Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging

Diana Nyad, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Sue, and Shan - What do these amazing women have in common?  We all made significant accomplishments in our Golden Years.  Granted Sue and Shan didn’t swim from Cuba to Florida or published our first novel, but we did conquer some of our techno dorkiness to launch a podcast.  Many people well into their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even 90’s are doing amazing things these days.  You can be one of them!  Be an old fart doing cool things.  You’re never too old! Check out Mo Rocca - mobituaries.com

Friday, May 1st Sue and Shan will be participating in May Day Strong. We will not have a regularly schedule podcast on that day. Tune in next Friday for a new episode of Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging.

We have moved on from Clearasil, Sun-In, and blue eyeshadow.  Our needs have changed from looking good to feeling good.  Today we're more concerned with muscle aches and digestive issues.  And we can't forget the importance of a top-notch pill organizer!  Sue and Shan will let everyone know what is on their bathroom counter on this week's episode of Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging.

Is the world getting you down? Are you tired of waking up wondering what fresh hell you’ll be facing today? Are you looking for ways to reclaim your joy? So are we! Join us as Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging walk you through ways to get your happy back!

Happy Podversary! Time truly flies when you’re enjoying yourself, and Sue and Shan have been having an incredible time. Tune in this week as they celebrate Unavoidable – Adventures in Aging, reflecting on two fantastic years filled with over 100 episodes!

Sue and Shan were once again proud and excited to participate in the No Kings Rally #4! Please join them as they discuss the highlights of the day. How many attended? What were some of the best signs? Why do people keep coming back? Tune in to hear why these 2 Unpaid, Peaceful Protestors will continue to participate in every future No Kings Rally until they are no longer needed! Sites that might interest you: nokings.org/whats-next & maydaystrong.org

In this week’s episode of Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan explore Steven Petrow’s article featured in the Washington Post about his book, I Want To Avoid the “Aging Mistakes.” Are we destined to mirror our parents as we grow older? Is there any possibility that we can steer clear of repeating their mistakes? Tune in to discover how many things you promised you would never do—only to find yourself doing them just like your parents. Stupid This I Won’t Do When I Get Oldhttps://stevenpetrow.com/stupid-things-i-wont-do

Join Sue and Shan for Another Insightful Episode! Sue and Shan are back, continuing their journey of enlightening listeners about voting knowledge. This episode covers essential information regarding the United States Postal Service, mail-in balloting, and the Electoral College. These two passionate women believe it is crucial for everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to voting. Tune in this week for more insights and laughter on Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging.

Join Sue and Shan on Their Voting Knowledge Journey. Sue and Shan are back to enlighten their listeners with essential information about registering to vote, the SAVE Act, and debunking myths around voter fraud. These two passionate women firmly believe that everyone should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to voting. Tune in for more insights and laughter this week on Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging.

The Importance of Voting.  Voting is both our right and our responsibility. In this episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan discuss topics such as representative democracy, midterm elections, and independent parties—some of which you may already know, while others might be new to you. We aim to keep you informed and encourage you to motivate others to register to vote. Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging will dedicate several episodes to this crucial subject. vote.gov Check out Schoolhouse Rock on YouTube for some nostalgic videos like: “I’m Just a Bill”, “The Great American Melting Pot”, “No More Kings”, and “The Preamble”!

Join Sue and Shan as they explore the realm of belongings. Do your kids a favor and declutter today! Trust us when we say, “Your children aren’t focused on your possessions. In their minds, they’re wondering, ‘How long will it take to sift through all of Mom’s things?’

Although unintentional, today’s episode of Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging seems to reflect the chaos of the political atmosphere we are living in. Are you having a hard time following a continuous line of thought these days? Please hang in there with us because Sue and Shan really do have some great points about mentoring and encouraging the younger generations to register and vote in the upcoming elections.

Are You a Techno Dork? Do You Need to Be One? Discover the answer in this week’s episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging. Sue and Shan delve into the Best Smart Home Devices of 2026, highlighting how these innovations can help you live independently for longer while alleviating your children’s concerns about your safety at home as you age. As proud Techno Dorks, we’re dedicated to exploring ways to embrace technology and maintain our independence in our golden years.

