values. Consider what's driving your life. If you're out of alignment with the values of the work you're doing, ask why you're doing what you're doing, and make any necessary changes.Seek feedback. Listen to what someone has to say. Even if the feedback is not what you'd hoped, learn from it.Reflection - Ask yourself what part you played in a situation that went wrong, and learn from your mistakes or misjudgmentsAcknowledge your successes. Celebrate.Network. Build connections. Understand how the system devalues your talents and skills, and collaborate with other women about strategies, experiences, and solutions.Show Up, Speak Up. Never lose your voice.Get up in the morning with a PURPOSE, a reason to look forward to the day.

"We live in a society that doesn't value the wisdom of older people, particularly women," said Clare. "Refuse to be invisible. Don't be sidelined.

The title of Clare's book says it all: Own It: Your Success, Your Future, Your Life.

https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Success-Future-Life/dp/1460252314 or wherever books are sold

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarebeckton/

https://womensbusinessnetwork.ca/introducing-clare-beckton-honorary-bya-chair/

Check out Clare's blogs on Huffington Post

Another great podcast to check out:

Aging With Purpose & Passion w/ host, Beverly Glazer

https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/

Email [email protected]

Website https://reinventimpossible.com/podcast

Website: https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazer

Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/

"Anorexia of aging" may affect up to 18% of individuals 65+, more women than men.

Contrary to popular opinion, eating disorders (EDs) are not just a serious health condition for adolescents. Nope, older women, often during menopause, can develop an ED. If you struggled with an ED as a teen or earlier, your chances of sliding back increase.

Today's guest, Michele Mason (60), is a 44-year survivor of anorexia nervosa. She was sixteen when, at 5'11" and weighing 150 pounds, she shrank to 100 pounds. After a three-month hospital stay, she managed to keep her anorexia in check and, over the years, stuffed the experience away to the point where she'd convinced herself that none of this had ever happened.

Following the Pandemic and the explosion of social media, Michele began writing a memoir titled Annihilating Anorexia. She felt compelled to share her experience and all that she'd learned along the way. "I came kicking and screaming," she said. "I was certain people would think less of me."

To her surprise, she received support, kindness, and understanding. And she also discovered that older women and anorexia were much more common than she'd imagined. "When I was pitching the book, women came up to me with stories of a daughter or friend or another family member who was struggling with an eating disorder. I was amazed."

In this episode, Michele and I talk about the red flags of eating disorders, the symptoms, the pressures in today's world to be thin, and the fortitude it takes to conquer the disease. Research is showing that eating disorders may be brain-based and that there are people who have a genetic predisposition.

We also talk about the shame women (and men) feel and the education desperately needed to help curb a problem that is growing, one that is affecting more and more older women.

https://www.amazon.com/Annihilating-Anorexia-Memoir-Michele-Mason/dp/1088178545

[email protected]?????????????

Melinda Blau is 81, but many of her dear friends are much older. These women populate her new book, The Wisdom Whisperers, and provide younger women (at 80, I must be a spring chicken!) with a playbook to draw from and relate to our own lives.

When Melinda wrote her sixteenth book, she wanted to title it, "I want what she has!" She was deeply moved and impressed by the older women, most of whom were in their 90s and 100s.

I asked Melinda what characteristics the wisdom whisperers had in common:

* Interest in others - a very robust social life

* A Purpose - a reason to wake up every day and live it to the fullest

* Gratitude for their good fortune that they have had long, fruitful lives and for the people in their lives, past and present

* Humor - Laughing with others

& Yes, independence. The women were the CEOs of their own lives

Melinda calls these women "old ladies." She got some flak from family and friends. But she was undeterred. "Old," she says, "is just an adjective. It describes me and others in the age group. These old ladies give me hope about aging, and that's such a good thing to have."

The beginning of your life is about making memories. The end of life is about remembering.

Zelda from The Wisdom Whisperers.

https://melindablau.com/

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1640657134?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_E3WDVZDAFZEWP0FKKD7N_2&bestFormat=true

OR your local library.

Maybe you've seen the Showtime special, "Funny Women of A Certain Age" or "More Funny Women of A Certain Age," or -- you guessed it--even "More Women of A Certain Age." Today's guest, comedian Carole Montgomery, is the mover and shaker behind the shows and continues to tour with a stellar cast. Women show up in carloads, busloads, campers, and hoot and holler at the uninhibited, outrageous comedy about aging. No subject is off limits.

In this episode of "Older Women & Friends," Carole talks about the importance of having girlfriends--the value of friendship as we ageThe negative stereotypes about older women & how comedy can open the door to show how ludicrous most of these misconceptions areThe female comedians like Lily Tomlin, Joan Rivers, and Phyllis Diller, who set the stage for the next generation Humor and the importance of laughter that takes us away from physical and mental painHer love of being in the spotlight, she was always funnyChanges in the industry that now sports a plethora of female comedians.

& So Much More!

Check out the schedule below. There may be a show coming to a city near you.

[email protected]

https://www.funnywomenofacertainage.com/

https://www.funnywomenofacertainage.com/podcast

https://www.funnywomenofacertainage.com/tour

Wendy Alexander grew up under apartheid in South Africa. Until she was seven, she felt like most other kids. That changed the day the police insisted that she and her family get off a whites-only beach. "I was no longer a child," Wendy said. "Once you know racism and segregation, you know it."

Wendy's dream was to leave South Africa; while the dream was deferred, she and her family immigrated to Australia when Wendy was twenty. But it wasn't easy to acclimate to the newfound freedoms. It took over two years before Wendy felt relaxed, safe.

This should have had a happy ending. Sadly, it did not. A relationship with an Australian went bad, very bad. The man walked away, leaving Wendy with a mortgage and bills she couldn't afford, a baby soon to be born, and the scars of domestic violence. Wendy was devastated.

This episode traces Wendy's journey from deep emotional and financial depression to a successful succession of high-paying, high-pressure jobs that kept her financially secure until she left it all behind to expand her own business, the Happy Career Club.

