AgingGayfully™

In this engaging conversation, Chris and Josh explore the themes of aging, self-acceptance, and the importance of human connection. They highlight the significance of pursuing your dreams in later life and maintaining connections with others to enhance happiness and fulfillment. They also share personal anecdotes about embracing change, the art of people watching, and the impact of attire on self-perception.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel.

Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

AgingGayfully™ is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue.

AgingGayfully™ is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity.

AgingGayfully™ is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging.

AgingGayfully™ is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.

Josh and Chris discuss Grandparents Day and the experiences of gay grandparents. They share personal stories and highlight the importance of community and support for aging LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation emphasizes the value of chosen family and the impact of acceptance and love in the lives of grandparents. They also touch on the challenges faced by gay grandparents and the need for connection and understanding.

Takeaways

• Grandparents, including gay grandparents, play a significant role in the lives of their families and can have a lasting impact on their grandchildren.
• The experiences of gay grandparents can vary, with some facing acceptance and support from their families while others may experience rejection or strained relationships.
• Finding a community of like-minded individuals, such as through support groups or social networks, can provide a sense of belonging and understanding for gay grandparents.
• Chosen family, consisting of close friends and mentors, can also play a vital role in providing support and connection for aging LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Creating a safe space for sharing stories and experiences can help combat feelings of isolation and provide comfort and validation for gay grandparents.
• The theme of Grandparents Day, 'Great Minds Learn Love Legacy,' highlights the importance of lifelong learning, love, and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel.

Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

AgingGayfully™ is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue.

AgingGayfully™ is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity.

AgingGayfully™ is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging.

AgingGayfully™ is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.

This Week: Josh's Beard Mishap leads to a discussion on the struggles and acceptance of the Aging Process.

We cover:

• Ageism in the Media and Lack of Representation
• The Importance of Representation
• The Reality of Aging

Conclusion: Embrace the Gray and Age Gayfully!

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel.

Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

AgingGayfully™ is about living life with dignity in an age-friendly society regardless of orientation or economic status because longevity is a justice issue.

AgingGayfully™ is about finding your voice as we age. We are all part of the aging process and have real connections in diversity.

AgingGayfully™ is a modern type of activism that supports the concept of belonging.

AgingGayfully™ is about Adventure, Leisure, Travel, being a citizen of the world, traveling to destinations, and being part of the global community as we age and prosper in body, mind, and spirit.

Spencer Macnaughton, a journalist and founder of "Uncloseted Media," an investigative LGBTQ news publication that will launch in the coming months. "Uncloseted Media" will provide objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, original journalism that investigates America’s anti-LGBTQ landscape and elevates everyday American heroes.

Spencer discusses his background in journalism and his motivation for starting Uncloseted Media and emphasizes the power of journalism to incite change through storytelling and the importance of balancing data with personal narratives.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.

Josh and Christopher discuss the challenges of managing stress and finding a safe space in today's world. The conversation then shifts to the topic of bringing the vacation mindset back home and finding ways to incorporate the joy and novelty of travel into everyday life.

Key Points

• Managing stress is crucial in today's world, and finding a safe space can help alleviate stress.
• Disconnecting from social media and negative stories can reduce stress levels.
• Bringing the vacation mindset back home involves incorporating the joy and novelty of travel into everyday life.
• Mementos, trying new foods, and creating a vacation-like atmosphere in living spaces can help evoke vacation memories.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.

In this conversation, Josh and Chris discuss the topic of finding fulfillment in life. They explore the idea of knowing oneself and understanding one's purpose. Also: top five beards of history.

• Finding fulfillment in life involves knowing oneself and understanding one's purpose.
• Connection, love, care, and commitment are essential for a fulfilling life.
• Unlearning past behaviors and beliefs can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
• Knowing oneself and embracing one's talents and skills is key to finding meaning in life.
• The search for fulfillment is an ongoing journey that requires self-reflection and exploration.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.

Josh and Chris discuss the importance of deep connections with others. Chris shares about his experiences visiting Key West and offer recommendations for travelers. The conversation touches on the impact of technology on travel, the flattening of cultures due to globalization, and the need to update information and apps before traveling. They end the episode with a song recommendation and encourage listeners to share their summer travel plans.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.

Josh and Chris discuss PRIDE month and what it means today.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.

Drew Pickett, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health in Bloomington, IN, where he is also a faculty affiliate of both the IU Center for Aging Research and the IU Center for Sexual Health Promotion. He is passionate about creating support systems for marginalized populations and improving health equity.

His recent research work is focused on developing support systems for LGBTQIA+ caregivers, particularly focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. He is interested in understanding the needs of dementia caregivers broadly, as well as the unique needs facing LGBTQIA+ caregivers, to help design tools to reduce the burden and improve the well-being for both caregivers and the people they love and care for.

Working with community and small business partners, he is currently researching to better understand LGBTQIA+ social support systems and to help caregivers plan (legally and financially!) for the future.

For more information about the PAID research study call 812.856.1710 or email [email protected]

Download: CareVirtue Planner: ​CareVirtue Planner Study Flyer.pdf

Download: ​LGBTQ Caregiver Social Networks Study Flyer.pdf

Learn more about Care Virtue at carevirtue.com

Podcast Summary:

Drew Pickett, an assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health- Bloomington” discusses the importance of addressing the unique needs of LGBT caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by LGBT caregivers, such as legal and financial planning, and the lack of support structures. Pickett emphasizes the need for data and research to inform policy and create products that cater to the specific needs of LGBT caregivers. The discussion also touches on the positive aspects of caregiving and the importance of sharing stories to foster understanding and support within the community.

Keywords;

LGBT, caregivers, Alzheimer's, dementia, challenges, support, legal, financial planning, data, research, policy, products, positive aspects, stories

Takeaways:

*Addressing the unique needs of LGBT caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia is crucial.

*Legal and financial planning are significant challenges for LGBT caregivers.

*Data and research are essential to inform policy and create products that cater to the specific needs of LGBT caregivers.

*Sharing stories fosters understanding and support within the LGBT caregiving community.

*Earn up to $150 for participating in the survey

Titles:

*Addressing the Unique Needs of LGBT Caregivers

*The Power of Sharing Stories in the LGBT Caregiving Community

Sound Bites:

"Addressing the unique needs of LGBT families through tough times."

"The challenges of caregiving for LGBT older adults."

"The financial challenges faced by LGBT caregivers."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of LGBT Caregivers

03:11 Addressing the Unique Needs of LGBT Caregivers

09:46 Challenges Faced by LGBT Caregivers

20:21 Recognizing the Joy and Closeness in Caregiving Relationships

25:43 The Importance of Data and Research in Supporting LGBT Caregivers

29:20 The Power of Sharing Stories in the LGBT Caregiving Community

Josh and Chris discuss the different and important parts of our wellness, not just physical wellness but also, mental, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and occupational.

A gay senior, Christopher MacLellan, and an ally, Josh Wilson, podcasting about life, love, liberty and travel. Don't Say Gay?... Say AgingGayfully™!

Subscribe NOW, where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Learn more at AgingGayfully™.