nationalshutdown.org

Sue and Shan are contemplating whether older individuals feel seen by others. Every day, 11,000 Americans reach the age of 65, which leads us to ask the poignant question, “Do you see me?” Retirement can often be less than idyllic; it may bring feelings of loneliness, fear, and sadness. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Every person matters, and sometimes, we simply need to discover our purpose. Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging serves as a vital resource, helping older adults find their purpose and highlighting the significance of “mattering.” http://carnegieartscenter.com/exhibits/ “Age Is Just A Number” Artis: Brian Stephenson https://bit.ly/4r86CfH Mattering: The Secret To A Life Of Deep Connections and Purpose by Jennifer Breheny Wallace If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, check out the article, “The Retirement Crisis No One Warns You About: Mattering”

Aging gracefully involves paying close attention to the signals our body sends us. Sue and Shan delve into what this truly means. Are we embracing the aging process gracefully, or are we rushing through it? Join us this week on Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging for some insightful reflections and a few hearty laughs. Remember to listen to your body; it might just be trying to communicate with you. After all, we know our bodies are certainly speaking!

It has been a few days since we embraced the arrival of the Year 2026. Have you set any New Year's resolutions? Are you managing to stick to them? Or perhaps, like Sue and Shan, you realize it’s wiser to forgo resolutions altogether. Today, Sue and Shan will explore alternative approaches to resolutions beyond the typical promises of quitting smoking, losing weight, or getting organized. For us, these are merely “pie crust sayings”—easy to make and easy to break. Let’s delve into Krista Tippett’s suggestion to “Forget New Year’s resolutions. Instead, consider sitting with a question for 2026.” Forget New Year's resolutions. For 2026, sit with a question instead In addition, we will explore and establish our “intention for 2026.” The Washington Post, in its December 29, 2025 issue, presented an alternative to traditional resolutions: “Choose a word that embodies your intention for 2026.” * Want to set an intention for 2026? Use this word generator.(*Free to subscribers or $2 for nonsubscribers)

Ah, the good old days when Christmas actually kicked off in December! Now, it seems like Santa and his sleigh are crashing into stores, TV ads, and grocery aisles earlier than ever! Join Sue and Shan as they reminisce about the Christmases of yesteryear. Or wait—maybe they’re just old and reminiscing about Christmas in general? Either way, it’s a festive trip down memory lane! Sue and Shan are taking this week off, so we are rebroadcasting It’s Always Christmas. We will be back next week with new episodes!

Christmas has come and gone. Did Santa deliver what you wished for? Sue and Shan are in a nostalgic mood, reminiscing about the toys that once filled their Christmas lists. Join them as they discuss the who, what, and when of those cherished toys. Which ones were your favorites? Give a listen to this rebroadcast of The Toys We Loved.

We’re wrapping it up, today marks the conclusion of Season Three with Sue and Shan. In this episode, we reflect on the enjoyable moments we shared during Season Three and speculate on what awaits us in Season 4.0. Rest assured, we won't leave you without our signature wit, knowledge, and entertainment! We’re excited to announce that The Toys We Loved will relaunch next week, followed by It’s Always Christmas the week after. So sit back and enjoy a couple of rerun episodes. Have a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, and the delightful Unavoidable Adventures in Aging!

Oh, the delightful feeling of butterflies in our stomachs during the holiday preparations! We’ve all attempted to create that “perfect” scenario for our family, friends, and future family. However, Sue and Shan reveal this week that the pursuit of perfection and the desire to impress can sometimes backfire. Unexpectedly and Unavoidably, our holiday plans can go awry at the most inconvenient moments. This week, tune in to hear our stories, along with those of our listeners, about holiday headaches.

“Music is the soundtrack of your life.” Dick Clark. This week Sue and Shan visit “the soundtrack” of our lives. Why does music stays with us forever? Why do we remember the lyrics? Music catapoltes us back in time, to a place, a feeling, an emotion, and a time. Sue sings, a little, and Shan forgets the music of our youth. Music unavoidably stays with us forever.

Is there a reason to caring old baggage around with us. Baggage weighs us down, makes it hard to move around freely, and in fact old baggage can wear on us mentally and physically. Today Sue and Shan share tips on “what baggage” you can leave behind as we age. No need in worrying about trends, worrying about regrets, fitting in as we age is more about finding the right people to hang with instead of the popular kids. Let’s leave that baggage here and move forward. Aging is Unavoidable. Carrying around unnessary worries and regrets can be left behind, way behind.

It’s That “Wonderful Time of the Year!” The season is filled with dazzling lights, vibrant decorations, pine trees, wide-eyed children, and, of course, an abundance of gifts—lots and lots of gifts! This brings us to this week's episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging. Sue and Shan are buzzing with excitement, eager to discuss the significance of giving and receiving gifts, and how our perspective has shifted. As we navigate the holidays, we find ourselves appreciating this time more for family and friends than for material presents. Join us to explore whether our understanding of the “True Meaning” has evolved with age.

