As the dough rises and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, I, Marcy, invite you to join me in a conversation as comforting as the bread I'm perfecting. This week, we're getting personal. From the vibrant glow of city lights that grace my home on the 36th floor to the soft paws of my cat Pickles making her presence known during our chat, we're sharing it all. I'll reflect on the beauty of routine, the role of faith and community in my life, and the spark that keeps my husband Craig's passion for his cathedral organ project alive. It's about finding joy in the little things and embracing the calm of an uneventful week.

Let's then shift from pumpkin bread to heartier fare. Together, we'll explore the seasoned journey of aging, not as a time of decline but as an era of wisdom and continued self-worth. I'll tell stories of vibrant souls who've inspired me, people who've woven curiosity and activity into their golden years, outpacing any outdated stereotype. We won't shy away from the digital realm as I arm you with strategies to fortify your online presence against cyber threats. We'll talk about why embracing technology like two-factor authentication can be as secure as locking your front door—because your peace of mind is priceless at any stage of life.

Join me, Marcy Backhus, on a heartfelt journey through life's inevitable changes as I share the ups and downs of retiring, relocating, and the art of letting go in the great city of Chicago. Emotions run deep as I recount my 63rd spin around the sun, celebrating at Rosebud with a newfound zest compared to the solitude of my previous birthday. I pull back the curtain on the trials of a genetic test for my heart condition and the triumphs of embracing healthy habits. Winter here is a beast of its own, but with every snowflake, I've learned the value of a good pair of boots and the healing power of staying active, despite the freeze.

Our episode unfolds the map of my latest adventures, where the comfort of old friends is miles away and the quest for new connections is a daily endeavor. Navigating the bustling streets of a new city, finding solace in the embrace of a fitness community, and the solace of AA meetings, this chapter of life is all about planting roots in uncharted territory. Chronic pain, a vestige of my past, becomes an unexpected teacher, guiding me towards resilience and a deeper appreciation for the community's embrace. The lens of my new camera captures not just the beauty around me, but also the beauty within this journey of transformation, as I look forward to a sun-soaked escape to Phoenix and the joy of capturing moments through my newfound passion for photography.

Caught amidst a snowstorm's unexpected charm at Chicago O'Hare, I, Marcy Backhus, transformed travel delays into a stage for reflection and storytelling. Experience the whimsical 'snow plow ballet' through my eyes and join in the childlike wonder as we witness the magic of a snow-melting machine. But it's not all about the frosty delays; this episode invites you on a heartfelt journey through the corridors of memory as we tackle the sentimental task of managing photo legacies. Inspired by my friend Katie's notion, I'll guide you through choosing between preservation methods and curating family mementos that resonate deeply with our narratives.

Have you ever found yourself the keeper of a box brimming with old photos, unsure where to start? Together, we'll navigate the emotional minefield of sorting through these snapshots of the past, offering actionable strategies to ease the process. I'll share insights on discerning the meaning from the forgotten and elaborate on the latest scanning technologies to help transition your memories into the digital age. We'll explore creative avenues for sharing these treasured pieces of history, from digital family trees to physical scrapbooks, all the while weaving in the emotional threads of personal anecdotes like my parents' wind chimes.

As we sift through the tangible pieces of our family's journey, we confront the emotional weight of deciding which items to hold close to. I recount the bittersweet act of parting with precious keepsakes and the liberation of cherishing the memories they represent over their physical form. This episode invites us to find comfort in simplicity—embracing the stories behind our heirlooms without succumbing to the clutter. Together, we'll celebrate the art of honoring our past, preserving our heritage, and sharing it with the warmth and connectivity that only actual storytelling can foster.

Embark on a transformative journey with me as we navigate the cluttered corridors of our homes and minds, setting the stage for a serene and structured oasis. With the turn of the calendar page, I'm opening up about my personal voyage through the trials of health, the triumphs of sobriety, and the heartfelt celebration of family milestones. As I reminisce about a year well spent, free from hospital corridors, and gear up for my 36th year of sobriety and my son's 29th birthday, I invite you to revel in the joys and challenges that come with each tick of the clock. The road to recovery and a gleaming home remodel have infused my life with a newfound passion for order, one that extends from the neatly arranged shelves of my living space to the meticulously planned details of my travel kit—ready for adventure at a moment's notice.

Step into the world of decluttering with actionable steps and sage advice, tailored to usher you through every nook and cranny of your living space. We'll tackle the nitty-gritty of organizing life's essentials, from the chaos of beauty products to the conundrum of crammed closets, employing the trusty four-box method to distinguish the keepers from the clutter. But it's not just about what lies within our walls; I'll guide you through the responsible disposal of e-waste, ensuring your personal data remains secure while contributing to a greener planet. As we sweep through these topics, I'm eager to hear your decluttering stories and welcome your suggestions for our shared path to a clutter-free existence. Together, let's embrace the peace that comes from a place—and mind—put in perfect order.

As the snowflakes tenderly kissed the ground on New Year's Eve, my husband Craig and I found warmth in a shared serenity, an evening of reflection marked by a snowy stroll and the nostalgic episodes of the Twilight Zone. It's these quiet moments of introspection that I invite you to join on our latest podcast, where I discuss the transformative power of setting intentions over resolutions, a method that has profoundly reshaped my approach to welcoming the New Year. Venturing beyond the usual festivities, I'll take you through the personal milestones that have dotted the past year, from the joy of reuniting with my son Alec to the complex emotions surrounding my estrangement from my eldest, Kyle. In the spirit of fresh beginnings and continual growth, we'll share in the beauty of embracing change as we step into 2024 together.

