We Are Old, Get Over It!

Ahh pickleball. The rapidly growing sport. This was one of the first topics we covered on the podcast, back in Season 1, and for good reason: it's just so popular.Certified pickleball instructor Patrick Shea joined me to talk about why pickleball is so popular, the social aspects that draw players in, and the accessibility of the game for seniors. Patrick explains the rules, terminology, and scoring of pickleball, as well as the differences between indoor and outdoor play. And then we touched on the professional side of pickleball, including tournaments and potential Olympic inclusion, since down here in Naples, FL we are a hub for some serious pickleballing. But we also address community concerns about noise and facility access. Patrick encourages everyone to try pickleball, highlighting its welcoming environment and the joy it brings to players of all ages. It was a great way to kick off the podcast.Highlights include:Pickleball is accessible to players of all ages, especially seniors.Instruction is crucial for beginners to learn proper techniques.The sport has a unique scoring system that can be complex for newcomers.Noise complaints about pickleball courts are common in some communities.Professional pickleball has become a lucrative career for top players.Warm-up exercises are important to prevent injuries while playing. Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5U9rjkZoWtTx3dSvYHd0Ow?si=xiw0BQzhTmq_s_o2-06vUQhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-pickleball-for-a-spin-with-patrick-shea/id1796463762?i=1000705531599https://youtu.be/20gMWMoOy-0And don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Road Scholar is a tour company that has evolved from its origins as Elder Hostel to its current focus on educational travel for older adults. Kelsey Perri joins us today to talk about their popular programs, the demographics of travelers, the importance of socialization, and the shift towards experiential and slower-paced travel. Kelsey emphasizes the need for community and lifelong learning, as well as the organization's commitment to accessibility and support for caregivers. AND we talk about hidden gem destinations and personal stories from travelers, concluding with a call to action for encouraging more men to participate in travel programs. There's a world of adventure out there, and it's made for seniors!Highlights include:Road Scholar was founded in 1975 as Elder Hostel.60% of travelers are women, with a significant portion being solo travelers.Social isolation is a major concern for older adults.Experiential learning is increasingly desired by older travelers.Road Scholar offers scholarships and caregiver grants.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nmSgZh1sw4D7OwHwfcRqR?si=tj6p7ezjTcuhSy0X7DN3jwhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-retirement-through-learning-and-travel/id1796463762?i=1000753030810https://youtu.be/mg6AR3dsg1MAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Yes, groceries are more expensive now (ugh), but that's not the only reason why you're bill is so high.Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joined us early in Season 3 to tell us what's going on, and what we can do about it.We looked at practical strategies for saving money on groceries, why it's so important to plan ahead in order to reduce food waste, how to do meal planning, and making informed shopping choices. Your grocery list should reflect your personal tastes, the benefits of seasonal produce, and the value of incorporating affordable protein sources like beans. We looked at why using glass containers not just reduces plastic waste, but makes it easier to simply see what's there in your fridge! Leverage grocery store apps for savings, and invest in nutrient-rich foods over processed options to promote long-term health and savings.Highlights include:Creative ways to utilize leftovers to minimize waste and maximize savingsFood waste is a significant contributor to grocery expenses.Seasonal produce is often cheaper and more flavorful.Keeping produce at eye level helps prevent waste.Using grocery store apps can lead to significant savings.Making a joyful shopping list encourages healthier choices.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pjwWJHEvhTmY2YnFSuREl?si=XLqitbRCTPOev4Wf_2kNxQhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-why-youre-spending-so-much-on-food-with-dawn/id1796463762?i=1000747002826https://youtu.be/P94uesrTeC4And don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Amy Goyer is a national family and caregiving expert from the AARP, and we had a fascinating discussion on the current state of caregiving in America. With 63 million family caregivers providing support to older adults, she highlighted the growing need for resources and support systems for caregivers. We looked at the financial strain caregivers face, the emotional and physical health impacts, and the importance of recognizing and supporting caregivers. Amy emphasizes the need for caregiver tax credits and community resources, while also sharing personal insights on finding joy and purpose in caregiving despite its challenges.Highlights include:Caregivers often experience high levels of emotional stress.Support systems and resources are crucial for caregivers' well-being.Isolation can severely impact both caregivers and care recipients.Many caregivers report a sense of purpose from their role.Caregiving can be a source of joy despite its challenges.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6I98RFH3cbt0lxh2APdjSv?si=EznCd3g7RAOlI4uHtPZ7xghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/support-your-local-caregiver-advice-from-an-aarp/id1796463762?i=1000727183666https://youtu.be/9zshC10iaGkAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

