Aging ain't for Sissies

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Believe it or not, Craig and I set off on an unforgettable jaunt from the bustling city of Chicago to the vibrant Cleveland, Ohio. Our journey was peppered with the most unique stops, including an enormous Amish restaurant, a McDonald's that would fit right into medieval times, and the awe-inspiring "touchdown Jesus" mural at Notre Dame. Cleveland greeted us with a trip down memory lane at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a scrumptious dinner at Chef Michael Simon's Mabel Barbecue.

Can you handle the end of daylight saving time without crankiness or insomnia? We didn’t think so! That's why we're sharing life-changing strategies to help manage this transition. We discuss everything you need to know from consistent sleep schedules to the impact of caffeine and alcohol on your sleep. But it doesn't end there! We also delve into the importance of maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine, using adjustable lighting solutions, staying physically active, and assessing how your medication may affect your sleep. As the days grow shorter, we remind you to soak up that early morning light. Tune in, you don't want to miss these game-changing tips!

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Ever wondered about the actual name of the hashtag or the history behind the iconic Louis Vuitton shoes? Join me, Marcy Backhus, as we uncover a collection of random yet fascinating facts and dive into my personal escapades! From my recent health updates and the thrill of water aerobics, to my exciting adventures in California. Get ready to hear about it all!

Don't miss out on the tales of my upcoming escapades to Greece and the exhilarating process of renovating my bathroom! Plus, we take a delightful detour to explore the tantalizing flavors of Chicago's favorite deli, Manny's. We'll also shed light on the pros of Medicare Advantage Plans, how to navigate this maze, and the importance of seeking expert advice. Tune in for an episode filled with hearty conversations and intriguing insights!

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Ever wondered which year of your life you'd choose to relive if you could? Join us on a trip down memory lane as we answer this and more, sharing our favorite charities, exploring our family bonds, and discussing the incredible work being done by our church. Meet Craig, my husband, who amusingly shares why he's not cut out for the presidency. Tune in for an insight into our artistic abilities and how we're eerily similar to our parents. 

In the second half, we dream aloud, imagining our perfect day and the alternate career paths we might have chosen.  Our chat is a delightful blend of hilarity and warmth. Get ready to reminisce, laugh and maybe find inspiration as we bare our past and present our dreams.

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As we journey along the golden years of our lives, we've discovered a priceless gem - the companionship of our beloved cats. They've healed us, encouraged us, and filled our lives with joy and warmth. From bounding around with a ball of yarn to those serene moments of quiet comfort, they've proven to be more than just pets - they're family. In this poignant episode, we'll open up about our personal experiences of pet ownership - the thrills, the trials, and the bittersweet moments of saying goodbye. 

We'll also explore the myriad ways pets can positively impact seniors, not just emotionally but physically as well. Walk with us as we delve into the latest research showing how caring for our four-legged friends can lead to decreased cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and faster recovery from health setbacks. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, pet ownership comes with its own set of challenges and costs. Listen in as we balance the scales, discussing the benefits and the potential hurdles. From our hearts to yours, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Gear up for an exciting journey as I recount my trip to the serene landscapes of Alaska and Canada. Wrapped in the awe of the stunning inside passage, the charm of tea at the Empress Hotel, and the mesmerizing beauty of Butchart Gardens, this voyage, unfortunately, took a turn when a COVID diagnosis hit. But fear not, as we transition from travel tales to an exhilarating discussion about board games. If you're seeking ideas for your next game night, prepare to be intrigued by suggestions ranging from kingdom domino to wits and wagers and Time's Up.

We're not stopping at games; we're also bringing some much-needed optimism. Have you heard of the latest breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment? Medicare is now covering a drug that can slow the disease's progress, a monumental step forward that could impact millions of lives. We'll dive into the importance of discussing this option with your doctor. As we navigate these crucial topics, we also remember our dear friend Bernie A G Napersissey. Tune in, whether you're a travel enthusiast, a board game lover, or someone seeking updates in the health world - there's something for everyone.

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Unlock the secrets of savvy travel with me, Marcy Backhus, as we sail through Alaska's inside passage aboard the Celebrity ship Solstice. On this ocean adventure, we'll dive deep into travel tips, from choosing phone plans to packing the right luggage for your journey. We'll also share some thrilling tales from the trip, which has been a whirlwind of wildlife spotting, puppy farm visiting, and suspension bridge crossing.

Ever struggled with phone issues during your travels? We'll explore different ways to stay connected on land, at sea, or abroad. We'll give you the inside scoop on finding the best phone plans, organizing your information for easy access, and saving money while planning trips. We'll also discuss the importance of picking the right luggage, covering lightweight options that expand when needed, the magic of packing cubes, and tips for minimizing your clothing and accessories. 