With intentions firmly in place, expect a peek into the evolution of our podcast, which will soon extend its reach onto YouTube, bringing a visual dimension to the vibrant conversations we've cultivated. In the breadth of this episode, I'll walk you through setting intentions closely tied to your core values and share actionable steps on how to live a more intentional life, drawing from personal anecdotes including my newfound passion for aquasculpt and the health journey that followed my accident. And while we've all felt the weight of years pressing upon us, I'm here to celebrate the resilience and strength we gain with age. Tune in for an episode that promises to be as heartfelt as it is inspiring—your guide to welcoming a year full of clarity and purpose.

Have you ever experienced the magic of the Morton Arboretum's illumination of lights? Or the thrill of picking your own Christmas tree at a farm? Come along with me, your host, Marcy Backhus, as I navigate the joyous holiday season, sharing snippets from my exhilarating life, from my ongoing home remodel to my enchanting experiences. I'll take you on a heartwarming journey exploring holiday traditions that span cultures and how they bring comfort, joy, and meaning to our lives.

Let's ignite the holiday spirit together as we dive into the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, the fun of a Christmas movie marathon, and explore the magic of visiting a Christmas tree farm. We'll also discuss the controversial Elf on the Shelf tradition and the use of nutcrackers as decorations. Cherish the holiday season, and find joy and meaning in your own traditions. Let's celebrate the holiday season, reminisce about old memories, honor loved ones who have passed away, and look forward to creating new ones. Let's embrace the holidays, the traditions, and, most importantly, each other.

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the holiday season as a grandparent without feeling overwhelmed? Picture this: it's the holiday season, you're baking cookies with your grandkids, and you can't help but feel a sense of joy mixed with the occasional stress. This week on the Aging Ain't for Sissy's Podcast, join host Marcy Backes as she shares her personal stories and insights on the magic and mayhem that comes with being a grandparent during the festive season. From setting boundaries to maintaining balance and creating heartwarming holiday traditions, Marcy invites you to partake in an honest conversation about embracing this role.

Imagine being able to approach grandparenting during the holidays stress-free, flexible, and relishing the privilege of being a crucial part of a child's life. Sounds too good to be true? Well, buckle up as we dive into the second chapter of this episode, where we focus on achieving just that. We not only explore how to develop new traditions and pass on spiritual legacies to our little ones but also empathize with the fact that celebrations might not always occur on the exact day. Whether you're a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, this episode is about acknowledging the joy this role brings you and the child. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and embark with us on a beautiful journey of grandparenting during the holidays.

Ready to welcome in the New Year fully informed about the latest changes in Medicare? As the holiday season approaches, I, Marcy Backhus, take you on a cozy journey through my personal updates, from the festive spirit enveloping Chicago to the thrilling anticipation of a home remodeling project. But don't get too comfortable yet! The serious issue of increased falls among the elderly gives us food for thought, instigating a compelling discussion on adapting to the golden years and the potential role of home remodeling in accident prevention.

Now, let's get down to business. Brace yourselves for an enlightening disclosure of important Medicare updates that could alter your 2022 planning. With a slight uptick in inpatient hospital deductibles and Part B and Part C monthly premiums looming, knowledge is your best defense. On the bright side, Part D is expected to dip, and the proposed increase in Social Security payments might balance out the scales. Moreover, the proposal to exclude unpaid medical bills from credit reports could be a game-changer for many older Americans battling medical debt. Join me as we navigate these changes together, and remember, as we always say, "Aging is for Sissys".

Ever wondered about the secret to living longer, thinking stronger, and savoring the zest of life? Brace yourself for an intriguing journey as we unveil the world of superagers and their seven key strategies to longevity. From my personal tales of city living and Thanksgiving week to my upcoming condo remodel, there's a bit of everything to keep your listening taste buds tingling. I, Marcy Backhus, will guide you through this journey, sharing insights into family gatherings, holiday plans, and the sheer joy of city living. Hold on tight as we navigate the superagers' world, focusing on compelling aspects like mental health, stress management, and the detrimental impact of isolation.

Looking for the best travel deals? Look no further! We'll be exploring Google Travel, a goldmine for savvy travelers. Learn the ropes of finding the lowest flight prices, rental cars, and more. We'll unravel the process of setting up travel alerts for price drops and compare other resources like AARP and AAA to the wonders of Google Travel.
Meanwhile, I'll be sharing my personal experiences and thoughts on all things travel, city living, and family gatherings. Prepare for an exciting voyage into brilliant travel tips and the lifestyle of superagers. Let's redefine our golden years together!

Has the glitz of the holidays lost its sparkle over the years? Join me, Marcy Backhus as we journey down the memory lane of holiday traditions, reflecting on how they have transformed in the face of our ever-changing society. From the mesmerizing light parade on Michigan Avenue to the giddy anticipation of unwrapping presents on Christmas Eve, we'll bask in the warmth of treasured memories and merriment.

As we move from the past to the present, we'll explore the dramatic shift in the landscape of holiday shopping. Gone are the days when department stores were the heart of our festive celebrations. We'll reminisce about the personal touch they offered, their vibrant decorations, and the hype of special events that made shopping an experience, not just a chore. Plus, you'll hear about my new water aerobics family in Chicago and how they've brightened up my life.

But our conversation isn't merely confined to the holidays. We'll also turn our attention towards a critical issue concerning seniors - hearing loss. Touching upon the lack of Medicare coverage for hearing aids and the potential link to dementia, we'll stress the importance of staying informed and seeking professional help. As we prepare to dive into the Thanksgiving week, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and engaging with your questions. So, tune in and share this warm, nostalgic journey with me.