We love to talk about travel, and Jake Messimer from Grand European Travel dropped by during Season 2 to discuss the growing trend of senior travel, and the benefits of guided tours. We explored the logistics of planning a trip, the role of travel directors, and the cultural enrichment that comes from traveling with a group. And we addressed common misconceptions about senior travel, the social benefits of traveling, and how to choose the right tour based on individual needs. And then there's timing: we look at the advantages of traveling during the off-season and the importance of addressing health and safety concerns. So much to see!Highlights include:Seniors are increasingly traveling for education and social connection.Guided tours provide a stress-free travel experience.Travel directors enhance the travel experience with local knowledge.Traveling can combat isolation and promote engagement.Planning a trip with experts can alleviate concerns about logistics.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wBCqtINwaAXApduiIt2pz?si=x_zC_8IjRCmx6W4zDkLXYghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tour-the-stress-away-with-a-guided-european/id1796463762?i=1000732960532https://youtu.be/M9LKUOmmylcAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Dr. Jo Berg joined us this past season to discuss the critical issue of falls among older adults, emphasizing that falls are not a normal part of aging but a serious health risk that can lead to significant injuries and even death. As a result, we explored the importance of prevention strategies, the role of physical therapy in helping seniors maintain their independence, and the various risk factors that contribute to falls. Older adults: remember that you are empowered through exercise and awareness of your health to foster independence and prevent falls! We look at the mechanisms of strength and balance, the significance of targeted strength training, and the benefits of Tai Chi. Lots to discover in this one!Highlights include:Falls are preventable with the right interventions.Fear of falling can restrict activities and increase the risk of future falls.Environmental hazards in the home can increase fall risk.Regular exercise is essential for maintaining strength and balance in older adults.It's never too late to start exercising, regardless of fitness level.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AqCYAWR4e99miPROW3ZoD?si=eKEcG2bOROmwq89LIStQxghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-we-need-to-talk-about-falls-with-dr-jo-bergh/id1796463762?i=1000755963031https://youtu.be/GY2Dnko8xngAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!---"The Purest Bond" is both a wonderful new book that studies the connection between humans and dogs, and a reflection of our experience being pet owners.Author Stacey Colino joined me earlier in Season 3 to share the journey of writing this book, the people she met and the stories she learned along the way.The conversation then expanded to a broader look at the health benefits of having dogs, the attachment bonds formed, and the grief experienced when losing a beloved pet. Stacey highlights the joy and healing that dogs bring to our lives, as well as the importance of understanding the responsibilities of dog ownership.If you're a pet owner, of any pet (but we're kind of partial to dogs), you'll love this conversation with made us both appreciate and reflect on this special bond.Highlights include:The bond between humans and dogs is deeply emotional and beneficial for mental health.The writing process for 'The Purest Bond' took nearly three years from conception to publication.Dogs can help detect diseases in humans through their exceptional sense of smell.Grief from losing a pet is often not acknowledged by society, leading to disenfranchised grief.Dogs provide structure to our daily lives and encourage physical activity.Volunteering at shelters can be a fulfilling way to connect with dogs without full ownership.Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xDOUCTrseZZQ2arxiDyh4?si=6Txi9xEKQZSu-K0SrkPlSwhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-science-behind-loving-our-pets-with-stacey-colino/id1796463762?i=1000758627360https://youtu.be/zBQ5d9FidP0And don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Midway through Season 1, we discussed the sensitive topic of cremation versus burial, with guests Joshua and Lacey Shook from the National Cremation Society. They told us about importance of prearranging final arrangements, the benefits of travel protection, and the significant cost differences between burial and cremation. And then we touched on the emotional aspects of planning for death, the growing trend of cremation, and innovative memorial options available to families. It's an important discussion that we should all have, and so we emphasized the need for open conversations about end-of-life choices, and the importance of making informed decisions to ease the burden on loved ones.Highlights include:Prearranging final arrangements can alleviate stress for families.Travel protection plans can cover costs if a person passes away overseas.The cost of burial can be significantly higher than cremation.Cremation is becoming increasingly popular, with 78% of families in Florida choosing it.Planning ahead can help ensure that your wishes are honored and reduce emotional costs for loved ones.Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ex9z310UPWK6NgQEI1HWQ?si=SlHEY62aQmyzBJ7NJUCHVAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-strategy-cremation-and-burial-decisions/id1796463762?i=1000702849509https://youtu.be/okfhLFer9sQAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!---What are the 'Core Four' pillars of health?Sleep, movement, protein, and hydration. Dietician Dawn Jackson Blatner was here with her bubbling enthusiasm and energy to emphasize the importance of simplifying wellness practices, focusing on foundational habits rather than getting lost in minor details. Dawn shares her insights on how to improve sleep quality, the necessity of regular movement, and the critical role of protein in maintaining health as we get older. The discussion is filled with practical tips and motivational advice to help listeners adopt a healthier lifestyle. She emphasizes that as we age, our protein needs increase, and highlights the necessity of incorporating various protein sources into our diets. Additionally, she explains how fiber and hydration are essential for maintaining digestive health and overall well-being.So much action-packed info!Highlights include:Simplicity in nutrition leads to higher energy and engagement.Regular movement is essential for maintaining muscle mass and longevity.Finding enjoyable forms of exercise increases adherence to fitness routines.As we age, our protein needs increase significantly.Making healthy habits enjoyable is the key to better lifestyle choices. Regular hydration is key to digestive health.Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6kQ199PE3F0xjTa2ZXbGZh?si=jhsBhWAGTFe6Bh0Le8gd9Qhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-core-4-for-better-health-sleep-move-protein-poop/id1796463762?i=1000766421680https://youtu.be/AeL9tOfE6K0And don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Ken shares a touching Father's Day story about love, tragedy, recovery and resilence, and a reminder to all of us, no matter which day of the year it is, to stay grounded in the moment and present with those we love.Learn more about the podcast:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!---A crucially important topic this past Season 3 was the importance of building a digital fortress to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Nora Duncan of the Connecticut chapter of AARP joined me to talk about various topics including the risks associated with the dark web, the necessity of credit freezes, the dangers of using checks, and the advantages of digital payment methods over traditional ones. You need to be proactive in managing financial security in the digital age, which means setting yourself up with multi-factor authentication, and safeguarding personal information. What do you do if your phone is lost? How do you protect yourself from identity theft? What are passkeys and biometrics? There was so much to cover, we did two episodes! Take the time to go through both, take notes, reach out to me or Nora, and involve your family too in these important discussions.Highlights include:Building a digital fortress is essential for security.Many social security numbers are compromised on the dark web.Identity theft can lead to significant financial loss.A credit freeze is a crucial tool for protection.Digital wallets offer enhanced security compared to checks.Credit cards provide better fraud protection than debit cards.Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lWeQdIJmwV0AcV1NXaXOn?si=7lTuWPmFS-iErupX_qB8sQhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5loWLMoS1CFavGptNRAi4I?si=UGXtbtz3QkuSM6XKLqzQ-Ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spotting-scams-tips-and-tricks-for-seniors-part-1/id1796463762?i=1000763041507https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-your-digital-fortress-part-2-with-nora-duncan-aarp/id1796463762?i=1000764352298https://youtu.be/DXmEtXM-E9Q?si=zSZsoQd5sA8_kOQUhttps://youtu.be/TS8SQCkYjnU?si=1EoB_V60Pv-Te7oEAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!---Our 3rd Season kicked off with a fascinating episode on the man behind The Beatles, the glue who kept them together (until it all came apart): Mal Evans.Beatles aficionados will likely know about Mal, but to a broader audience he's still mostly unknown. Author and noted Beatles expert Ken Womack joined me to talk about his book profiling Mal, exploring his significant yet often overlooked contributions to the Beatles' legacy, his journey from being a telecommunications engineer to a vital part of the Beatles' world, the impact of his life and tragic end. In so doing, you also get a window into The Beatles' creative process, their studio years, and the legendary rooftop concert, the dynamics of the band and the importance of collaboration in their success.Highlights include:Mal Evans was the first Beatles archivist, preserving their history.He contributed to several Beatles songs, including playing drums on 'Yellow Submarine'.The Beatles' breakup affected Mal deeply, but he remained close to some members.Mal's tragic end highlights the personal struggles behind the scenes of fame.Ken Womack's research uncovered valuable materials that could have been lost forever.Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4G0h90RL786ATSkkL1AEOU?si=h0xNe2dnSHqLJGh3XmxFaAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-the-beatles-from/id1796463762?i=1000746034718https://youtu.be/OeI7imwGmf4?si=OxlJ-80rLZnnWKFWAnd don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

Over the summer, we'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits from past episodes: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Recently, I chatted with Dr. Leslie Zebrowitz, a professor from Brandeis University, about the intriguing concept of baby faces and their impact on social perception. We explored how baby-faced individuals are perceived differently in various contexts, including courtrooms and everyday interactions. The discussion delves into the science behind first impressions, the stereotypes associated with baby faces, and how these perceptions can influence judgments about character and competence. Highlights include:Baby faces are associated with childlike traits such as warmth and naivety.First impressions are formed very quickly, often within seconds.People with baby faces may receive more lenient judgments in court.Older adults are more accurate in judging health than younger adults."First impressions happen within seconds.""People are terrible lie detectors.""It's a blessing and a curse."Check out some excerpts from our conversation here today, and click below for the full episode, on Spotify, Apple or YouTube:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gpX8PrteMx1BkFD6EXwJO?si=mXwQdtomTei3OxMCF9oxsAhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-people-misread-your-face-with-dr-leslie-zebrowitz/id1796463762?i=1000767558224https://youtu.be/F_aP9TPUPtk?si=LvTmfTT6OCRqRb29And don't forget to visit:https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at:[email protected]

We've had a wonderful season 3, full of fascinating episodes. If there are some you haven't caught up on yet, now's a great time to circle back and see what you missed.We'll be publishing little excerpts, shorts and fun tidbits over the summer: watch your podcast feed, and season 4 will be starting in September!Thank you for watching and listening to We Are Old, Get Over It! The podcast for seniors (and their families) - help us grow the show and its impact by sharing episodes, clips and the website, don't forget to visit https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