What Wendy learned from her own experiences with corporations is shared with her clients, the vast majority of whom have gone on to professional and personal success. She has great advice for planning to "move on," getting to know prospective employers, writing a good resume, and all kinds of other dos and don'ts.

Her winning strategies complement the happiness that she values and the lessons learned.

https://happycareerhub.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyaalexander/?originalSubdomain=au

facebook.com/happycareerhubcoaching

https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Uprising-Reclaiming-Through-Menopause/dp/B0BSD3LRJX

"So the light went off in my five-year-old head, and I said there must be something in stories that we need. Stories are like air or water. So, I decided right then and there that I wanted to be a storyteller, a writer." _______ Shelley Fraser Mickle???????????????

While her route was circuitous, as most journeys are, Shelley became an award-winning author and the storyteller incarnate for six years on NPR's "Morning Edition." The story she didn't tell often, though, was how, at age six, she was diagnosed with polio and taken to a hospital for infectious children, where she spent three months in isolation. Even more horrifying was that two of the children in her ward died right alongside her. There was an iron lung next to Shelley, poised to make her even more of a prisoner, but she bravely survived and rendered the iron lung unnecessary.

After such a horrifying trauma, how do you come around to humor? Well, Shelley explained, her mother was straight out of "I Love Lucy," a real hoot. She suffered from depression, and laughter was an elixir. Shelley came home with at least one funny story daily to entertain her mother.

Shelley had dreamed of becoming a cowgirl just like Dale Evans. (I hope that reference rings a bell.) She loved animals and, with her husband, bought a farm stocked full of all kinds of beloved creatures. And then along came Buddy, a neighbor's dog much more interested in spending time with Shelley than her owner.

Buddy became Shelley's beloved companion for ten years and saw so many things about her that she didn't see in herself. Theirs was a love affair.

"I'm 81 years old in this long life. I've had a lot of weird boyfriends, but I've never had the obsessive adoration that Buddy was offering me."

That special connection between a human and a dog is the overarching theme of Shelley's latest book, Itching To Love: The Story of a Dog.

Listen to NPR's "Morning Edition" emeritus and award-winning author as she tells her story of physical challenge, a career as a humorist, a dream realized to be a cowgirl, and the touching relationship with her dog, Buddy.

https://www.shelleymickle.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Itching-Love-Story-Shelley-Mickle/dp/1637633394 or wherever books are sold

https://www.shelleymickle.com/books

https://www.shelleymickle.com/book-clubs

?No Way Out of This: Living with a Partner with Alzheimer?s.?

 

Sue Lick?s husband was fourteen years older, but that didn?t seem to matter. Yes, she loved the Beatles; he listened to crooners. But they sang together, played music together, and shared a love of reading, travel, and so much more.

?I thought he?d live forever,? Sue said.

It was her husband Fred who first mentioned that his memory was slipping. Sue shrugged it off and blamed the trauma of his mother dying and the chore of cleaning out her house.  But things spiraled down from there.

Sue, a journalist and semi-professional musician, journaled daily during Fred?s illness. It was the some thousand-odd pages that served as the basis for her memoir, No Way Out of This: Living with a Partner with Alzheimer's. She shares the heartache, the guilt, the loneliness but also the good times, the laughs, the happiness.

In this episode of ?Older Women & Friends,? Sue and I take a deep dive into this horrendous disease, the challenges, and the tools to use for the caregiver to carry on. Unlike other memoirs about Alzheimer?s, Sue is not a self-sacrificing wife who gives up her life to care for her husband. She understands the necessity of maintaining her connection with friends and the importance of time away to, in her case, write and play music.

?You inherit your genetic blueprint from your parents. But you construct the person that you become. Just because you have a birthday every year, your body need not age yearly.?

                            _________ Dr. Gillian Lockitch, medical specialist, professor, and international speaker

In her new book, Growing Older, Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and Retiring (Comfortably), Gillian cites New research that reveals that what you think, how you move, what you eat, how you interact with others, stimulate your mind or challenge yourself, can modulate the expression of your genes.

In this episode, listeners follow Gillian?s journey from a happy woman who ?had it all? to a depressed, isolated, overweight widow who, with time, research, and desire, took control of her life and changed her physical and mental health.

Gillian suggests a road map to help us as we age

Make the choice to age healthilyCreate a roadmap and set goalsMaintain a positive mindset, be mindful, and exercise your brainEvaluate your genetic risk factors and whether you can change themEnsure your living environment promotes healthy sleep, activity and nutritionPrevent falls and fracturesMaintain a healthy body weight and avoid the metabolic syndromeEnsure you have good antioxidant protectionKeep your bones strong, your joints mobile, and your muscles flexibleLove your familyNurture your friendshipsChallenge yourself

Gillian explains the differences between genetics and epigenetics. It?s a heady distinction, but she is a pro at breaking this down and suggesting ways to live longer and better.

Growing Older Living Younger podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/growing-older-living-younger-about-longevity-wellness/id1562021011

Get to know Dr. Gillian Lockitch linktr.ee/askdrgill

Gift: the url is  https://bit.ly/3DfjdtM The resource is called The 7 Keys to Growing Older Living Younger.

The book at www.gillianlockitch.com

Judith Horn was a geriatric physical therapist with decades of experience behind her, plus years as a specialist. The specialty is relatively new, but Judith saw the need to work with older patients whose needs differ greatly from others.

What is the value of seeing a geriatric physical therapist? Like any health issue, we choose to see a physician who specializes. Someone with a heart problem sees a cardiologist. Someone who has pulmonary issues sees a pulmonologist. Someone with migraines sees a neurologist. A geriatric PT can spotlight physical aches, pains, and the side effects of various surgeries. (See below for a complete list of conditions a geriatric PT can treat.)

Judith's grandmother played a significant role in her decision to become a therapist. She watched as she cared for her mother, Judith's great-grandmother, who'd lost the lower half of both legs and her eyesight due to diabetes.

