Aging Gracefully

Can we still have a holly jolly...? In this episode, we explore the changes that can come with holiday celebrations as we enter a different phase of life. It's not the same, but does that make it bad? Join us as we let go of the old ways to embrace and create something meaningful and new.  

Expecting Something? Whether we are aware of it or not, our expectations and commitments to certain attitudes shape our lives in huge ways. Come along with us as we discuss the way positive expectancy can bring wonder and joy into the aging process, transforming each day as we go along.

Growing like a Tree We may comment on how a tree is growing, but rarely do we call them “old.”  Or if we do, it is with a sense of awe and wonder. Why then does our culture so readily apply that word—old—to people, and often with a negative connotation, when it could instead call us growing? Here we explore what it means to continue to grow as we age.

Considering ourselves old seems like a far away concept for so long -- until one day we realize we have arrived.  It happens in small and big ways that we recognize that this is who we are now.  Maybe it's shifts in our appearance, abilities, or attitudes, but we begin to become what we consider old. Now what do we do?  

In this episode, we explore the Danish concept of Hygge, which invites us to bring rest and comfort into our lives.  Here we take permission to live in a slower, more mindful way that impacts us on all levels.  So, pour yourself a cup of tea in your favorite cup, take a cozy seat in your favorite corner, and step into the world of Hygge. 

What a Shame... Changes happen to us as we age-- physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Although we have some control over these changes, our real strength is in our response.  In this episode, we discuss changes that have brought up feelings of shame about our aging process and invite you to explore this with us. 

Dimensions of Aging You're only as old as you feel, think, and act.  If we exclude the number of times you've circled the sun, how old would you be? Here we discuss different dimensions of aging: Chronological, biological, psychological, and social. We can hugely impact three of these dimensions and age more gracefully and, hint hint, the chronological is not one of them.

Opening and Embracing... What if there was a quality which, when cultivated, would make aging—and life in general—easier, more adventurous, and much more fun? Here we delve into living life in a more expansive way, where we are open-hearted and ready to embrace whatever life presents.

Simmering in a Stress-pool It feels so real and it affects us physically, mentally, and definitely emotionally (we are women, after all!). This is an authentic episode recorded by two very stressed-out people: us. It includes simple techniques and strategies that you can use right now to ground, center and stay as sane as possible.

How to Have a Bowel Movement... Most of your life you don't even think about it, but the digestive system, which is as old as the rest of us, tends to slow down and lose some of its function as we age.  Here we discuss what's going on and, with some hilarity, how to attain regularity.  it may not be as easy as it was when we were in diapers, but we can make sure it still happens!

Here we interview our very own Mary Thompson: podcast co-host, Ayurvedic practitioner, and long time teacher of this holistic health science from India.  Join us as we discuss the holistic view of aging with ways to address its changes, challenges and complications utilizing Ayurvedic medicine and lifestyle.

BTW...Do you have dementia?  It's awkward. It's cringe-worthy. But if you suspect a loved one is showing signs of early dementia, what do you do? Here we discuss the symptoms to look for, the disorders that might mimic early dementia and, most importantly, how to sit down and have a heart-to-heart about it with your friend or other loved one.

Good Grief! Letting go is a natural part of the aging process, and grief often accompanies the act of letting go. Here we discuss griefs, large and small, including how to honor them, listen to them and release them in our own individual rhythm. 

Questioning our assumptions...If we told you there was something powerfully affecting your body and mind, for better or for worse, would you want to know about it? Here we talk about the often-unacknowledged prevalence of underlying beliefs -- beliefs about life and particularly the aging process. As we become aware of our assumptions, we are empowered instead to simply be here, embracing the gift of each moment.

Looking Good...Is there a price to vanity? Does your self-worth depend largely on your appearance and, if so, how much does aging trouble you? Join us for an honest, insightful and rollicking look at vanity and its place in our lives -- and our psyches -- as the years show in our faces and bodies.

