Joyous Journeys Over 60

White haired old person sitting in a rocking chair? Uh, no! Not us.

Why are retirees taking to pickleball more than any other sport?

Your body may not be what it used to be, but celebrate who you are today.

“So How’s Retirement Treating You?” “It’s great, I’m so busy, I’m fine”. Sometimes its not fine, we are not busy and we are having conflicting feelings.

Remember the song “If You’re Happy and You Know it?  How many of you are clapping your hands?   Happiness is an elusive feeling - you can’t describe it, you just feel it. In this episode, Jayne and Andreas talk about what it means to be (and feel) happy in retirement and how that can lead to real joy. 

Do you remember the Romper Room TV Show for pre-schoolers?  Wow that’s really digging way back into the memory archives!  If you do, you might recall Miss Barbara reminding us all to be “do bees”, not “don’t bees”?  She  was not only shaping our toddler behavior, she was shaping the way we looked to our futures. Smart lady.Fast forward to today.  Are you now a “wanna bee” or a “used to bee”?   In this episode, Jayne and Andreas “buzz” about how hanging onto yesterday may be impacting your joy today and tomorrow. 

Many people are secretly afraid of retirement. After all, isn’t the next step death?  Of course, we all hope there’s a lot more between leaving your job and leaving this world!In this episode of Joyous Journeys Over 60, Jayne and Andreas have a frank discussion about the hidden fears we face as we enter the fourth quarter of life.  We share some ideas for using that fear to ensure that the focus of this chapter is in making as many wonderful experiences and memories as possible.

This episode is for those thinking about or just starting their retirement journey. You have likely planned your financial, medical and other practicalities. What about emotional side that is often overlooked or misunderstood, Since Jayne is a retiree and Andreas is still several years away, this fun conversation centers on the “if I knew then what I know now” roller coaster of feelings that many experience after they stop working.

As we wrap up the first season of Joyous Journeys Over 60, Andreas and Jayne reflect on key takeaways from previous episodes to help you embrace even more joyful adventures this summer. We'll be back in the fall with fresh conversations on the social and emotional topics that matter most to us 'sen-agers'!"

Life isn’t all sunshine - and it isn’t all storms either. In this episode of Joyous Journeys Over 60, Jayne and Andreas talk about the honest rhythm of life - particularly for those in retirement: the good, the bad, and the beautifully ordinary days.

They say laughter is the best medicine, and in this episode, we’re proving just that! Join us as we explore the joy, healing, and connection that come from a good belly laugh. From funny life moments to the science behind why laughter lifts our spirits, we’ll share stories and insights that remind us not to take life too seriously—especially after 60. Get ready to smile, because laughter truly is good for the soul!

If you could share wisdom with your younger self, knowing what you know now after 60, what would you say? Likewise, what guidance do you think your younger self might offer you at this stage of life?

Do you equate productivity with being constantly busy, especially after retirement? Throughout life, we've juggled roles as students, workers, parents, and partners -often measuring our worth by how much we do. Now, in retirement, does the urge to stay busy stem from a need to prove your value or avoid the thoughts that come with slowing down? In this episode, we explore the power of true rest - refreshing your soul, embracing your emotions, and fully enjoying the joyful journey of life beyond 60.

You meet the most fascinating people on a cruise ship - many who are faced with mobility challenges or other life hurdles, yet embracing every moment with joy and resilience. In this episode, Jayne shares inspiring stories and life lessons from her recent cruise, celebrating those who continue to live life to the fullest, no matter what obstacles come their way.

Life is full of planned and unplanned moments - some bring us great joy, while others challenge us in ways we never expected. As we age, we face new realities: changes in health, the loss of loved ones, and the realization that control is often an illusion. But one thing remains constant - God’s unwavering love.In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of faith over 60: how trusting in God can help us overcome fear, why surrendering control can lead to deeper peace, and how love - not control - is the key to a fulfilled life.

We’re all familiar with the concept of a "Bucket List" - a collection of things we want to do before we die. In this episode, we reimagine it as a Dream List, not just of experiences to enjoy in the present, but also of meaningful goals that bring joy, fulfilment, and a lasting legacy for the future.

Divorce is difficult at any age, but when a couple separates later in life, the social, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments can feel overwhelming. No matter the reason for the split, ending a long marriage often stirs up deep emotions, memories, and unique challenges. Beyond handling the practical and legal aspects, facing the future alone can be daunting. In this episode, we explore the many emotions that come with divorce and how this next chapter can still be fulfilling, joyful, and full of new possibilities.

Now that you're retired, why not explore volunteering opportunities that align with your interests and passions? Organizations like museums, hospitals, animal shelters, community service agencies, places of worship, parks, and special events often rely on volunteers to thrive.Volunteering not only benefits the organization or cause but also brings a sense of fulfillment and joy to those who give their time. In this episode, we talk about the happiness that comes with volunteering and some suggestions for choosing which volunteer role may be right for you.

Look into the eyes of your dog or cat, and you'll see pure, unconditional love. Bringing a pet into your life after retirement can turn an empty nest into a space filled with companionship, comfort, and joy. Pets provide us with someone to care for and someone who cares for us in return. They make us laugh, offer comfort during tears, and give us a sense of love and protection. In this episode, Andreas and I share how our pets have enriched our lives and why welcoming a pet during this stage of life can make the journey even more fulfilling.

You've shared a lifetime with them, building a history only you and your siblings truly understand - growing up together in the same family. The bond you share is unspoken yet unbreakable, surviving time, distance, and even disagreements. When a brother or sister is the first to pass, the loss and grief are deeply profound. In this episode, Therese joins us to share her heartfelt story of losing her sister and dear friend. She reflects on her sister's illness, her passing, and the ways she now honors her sister's memory.

Losing a partner is one of life's deepest fears and most profound tragedies. While the grief never truly disappears, life continues. In this episode, we are honored to welcome Carolyn, who lost the love of her life a few years ago. She courageously shares her journey, her experience with grief, and how she navigates life today.

Food is about more than just sustenance – it’s a universal connector. Whether it's comforting us during tough times, sparking curiosity, or bringing us together in celebration, food plays a profound role in our lives. "Breaking bread" with others creates a unique sense of openness and connection, turning a simple meal into a shared experience. In this episode, we explore how food can help you connect with new communities, build lasting friendships, and even reconnect with family and loved ones. Whether it’s over a casual card game, during a big sports win, or at a family gathering, food has a way of making moments more memorable. So grab a plate, settle in, and join us as we dive into the many ways food unites us all.

You are finally free!  After decades of planning, you can now do all of those things you dreamed of for retirement.  So after the first few "honeymoon weeks", why are you not feeling as joyous as thought you would be? In this episode, we talk about some of the emotions, choices and surprises that you may experience in that the first year of retirement with the goal of creating a beautiful, fulfilling and personal journey for the rest of your life.

Belonging is a fundamental need of being human. Few things influence our daily happiness, sense of fulfillment, and overall satisfaction as deeply as finding a community where we truly fit. As you enter a new phase of life, your communities may also evolve to align with your changing lifestyle or circumstances. For instance, your workplace connections may no longer apply, or you might have moved away from your previous neighborhood. In this episode, we explore the significance of community, especially during retirement, and share strategies for discovering new communities that align with your interests, location, and available time

Loneliness is a common experience for many people over 60, and it’s not always about being physically alone. In this episode, we explore three different types of loneliness that often arise with the lifestyle changes that come with retirement. While these feelings can bring sadness, we’ll discuss ways to connect with others and find fulfilment, helping you move beyond loneliness and embrace happiness in this new chapter of life.

Holidays are emotional amplifiers. For some, the holidays are a time of joy, celebration, food, and fun. But for others, they can bring feelings of sadness, frustration, and loneliness. Lifestyle changes after 60 may shape how you perceive and celebrate different holidays. In this episode, we will discuss how holidays can affect your emotions past, present and future.

Each of us carries a past filled with both joys and challenges—life’s inevitable ups and downs. For many, the pain and hurt from the past can prevent us from fully embracing the present and looking forward to the future. While those painful feelings may never completely disappear, in this episode, we discuss the power of accepting your past—both the good, the bad, and even the ugly—so you can move forward into the next chapter of your life with hope and joy.

Throughout your life, you've taken on many different roles - child, student, employee, partner, spouse, and parent. Now, with retirement, you have the chance to focus on simply “being you” - a role that may feel new or even a bit uncomfortable. Let’s explore what it means to embrace this phase of life and how it can shape a fulfilling and joyful journey in your 60s and beyond.

Welcome to this teaser episode of Joyous Journeys Over 60! Join us as we introduce our hosts and share the vision behind the podcast. Learn more about what’s in store as we embark on this exciting journey of exploring the joys and challenges of life over 60. Whether you’re just beginning your retirement or well into it, this episode sets the stage for meaningful conversations ahead.