My grandmother made her mother's life as rich and active as it could be. Her 'mantra' was what can I do to circumvent the obstacles and expand her quality of life.

As Judith's grandmother aged, Judith was instrumental in her care. And when her grandmother moved to a nursing home, Judith lived close by and visited her almost every day. When she asked her grandmother what she needed, her grandmother replied, "I have everything I need right here," as she patted her heart.

Judith never imagined that she'd suffer a serious disease and, in many ways, need the care of others. She first developed a macular hole like a "pothole" in the back of one eye. That scambled her sight; people looked like "monsters." Following surgery, that eye was almost useless. She needed cataract surgery. That helped, and for a year, she had a reprieve. Then, she had an optic nerve stroke in her "good" eye. Part of her field of vision was gone.

Today, Judith still juggles what she can and can't do. She has the most trouble with reading, which, for an educator and lifetime learner, is a huge challenge. Sometimes, her eyes get mixed up, which affects her balance and the amount of visual currency she has in a day.

Due to her illnesses, Judith had to retire earlier than she'd planned. Yet she says, there are new activities that she'd never pursued like painting and golf. Yep, golf! You can listen to Judith tell her own story on the podcast "Older Women & Friends" at janeleder.net or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Geriatric therapists treat a wide variety of clients:

Healthy adults who want to continue to safely pursue sports and leisure activities as they age.People who are at risk for injuries from falls.Those with medical conditions that limit their movement or ability to take part in everyday activities.Critically ill or injured older adults in the hospital.Older people recovering from surgery.Frail adults who require short-term skilled nursing or long-term care.Older adults in hospice care who want to remain as independent as possible.

Geriatric physical therapists often evaluate and treat people with health conditions, such as:

Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia and frailty).Cancer-related problems.Falls risk.Fractures (broken bones such as a broken hip or femur, spinal compression fractures, and others).Heart and lung disorders (such as heart disease and heart failure).Joint replacements (such as knee, hip, or shoulder replacement) .Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and balance disorders.Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Osteopenia and osteoporosis.Overweight and obesity.Diabetes.Sports injuries.Wounds and amputations

https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/specialty-areas-physical-therapy/geriatric-physical-therapy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-horn-pt-dpt-ms-gcs-525a6656/

https://www.apta.org/for-educators/curriculum-resources/geriatric-physical-therapy

0 comments

What kinds of changes do you make after a serious health crisis? For Leonie-Ruth Acland the changes after suffering a stroke and taking a year to recover resulted in a recommitment to the mentoring and coaching of women and to her connection with nature on so many levels. Then at age 67, Leonie-Ruth was diagnosed with ADHD. Until then, she'd always wondered why she didn't fit the mold, why staying focused was so hard, and why when she was younger she suffered from anxiety, particularly as a student. Her parents had high expectations and while she eventually met them, she paid a high price. A friend of her father's who'd been hired as a math tutor concluded that there was "a bit missing."

In many ways, the ADHD diagnosis completed the puzzle and was a relief. Like so many other women, the masking, or front, that Leonie-Ruth put forward to pretend to be someone she was not, took a high toll. It was mentally and physically exhausting. Since her diagnosis, Leonie-Ruth realizes that there is NOT something that needs to be fixed and that she is blessed with creativity and intuition as a result of ADHD.

Leonie-Ruth and her husband live on two acres of land in rural New South Wales, Australia. When they first moved in, there were no trees and no grass. Over the years, they've nursed the land back to life. They planted fifty fruit trees, raised ducks, grew vegetables and fruit, and created a space where people could flourish. This intense connection with nature has helped her better understand herself and connect to her inner work and the kindness and love she has for others.

https://pomegranatecircle.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-ruth-acland%F0%9F%8C%B1-746591a/

https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage/reel/C8b-yoZu6NJ/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-women-exploring-the-neuroverse/id1739890898

Are you a risk taker? Do you thrive on trying new things, new things that may take you out of your comfort zone?

Helen Hirsh Spence knows all about taking calculated risks. She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, among other peaks, reclaimed her life after a bout of depression, and worked in places like Bolivia, and Honduras. She believes in getting out of her comfort zone to "expand, reach, and learn." Oh, did I mention that she was a Jane Goodall Institute board member? Helen knows Jane well and sees her as a role model for older women. "She's ninety, and travels more than 300 days a year to get her message out."

Helen has been a feminist since the early sixties, but as she has aged, she became aware of how she'd internalized many of the stereotypes about older women. "I'd been born into a lifetime of questioning my value as a woman, particularly as an older woman. If I'm feeling this way as an educator, I can't imagine how stereotypes and biases impact other women's lives. I felt like I couldn't or shouldn't do as much." This self-directed ageism led to depression.

"I'm too old to _______________"

"That doesn't suit me _________________"

"I shouldn't wear _______________ because this outfit is only for younger women."

Today, she is comfortable taking calculated risks. "Life is short; there is more work to be done." Helen is a self-described "age provocateur" who wants to provoke people to reframe the whole conversation about aging. She created Top Sixty Over Sixty, a niche consultancy that promotes longevity literacy by providing the tools and training to thrive in today?s aging and multigenerational world.

https://www.topsixtyoversixty.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/events/7259000354451722240/comments/

https://www.topsixtyoversixty.com/blog/

https://www.topsixtyoversixty.com/newsletter-signup/

What's so damn funny about death? Nothing, most folks would say. But not Gail Rubin, Thanatologist/Death Educator.

Let's face it: death is guaranteed 100 percent. It may be the "party that no event planner wants to plan." But don't include Gail among the party poopers.

How did Gail become a death educator? That's a long story but suffice it to say that Gail didn't wake up one morning and say, "I want to be the doyenne of death." For her, it started way back when she was a college student majoring in TV and Film. She didn't know it then, but an end-of-the-year movie project would set the table.

Gail sees herself as the bridge between the general public and end-of-life businesses like funeral homes, cemeteries, and life insurance companies. She is a national speaker who uses film and humor to help break the resistance a majority of people have to talk about death. Barely a third of Americans have had an end-of-life conversation and are completely unprepared when a loved one dies and, conversely, when loved ones are left responsible for your death.