Hallmark certainly knows how to capture our hearts! In this week’s Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan delve into the fascinating science behind Hallmark movies. Together, let’s explore the plot, characters, and settings of these beloved Christmas films. Do all Hallmark stories culminate in a kiss and a gentle snowfall? Have you begun watching this year's lineup of Hallmark movies? Tune in this week to hear Sue and Shan’s enchanting voices as they discuss the charm of Hallmark films.

Do you recall your parents or grandparents indulging in peculiar dishes or odd food combinations when you were a child? Sue and Shan certainly do, as they remember their father’s unique blend of soda crackers crushed into a glass of milk. For him, it may have been a comforting meal. Other memories include fried bologna, sugar sandwiches, and creamed anything served on toast. Were these choices a result of enduring the Depression, or simply the quirks of individuals enjoying even quirkier food pairings? Join us today on Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging as we delve into these unusual foods and much more!

Did you grow up in the 60s and 70s? Do you remember Saturday morning chores, parents fixing every appliance big or small, and almost all adults watching over us. We all listended to our elders, even though we probably tested their wisdom later. This week Sue and Shan talk over the lessons that were taught to us and that most of us have never fogotten! Join Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging as we look at ourselves and better understand what made us the people we are today.

This week, Sue and Shan share their reflections on the rally they attended, which drew seven million participants to demonstrate that “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.” Taking part in No Kings 2.0, the largest peaceful protest in American history, was truly uplifting. Individuals from every state and several countries gathered to chant, express their voices, and—most importantly—forge connections with one another. With a vibrant display of signs and costumes, people of all ages united to showcase our collective strength. As one sign poignantly stated, “If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention!”

This week on Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging we look at the Importance of Laughter in Our Lives They say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Sue and Shan believe in this wholeheartedly, but what other benefits does laughter bring? Join the sisters as they explore the significance of laughter in our everyday lives.

Sue and Shan are living their gratitudes and are off watching the Autumn colors.  In other words no new podcast this week; we'll be back next week with a new podcast. 

This Week on Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging join Sue and Shan as they further explore their gratitude journey. Is there scientific evidence supporting this concept? Can journaling our gratitudes truly enhance our lives? Keep maintaining your gratitude journal, and let's work together to turn those negative emotions into something inspiring. Gratitude is the key!

This Week on Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging, join Sue and Shan this week as they take you on an emotional see-saw ride. We all carry regrets, but it's essential to place them in the past where they belong! Instead, let's transform those negative feelings into something uplifting. Gratitude is the key! Shift your perspective: Gratitude can elevate your outlook from dreary to dazzling. Challenge yourself: Sue and Shan invite you to embark on a gratitude journaling journey. Tune in, gain insights, and start journaling today!

This week, Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging explores both justifiable and less justifiable complaints from Baby Boomers—those remarkable individuals born between 1946 and 1964. While it’s easy to voice complaints, the question remains: is anyone truly listening? Join “the girls” as they delve into topics that resonate with many Boomers.

Today, we're enjoying a delightful time with our friends Chas and Ellen. They are “long-time listeners, first-time visitors” of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging. Join Sue and Shan as they engage in conversation with Ellen about her faith journey and its significance for her well-being. Additionally, we chat with Chas about his passion for photography and art. We explore how our activities shape our days in retirement and how these pursuits empower us as we age.

What’s next on the horizon? Sue and Shan are still pondering this very question. Many of us are uncertain about how to make the best use of the additional time we now have. In this episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging, we continue our exploration of “what now” by discussing “Old First, Doing Cool Things.” We believe the real question isn’t about how to halt the aging process but rather how we can age powerfully. Sue and Shan dive into the challenges and joys associated with retirement. Remember, you’re not alone; aging is simply “unavoidable.”

Sue and Shan return to highlight their vast experience, intertwined with their hazy recollections of significant events. We've come to recognize that our memories aren't always reliable, and this episode will deepen our insights! Just how accurate are their memories?  

Well, what comes next? Sue and Shan continue to pondered that question. Many of us find ourselves uncertain about how to utilize the extra time we now have. One this episode of Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging we continue our search of what to do with all this extra time on our hands. Sue and Shan discuss the challenges and joys of retirement. Remember, you are not alone; retirement is simply “unavoidable.”