It's a multibillion dollar, worldwide industry.Thousands of people, often seniors, go overseas to help in person with orphanages and other aid organizations.But what if it's not all it appears?Today we're pulling back the curtain on the dark side of orphanage tourism.What appears on the surface as a positive, hands-on experience to help out those in need, in fact typically has major structural issues, driven by malicious purposes.Aisling Ledwith, Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Officer at Lumos, is here to help shed light on the issue. Lumos presses governments to reform care systems and show how children can be safely reunited with families, instead of being left with often exploitive institutions.What are "institutions"? Basically another word for orphanages, but in fact, in an "orphanage," typically 80% of children do still have at least one living parent. The children end up there for all kinds of reasons, but cannot possible get the type of care and support that all children should have. And that's even if the institution has otherwise well-meaning intentions.Children need a proper caregiver, for one-on-one care and for attention. In other words, a parent.So what do we do if there is no parent?How you can use your skills, your money and your heart to make a difference without causing unintended harm?Aisling talks to us about what child trafficking is, and the frequent cases of exploiting children to attract donations.One major red flag: it shouldn't be easy to get access to children. It should be something where there are background checks and gateways in place, for their protection.So our takeaway today from this important and powerful conversation is, do your research, think about where your money is going, how you can best help, and how can we work towards strengthening the best outcome of all: that children have loving, committed, full-time individual caregivers to raise them as we all want to be raised.Resources from today's episode:Lumos - https://www.lumos.orgRethink Orphanages - https://rethinkorphanages.org---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,https://weareoldpodcast.com/and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Have you ever thought about why you make a first, visual impression upon meeting someone?Whether it's a "baby face" or an "old mug," or any other stereotype, there's a lot more that results from that impression than just shrugging and moving on from it.People are treated differently based on their facial structure - we all are in one way or another - and there's a good chance that that impacts how you conduct yourself and go through life.My friend Dr. Leslie Zebrowitz is here to talk to us about the study of 'first impressions.' Do you have an advantage having a baby face?Are older adults treated differently?Is there a difference in first impressions between personality and looks?It's popularized in the media: the bad guys always look different from the good guys. Or conversely, you notice if a 'bad guy' looks surprisingly like a 'good guy,' or vice-versa.Now facial and age recognition does serve an instinctive, species-protective purpose: knowing what's a threat and what's not. A baby is less likely to attack you than a big, tough warrior-looking dude.But what about how criminal defendants are perceived in court, even by a judge? What impact does that make when they might appear innocent when guilty, or appearing guilty when in fact innocent?Plus there are other influences on how we create first impressions, from physical attributes to behavior, like how people walk, their gait, their eye focus and more.It's a fascinating conversation that really gets you thinking, and more aware of how you perceive those around you.And hopefully it will help you recognize those signs in yourself of instant assumptions and judgement, and have better interactions with people, better relationships and better appreciation for the human experience.Ironically(!), our guest's video wasn't working, so if you're on YouTube, you'll see this as an audio-only episode. But perhaps that in turn will help you focus on visualization and your own experience in judging a book by its cover - hey, we all do it!Learn more about Dr. Leslie's research, and find her book here:https://a.co/d/0dGijhRm⁠https://www.brandeis.edu/psychology/zebrowitz/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Dawn Jackson Blatner returns for some more great health advice, focusing on the Core Four: Sleep, Move, Protein and... Poop!Dawn has a remarkable way of taking those overwhelming, intimidating tasks, the ones we hear all the time that we "should" do, and making them fun, accessible and just simple and straightforward.Because, as she points out, if something isn't fun, you're not going to stick with it for very long. You have to turn looking after your health into something you enjoy doing, and look forward to doing. And her tips today will really help you do just that.For instance, did you know that sleep doesn't just mean "sleep," it's also an acronym?! Tricks like this will really help you remember what to do.We cover things like:What time you should stop drinking water before going to bed.Why it's so important to go for a walk after a meal, even just a few minutes.Why protein becomes imperative for proper aging. Find out how much you need, depending on your age.Tips for some of the best sources of good protein.Fiber + water = great poops.And what's great for fiber? Beans!Go to sleep at the same time, train your body and your brain to get used to consistency.Muscles are your longevity organ, and the secret to a long, healthy life.There's this and so much more. If ever you need motivation to get active, get healthy, and get intentional: this is the episode for you.And share it with anyone who could need this pick-me-up as well!Find Dawn and all her wonderful resources here:⁠https://www.dawnjacksonblatner.com---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Nora Duncan and I continue our discussion from last week about fraud, scams, security and keeping yourself safe from digital threats in the real world.Today, our focus is on giving you the tools to build your "digital fortress" - the wall around your various accounts that only you, or the most trusted people in your life, can access.This means things like two-factor authentication, biometric identities, avoiding debit cards and checks, being careful with services like Venmo and Zelle, and knowing how to use a credit freeze.Ultimately, we need to turn our perspective around and use the internet to our advantage when it comes to security. Programs and systems exist, and three minutes of inconvenience (to confirm security codes and checks) is much better than three years of trying to get your life back in order because of a scam or theft.Take some notes from today's episode, visit the AARP's excellent website on fraud prevention (aarp.org/fraud), and start laying the bricks for your own digital fortress!Resources:AARP Fraud Watch Network - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/FTC Consumer Sentinel - https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/consumer-sentinel-networkidentitytheft.gov - https://www.identitytheft.gov/IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) - https://www.ic3.gov/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

"Mr. Gluckman, why didn't you show up for jury duty? You didn't answer your summons. We're going to have to charge you a fine."Yikes. Sounds pretty real, doesn't it?Ken starts off this episode with a story of how his phone rang recently, he picked it up, and that's what he heard. His response?Hang up immediately. Don't even entertain the notion that it might be real.If your loved one, the police, or anyone posing as an authority figure is trying to get your attention, it's just that: posing.Nora Duncan is with us for part one of our two-part conversation on helping seniors identify and protect themselves from scams, something that is just so ubiquitous these days. Online, digital and AI scams target and affect everyone, but seniors can be particularly easy targets, as we learn about today.Nora is the State Director of the AARP in Connecticut, and as such, stories like Ken's come across her desk all the time. The AARP plays a very active role in fraud prevention, working with the genuine authorities to understand and track what's happening, and working with legislatures to develop laws that help counteract what the bad guys are doing.But as we all know, the best person to look out for us is ourself. So pay close attention in this and the next episode, where we clarify what to look for, and how to be prepared.It's scary, but knowledge is power, and remember: if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.In part one, learn about:how to recognize an attempt at a scam, it's easier than you thinkhow often you should change passwordshow your Facebook page is likely a sieve of personal informationhow to deal with 'false imposters' - the people posing as authority figureshow to emotionally react to red flags: don't panicwhy emotional manipulation makes it so easy for scammers to trick peopleAnd lots more.Our thanks to Nora for her time and expertise in keeping us informed and ready!Important resources to save:AARP Fraud Watch Network - https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/FTC Consumer Sentinel - https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/consumer-sentinel-networkidentitytheft.gov - https://www.identitytheft.gov/IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center) - https://www.ic3.gov/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We've talked in separate episodes about hospice and palliative care, in Episode 5 of Season 1, with Annalisa Smith of Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida.And we talked with Dr. Gary Lee and pastor Larry Wildemuth of the CODA alliance, who promote Advanced Care Planning via the Go Wish cards: special cue cards that prompt thought-provoking and important questions about how you want to approach the end-of-life. That was in Season 2, Episode 11.Now, we have them all here together for a special group conversation! Dr. Gary and pastor Larry are joined by Dawn Kolderman, Senior Clinical Director at Avow, and Deborah Simon, palliative care chaplain at Avow. Avow are on the front lines of using the Go Wish cards with their patients, and Dawn and Deb have seen first-hand the extraordinary impacts of having these important discussions with families.We talk about the significance of palliative care, the holistic approach to patient needs and real-life applications of the Go Wish cards in fostering open dialogue between patients and their families, often in the face of cultural barriers. We look at the significance of dignity and comfort in care, the importance of having early discussions about end-of-life wishes, and the necessity of empowering patients and families to navigate healthcare decisions.Open communication is so important to make sure that us and our families are prepared, and we have plans in place that meet our wishes. These conversations are a gift to our families, and the Go Wish cards play a huge role in making that happen.Thank you for joining us on this episode, and here's your Call to Action: start having these discussions with your loved ones, and make sure those you care about are having them too. And order a pack (or four) of Go Wish cards to help you out!Order your Go Wish cards through the CODA website here:https://codaalliance.org/go-wish/You can reach Avow Hospice through the following contact info:Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Ln, Naples, FLhttps://avowcares.org/⁠+1 239-261-4400---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We want to keep things light and fun here at the podcast We Are Old, Get Over It! It's not all serious, sobering topics - as important as those things are. But you gotta have some fun too, and who better to join in than some great comedians?Amanda Cohen made an appearance on the podcast back over the holidays, and now we have the full conversation for you, all in one place. Amanda has been a stand-up comic for 20 years, not in a row. Her first performance was at her high school cabaret at 17, and she's placed in the top 16 of the World Series of Comedy twice.Amanda talks about her journey in stand-up comedy, the challenges she's faced as a female comic, what it's really like to interact with the audience, and the fusion of burlesque and comedy in her career.We discover the writing process, some of the unique and sticky situations she's found herself in, and the importance of understanding audience dynamics. No two audiences are the same, which logically means that a joke that doesn't work one night could knock 'em out the next.We learn about some pre-show rituals, and why it's important to understand comedy history and assumptions if you really want to grow and thrive.And then Amanda shares her experiences with her father's decline due to Lewy body dementia, reflecting on the impact of family, caregiving, and the influence of comedy in her life.We look at the challenges of balancing personal and professional life while navigating the complexities of aging and memory loss.Through it all, Amanda's humor shines through as she recounts her father's artistic legacy and their shared love for comedy, providing a poignant look at the intersection of family and creativity.Check out some of Amanda's comedy sets:Amanda's Stand-Up Special from the Comedy Cube, courtesy Funny Media Group:https://youtu.be/LzTqvTQy5sg?si=hSeP4nmGp2kgzdYZAmanda's Set at the Copa Santa Barbara:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4WR-ly5RBwAmanda's Set at Don't Tell Comedy in Pittsburgh:https://youtu.be/qT0XavdfvuU?si=1Kuxhc5yzsKr4kOL---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