Gail talks about the many important decisions that need to be made by all of us:

Medical careLife InsuranceFuneral, if anyBody Distribution: Cremation? Burial (if so, what kind)? WillsPower of AttorneyEstate planning

Gail encourages us to "Shop before we drop." Get all our goodies in a row before it's too late, and family and friends are left with overwhelming questions about what to do and how to honor your wishes that were never discussed.

Have you heard about a green burial and what that involves? Water-based body distribution? Natural organic reduction? Death doula?

C'mon on. Get with it! Explore your choices. Make decisions. And then breathe a sigh of relief.

"Just like talking about sex doesn't make you pregnant," Gail says, "talking about death doesn't make you dead."

https://agoodgoodbye.com/about-gail/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfjxvL4DSS8

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailrubinctagoodgoodbye/

https://agoodgoodbye.com/shopping/

From the outside, Eleanor Vincent's childhood appeared idyllic. But behind the veneer of a loving, supportive environment was a darker secret: her mother was depressed, Eleanor was abused, and both her parents were same-sex gays and bitterly unhappy. "Our job--my siblings' and mine -- was to protect our parents and not let their secret out." During a year when her father lived in New York to pursue acting, her mother had a female lover. The tension was palpable.

One can only imagine how all of the stress, confusion, and anger molded Eleanor and impacted her choices in life, including her choice of men.

She met her first husband when she worked as a cocktail waitress to augment her salary from a Montessori teaching job. The marriage lasted just four years. They had one child, a girl. At age thirty-two, Eleanor married again. By her mid-30s, she was a single mom with two children to raise.

Eleanor was single for the next thirty-five years until she met and married for a third time at age seventy-one.

If only her story ended there in a happy, supportive marriage. But Eleanor had unwittingly fallen in love with a man who had Asperger's, a developmental disability (some disagree with that categorization), or a person with different brain wiring from neurotypical brains. Didn't she see worrisome signs when they were dating? Yes. But she chose to minimize or overlook them because there was so much good in the relationship. (Some warning signs included no eye contact, inability to talk about emotions, and social awkwardness.)

"I had no idea what that would look like in a day-to-day relationship with a partner," Eleanor said. "It was upsetting, confusing," she said. "He love-bombed me and fooled me into thinking that being in a relationship with me was something he wanted more than anything."

Eleanor tells the rest of the story in her new book, Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage. She talks to me in this fascinating episode about what can happen when two people come together but don't realize that their brains are wired differently and that the ensuing struggle may doom the marriage, no matter how either partner tries.

There are, however, steps couples can take to try to heal and remain partnered. Eleanor outlines those on her website and in her new book. There is hope, but it's a tough road ahead. For Eleanor, the road ended in divorce.

https://www.eleanorvincent.com/author/epvince/

https://www.vineleavespress.com/

https://shorturl.at/mLNVa

& Wherever books are sold

What can grandparents do to foster a strong relationship? How can a grandparent be the GEO, Grand Parent Officer?

Are you a grandparent who will spend time with your grandchildren, particularly around the holidays? If not, how will you share and engage with your grandchildren from a distance at any time of year?

There are 47 million grandparents in the United States, with an average age of 67. This may be a surprise: 71 percent of grandparents are still working. So, what can these grandparents do to nurture the relationship? How can they engage? How can a grandparent be the GEO, Grand Parent Officer?

Kerry Byrne is a researcher, collaborator, and entrepreneur in aging, care, and connection. She is the Founder of The Long Distance Grandparent, a mission-driven business, that helps grandparents build strong bonds with their grandchildren ? no matter the distance between them.

There is so much to unpack in this episode of "Older Women & Friends." Perhaps most important are the stories grandparents share, stories that show a grandparent facing challenges, floundering, and then succeeding. These stories are important for generations to come. Even if it seems as if a grandchild is not listening, she is.

Kerry outlines many things that a grandparent can do to foster and nurture a relationship that is beneficial for everyone. Among these suggestions is the over-arching importance of a grandchild feeling seen, heard, and listened to. There are many ways to accomplish this goal:

* Engage in what a grandchild does and your activities as well

* If you're still working, share your job. Mail some selfies of you in the workplace. Text or write about some of the challenges.

* If you can't be there for holidays like Thanksgiving, come up with a game like the Gratitude Game. (Listen to the episode to find out how the game is played.)

* Mention qualities of a grandchild that you admire: a good listener, a good friend, a good fill-in-the-blank.

* Relish your high-quality relationships and how your example creates a generation of less ageist generations.

Like any relationship, the one between grandparent and grandchild is a lot of work. You juggle not only that connection but the one with your children and your own. But the payoffs are worth the time, energy, and creativity.

You can assume your role as Grandparent Encouragement Officer (GEO) and create beautiful connections.

https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thelongdistancegrandparent/p/CcQ-ryLLMj9/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-byrne-phd-20953528/?originalSubdomain=ca

"My favorite species is the human species." ----- Lucinda Sykes, retired MD

Did you know that new science links prescribed sleeping pills to an increase in your chances of dementia and Alzheimers?

Sleeping pills don't put you to sleep; they sedate the brain and prevent it from giving itself a power wash that gets rid of material ultimately connected to disease.

This episode's guest is Lucida Sykes, retired MD and current sleep coach. You may have listened to an earlier episode with Lucinda. This is a Command Performance.

"Millions of older women are being taken from their families," Lucinda says. Her grandmother is a case in point. Every night, Lucinda went to the drugstore

to pick up her grandmother's sleeping pills. She died in her 60s from complications now understood to be partially due to sleeping pills.

When we can't fall asleep, our mind tends to catastrophize. We think of the worst possibilities and ruminate about them over and over again.

So, what are some useful ideas when we can't fall asleep?

*Get out of bed

*Do something that relaxes you, and engages you (puzzles, needlework, reading, etc.)

