Aging With Grace 55+

John Tesh is internationally recognized for his diverse talents as a journalist, composer, broadcaster, concert pianist, and author. His online course, the John Tesh Piano Method, available at Tesh.com, was developed after surveying his nearly 2 million social media followers. One of the most requested topics was advice on how to improve memory.

A recent study published by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests that playing a musical instrument can help keep the brain healthy in old age, improving memory and the ability to solve complex tasks, particularly for those with dementia. The study’s authors recommend incorporating music playing into a lifestyle approach to maintaining brain health.

Earlier this year, the Emmy Award-winning musician launched his online course, which teaches anyone how to play the piano without reading sheet music or learning complex music theory. Tesh claims that, using Neuroscience techniques, anyone can learn to play the piano in just three days. His method is based on his decades of experience as a multi-million-selling music artist and composer, and the advice he has shared on his self-help daily radio show, which is broadcast on more than 350 stations.

In a candid interview, Tesh also discusses highlights from his inspirational memoir, Relentless: Unleashing a Life of Purpose, Grit, and Faith. The candid memoir covers his recovery from “serious, stage3-plus” cancer diagnosis, key moments from his extensive broadcasting career at CBS and NBC, and his ten years as co-host of "Entertainment Tonight." Throughout his career, Tesh has earned three gold albums and six Emmys for his best selling albums and singles.

 Past AARP Purpose Prize winner Karen Cassidy discusses the Hildegard House (www.hildegardhouse.org) which is Kentucky's first and only comfort care home. It provides a home and compassionate care for individuals at the end of life who have no home or loved one ones to care for them so that they die with dignity.  As a co-member of Sisters of Loretto (based in Nerinx, Kentucky) Karen is also a palliative care nurse by profession. KY Democratic and Republican Parties will hold primary elections in May. Secretary of State Michael G. Adams returns to share important information including how to register on line to vote, the need for poll workers, and safeguards in place to minimize ballot tampering or voter fraud.  More information available by visiting  govote.ky.gov. 

Running out of money during retirement is the concern that consistently ranks as the No. 1 fear of retirees. John Watson, from dpl Financial Partners, shares his holistic approach to financial planning using a time proven combination of managed assets, annuities, income and protection strategies. Other topics include effects of the 2017 Tax Cut & Jobs Act scheduled, pending Congressional action,  to sunset soon  in addtion to standard deductions that are also in jeopardy.

State Board Volunteer President Gary Adkins shares how AARP / KY is encouraging Congress to act before 447,000 Kentucky families lose access to affordable, reliable internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program.  Plus proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in House Bill 367 and other hot topics at the state and federal level. He also reflects on the effectiveness of  AARP / Kentucky Lobby Day.

On average a 65-year-old in the U.S. can expect to live a little more than 20-25 more years. Effectively spending a 1/3 of their life in retirement!  With a 50 % - 65% chance they will still be alive at age 95, the ideal retirement plan involves generating multiple streams of income to provide both stability and tax flexibility in retirement. David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial, shares market trends and how important the inclusion of annuities can help navigate a potentially volatile market in 2024.   Next up  Dave Grunenwald has created quality paperback bound Keepsake Activity Journals as a simple solution to "I'm bored ".  His Grandparent Merit Badges (GMB) are a very easy and inexpensive way to "Disconnect from the digital and reconnect with those who matter most”.  Imagine collecting Merit Badges around doing simple activities, like flying a kite, baking cookies,  gardening,  going for a walk, or watching a movie! Collect and date other badges for even more fun activities designed to build warm, lasting relationships with aging grandparents or seniors.  Available on Amazon as a keepsake for years to come.

David Lau, founder, and CEO of DPL Financial Partners, discusses the surge in annuities compared to the previous year.  Including solutions and benefits annuities provide in peace of mind for building or protecting investment portfolios in retirement.  Greg Lozano, Branch of Wellness Counseling in San Antonio, Texas, discusses "Healthy Living in the Age of Social Media" for aging adults.  Be sure to read his article in the online September edition of Healthy Aging magazine. We've all heard the phrase "let’s make a toast “at a wedding or dinner honoree.  Did you know this phrase originated in the Middle Ages? Thanks to U.S, History Facts.com enjoy learning more including how this term came into common use today!

The Rosemary Clooney Museum features costumes and props from the popular movie “White Christmas”. This holiday musical classic stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a singing duo who befriend and become romantically involved with the beautiful Haynes sisters played by Kentuckian Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Crosby’s hit song "White Christmas" was the number one record in the U.S. for 11 weeks straight and remains to date the bestselling single in the history of music.   Former Miss America Heather French Henry and her husband Steve discuss curating the museum.  Including collecting costumes and other movie-set paraphernalia from the 1954 classic of the same name about two song-and-dance men who team up after the war and plot to help their former commander save his rural Vermont inn.

Meet Gary Adkins who was recently named the next volunteer State President for AARP Kentucky.  In this position he is a key partner and counsel to the new Kentucky State Director Troy Broussard. Mr. Adkins replaces outgoing president Charlotte Whittaker who has been interviewed on past episodes of this podcast series sponsored in part by AARP Kentucky.  In his new role effective January of 2024 Gary becomes essentially a lead volunteer, acting as a partner to the state director and state office staff while helping to manage more than 110 volunteers around the state working on various advocacy issues at the state and federal levels. AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. 

This  podcast series Aging With Grace 55+ is made possible in part by support from AARP Kentucky.

After serving as a CEO for 24-years Chip Conley eventually founded Modern Elder Academy. One of MEAs secrets to thriving in midlife is marrying wisdom and experience with curiosity and a beginner’s mind.  He believes society offers little support and inspiration for many transitions during these expanded years with the average life span rising and many bypassing the traditional retirement age. So this visionary created a midlife pitstop in Baja, Mexico (and soon in Santa Fe, NM) where thousands have gathered over the past five-years to marry their wisdom with tools as part of a curriculum designed to celebrate and navigate what Chip refers to as the "sacred ritual"  of Midlife. Then meet 87-years young Mrs. Edna Siniff from Mahtomedi, Minnesota, who shares her story of learning at a young age to hunt small game. Acquiring accurate shooting skills, she earned a spot on a collegiate team. Sadly, in that time period she was barred from having her picture taken or traveling with the men's rifle team to out-of-state competitions. Nor could she afford an invitation to compete in the Olympics. Later in life after seeing a video while working out at the YMCA she discovered a passion for competition landing on archery in the National Senior Games as a natural extension of her prowess with a rifle. 

This episode welcomes Troy J. Broussard to the new role as the State Director for Kentucky in the South Region.  The proud Desert Storm Army Veteran and native of Louisiana shares his passion for leading the AARP Kentucky staff and volunteer teams working to enhance the lives of the 50+ community throughout the state.  Troy shares his commitment to communication, collaboration, and consultation as AARP expands and deepens its work in targeted communities and throughout Kentucky. Volunteer Spotlight: Jean Schumm, founder and President of Operation Parent, discusses several challenges to the traditional family including her thoughts on the biggest threat to our children /grandchildren today. Parents are the #1 influence in the lives of their children. She stresses educated parents are the best prevention tool.   It is important to understand the dangers our kids and grandkids are exposed to. Did you know volunteers age 50+are less likely to develop high blood pressure and are more likely to increase physical activity and decrease stress?   Studies also show volunteering combats depression.   Including people who volunteer at two+ organizations have a 63% lower mortality rate than non-volunteers.  Additionally, volunteers working with AARP/Kentucky, Operation Parent, or wherever they call home in the United States can enjoy meeting new people while serving others.