From my treasure trove of travel experiences, spanning 33 years, I'll share tips on booking smart, allowing extra time for layovers, and handling the stress of flight delays in the pandemic era. Discover how to find affordable luggage and dodge those hefty checked baggage fees. Plus, we'll look at the importance of researching your travel destination ahead of your trip. We'll wrap up with a sneak peek into our next topic: dementia, featuring insights from the enlightening book, 'Using Our Brains to Save Ourselves'. So, pull up an anchor and sail with us into this bounty of travel wisdom!

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Have you ever wondered how you can actively prevent dementia? Today, we're taking a deep dive into this topic with our esteemed guest, Dr. Mitch Clionsky, a board-certified Neuropsychologist and author of Dementia Prevention Using your Head to Save Your Brain. Join us as we explore the complex world of cognitive health, where we unravel the differences between Alzheimer's and Dementia, the concept of mild cognitive impairment, and why understanding our cognitive strengths and weaknesses is crucial for prevention.

The conversation continues by illuminating the unseen threads that connect sleep, oxygen, and dementia prevention. Sleep apnea, often overlooked, carries significant risks for our brain health and energy levels. Dr. Klianski sheds light on the fascinating world of telomeres and sleep apnea's role in their shortening over time. The importance of oxygen for preserving your brain health is elucidated, offering a fresh perspective on the science behind dementia prevention.

Finally, we broach the often-avoided topic of change – especially as we age. Dr. Clionsky emphasizes the significance of learning new things and being open to change. We dive into the importance of early detection and intervention in dementia and Alzheimer's prevention, discuss cognitive tests that help measure cognition, and underscore the benefits of regularly assessing physical and cognitive attributes. Get ready for a riveting discussion on the dynamics of cognitive health in aging adults, and join us on this enriching journey.

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Have you ever found yourself in a tussle between being a guiding force and an observant spectator in your adult child's life? Together, let's navigate these often choppy waters. I'm your host, Marcy Backhus, ready to share my personal journey, from my recent visit to my nephew in Arizona to my adventurous stay with my son and his girlfriend in Denver. I'll share with you my husband's thrilling mountain climbing experience with our son, and how it sparked a reflection on our parenting journey. Together, we'll dig deep into the tricky balance between mentoring and supporting your children while also letting them learn from their own mistakes.

Brace yourselves for a heartwarming conversation in our upcoming episode where we reminisce about an unforgettable evening spent with my nephew's family. Laugh with us as we share our tourist blunders in unfamiliar territories, and draw parallels to the evolving roles we play as parents. I promise you, it's an enlightening discussion that will leave you with nuggets of wisdom on dealing with the struggles of adjusting to your kids' independence, allowing them to fail, and maintaining strong bonds with them as they grow older. This is more than just a podcast, it’s a journey of self-reflection, personal growth, and above all, love.

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Join me, Marcy Backhus, on a delightful journey into the marvels of growing older. Remember that hot dog we relished on Labor Day? That's right! We're embracing our golden years with enthusiasm, having a blast at water aerobics, and even shedding some pounds. We'll laugh our way through hilarious tales, like that shopping spree that nearly saw someone miss the ship! The anticipation of the upcoming Alaskan cruise is palpable, proving age is just a number for adventures.

But it's not all fun and games; we're also harnessing the wisdom that comes with age. We've got a more measured approach to life, are kinder to ourselves, and have learned that we don't need material possessions to be happy. Our storytelling prowess has never been better. Plus, we're shedding light on the treasure trove of senior programs in local parks and cities. From being a museum docent to day trips, there's an array of activities to keep us engaged. Don't forget, next week, we'll have a crucial conversation with a doctor about Alzheimer's. Choose happiness regardless of age. Let's celebrate the joys of growing older together!

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With a backpack full of laughter, curiosity, and a rare 13-year-old wisdom, my spirited great niece Brooke and I embarked on a memorable journey through the vibrant streets of Chicago. Between the city's awe-inspiring skyscrapers and the wisdom-filled tales of aging, we found ourselves navigating through a plethora of life’s questions and revelations. Are you ever really too old to learn from the young, or too young to learn from the old? Brooke, with her infectious enthusiasm and youthful perspective, turns the tables and asks me some surprising questions on aging, respect, and the wisdom that comes with years. We also share insights on navigating doctor's appointments, and the unique adventures that come with aging. 

Have you ever wondered how attitudes towards elders and marriage have evolved over time? Or why it's considered rude to ask someone their age? We take a deep dive into these questions, and more, with Brooke. Be prepared to chuckle, ponder, and maybe even question your own notions about aging as we discuss Oscar Wilde's quote, "I'm not young enough to know everything." There's untold wisdom in youth and a hidden youth in wisdom. Journey with us as we explore the intertwining threads of youth and aging, and see the world through a fresh set of eyes. Join us on this candid and thought-provoking episode of Aging A for Sissies.