*Dim the lights - avoid blue lights; instead, surround yourself with amber and pinkish tones

*& More

The key is to avoid stimulation when you sleep and create an uncluttered space outside of the bedroom that calms and relaxes you. Maybe the room is full of fragrances like lavender or maybe there is a sound system that plays calm music.

There is so much more research packed into what is an informative, fast-paced episode of "Older Women & Friends."

https://lucindasykesmd.com/

https://www.joyfulafter50.com/about

https://lucindasykesmd.com/my-story/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-sykes-md-71a25651/?originalSubdomain=ca

Did you know that sometime between 2030 and 2035 it will be the first time in American history that more people will be 65+ than people 18 years and younger?

Crazy!

Today's guest, gerontologist Jeanette Leardi, is one of this podcast's favorite guests. We first talked in June 2003, and since then she has a new book out, Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older.

Jeanette's story is fascinating. She became a gerontologist in her late 50s after taking care of her older parents for ten years. She was blown away at how poorly older people were treated and decided to try to change people's minds about aging. The way we age is not preordained and in many ways, we can be our stewards and enjoy the complex but magical journey as we age.

There is a fear that permeates the cultural view of dementia or any of its categories.

The facts: Only 10% of people 65 + have dementia

For those 90+, the rate jumps to 33.3%, but that means that two-thirds of much older Americans will not have to confront dementia.

And that's good news!

Another topic Jeanette and I discussed is the lack of rituals for older people. Sure, there are birthdays, anniversaries, and other important events, but nothing specifically for older women and men. Rituals help clarify meaning, and they give us a chance to celebrate. Jeanette suggests a multi-generational ritual when we celebrate aging instead of dreading it. Imagine the benefits: younger generations will love celebrating right along and might not have such a negative, jaded view of getting older. And there is the opportunity for older people to welcome newcomers into the fold. I don't know, something akin to ceremonies we've observed: sororities, fraternities, graduations, professional highlights, retirement, and on and on.

Did you know that our brains continue to create new brain cells and that the super highways help us see the what-ifs, the middle ground between good/bad, yes/no . . . ? Our brains may work more slowly because of the wealth of experiences over a lifetime. I like to liken our memory to a card catalog. Remember those? It took us time to find the book( s) we were after but with patience we were rewarded.

Finally, Jeanette and I discuss creativity in older age and how our creativity differs from that of younger people. She details four characteristics of creative folks and reminds listeners that all of us are creative daily as we choose the words we want to use, and the stories we tell to our friends and family. This is a time to pursue whatever gives us pleasure and stokes our creativity. This a time when we are not so dependent upon what others think about us and how we choose to spend our time. It is freedom to be embraced.

How did your recent doctor's appointment go? Did you get the care you needed? Were all your questions answered? Did you feel as if you were a valued patient whose health mattered?

If you're like many patients--often older women--the answer to some of these questions is "No!". Everything was rushed. You were in and out too quickly?the time you spent jotting down questions before your appointment seemed like a waste. What was the point if you left the doctor's office confused, frustrated, and angry?

After an episode of "Older Women & Friends" about breast cancer, one about problems associated with the pelvic floor, and other health-related episodes scheduled for the future, I felt it important to have a guest who could help define the steps all of us can take to communicate with doctors and get the care and respect we deserve. We know ourselves and our history better than anyone. It's key that we understand how to share that information and to advocate for ourselves.

Dana Sherwin was a top hospital administrator for thirty-five years. But when she was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, she made the difficult decision to leave her profession. Her cancer treatment included chemo and, eventually, a bone marrow transplant. She was in the hospital for five weeks and spent many more in her recovery.

Along the way, she paid close attention to the care she received. She began to figure out what made a doctor-patient relationship work well and what did not. She admits that she made mistakes along the way and decided to develop the steps for patients of all stripes and health issues and, for that matter, regularly scheduled appointments, that help get the best medical care. "The Thinking Patients" is the result.

There are five important steps that Dana suggests and that she details in this episode:

PreparationLanguageQuestionsParticipationCourage

Dana is a five-year cancer survivor and credits her doctors and her self-advocation. She is grateful for the opportunity to help others become "thinking patients."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/desherwin/

What is the pelvic floor? Where is it located in the body? What does it do? What are the potential issues created by a weak pelvic floor?

You might be surprised to learn that millions of young and older women experience problems--many of them uncomfortable and embarrassing--with their pelvic floor.

Dr. Nabila Noor, a urogynecologist and physician specializing in pelvic floor problems, joins me in this informative episode. Dr. Noor explains how we can take preventative measures like specific exercises to strengthen our pelvic floor and, if those measures are unsuccessful, the simple, fast surgeries that can solve any of the following problems:

bladder leakage"Gotta Go, Gotta Go syndromeFrequent Urinary Tract InfectionsBowel problemsSexual dysfunctionPelvic organ prolapse& More

I don't know about you, but I'd never heard of a urogynecologist, a pelvic floor physical therapist, or the scope of problems caused by a weak pelvic floor. So, I was all ears during this episode.

Dr. Noor was born in Bangladesh and came to the U.S. at age 18 to attend Smith College, an all-girls school that encouraged her to focus on women's health. After receiving her degree as an OB-GYN, she spent an additional three years pursuing a urogynecology specialty. It is a relatively new field, about 20 years old, which is probably why many of us had never heard of it.

If Dr. Noor has one message above all others it is that pelvic floor problems can be solved and that no woman should have to deal with any of these often embarrassing, often painful conditions for years without any hope of leading a normal life. Dr. Noor gets so much joy when a patient returns to the office for a post-surgical checkup. They could kick themselves for not having gotten help earlier but are so damn happy to resume a full life.

Dr. Noor is an enthusiastic spokesperson for all that can be done to remedy pelvic floor problems, and she is anxious to spread the word. She has a large media presence, and you can check her out at any of the following:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@drnabilanoor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnabilanoor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557585516981

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nabila-noor-9b5b2930/

Yep, we are all caught up in habitual ways of thinking and acting. We turn on our default programming to autopilot and more often than not talk to our boss, partner, or child the same way we have forever.

