Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

Manhattan native, Christian, historian, father of 11 children, and long-time bookkeeper and textbook returns clerk for Varney's in Aggieville, Dan Walter has so much to share. His near-death experience when his heart stopped after being treated for leukemia, and his sharing of his Christian faith are inspirations. Staying in touch with friends, not letting people talk you into things you don't want to do, and not moaning and groaning about what you can no longer do are just a few suggestions from this 70-ish-year-old guest.

Staying connected with others, making good memories, laughing, being in the moment, and expressing gratitude for each moment are just some of the suggestions from Brad and Jenne Andrews Streeter. This special married couple of six years found love again later in life, and shares stories of their busy career days in restauranting (Vista Drive In and other endeavors) and event planning. They are a true example of aging gratefully.

Barbara and Jay Nelson are more recently known as owners of the Strecker Nelson (now Strecker Nelson West) Art Gallery. But the amazing couple takes us through the four eras of their life, which included being part of a back-to-the-land hippie community in Olsburg to their final retirement in a two-bedroom apartment at the Wareham. Needing to live a life of gratitude and remaining curious are just some of the Nelsons' suggestions.

Imagine running 90 laps on your 90th birthday! That's just what the now 95-year-old Marvin Hachmeister did. Marvin, who is also a farmer and rancher and previously worked as a shop teacher, tells us kindness is most important. Dubbed "Smiley" by the Manhattan Senior Center, Marvin tells us how friendships help you as you get older, and he stresses exercising a little bit every day. An inspirational visit you won't want to miss!

"Appreciate the moment, appreciate nature, don't sweat the small stuff, and keep friends and family near" are just some of the suggestions from retired social worker Mary Beth Reese. Reese tells us about her late-teenage years as a nun, which changed her life and viewpoint when she left the Sisters of Loretta many years ago. Reese also discusses her many years working with teens as a substance abuse prevention counsellor and her personal journey as a long-time caregiver for her husband with frontotemporal lobe dementia.

Who knew this prominent Chamber of Commerce leader had a life-changing experience at the age of 19? Lyle Butler shares that and much more about the love of his family and grandchildren, telling us to "Never take life for granted." He also talks about starting the fourth quarter in his life--which, by the way, does not yet include retirement.

While emphasizing he's barely in his 60s,  Brian McNulty shares his story of retiring from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after many years and now owning two businesses. McNulty stresses staying active both physically and mentally. He also talks about Boy Scouts and its importance in his life, mentioning a sign in his former office that read, "Growing Old is Mandatory, Growing Up is optional.

Although still well under the typical retirement age, Trooper Ben Gardner recently retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol and continues to build his vast social media following and give motivational talks throughout and outside of Kansas. His #HelpMore movement has inspired many. With his childhood years in special education classrooms, Trooper Ben tells us he is still trying to identify who he is, and suggests to those of us who are in our senior years to figure out what we're passionate about.

Kathy and Tom Neill met on a blind date--with Kathy knowing from the first date that Tom was the man she was going to marry. They have been married for 56 years and have much to share about their careers in education and the pharmaceutical business, the importance of their family and Catholic faith, travels all-over the world, and a shared love of singing. The Neills tell us to "get out and enjoy life," to "accept things the way they are," and to "enjoy every moment when things are good." 

"Love to live" is one piece of advice from Diane DeNoon Hawk, who has found joy again in her later-in-life marriage to State Senator and Dr. Tom Hawk. Both tragically lost spouses they loved dearly, but began attending events together as friends--before falling in love. Tom also suggests making an effort to make new friends, and he mentioned the importance of adding young people to that list while referring to previous podcast guest and Centennarian,,  the late C. Clyde Jones' suggestion. This couple shared careers in the educational field, with Tom also serving in governmental office at the state level.