Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

This physician and her former city and state official husband, Dr. Deb Doubek and Tom Phillips, have much to share after amazing careers. Super-organizer and planner Tom recommends taking one day at a time, reminds us we can't take anything for granted, and tells us we can't lose hope during this inspiring discussion.

Remaining active both physically and mentally and finding a way to shed negative feelings are just a few suggestions from Michael Dodson, who had an impressive career in the United States Army and with Bechtel Corporation. Dodson talks about his many experiences, including two tours in Vietnam and the importance of his family, including grandchildren, in these later years of life.

"Live every day" and "Don't dwell in the past" are just some words of advice from Joe and Nancy Knopp--who have been married for 52 years. While Joe continues to work in the legal profession and Nancy has moved from a social work career to leadership roles in several community and civic groups, the two are enjoying their later years and their roles as parents to three adult children and grandparents to eight grandchildren.

Many of us struggle with financial matters later in life, but Amy McColloum and Brian Casebeer with Casebeer McCollum Wealth Management, a Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, help us navigate those complications. From information about scams and fraud to dealing with other financial matters, the two share the importance of understanding your own finances for peace of mind in these later years of our lives.

"Let's go" and "you can't take it with you" are valuable words of advice from the active Betsy Barrett and Pat Pesci. The two have spent active lives in the hospitality and dietetics industries, working in both management and education, with many of those years spent at Kansas State University. Even in their later years, they continue to travel and enjoy life.

Retired K-State Police Chief Ronnie Grice has much to be proud of, with 45-plus years in law enforcement and a unique leadership style many appreciate. With his wife Cheryl by his side, the two suggest staying focused, taking a deep breath when needed, taking care of yourself, exercising, eating right, maintaining faith, and getting out and enjoying life in these later years.

"Get involved" and "keep serving" are words of wisdom from Jan and Gary LaGrange, who have been married for over 60 years. This retired Colonel of the US Army and his wife moved their family of three daughters 23 times in 28 years, yet they share wonderful memories and deep faith. Gary also talks about his difficult time in Vietnam.

"Go, do, be, and enjoy, and don't think of yourself as getting older"—along with "having an outward focus and staying busy and active"—are words of advice from this inspirational couple, John and Karen Armburst. Both had active careers (John in the Air Force and Karen in education and medicine), and they share the challenge of raising their children during several moves and transitions.

Trying to find your social support system is a valuable suggestion from Terra Upham, Director of Therapy Services at Pawnee Mental Health. Terra, who is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, yoga and mindfulness coach, and registered play therapist, shares helpful insights with us as we "age gratefully." 

Legendary K-State Director of Bands Frank Tracz has an impressive biography—he always knew from a young age he wanted to be either a drummer for a rock band or a band director. Frank shares his childhood in Cleveland, losing his mother at eight years of age, and how his older siblings helped raise him with his steelworker father during those growing-up years. The man who put the K-State band on the map with several prestigious awards and recognitions admits retirement is difficult from a calling and life he had, but says he wants to be remembered most as somebody who cared and did the best he could.