Ronnie Loaiza is a certified life coach and a certified habit coach. Who knew there was something called a habit coach? Ronnie explains that she helps people create doable habits that get them to their goals instead of temporary or unsustainable hacks, militant discipline, or willpower. "People grow with tiny steps," Ronnie says.

My methodology, called Thought Work? helps clients make BIG changes quickly without wasting time.We streamline achieving your long-term goals realizing them faster than traditional methods.We eliminate what's not working for you, and replace forced motivation (which is temporary) with concrete evidence that you are capable of achieving yourgoals. Simply put, we cut through the noise and focus on what really matters to get what you want.

Ronnie was born in the U.S., but she and her mother moved back to where the rest of the family lived. When her parents, her two siblings, and Ronnie returned to the States permanently, Ronnie didn't speak a word of English. Okay, maybe a word or two. She went to kindergarten as a Spanish speaker and quickly picked up English like a sponge.

Ronnie is by nature an adventurous woman who loves to travel. After college, she traveled to France for a five-month program. She stayed for five years. After France, she resided in Los Angeles, where she still lives today.

After suffering from painful back and hip issues and after trying every kind of modality--shots, massage, physical therapy, spinal decompression, and on and on--she gave up. But when her husband suggested that she see a trainer who came highly recommended, she was not gung-ho but gave it a try. Within a matter of weeks, much of her pain was gone. So when her trainer suggested that she become a trainer as a forty-six-year-old, she laughed.

But at some point, she decided to take a chance and `worked her tail off to get her certification through the Certified Life Coach Institute. When she realized that she was spending a lot of her time talking with her clients about their goals and the barriers to achieving them, she explored, studied, practiced, and was eventually certified as a Habit Coach Pro.

Ronnie is a spirited woman who talks fast and springs into action with ease. You can listen to her episode on "Older Women & Friends" as of 9/26. While you're at it, check out some of the past episodes.

If you like this episode and, hopefully, others, please text someone you think will enjoy the podcast. Word of Mouth is what helps grow "Older Women & Friends."

https://ronnielolifecoach.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnielolifecoach/

[email protected]

Deborah Charnes has been a solo traveler since she was sixteen. She has been around the world on a quest of sorts to learn as much as she can about the cultures, traditions, and people of other countries. During her travels, she has met mentors and gurus, each of whom taught her something important about achieving health and happiness. Her book, FROM THE BOXING RING TO THE ASHRAM, is a distillation of some of those teachers and the ways they have impacted her life. When she?s not on the road, Deborah blogs about travel and currently writes for the ?Ethel? a newsletter for women 55+ sponsored by AARP. She is a certified bilingual yoga therapist and a holistic health coach.

https://thenamastecounsel.com/

https://thenamastecounsel.com/book-from-the-boxing-ring-to-the-ashram/

Send us a text

Based on the most recent data available, 272,454 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.  In 2022, 42,211 women died from the disease..Deb Krier got the call that most women over fifty dread. She?d barely made it home from her annual mammogram when the phone rang, and her doctor told her to return for a second mammogram and biopsies that thankfully came back negative. The initial diagnosis was Stage 0 breast cancer. No big deal. But within short order, the cancer had spread to eight lymph nodes and a new diagnosis of Stage 4. Her journey was one hellish ride. Anything that could go wrong, went wrong. During a seven-week hospital stay, she overheard two doctors discussing how she was going to die. Deb is alive and well, thank you. If there is a story that proves the mind/body connection, it is Deb's. She's a warrior with strength, humor, and unwavering optimism. She gladly shares her story and all the suggestions she has for other women facing down breast cancer, or any other serious disease.  My website is under construction. For now, you can find more about Deb at:https://debkrier.com/

Send us a Text Message.

Women over 50 are a force to reckon with. There are 63 million of us. On average, we women live six years longer than men, yet, sadly, many older women spend on average the last 14 years of their lives in a cascade of poor health. ?Men die quicker, but women get sicker.?  Maddy Dychtwald, national best-selling author and co-founder of Age World, is out to change that. Her latest book Ageless Aging: A Woman?s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, is a call to arms.  In this episode, Maddy talks about the kind of kid she was, her nomadic family that moved every three years and the impact on her personality, her short career as an actress,  and why and how she got into the business of aging and, with her husband, founded Age Wave.  What, she asked, is the back story of active, self-actualized older women?  What can we learn from them and how can we take advantage of the gift of our bonus years to live healthy, happy lives?  You won?t want to miss this interview. 

                  ?Wherever you are in your aging journey, it?s never too late to invest in your well-being or to reinvent yourself. It is possible for life to get better and better as you age, especially when you are open to the idea that our longevity bonus can be an ascent, not a decline.?                       ________________________Maddy Dychtwaldhttps://agewave.com/https://agewave.com/contact-us/Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainstan, And Lifespan
Amazon or Wherever You Purchase Bookshttps://rb.gy/fauxni

 

  

 

Send us a Text Message.

THIS IS A REPOST OF AN EPISODE THAT FIRST RAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2022. IT HAS HAD MORE LISTENS THAN ANY OTHER EPISODE on "OLDER WOMEN & FRIENDS."  ENJOY!

If you have a sleep problem, you?re not alone. More than 30 percent of women over 50 are dealing with sleep issues. 

You?ve probably tried any number of solutions. Sadly, nothing has worked, or the sleep you get doesn't get the job done. The clock may say that you slept for six or seven hours, but you feel sluggish and foggy.

Lucinda Sykes, a retired physician and now a personal sleep coach, explains that both her grandmother and mother struggled with insomnia and eventually became dependent on sleep medication. Lucinda saw the writing on the wall, got some therapy, and happily has not suffered from insomnia. Lucinda explains that one of the--if not THE--downsides of insomnia is that the brain doesn't have enough time to refresh; there is no chance for the brain to rebalance. This imbalance can cause problems with everything from your heart to your memory. Lucinda gives listeners strategies for getting better sleep that include mindfulness, a regular sleep schedule, avoiding blue light before bedtime, and much more.If you haven't listened to my other episode that features a conversation with Lucinda about older women and mindfulness (with so much wisdom shared), do yourself a favor and check it out. (March 16, 2023)
http://lucindasykesmd.com

Send us a Text Message.