If you've ever wondered why it is that people have such a deep attachment to pets (maybe dogs in particular... no bias here...), and does it go past just the obvious reasons into something on a more molecular, scientific level, well, there's a fabulous book that dives into it!The Purest Bond, co-authored by Stacey Colino and Jen Goldbeck, is a book that's not just a warm and cozy read, but also adds some science-backed research: how dogs are good for our health, mentally and physically, and how even our resistance and gut microbiome improve by sharing a living space.Stacey Colino has been an author and health & science writer for the past 25 years, who recently turned her attention to the human experience with their pets. As a long time dog owner, with many touching stories and experiences of her own, she could relate to that intrinsic question of, "Why?"Stacey shares her wonderful story of finding Sadie (in fact, they chose each other!), after the devastating loss of their previous pet, while Ken shares about driving all the way up to Michigan to pick up Charlie the puppy, much to the surprise of his wife, but 8 years later Charlie is well ensconced in the Gluckman household.We chat about attachment bonds between human and pet, but also the notion of "disenfranchised grief," when people don't realize the effect that losing a dog can have on someone. It gets kind of dismissed and forgotten. Stacey's book helps you channel your grief in ways that can help you heal and process it.The book is full of beautiful and amazing stories, and we hear some excerpts here today, such as the remarkable story about a man in Florida, who was saved by his dog giving essentially a type of doggy-CPR.Today's episode is a good companion piece to our double episodes from season one about pet adoption and petsitting, Golden Years & Golden Paws: Seniors and Dog Adoption - Part 1 and Senior Pet Adoption, But Not the Usual Suspects! - Part 2, so make sure to check those out for some great info on how to enjoy pets, without necessarily making a full time commitment.Our thanks to Stacey for sharing her stories and research!Find The Purest Bond here:https://a.co/d/0bVyae8E---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We move from one outstanding guest to another, and continue with our critical focus on preventing falls in seniors: this week, I welcome Dr. Tiffany Shubert, a physical therapist who has studied falls and fall prevention, with a particular focus on what's called "The Otago Method."Dr. Tiffany's focus is on safe, effective exercise and activity. The good news: there is in fact an optimal dose of exercise to decrease your risk of experiencing a fall.It's 30 minutes a day, three times a week.And it doesn't even have to be all at once!We often have or hear about the experience of going to see the doctor, being asked if you've had a fall recently, and if that's the case, getting some kind of prescription pills and otherwise the message that there's nothing really you can do.Studies related to the Otago Method revealed that those studied fell 35% less than folks who did not do the exercises.In other words, it's worth doing.No matter what age you are, you can continue to build your muscle. Everyone is empowered to manage their own fall risk. We don't typically fall out of chairs, we fall when we're standing. So we need to practice our balance when standing.We look at weight training practices, repetitions, home safety, the differences between Tai Chi and the Otago Method, and lots more.This one is a great follow up on last week's episode, so improve your cognitive function by following along, and getting active!Learn more about the Otago Method here:The Otago Program for Fall Prevention Exercises, by GiveFit. Series of 4 YouTube videos with Dr. Tiffany ShubertMore background on the Otago Exercise Program:https://www.physio-pedia.com/Otago_Exercise_Programme---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Today's topic is one of those topics that has a very, very far-reaching impact, and yet most of us don't recognize that's the case.Did you know just how impactful a fall can be when you're a senior? It can be the start of a cascade of side effects and impacts that can last the rest of your life.Not to be dour about it, but in today's episode we want to focus on a simple solution: take falling seriously, be prepared and keep your muscle strength up as much as you possibly can.To help us in this endeavor, we have Dr. Jo Bergh from the University of California San Francisco here to share some of her research and knowledge, her practical experience as a doctor of physical therapy, and in particular her expertise as a certified geriatric clinical specialist.We talk about fall prevention strategies, risk factors in your clothes and around the house, how to develop your own targeted strength training, and even talk about doing a bit of Tai Chi.There are lots of options to maintain your strength and mobility! Many people mistakenly believe that falling is a normal part of aging, but it's not: and you can do something about it!Check out this recent article by Dr. Jo in the San Francisco Chronicle:https://health.yahoo.com/wellness/healthy-aging/mobility/articles/bad-balance-isnt-just-normal-130000517.html00:00 Understanding the Seriousness of Falls in Older Adults10:01 Identifying Risk Factors for Falls14:46 The Role of Physical Therapy in Fall Prevention21:09 Actionable Steps to Prevent Falls26:04 Overcoming Barriers to Exercise---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,https://weareoldpodcast.comand send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We dropped a preview of this conversation back over the holidays, but we have it here for you now, all in one place: it's comedian Susan Rice!No, not the diplomat (I'm sure she's heard that one many times!), but the inspiring, impressive and, most of all, humorous veteran of 43 years of comedy.We step into her shoes as a comedian and learn the rituals she follows before going on stage, how she adapts her performance based on audience reactions, and the challenges of keeping up with new comedic talent. Susan talks about her journey into stand-up comedy, reflecting on her four-decade career, the challenges of connecting with audiences, and some great personal anecdotes on the absurdities of life and the unique situations she has encountered as a performer.She tells us about the unique bond she forms with her audience, particularly women, and the unexpected personal stories that often emerge during her shows. Do you lean into your age, your appearance, your gender and your life experience? Or do you try and sweep that under the rug? And we touch on the evolution of comedy in the digital age, and the importance of adapting material to resonate with contemporary audiences. Jokes about Ronald Reagan don't quite land the way they used to!Self-esteem plays a crucial role in performance, and there are few things more raw than stand-up comedy. Which is probably why so many people are fascinated by it - the mindset of going up on stage, all alone, just you and a microphone in the spotlight, to make people laugh. When you hit the mark, laughter serves as a powerful tool for connection.You can watch Susan's act on YouTube, in examples like this: https://youtu.be/cbHJT2SLqgY?si=06qaIaVvEQYpgZbcAnd buy or rent her comedy special, Susan Rice: Silver Alert !https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s7omNdf1zs---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."What a great quote, and here today we have a conversation that demonstrates how accurate it is.Kelsey Perri of Road Scholar joins me to share her non-profit organization's mission, programs and opportunities, all designed to get you out there, seeing the world.They call it "experiential travel," and the hook is if you want to do something different than sitting on a beach or lounging by the pool, these are the group tours and immersive activities that help you truly experience the world.It's like turning the entire world into your classroom. But, as you'll discover, the impacts are very deep and profound.Road Scholar experiences help combat the epidemic of loneliness, and help increase socialization in older adulthood. Keep your physical, mental and social activity heightened through an educational, active tour.60% of their travelers are women, 30% are solo travelers, and 85% of their solo travelers are women. And they did an interesting study in 2023 that found that 60% of their solo travelers who are mostly women, are in fact actually married, but traveling without their spouses. Road Scholar gives you the opportunity and encouragement to follow your dreams, and be supported in doing so.They're known for some signature programs, including Grandparent Adventures, Signature Cities, and the "Choose Your Pace" program that emphasizes slow travel.And then there are the famous cruises, some of which go for over 100 days: simply unpack your bags, stay in the same room, and go forth for adventure and learning! Or, you can stay in an apartment for six weeks in Europe!To help as many people as possible participate, they offer scholarships, or the Unique Caregiver Grant, which provides respite for full-time family caregivers, or the Pair Scholarship for retired educators, including education admin staff, even janitors. What a wonderful idea!Imagine:Going into an Italian family's home and learn how to make gnocchi with them.Going lobster fishing with a local fisherperson and learn a trade that dates back centuries.Not just driving past a building, but learning its story - what happened in those buildings, what's the history?You have to be at least 40 to enroll in the program, and the average age is 72. Road Scholar has programs in over 100 countries and almost 50 states; go as far abroad as you wish.How intense is it? Well, they have a very clear activity level scale on their website that you can read to figure out what the right activity level is for you.We've got the links below to help you find your perfect trip, but today's conversation will surely give you a boost to start planning!Learn more about Road Scholar through their website here:Road Scholar Official Website - https://www.roadscholar.org---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Hearing is about more than just understanding what's happening around you, it has a direct impact on quality of life, cognitive health and self esteem.It shouldn't take much convincing to say that you should do as much as you can to look after your hearing.But it may seem a little intimidating, overwhelming or even embarrassing to talk to someone about it.My good friend Dr. Susan Waltzman is here today to break down the stigma and misinformation, and point us in the right direction to getting the help we need.We talk about hearing aids, both over-the-counter ones that are a few hundred dollars, and the much more substantial Cochlear implants, which can be an absolute life-changer.And here's the amazing thing: Cochlear in particular can be almost completely covered by Medicaid!So get your hearing tested, that's the first step. Visit an Otolaryngologist or an Audiologist to get the ball rolling.Addressing hearing loss can prevent social isolation and cognitive decline. So if you're struggling with hearing loss, take charge and rescue your hearing! There is help, and lots of it.As per the subject, this one is audio-only: we want you to really concentrate on what's being said!Find Dr. Suzie and some very useful resources here:⁠Susan Waltzman, NYU Langone Healthhttps://med.nyu.edu/faculty/susan-b-waltzmanA Faster, Clearer Way to Program Cochlear Implants:https://nyulangone.org/news/faster-clearer-way-program-cochlear-implantsCochlear Implant most effective way to correct hearing impairmentshttps://www.informa.com/media/press-releases-news/latest-news/cochlear-implant-most-effective-way-to-correct-hearing-impairment-in-arab-populations/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