Well, what comes next? Sue and Shan have pondered the same question. Many of us find ourselves uncertain about how to utilize the extra time we now have. So, let’s take a plunge into the vast sea of retirement—some may feel like they’re swimming, while others may feel as though they’re just treading water. Sue and Shan discuss the challenges and joys of retirement. Remember, you are not alone; retirement is simply “unavoidable.”

Mayberry is just one of the many famous small towns scattered across the United States. Sue and Shan reside in a small town and recently explored even smaller communities. Holdrege, Axtell, and Wilcox, all located in central Nebraska, are smaller than Alliance. What unites the people of these cities and villages? They are family! Family brings warmth, love, and a touch of quirkiness. In this week’s episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan share their experiences spent with family as they navigate their grief for a cousin.

Sue and Shan return for their third season, kicking things off with a beloved classic, “Was I Even There?” This time, the episode will be titled Raspberry Sherbet. Sue and Shan are shaking up the familiar raspberry sherbet container, stirring up memories, forgetfulness, and plenty of laughter. Don’t miss the excitement in this week’s episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging!

Today, Sue is excited to share her favorite episode from Season 2 – Podversary Part One. Happy 1st Podversary to Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging! Sue and Shan have been with you for an entire year, as their first podcast episode launched on April 1st, 2024. Throughout this journey, they have gained invaluable insights into “how to create a podcast” and discovered much about themselves in the process! In this episode, we will revisit highlights from the last 50 episodes, reflecting on the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of aging.

Sue and Shan are enjoying a well-deserved break. Today, Shan is excited to share her favorite episode from Season 2 – To Keep or Not To Keep. Joining them for this enlightening session is Sister Shelli, as they explore the essential question, “To Keep or Not To Keep.” This week’s episode of Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging delves into when it’s time to downsize possessions, what items hold value, what should be discarded, and how to begin the process of clearing out the belongings of a loved one who is no longer in their home. Be sure to tune in on August 1st for the premiere of Season 3!

There are four delightful seasons in a year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter! Additionally, we should celebrate the flavorful seasonings such as salt, pepper, basil, and thyme, the crackling wood ready for a cozy fire, and the ever-evolving seasons of our beloved TV shows. Speaking of seasons, let me introduce you to the dynamic podcasting duo, Sue and Shan! They have chosen to say good-bye to the second season of their show, Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging. Join Sue and Shan as they reflect on the numerous, oh so many episodes of Season 2.

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with America?” consider asking, “What’s right with America?” In today’s world, it’s all too easy to feel disheartened. However, if you take a moment to truly observe your surroundings, you will notice people engaging in remarkable acts of kindness, supporting one another, and demonstrating resilience. All around us, individuals are choosing to recognize the good and embody positivity. In this episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan explore this very theme: Resilient America. Indeed, we are witnessing a strong America.

This week, Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging aims for a relaxed and effortless vibe. Sue and Shan discuss various sayings that they, their parents, and in some instances, their own children still use today. Everything is “hunky dory” as they talk about oldage adages, the meanings, the origins, and in some cases the absurdity.

It’s time to unveil the truth. This week, Sue and Shan share their insights from the rally they attended. Participating in this remarkable march in the United States was truly inspiring. In our small town, many people united to chant, shout, and, most importantly, to connect with one another. Let’s ensure we do it again soon!

Sue and Shan are steadfastly navigating the challenges posed by the current administration. They stress that age does not exempt us from the effects of today's leadership. We are concerned about what the future will be for our children and our grandchildren. Join Sue and Shan as we unite and march together through the storm.

Sue has been on quite an adventure, and she certainly has a tale to tell. While she worries that she may be complaining too much, Shan believes that Sue is simply expressing her frustrations. After all, she has valid reasons to vent, having driven with Shelli from home to Las Vegas before flying back. Surprisingly, both journeys took roughly the same amount of time! Join Sue as she shares her travel woes.

In the past, certain jobs were deemed “unavoidable.” Knocker-uppers served a purpose, caddy butchers helped feed communities, and gandy dancers facilitated transportation across the United States. But are these roles still necessary today? Sue and Shan take a closer look at those outdated job titles that were once regarded as essential.

Join Sue, Shan, and their sister Shelli for a valuable discussion on “To Keep or Not To Keep”! In this week's episode of Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging, the three sisters explore an important question: when should you downsize your belongings? Shelli offers insightful perspectives on determining what holds value, identifying items that should be discarded, and navigating the process of cleaning out the possessions of a loved one who is no longer in their home. Tune in for a session filled with guidance, laughter, and thought-provoking conversations!