How can playful dares and simple activities transform your journey, no matter your age? Join us as we chat with the vibrant Jodi Silverman, who shares her inspiring path from playful childhood adventures in Northeast Philadelphia to becoming a beacon of joy for midlife women. Jodi takes us through her career transitions from retail to outside sales, and finally to entrepreneurship with her own commercial printing services business. Facing the prospect of an Empty Nest, she didn?t retreat but instead looked forward to new possibilities, emphasizing the critical role of fun and adaptability in navigating life?s changes.In this episode, we explore Jodi?s creation of the Moms Who Dare community, inspired by Luanne Kahn's book, "I Dare Me." Discover how small, daring acts like playing board games or revisiting childhood playgrounds can ignite joy and creativity, fostering connections and lifting spirits. We also dive into the power of self-talk and introduce the practical T.A.L.K. method to combat negative thoughts. Learn about Jodi's Beyond Empty Nest podcast and her supportive network that encourages women to embrace the emotional journey of an empty nest while celebrating the positives of this new phase in life. Tune in for uplifting insights and actionable tips to transform your midlife experience with joy and resilience.

Send us a Text Message.

Are some or most of your precious memories stuffed in a box (boxes) and stuck in a closet? 

Have you sworn you?ll organize the photos, keepsakes, and letters from an old boyfriend but just haven?t found the time? It?s understandable. You?ve been crazy busy.  But you?re not getting any younger, and in those boxes are stories you want to share with your children and other relatives and friends. 

Martie McNabb is a believer in objects and the stories they tell. She is a "legacy artist" whose nomadic childhood shaped her constant search for deep connections. Martie was born on a military base in Okinawa, returned to the States with her parents when she was not yet two and moved nine times before high school.  ?I don?t have long-term friends or a sense of belonging to a place,? Martie says.  "When people ask me where I'm from, I'm never sure what to answer."Martie's search for a "home" and extended family has taken her from a graduate in soil science (Who knew?), a housekeeper (She likes to clean!), a sign language interpreter, and a middle and high school teacher. She loved the students but got burned out by the administration. So, she moved on to found Memories Out of the Box, a one-woman business to help people put their "stuff" in order. It has been wildly successful . . . if success is determined by her love for the deep legacy work she does.Ten years ago, she developed the "Show & Tales" series. (Think "Show and Tell," the game played in elementary school.)  Participants at these gatherings share personal objects and the stories attached to them. An item as simple as a bracelet made of rubber bands or a carton of eggs will suffice.  "It is the power of stories," Martie says. "It's amazing how what seems like a simple activity can tell us so much about others and ourselves."This episode takes listeners on a "ride" in Martie's 21-foot Winnebago named Brooklyn as she travels from New Mexico to Vermont. She is still on a journey but a journey that has led to new friendships, new experiences, and an ever-growing understanding of how the sharing of stories of the Things that matter can build deeper connections, community, and legacy.https://www.showandtales.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martiemcnabb/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-that-matter-with-martie-mcnabb/id1643973318

Send us a Text Message.

This episode is the first of several that celebrates older female artists.  If you or someone you know fits the bill, please email me at [email protected] makes an artist tick? How can she find the time to create, given all the demands of everyday life? What barriers do female artists face that many men do not? How important is having a purpose in life about which you feel passionate ?What do you do when you wake up one morning with a voice in your head saying, "What's wrong with your life is that you're not writing poetry." That's what happened to Lynne Thompson who, at the time, had been a lawyer for  fifteen years.It's no secret that poets don't rack in the big bucks. And it's easy to stroll through a bookstore or browse on an online site without seeing a massive poetry collection. Still, if you're Lynne, you're going to figure out a way to make it all work.She left the law firm and took a less stressful job. She used every spare minute to write, to read, to attend as many poetry readings as she could. "We waste a lot of time in our lives," she said. "The challenge is to carve out sacred time when no one and no thing can take your attention away. If you're patient, you can work around the demands of everyday life."   Today, Lynne is an award-winning poet, the Poet Laureate Emeritus of Los Angeles, and the author of three books, the most recent of which was released earlier this year. (see below.)  Many of her poems celebrate the strength and resilience of women who find joy and wisdom, despite all the forces that can make such a journey an uphill one.Lynne's passion for her creative life is contagious.Don't miss this episode!https://lynnethompson.usBooks available on most online book sitesBlue on a Blue Palette ( BOA Editions, 2024)Fretwork (March Hawk Press, 2019)Start With A Small Guitar (What Books Press, 2013)Beg No Pardon (Perugia Press,  2007)

Send us a Text Message.

As older women and men, we have seen a lot: suffering, miracles, and so much more. "And we're not finished yet," says guest Janis Johnston, retired therapist, author, and blogger. "We can ask ourselves what is the next thing we might learn. What is meaningful? Answering questions like these helps us find creativity in our lives."  Okay, I can hear the rumbling: I'm never going to be an artist or writer or musician. I'm not creative.  Janis would beg to differ. "There are so many things that we can do to be creative: edit photos you take on your cell phone or collect family recipes and try them all . . .   I call these 'little C's,' and they are just as meaningful as the 'big C's.'"Research shows that older adults who participate in creative actions have improved cognition and proprioception, enhanced meaning in their life, reduced loneliness, and recognition/engagement in a social life. Creativity makes brains bloom!  Janis also talks about creating a legacy, a gift we leave for younger people in our life. "I'm not suggesting money, but values or family histories, or a gratitude journal. As seasoned seniors (a term I like to use), we have the opportunity and the experience to share something that will last through the generations."It's never too late to find your creative power!http://janisjohnston.com"Pearls of Passion" BlogIt Takes A Child to Raise A Parent: Stories of Evolving Child and Parent DevelopmentMidlife Maze: A Map to Recovery and Rediscovery After LossTransforming Retirement: Rewire and Grow Your Legacy
 

Send us a Text Message.