So, you have a tattoo.Maybe you're thinking, "I'd like to get rid of that thing."Maybe you've even been telling yourself that for oh, a few decades now.The good news: the technology is available now to zap that tattoo away, so that there's scarcely any trace of it. It takes a while to do, and it's not cheap, but it is doable.So if it's important to you to get it done: there is a way.Lisa Giamarino is here to discuss laser tattoo removal, something she does on an increasingly regular basis at her clinic, Naples Laser & Skin Aesthetics.We chat about the types of people who come into her clinic, reasons they have for removing tattoos, and the difference between laser removal and the other ways.You don't want to try the other ways.It is quite interesting though to learn how these lasers actually work on your skin. It may sound like James Bond but don't worry, they expect you to talk. So you can tell others how it works!But in all seriousness, finding a qualified, certified professional to do this service is paramount. It has to be safe, clean and hygienic, and a clinic like Lisa's covers all the bases.Did you know?32% of U.S. citizens have tattoos.13% of baby boomers have tattoos.Tattoo removal is increasingly popular among seniors.Laser technology is the most effective method for tattoo removal.Tattoo artists cannot legally remove tattoos.The age and type of ink affect removal success.Pain levels vary, but removal is often more painful than getting a tattoo.Costs for removal depend on the size and complexity of the tattoo.Find Lisa and her resources here:⁠Naples Laser & Skin Aesthetics:https://www.napleslaserandskinaesthetics.com/https://www.instagram.com/napleslaserandskinaesthetics/https://www.facebook.com/napleslaserandskinaesthetics---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

The idea of a "bucket list" is likely something you've heard of before, it's become more common in everyday parlance; wasn't there even a movie made under that name?But today we're taking the concept a bit further and introducing the approach of having an "active bucket list."Our guest is an expert on the topic, having written a book 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, which is all about taking control and initiative over your life, interests and priorities. After all, no one else will do it for you, especially in the way that you want.Maria Leonard Olsen talks about the psychology behind bucket lists, from spiritual endeavors to physical activities, to the richer experiences you can have even in your day to day life, in your own neighborhood, by taking the time to walk, stop or just pause for a bit. "Practice the Pause!," as she says.Maria also talks about her dramatic decision in her 50's of selling most of her belongings to move to Nepal and volunteer at a school. She lived with a family that had no running water or electricity, and shares how this incredible experience fostered a new sense of perspective and gratitude for the things we are so fortunate to have, and can take for granted.So, today learn about making that initial bucket list, how to approach it and where to start.Keep notes as you go through your day/week/month of things that are interesting, things you want to try. It doesn't all have to be extravagant, adventurous or expensive!Be conscious of lifestyle changes, and changes to relationships.Learn about what Maria calls "energy vampires."Consider also the "anti-bucket list," which helps you identify what to avoid.And another great idea: get an accountability partner, and encourage each other to push ideas and action forward. Maria shares some great ways of going about finding the right person.You can tell this episode is full of lots of great quotes and easy-to-remember slogans. Like, "Don't forget to 'Drop the rocks'"!Check your local library for the book, and if it's not there, put in a request: this really works!Remember, gratitude enhances our appreciation for life. You are responsible for your own happiness, and creating a bucket list can be a fun and empowering process that gives more meaning and contentment to life after 50.Find Maria and all her inspiring resources here:⁠Maria's website: marialeonardolsen.com Buy the book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your LifeListen to Maria's podcast, Becoming Your Best VersionMaria's TEDx Talk: Turning Life's Challenges Into a Force for GoodJoin the 50 after 50 Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/FiftyAfter50 ---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