Walking through the fear.  This is the social distancing, self-isolating, worrying episode~ let's hope it's the only thing that goes viral.  It seems like everywhere we turn there is danger and when we need community the most, we are encouraged to stay home or keep our distance.  In this episode we talk (remotely) about the fear that surrounds us and discuss what we're doing to remain sane as we're moving through it. 

Getting Real- or when aging is not so graceful. In this episode, Jinnae shares authentically about her recent encounters with agonizing pain -- both physical and emotional. A deeply personal look into the challenges and gifts of pain, and how to help yourself or your loved ones when it's your turn, or theirs.

Surprised by the health challenges that life has thrown at you after menopause?  You're not alone! In this episode, we talk with Naturopathic Doctor, Carolyn Weisswasser.  Join us and hear about the common issues of women our age and natural solutions to feel better and live more happily and healthfully.

John Lennon wrote, "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be..." and in this podcast, we find out the truth in that lyric.  We talk with women who have been married for decades about how their primary relationship has matured as they have.  We even talk about sex, so you won't want to miss that! 

Can there be such a thing as “outer time” and “inner time” affecting the way we age? Here we explore how our spiritual lives produce a significant — and very helpful — impact on the brain and on our perceptions of getting older.

Are you happy? Have you ever considered that you can choose happiness as the emotional response to whatever you are dealing with? When we take a look at our emotional lives, we find that positive emotions, such as joy and happiness, actually send out chemicals that support the brain's longevity.  Stress and the negative emotions we relate with it, fear, anger, and sadness, take a toll on the body and the brain.  In this episode, we explore the impact that all types of emotions have on our brain health. Give it a listen; you might just face your day a little lighter emotionally. 

Every day provides new opportunities to invest in your own cognitive abilities. Recent studies show that our brains, given the proper environment, continue to grow new cells and adapt themselves to fulfill new, different, and challenging tasks. Listen and learn how to create the best environment to support the buffer between your brain and the effects of the passage of time.

Keeping your brain young and flexible is goal we all share and it is something we can support through our daily choices.  We've all heard of "brain foods" but how about "brain actions"?  In this podcast, we talk about research that explains how what we do will have direct action on how the brain ages.  Join us to learn something new and keep your brain young! 

Does "you are what you eat" apply to your brain? In this, the first of a five part series, Maintain Your Brain, we look at the impact of diet on brain health and longevity.  No matter how old you are, you can keep your brain acting young with an understanding of how your food choices can impact its health. 

The web page might claim to be user-friendly, but what if you are the user and it doesn't seem so friendly? In this episode we discuss the wonders and hassles of the technology that has grown up with us. We've gone from landlines to smart phones, from pen and paper to computer marvels. The question is, how do we keep up? 

  Do your memories sometimes make you cringe or cry? Welcome to the human race! At this point on the journey, it's natural to stop and look back at where you've been. It's also natural to see, among the good stuff, some things you wish you hadn't done, and others you wish you had. Here we discuss the top regrets that most of us have, and how to frame them in a way that supports and encourages you.

It all seems so real and permanent -- but is it, really? In this episode we explore how realizing, and continuing to remember, that it's all passing can make us lighter, happier, with less of the tendency to take ourselves (and aging) too seriously. 

Let's get real: sometimes aging feels scary or painful or exhausting. Here we examine those times when we're not quite up to par physically and/or emotionally. We look at the part aging plays in those moments, and -- thankfully -- we discuss ways to address those less-than-stellar experiences.

 A long life is a good thing if we can stay healthy and vital for the duration!  In this episode, we look at the Blue Zones, those areas around the world where people are living, happily and healthily, to well over 100. We explore the nine essential ingredients that may contribute to their longevity -- and ours, if we choose to add them into our lives. Happy hint: One of them includes wine! 

Words matter. Our language can uplift us or leave us feeling low.  In this episode, we explore the language that is used around aging, to us as we navigate the world and by us as we talk to ourselves and others. We consider the words we choose and examine their positive or negative impact.  As you listen, you may even be challenged to re-evaluate your own language of aging.  