 

Here's a whopper: there are approximately 67 million grandparents in the U.S. today. Slightly more than twenty-six percent of them in the U.S. are mid-lifers.  That's crazy, right?  Many grandparents are still working, many have older children living in the house, and many may be taking care of their parents. While there is little research, millions of grandparents live 200 miles or more away from their grandchildren. They are the long-distance grandparents.

Kerry Byrne is the founder of The Long Distance Grandparent, an online learning hub that also speaks to grandparents who live closer to their grandkids.  When her husband landed a new job in Dubai, she and their one child (soon to become two) relocated. Kerry?s experience set the stage for her intense interest in long-distance grandparents and how the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren changes. The research underscores the importance of this connection and the positive effect a close relationship has on a bitter level of life satisfaction and fewer ageist ideas about older people.

Being a grandparent, particularly a long-distance one, takes energy and planning. As Kerry says, contrary to the general opinion, she advises people to ?sweat the small stuff.? Find out what your grandchild likes and how you can relate. Schedule your time so that every Sunday, for example, you call. And write a letter. Kids look forward to getting snail mail!  

 If you are currently a grandmother, a soon-to-be grandmother, or someone interested in this connection, you?ll want to listen to Kerry?s insights. 

 https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/On another note, are you interested in hearing from an expert on sexual wellness?Send me a "Yes" or "No" email:  [email protected]://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/

Send us a Text Message.

 

For some of us, turning 80 is right around the corner; for others, 80 might seem a lifetime away. No matter your age, listening to the stories of older women and the wisdom they?ve earned can be instructive and uplifting. I don?t know about you, but every time I read about someone who has lived beyond the current life expectancy averages of 79.3 years for women and 73.5 years for men, I give a fist pump and feel even more optimistic about my chances of spending more time creating a legacy and enjoying life.

Katharine Esty will celebrate her ninetieth birthday later this year. For her, being in your 80s hasn't meant focusing on survival. "It is," she says, ?a time to enjoy a full life with people we love. Relationships are what matter most in life."

Living as an eightyomething today is much different from how it used to be. There are more people in their 80s than ever before. People are healthier and unexpectedly happy.  "The stereotypes of people in their eighties as frail, uninvolved, lonely are so untrue," says Katharine. "The vast majority are doing all kinds of interesting "stuff," living independently, and enjoying the gift of longevity.But what about all the loss that eightysomethings will suffer? How can you be happy with so much heartbreak and with the end zone in view?  How can you make new, younger friends? What about this business of being grateful? Is it a bunch of psycho-babble? Katharine Etsy takes us on a journey of eightysomethings and introduces us to a group of older women and men who are happier now than ever. She shares their secrets and her own. You don't hear many people say, "Oh, I'm so excited! I turn 80 in two weeks!" After listening to this conversation, you might change your mind.www.KatharineEsty.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Eightysomethings-audiobook/dp/B07QG435WJ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.W7QCvKnVBepwHGKDFaKA614cBJ6KZvLDor1aceAgkEv3NDx3skgAQVM4AXDOyNZ_ZT8h48PCmnwLIBgIAcKjtw.KjAJ-Wb9kHSts5mgdju0TNZoe3lOby4bBB6ZxCInKFI&dib_tag=se&qid=1713821841&refinements=p_27%3AKatharine+Esty&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Katharine+Esty

 

Send us a Text Message.

I believe in the power of stories, and Yvonne Marchese's story is a doozy. She is what she calls a "serial pivotal,"  person, a person who has changed course many times in her life. For many years, she was filled with frustration, anger, and even depression. The future held little promise.  But when she was in her late 40s, she had what she calls a "Mid-Life Awakening," not a Mid-Life Crisis.Yvonne began to understand why she'd never been comfortable with the uncomfortable and the steps that lead to emotional and physical health. Three years ago, she launched her podcast, "Late Bloomer Living" and has not looked back. She takes listeners on a journey as she and her guests talk about what it means to try new things in mid-life and beyond.  "It is not about changing yourself," she says, "but about changing how you think about yourself. "You are not too late. It is never too late."Today, Yvonne is not only the host of her podcast but a photographer, speaker, mother, and wife. She is smart, involved, and funny. On a personal note, it is exciting to hear from women a few decades younger than I am (Yikes!) who are getting their acts together and discovering how to age with zest and enthusiasm. There is no dread here, only excitement about the here and now and the future.https://www.latebloomerliving.com/https://www.latebloomerliving.com/communityhttps://www.latebloomerliving.com/community

Send us a Text Message.

In the late 70s, Jan Yager was single and convinced she'd never find a life partner. So, she turned her attention, research, and writing to the importance of friendships and the many ways friends impact our lives.  Studies show that a network of good friends makes our lives more satisfying and that, as we age, it is important to replenish our circle of friends.Yager divides friends into three categories: best, close, and casual. Although there are no hard and fast numbers, she suggests we need one to two best friends, four to six close friends, and, for better or worse, a slew of casual friends like those we meet through social media. But what happens when a best or close friend betrays, abandons, or wounds us? How do we decide if the friendship is salvageable? How can we try to fix things? Or what can we do if the friendship is no longer worth maintaining? Breaking up with a dear friend can be as traumatic as breaking up with a partner, a family member, or a professional mentor.With decades of experience as a sociologist, friendship coach, author, and speaker, Jan is the go-to expert. You may be surprised at some of what she has to say and appreciate the concrete tools she provides.www. Drjanyager.comWhen Friendship Hurts: How to Deal with Friends Who Betray, Abandon, or Wound You  Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our LivesFriendgevity: Making and Keeping the Friends Who Enhance and Even ExtendYour LifeFor a selection of other books by Jan Yager, go tohttp://www.Drjanyager.com