What exactly is a "living" will?Howard Krooks is a lawyer who specializes in these kinds of documents, and is here to explain it to us in nice, clear and friendly language:- A living will is a will that's only applicable to a specific point in time. It starts when a person has developed a terminal condition, with a prognosis of typically 3 to 6 months, and their quality of life is very low. Unable to make decisions, or communicate those decisions, and it's a situation that's not likely to reverse itself.So, it's about end of life instructions. To have your wishes set down in writing, and declare an agent who can communicate those wishes to a third party, such as a health care provider or a financial institution.This is of course crucially important, because you need to find someone who knows you well, and are trustworthy to put your best interests first.In fact, it's smart to name at least two people, to have an alternate ready as well.And how's this for a bold statement from Howard:When choosing your person, "You don't necessarily need to or want to treat your kids equally."Now, you probably know already, in your gut, who you have in mind, but these guidelines today from Howard might help you with the confidence and perspective that's required.And don't forget probably the most important thing: just getting the documents prepared and signed isn't enough. You do have to actually talk to the people you've nominated, to make sure they understand the responsibility, and most of all that they understand your instructions - written out as clearly as possible. Even though they are someone you trust implicitly, that doesn't mean they'll actually know what to do when the time comes.Howard tackles some more important questions too, like, What happens if you decide to move between states? Are out-of-state documents honored? What do you do if you're traveling? And can you change your documents later?Howard is here to answer these questions and get you prepared for this important task. Like so much of what we do on this podcast, it's about breaking down those barriers, making overwhelming tasks seem less intimidating, and maybe even something that's satisfying too.Find Howard and his resources here:Howard S. Krooks, CELAElder Law Specialist⁠https://www.cozen.com/people/bios/krooks-howard---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected]:00 Understanding Advanced Directives03:04 Choosing the Right Agents for Decision Making05:49 The Importance of Trust in Appointments08:39 Healthcare Proxies vs. Living Wills11:19 Navigating State Laws and Advanced Directives14:20 The Role of Communication with Agents17:17 Revoking and Updating Advanced Directives19:59 Costs and Considerations in Estate Planning22:54 Final Thoughts on Planning for the Future#weareoldpodcast #kengluckman #seniorpodcast #retirementpodcast #aarp #advanceddirectives #livingwills #healthcareproxies #elderlaw #estateplanning #healthcaredecisions #financialdecisions #end-of-lifecare #howardkrooks

There is one big, major, huge, incredibly impactful reason why you're spending so much on food.And it's not what you think (although grocery store prices do certainly have an impact).We're going to tell you what it is right now, and then you can watch or listen to this episode to learn how to avoid it!We're wasting too much food.How much food do we buy, probably because it was on sale or was some spontaneous craving, which then gets forgotten in the bottom of the fridge, set aside because it doesn't match other parts of a meal, and quickly goes bad, since it's most likely produce and other perishables that only last a few short days?So out it goes in the garbage, or hopefully at least the compost, and then you need to head back to the grocery store. As our guest Dawn Jackson Blatner says, "You're just throwing your money into the trash!"Dawn identifies this right off the bat. But then we get into the good stuff: what can you do about it? What should you be buying? What's a simple way to avoid waste, save money and be intentional about your grocery planning? (There's a hint in that sentence!)Let Dawn's energy and enthusiasm spill over onto your plate, and take a new and confident approach to your grocery shopping!Find Dawn and all her wonderful resources here:⁠https://www.dawnjacksonblatner.com---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

What a way to kick off our new season!Author Ken Womack, one of the world's foremost experts on The Beatles, joins us to talk about his book, Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans. Beatles fans will likely know already about Mal, the band's trusted confidant, protector, road manager and more. In a time when the biggest group in the world desperately needed people around them whom they could trust, Mal was that guy.But up until the biography came out, Mal's actual story was largely unknown. He was the quintessential figure in the background. Ken Womack set out to address this, but after the project was already underway, it suddenly escalated to a whole other level thanks to the discovery that Mal's son Gary possessed a box full of notes, diaries, photographs, memorabilia, and even a manuscript that Mal was writing about his life, which sadly was never published before his sudden death. Gary sent over the box, and Ken used his expertise to develop this outstanding book.Join us for the remarkable story of Mal Evans, with incredible stories from his actual biographer, and bring the Beatles back to life - from the Cavern Club to the rooftop of Apple Records. Mal was there for it all.Find Ken Womack's book here:https://kennethwomack.com/books/beatlesbooks/mal-evans-the-biography-archives/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

In part 3 of our chat with comedian Amanda Cohen, Amanda shares her experiences with her father's decline due to Lewy body dementia, reflecting on the impact of family, caregiving, and the influence of comedy in her life. We look at the challenges of balancing personal and professional life while navigating the complexities of aging and memory loss. Through it all, Amanda's humor shines through as she recounts her father's artistic legacy and their shared love for comedy, providing a poignant look at the intersection of family and creativity.Check out Amanda's Set at Don't Tell Comedy in Pittsburgh:https://youtu.be/qT0XavdfvuU?si=1Kuxhc5yzsKr4kOL---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠⁠⁠

More of our behind the scenes look on what it's like to be a working comedian, and from the female perspective to boot.Amanda discusses the writing process, some of the unique and sticky situations she's found herself in, and the importance of understanding audience dynamics. No two audiences are the same, which logically means that a joke that doesn't work one night could knock 'em out the next. We learn about some pre-show rituals, and why it's important to understand comedy history and assumptions if you really want to grow and thrive. Fascinating stuff! And this is only part 2! We'll have our final part with Amanda for you right here, next week, before we launch into our next slate of full episodes later in January.Check out Amanda's Set at the Copa Santa Barbara:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4WR-ly5RBw---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠⁠

We want to keep things light and fun here at the podcast We Are Old, Get Over It! It's not all serious, sobering topics - as important as those things are. But you gotta have some fun too, and who better to join in than some great comedians?Amanda Cohen jumps into the guest chair this time around, someone who's been a stand-up comic for 20 years, not in a row. Amanda's first performance was at her high school cabaret at 17, and she's placed in the top 16 of the World Series of Comedy twice.Amanda talks about her journey in stand-up comedy, the challenges she's faced as a female comic, what it's really like to interact with the audience, and the fusion of burlesque and comedy in her career.Amanda also shares insights on the importance of timing in comedy, one of those subtle things that in an instant can make or break your set. But the challenge and risk is part of the thrill!Check out Amanda's Stand-Up Special from the Comedy Cube, courtesy Funny Media Group:https://youtu.be/LzTqvTQy5sg?si=hSeP4nmGp2kgzdYZ---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠⁠

Susan Rice and I wrap up our fun and enlightening conversation, talking about her insights on the art of performance, the importance of understanding audience dynamics, and her personal evolution as a comedian. Those awkward encounters with fans can be both humorous and challenging.We step into her shoes as a comedian and learn the rituals she follows before going on stage, how she adapts her performance based on audience reactions, and the challenges of keeping up with new comedic talent. Comedians often compare themselves to emerging talent, but embracing change can lead to unexpected joys. Comedy is such a fascinating endeavor - the mindset of going up on stage, all alone, just you and a microphone in the spotlight, to make people laugh. When you hit the mark, laughter serves as a powerful tool for connection.I've got some more fun bonus episodes and clips to keep you company through the holidays, so watch for the next one on Dec. 31st!Remember you can watch Susan's act on YouTube, in examples like this: When Life Gets Funnier After 60 | Susan Rice | Stand Up Comedy Special⁠And visit her YouTube channel for more great clips and videos:⁠⁠Funny Old Bag, Susan Rice (YouTube channel)⁠⁠---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠⁠

In part two of my chat with comedian Susan Rice, Susan talks about how comedy writing changes over time, and how if you want a steady career, you gotta keep up. Do you lean into your age, your appearance and your life experience? Or do you try and sweep that under the rug? Not to mention your gender, and putting that together with everything else.Self-esteem plays a crucial role in performance, and there are few things more raw than stand-up comedy. Which is probably why so many people are fascinated by it.Susan shares some great personal anecdotes too on the absurdities of life and the unique situations she has encountered as a performer.We'll be back with the final of our holidays bonus series with Susan Rice next week!⁠Remember you can watch Susan's act on YouTube, in examples like this: We All Become our Parents | Susan Rice | Stand Up Comedy SpecialAnd visit her YouTube channel for more great clips and videos:⁠Funny Old Bag, Susan Rice (YouTube channel)⁠---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠

We've got a mix of comedy and inspiring personal stories to keep you company over the holidays, and I think you'll really enjoy it.Comedian Susan Rice joins me to share her journey into stand-up comedy, reflecting on her 43-year career, the challenges of connecting with audiences, and the humorous yet humbling moments that have shaped her as a performer.She tells us about the unique bond she forms with her audience, particularly women, and the unexpected personal stories that often emerge during her shows.Susan also touches on the evolution of comedy in the digital age and the importance of adapting material to resonate with contemporary audiences. Jokes about Ronald Reagan don't quite land the way they used to!Remember you can watch Susan's act on YouTube, in examples like this:Funny Old Bag | Susan Rice | Stand Up Comedy (Don't Tell Comedy)And visit her YouTube channel for more great clips and videos:Funny Old Bag, Susan Rice (YouTube channel)---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠

We're on a break from our regular episodes, but Ken is still here for some quick updates for you.Stay tuned to We Are Old, Get Over It!, the podcast for seniors in their funnest phase of life, for a conversation with Susan Rice.Is it that Susan Rice? Or maybe a funnier one?In the meantime, here's a little comedy act that might lighten your day. It's "NSFW," but then that doesn't apply to you anyway!https://youtu.be/cbHJT2SLqgY?si=06qaIaVvEQYpgZbc---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, ⁠you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We wrap up Season Two of We Are Old, Get Over It!, as we head into the holiday break of 2025-26. Over the past three months we've featured topics such as Sex for Seniors, Trusts & Wills, 'What to do with all this Stuff,' Driving Cessation, European Travel and so much more.Lighthearted banter mixed with serious conversation: a good mix for our senior audience.If you enjoy what you've heard and learned, please share our episodes with your friends, family and community, so we can keep getting this useful and inspiring information out there.And we'll be back in mid-January with Season Three, including such topics as Living Wills, How to Make a Bucket List, Money-Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping, Maintaining your Hearing, Tattoos and Tattoo Removal and Cannabis Beverage reviews!I even chat with a world-renowned authority on The Beatles, an author of multiple books on the Fab Four: we can't wait to share that one with you!Wishing you the best for the holiday season and the new year,- Ken---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and remember, you can watch the unedited video versions of the podcast on YouTube.and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

It's definitely one of those big questions as we get older: "When Should I Stop Driving?"And what seems on the surface like an important but fairly innocuous question quickly takes on a lot more depth and impact, when we stop and consider just how much driving can be integral to our identity, our confidence, our lifestyle and most of all, our freedom.But it's something that we simply can't expect to do forever, which means there will come a point when you have to hang 'em up. Do we therefore make that decision on our own initiative, or wait until someone makes it for us?To be fair, you can make valid arguments for both cases. But for today at least we're going to discuss the various considerations and impacts of not being able to drive anymore, and to do so, why not have some fun and look a little further afield: beyond Florida, beyond the United States, beyond North America and even the Western Hemisphere: let's go to Australia!They may drive on the left and use kilometres, but they still have the exact same concerns about the safety of drivers as we do! Peter Flanders is a retired police officer in Queensland who witnessed first-hand the importance of knowing when to stop driving, and Kayla Stefanidis is a researcher who backs everything up with the data to help us out.Yes, it's a serious subject, but we approach it with a clear head and even a few laughs: as ever with the goal of getting you prepared for important decisions such as this.---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Today I'm joined by Dr. Gary Lee and pastor Larry Wildemuth of the CODA Alliance, who advocate for Advanced Care Planning. We talk about this a fair bit on this podcast, and it may seem like a downer, but believe it or not, you can actually have some fun with it!And that's thanks to the Go Wish cards, which turn end of life discussions into a truly engaging activity.The cards have all kinds of prompts that you can separate into "priority piles," and start you on the path to clarity and peace of mind.It's important to have open conversations with your loved ones about end-of-life decisions, particularly anyone you've chosen as a surrogate decision-maker. Get things in writing, and help your family avoid the difficult guesswork that would arise without knowing your intentions.The greatest gift you can give your family is clarity in your wishes, and Go Wish helps you tackle this with aplomb and confidence.Go Wish cards can be obtained for a very minimal cost, and indeed they can be found in digital form for free on the CODA website, in multiple languages. But as a non-profit enterprise, it's money that goes to a good cause, so consider ordering a pack or two for those who might be ready for these discussions, or perhaps need a little push!For more information and resources, visit:⁠https://www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org/⁠---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

The inspiring Dr. Jaclynn Faffer of Baker Senior Center in Naples is here to talk about their remarkable facility, and the importance of seniors centers to seniors across the country, no matter where you live.You need to listen to this episode!Baker Senior Center is particularly unique and impressive thanks to their brand-new facility, and their three pillars of programming:Social connection & engagement, Health, wellness and prevention resources, and Access to services and supports, to enable someone to age in place."Aging in place" is the euphemism for being able to stay in your home as you age, with a seniors center like Baker giving you the community, activities and resources to keep you social and active.Relying almost entirely on philanthropy and donations, it's a reflection of the importance of a facility like this to the well-being of the community as a whole.Baker helps seniors in all kinds of areas, including understanding benefits, caregiver support, legal aid and more, all under one roof.Then of course there's the programming, with the objective of mental stimulation & encouraging lifelong learning. They offer courses and presentations on everything from reptiles in Florida to healthy living with a Mediterranean diet, writing courses and even a drum circle.There's also the HUGS program. For getting better hugs? Maybe, but in their case it refers to, "Happy Ukulele Group of Strummers."Yes, Baker is a pretty special place and we're lucky to have them in Naples. But seniors centers like this exist all across the country, perhaps the one in your community is a bit smaller scale but the love and support is still there. So do a quick search or ask around to see what you can find, and make the most of this important, dare we say crucial, resource.For more information and resources, visit:https://www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Oh, the freedom of getting rid of stuff! But what about the comfort of knowing that you purposely chose to keep the stuff you still have. What a wonderful concept, propagated by my guest this week, Jaime Verazin of Reflecting Spaces, who does this stuff for a living. Jamie and her team help people, seniors in particular, to sort through their things as they head towards downsizing, ostensibly to simply be able to go from say, a 5-bedroom house to a small condo, but really it's about the much deeper process of letting go.Clothing, books, furniture and sentimental items are the main focus, since those are the things we both have the most of and in turn are most attached to. The process involves guiding people to consider each item, separate them into categories and physical spaces that are different from where you're used to seeing them, and then making a conscious choice about what you want to do with it.It's an important legacy project to do, and even a gift to your kids and extended family, who are otherwise left wondering what these things are, and if there's some sentimental value there that they might not know about.And, with Jaime and her team it's a joyful process too! Downsizing can be a fun and freeing experience if approached with positivity and excitement. How many times has Jaime been working with someone and heard, "Oh, that's where that thing ended up!" or, "Wow, I haven't seen that in years!" Or in turn, "I remember how I got this thing, and why it's important to keep it for my family."If you're in the greater New York area, you can work with Jaime herself, or if you live further afield you can still reach out to her and see if you can tap into her network of contacts. Either way, a downsizing expert is a great and worthwhile investment.For more information and resources, visit:www.reflectingspaces.com/---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