Is aging a disease, a problem that needs fixing? Here we take a look at the constant messages from the media and society that tell us that young is good and old is bad. We challenge the ageist whispers that have taken residence in our own heads. Warning: Listening to this episode may make you more comfortable with yourself and the aging process!

Got some dread about middle-aged spread? In this episode we get both information and inspiration from Dr. Annthea Fenwick, Exercise Physiologist, Holistic Nutritionist and CEO of Achieving Fitness After 50,  Whether you're just getting off the couch or a long-time exerciser, you'll discover what's going on with your body at this age and stage, and you'll be encouraged by the small steps you can make now to attain health and vitality for the long-term.

Does the winter in your hair match the spring in your step?  We know, of course, that we can't pray the gray away -- but can we embrace it or even enjoy it?  In this episode we discuss going gray and what it might mean, physically, mentally and spiritually, to do so. Whether you are doing it slowly and naturally, seeking out the help of a skilled stylist to make an overnight shift, not doing it at all, or approaching this from somewhere in the middle -- you know, that gray area -- this podcast will encourage you and give you something to think about.

Each moment of our lives, we are telling ourselves the story of what is happening, why it is happening, and what it all means about us and about the world. What are our stories about getting older, and how do they impact us?  Join us as we explore what could happen if we recognize that we are the author of these stories and that we can choose which direction they go. Be ready to create the happy ending you deserve!

Milestones, those markers of how far we've come, give us an opportunity for both celebration and reflection.  In this episode, we talk about milestones and explore ways in which we can honor these times in a way that truly acknowledges that we've come a long way, baby!

We're not getting old, we're just catching our second wind! In this episode we explore this concept of a new phase of life, labeled "middlessence." (Think adolescence for grown ups!)  What new adventures are awaiting you as you transform yourself from who you are to who you want to be? 

We’ve got aches and pains — do you? Here we discuss some possible workarounds, take a look at attitudes (including how to deal with a mind that’s freaking out about these new challenges), and consider the diet and other holistic ways of dealing with the creaky, cranky reminders that we’ve been around the block a few times.

Are you tired and tired of being tired?  The majority of us struggle with sleep much more than we did in our younger years. Don't despair -- help is on its way! This podcast looks more deeply at our (yawn) nocturnal tussles and the ways in which we can start inching the average back up to 40 winks.

Does your life contain a bucket full of potential adventures or a bouquet filled with life's experiences? Is your bucket list serving your life's richness or pressuring you to keep up with someone else's ideal? Is it possible that even your "ordinary" days could be a rich adventure? Here we take a look at the benefits a bucket list can offer, as well as the ways in which it can -- careful now! --trip you up.

No blurred lines here, you know you want to talk about it!  How does aging affect our sex lives?  In this episode we'll talk about sex...and love...and intimacy.  But mostly, about sex. Listen in on our conversation, it just may spark a new conversation for you at home, maybe, even, in bed. 

Do you ever wonder why so many of life's little changes that occur at menopause came as a surprise?  In this episode we bring them into the light and talk about them. What's up with Vaginal dryness, Loss of Libido, and the Metabolism shifts? Let's talk about the things your mother never told you about navigating the post-menopausal pitfalls.

An aging body doesn't have to be a stiff and sore body.  Join us as we talk with Homer Nottingham, a long time teacher of Chi Gung and Tai Chi. Who, at 80 years young, has more than a few gems of wisdom and inspiration to share.    

Do you ever hear a voice in your head saying things you would never say to a good friend, critical of everything you do?  Do you recognize it as your own voice? We have and we asked the question, "What's up with that?" In this episode we start an exploration of the mind as the bully, always finding fault, and we discover a practice many people use to quiet this bully.

Are you Hot or Not? (And we're not talking hot flashes!)  In this episode we explore the concept of beauty as we age.  What standards does society set for us? What standards do we impose on ourselves? Learn how to be beautiful at any age and decide for yourself where true beauty comes from. 

Introductions: In this podcast, you will meet your hosts, Mary & Jinnae and learn how aging may be like an earthquake.  Learn how to survive the shifts and ride the aftershocks.