The demand for travel continues to increase, maybe even skyrocket, which poses an interesting question: are folks becoming more accustomed to planning and undertaking trips on their own, or are they becoming more comfortable turning to tour operators to help them out?My guest today is here to share his knowledge and experience as a tour operator on behalf of Grand European Travel, a Portland, OR-based tour company with clients from across the United States and beyond.As per the name, Grand European specializes in European travel, guided tour-style: they look after the planning, the logistics, the confusions and the headaches. Their objective is to give you a travel experience that focuses on the amazing sights, cultural immersion, and history and information, so that you don't have to worry about how to get from A to B, or what to do if your flight is delayed or your luggage is lost. They have a whole team of people to sort out those things for you.Jake addresses some of the stereotypes about group travel, particularly the notion that you're just whisked from one place to another, herded like cattle and caught up in crowds and gift shops. That kind of travel experience is certainly not what they're interested in, whether that means smaller groups, off-season travel, or simply more stops, more time and more flexibility.Tune into this fun conversation to learn more and maybe reconsider this mode of travel: for seniors in particular, it could be just what you're looking for!For more information and resources, visit:getours.comGrand European Travel on YouTubeon Instagramon Facebookor give them a call, toll-free: 1- 800-552- 5545---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

The Legacy Project connects college students with older adults in their communities through storytelling and conversation, in order to promote intergenerational relationships. What a wonderful idea that brings young and old together for meaningful connection!Co-founder Arielle Galinsky is with me today to explain her inspiration for the idea, and how it works. The Legacy Project is now a registered charity, and since its founding in 2018 has expanded to 25 colleges across the United States. It's more than just conversation too, there is a goal for each partnership to create a publication that can be passed down and shared, and The Legacy Project helps participants publish a book together.Thus far, the conversations are all organized to take place in person, which does make the most sense, but although it has its own limitations, remote conversations are an option going forward, mostly so that more people can tap into this amazing resource.You can visit www.legacyprojectinc.org to learn more about their activities, donate or get involved with this wonderful endeavour.* Note: there are a number of other organizations and websites with a similar name, particularly this one: legacyproject.org, based in Toronto, Canada.In this episode, I chatted with Arielle Galinsky's "The Legacy Project," whose website is legacyprojectinc.org. Easy to get them confused! But you'll know you're on her group's site if you see a big photo of intergenerational folks and the words, "Everyone has a story that is worth preserving."---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

Mindfulness is the act of slowing things down, taking a deep breath, observing the exact moment you're in and being grounded in the present.That includes while you're listening to this episode! Or any of our fascinating topics.It sounds kind of easy, but it takes some practice, which is probably in part why we live such busy, hectic lives! We have to intentionally want to slow down and take the time to appreciate our environment and surroundings, and the things we have to be grateful for. Fortunately, seniors are the ones best-placed to embrace this practice, and indeed it may be crucial to our health and well-being.Beth Davalos is a licensed therapist and mindfulness expert, who also happens to be Founder and Principal of Sunshine Senior Counseling, based out of Maitland, central Florida but with outreach across the state. Therefore, she is an excellent guest to have on this week's episode, telling us about the importance of mindfulness and how we can apply it to our everyday lives.She even leads me through a live session, right here on the podcast, which you can do as well!Mindfulness is one of the best ways to combat stress, anxiety, fatigue, worry and just overall exhaustion. It's not some cure-all that fixes everything, but it sure helps us appreciate what we do have, and how to enjoy our time on this Earth, each and every day. Do reach out to Beth if you need support, have questions or would just like to find someone to talk to. That's what her and her team are there for!For more information and resources, visit:Sunshine Senior Counseling: sunshineseniorcounseling.comOffice phone: (407) 401-9020Sunshine Senior Counseling on Facebook: facebook.com/SunshineSeniorCounseling/ ---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

We do this a lot on this show: remind you of the things you should be doing to, you know, be responsible, be smart, be considerate of others...But yeah, it's hard to ignore this one: make sure you have a will and/or a trust, so that you,a) Don't leave your family with a mess when you're gone, andb) Don't let the state make arbitrary decisions about your personal assets.Nathalie Perry is an estate planning attorney who is licensed in both Illinois and Florida, and thus can give us some good insights on not just the fundamentals of estate planning but on how laws and process can differ from state to state.Natalie explains the differences between wills and trusts, the consequences of dying without a will, and the intricacies of setting up a trust. We also talk about digital assets, tax considerations, the difference between a "will" and a "living will," the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust, and much more.So think of your family, avoid creating those awkward and difficult scenarios that we hear about, and have the conversations with your loved ones: it goes a long way to maintaining that family harmony!For more information and resources, visit:Natalie Perry, Attorney and CPA https://nataliemperry.com/ The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel https://www.actec.org/ The excellent ACTEC Resource Library https://www.actec.org/resource-center/ ---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

You might be aware of this already, but have you ever really stopped to think about it?About just how convenient and comfortable is cruising!You arrive on board, everything is ready for you. You unpack your bags, set up shop in your cabin, and make yourself at home. You can go out and have adventures, excursions, shore trips, all kinds of on board activities, go out for dinner, go see a show and come back to your own bed each night.No need to figure out transport, taxis, trains, checking in to yet another hotel every other day, where to eat, how much things cost, exchange rates for different currencies, and on and on. Forgot something in your cabin? Worst case, you'll be back "home" in a few hours, instead of wondering how to get that thing shipped to you from the hotel you stayed at last night that is now hundreds of miles away.I could go on, but it kind of sells itself. And here to explain how to go about choosing and booking a cruise is my friend Karen Berger, an expert with decades of experience in doing this very thing. She's travelled to every continent, over 40 countries, virtually every cruise line and that's the kind of expertise you can't get with ChatGPT, no matter what it tells you! Karen thus represents the perhaps hidden or forgotten side of travel agents: the peace of mind. If you're in a jam, facing a plethora of options, not sure where to go or how things work, your travel agent has your back, and what's crazy is the cost usually turns out about the same! With their access to various discounts or extra included services, that alone makes them worth it, but the safety and support really seals the deal.For more information and resources, visit:Karen Berger of Preferred Travel, Naples FLSend Karen an email with your questions! [email protected] out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].

There is an urgent need for increased support and resources for our caregivers in America. They face financial and emotional stress, which means they need to be looking after not just those who they are caring for, but themselves as well. Who cares for the caregivers?I'm joined by Amy Goyer, National Family and Caregiving expert with the AARP, to discuss the recent 'Caregiving in the United States' study and to share her insights not just from her work, but from her own experience as a caregiver to her parents. Amy shares with us some truly valuable resources for caregivers, including AARP's caregiving guides, the Lifespan Respite Program, Arch Respite Network and the Elder Care guide from the federal government's Administration for Community Living (ACL). But more than anything, what Amy offers is support. AARP has a Facebook group with thousands of caregivers, in every situation imaginable, to give each other encouragement, share resources, be a sounding board, and to make sure that everyone knows they are not alone.Yes, this is coming across as a pretty heavy episode. But, as Amy points out, caregiving is a privilege and a joy, you get precious time with those you love and can give back in a deeply meaningful way.You just need to make sure you're looking out for your own health too!For more information and resources, visit:aarp.org⁠AARP Caregiving in the US 2025 Reportaarp.org/caregivingaarp.org/caregiverresourceguides AARP Family Caregivers Facebook groupACL Elder Care locatorACL Lifespan Respite ProgramARCH National Respite Network respite locator---Reach out to the show by visiting our website,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weareoldpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and send me your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected].