Camp Codger

Thanksgiving, mortality, and gratitude come together during a thoughtful hike by Gary.

I’m 75 and occasionally I feel every day of my age. And, frankly, I have been feeling mortal more often lately. The day after Thanksgiving was one of those days. I was hiking up Sun Mountain, one of my favorite short but intense hikes. Three miles round-trip and a bit over 600 feet of elevation gain. Now, I don’t practice walking meditation—maybe I should since it might ease my monkey mind—so my head is usually spinning through a wide range of thoughts. It can be really refreshing for me since it’s a good break from being tied to my digital devices. During these mental ramblings, I often have these moments of clarity about something that’s been bugging me. Seldom real epiphanies, just a better understanding and clarity.

That morning’s hike followed the usual pattern, but I found I couldn’t hold my normal hiking pace. “God, I’m getting old” was my first thought, and then I started down the slippery slope of “doomscrolling” through my mortality as I hiked. I began wondering how much longer I could do this short, steep hike. A couple of years? Until I’m 80? Maybe in a decade when I’m 85? Well, I thought, if I can do this at any pace when I’m 85, there’s hope. My mood was improving. A modest breakthrough—I’ll bet I can keep doing this hike for many more years! Perhaps my demise was not so imminent after all.

I then drifted off to another thought that had been floating around in my head that morning—gratitude. Yeah, I know—thoughts of mortality and gratitude are usually not closely aligned, but I was just following the meandering of my over-active mind. The previous night I had read an interesting article on being grateful and being happier. There’s solid research evidence that expressing gratitude increases happiness. Even the philosophers of ancient Rome understood the value of being grateful. However, gratitude is not a natural emotion for most humans. We’ve evolved to focus on being alert to things that might harm us. Being grateful takes work. It’s just like exercise. Once you decide to start, you need to be disciplined and stick with it.

Anyway, after wallowing around in thoughts of my mortality, I decided to practice expressing gratitude during the remainder of that hike. And I had a lot to be grateful for. I was healthy and strong enough for a short, strenuous, hike, the sun was shining, I was on a pretty trail, and when I got to the top, the view was stunning as usual. And I couldn’t forget that I had a wonderful wife waiting for me at home and great family and friends. I could even see my house from the top of Sun Mountain. Pretty cool! I’m a really lucky guy!

But what’s truly odd is that it took conscious effort for me to be grateful for my good fortune. My default thinking that day, after struggling a bit early during the hike, was to go to the dark side and obsess about my mortality. That’s clearly not how I want to spend my time, so I vowed to work on my sense of gratitude. Thanksgiving was a perfect time to start that practice. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Thanksgiving, mortality, and gratitude, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

You might be right if you think Amazon has ruined holiday season shopping. Or not.

Holiday season shopping used to mean going downtown or to the shopping mall to buy Christmas and Hanukkah gifts for friends and family. But now, Amazon and online shopping have made buying gifts from your smart phone or laptop computer so easy.

On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, the three Camp Counselors talk about memories of holiday season shopping way back in the 20th century. And they discuss the benefits of shopping now in the comfort of home while dressed in your bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. Which way is better?

If you ask co-hosts Randy Schultz or Richard Kipling, it's clear that Amazon shopping doesn't offer the same warm, fuzzy feeling as shopping in a mall with Christmas carols and holiday music playing in the background. "I love to go shopping in stores to get a full dose of the holiday season experience," says Schultz. "For me, the holiday season hasn't really begun until I have immersed myself in some old-fashioned holiday shopping."

Richard Kipling agrees. He has fond memories of walking the streets in Pasadena, California, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas holiday shopping. There is definitely something wonderful about the sensory experience of holiday shopping at stores.

Fans of the Camp Codger podcast can probably predict how co-host Gary Ebersole feels about shopping for holiday gifts online. "I love Amazon!" says Ebersole. "I love Amazon shopping as much as I hate shopping at 'brick and mortar' stores!"

Yep. Gary has been called a Christmas Grinch. But he is actually just really efficient when it comes to shopping. He doesn't need to touch or examine the merchandise. Gary doesn't need a dose of Christmas carols on the store's sound system. He just wants to buy the items on his list and be done.

Let's face it, Amazon and other online stores offer what may be the most efficient way to shop that's ever been invented. Has Amazon ruined holiday shopping? No! Amazon made holiday shopping (and basically any shopping) SO MUCH BETTER!

Truth be told, many of us still like holiday shopping in stores for some items. And we also love the convenience of online shopping. Especially when it comes to shipping! You don't have the wrap the gifts. Or stand in line at the post office to ship them! What a time saver!

Today, you can shop however you want to. And that can make holiday shopping a whole lot less stressful.

There is a lot of joy and laughter in this episode of Camp Codger. We guarantee it will get you into the holiday spirit. Listen to this episode with family members or friends to get a jump-start on the holiday season!

It's OK whether you think that Amazon ruined holiday shopping or you think online shopping is a fantastic convenience. We at Camp Codger wish you and yours a fabulous holiday season. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanza! Fantastic Festivus!

And if you enjoy this episode, please leave a comment below.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Has Amazon Ruined Holiday Shopping?, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Codger travel trips and vacation adventures abound as the hosts of the Camp Codger podcast return from their travels.

Vacation travel and adventures pulled all three of the Camp Codger hosts from homes simultaneously. Jet-setter Randy Schultz spent several days in Rome and then embarked on a long cruise across the Atlantic with his wife Patti. Richard Kipling managed to survive a 43-day-long road trip in a small travel trailer as he and Alison toured the Midwest and the Washington, DC area. And Gary Ebersole's travels to New England with Bee went without a hitch. (Well, almost).

On this episode of the Camp Codger Podcast, the three hosts tell their favorite stories about their vacation adventures. A short summary is below, but listen to the entire episode to hear all of the wonderful stories.

Randy logged the most miles on his latest trip. He and his wife flew to Rome, Italy, and toured the city for four days. Rome might be the most important city in the Western world in terms of history and centuries-long influence. Four days was only enough time to scratch the historical surface.

Randy and Patti took a subterranean tour of the historical Colosseum and saw where the lions and tigers were kept before their battles with Rome's gladiators. (Note: Did you know that there was a human-powered underground elevator that brought up the wild animals to the Colosseum floor? This wooden elevator has been recreated for tourists to see.)

After their quick tour of Rome, Randy and Patti boarded the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship. Listen to the podcast episode (click on the "play" triangle above) to hear all about that adventure.

Richard and Alison had a completely different type of trip. They went on a 43-day road trip through the United States. Yes, you read that right. 43 days! As you might imagine, Richard brought back lots of funny and amazing stories from this adventure. Devil's Tower National Monument in northwestern Wyoming was particularly memorable. Yes, the Tower itself was stunning. (Devil's Tower played an important role in the Close Encounters of the Third Kind movie.)

But Richard's funniest story about Devil's Tower is about grizzly bears. Relax, he didn't actually see a grizzly. But the many warning signs about the presence of grizzlies really freaked him out!

Unlike the vacation adventures describe above, Gary and Bee's codger travel trip was focused on visiting people, not places. Gary experienced the joys of visiting Bee's East Coast relatives. And there are A LOT of Bee's family members to visit. (Hear Gary's funny stories on the podcast episode.)

On his trip, Gary enjoyed his visit to Acadia National Park in Maine. This park is "the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast" according to the National Park Service website, and Gary says it's well worth a visit.

Please click on the "Play Episode" triangle above to hear all about the Codger Travel Trips! Then leave a comment if you enjoy this episode! If you're a fan of Camp Codger, please tell a friend!

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Codger Travel Trips, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Learn the Nine Secrets to How to Be Happy and Have the Best Life Possible.

The "happiness study," which is actually called the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has followed more than 700 men and now their families from the 1930s until today. The goal of the study is to learn the keys to a happy and healthy life. This Harvard University study is the longest of its kind, and over the years it has revealed the 9 secrets to how to be happy.

In this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, we talk about the findings of the ongoing Harvard Study of Adult Development. The three co-hosts of Camp Codger (Randy Schultz, Gary Ebersole, and Richard Kipling) also talk about their own quests for how to create a happy life in their senior years.

The current leaders of the Harvard Study on how to be happy are Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. They wrote a book called The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Here's what they said in the beginning of their book:

"If we had to take all 84 years of the Harvard Study and boil it into a single principle for living, one thing that is supported by similar findings across a wide variety of other studies, it would be this: Good relationships keep us healthier and happier."

Of course, there are other secrets that help us create happiness in our lives. Reach out to a friend and have a conversation at least once a day. Cultivate kindness. And more. (Listen to this episode of Camp Codger to learn them all!)

Back in the 1980s, a singer named Bobbie McFerrin had a hit song called Don't Worry, Be Happy. It turns out, this song contains some good advice. So be nice. Don't worry so much. Reach out to other people.

One more thing: If you enjoy the Camp Codger podcast, please tell your friends about it. Podcasts grow by word of mouth-- people telling other people about them. So, please support our show by spreading the word. According to the Harvard Study on how to be happy, telling your friends about Camp Codger can make you happier!

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about How to Be Happy, please click the Share button below. Also tell your friends about Camp Codger and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page.

Finally, do have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

What happened in 1980? According to Gary, not much.

But that's not a fair measure of what happened in that year. At our age, we know all too well that every year can be eventful. For some, the 1980 presidential election was the most meaningful event of the year. Incumbent Jimmy Carter was defeated by the Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan.

For many of us early boomers, the most memorable event was John Lennon's assassination on the streets of New York in December of that year. Lennon and the Beatles were the voice of our generation, and his loss represented the end of an era.

Sports fans will remember 1980 for the stunning upset of the Russian hockey team by the young U.S.A. team of amateurs. These kids went on to win a gold medal in the 1980 Olympics.

For auto enthusiasts, the U.S. auto industry reached rock bottom with the introduction of the K-car from Chrysler. Was there ever a blander, less inspiring car than this design disaster? We can't forget about natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington or the Iranian hostage crisis which effectively ended Carter's presidency.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about what happened in 1980, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

How a Prime Time TV show called The Golden Bachelor has brought Senior Dating into the Spotlight.

If you haven't heard about The Golden Bachelor show on ABC-TV, you don't watch television. Or surf the Internet, or read newspapers. It seems everybody over the age of 60 is talking about The Golden Bachelor.

Seemingly overnight, America is aware that there are older people (senior citizens!) who are in their 60s and 70s who are single and looking for love. There are old folks who are actively looking for companionship and relationships.

In this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, co-hosts Randy Schultz and Richard Kipling keep the senior dating discussion going with a great conversation with Hoyt Prisock, host of the podcast Behind the Swipe.

A Camp Codger podcast episode about senior dating has been in the planning queue for several months. But the launch of The Golden Bachelor TV show on ABC, and then connecting with senior dating podcast host Hoyt Prisock moved this topic to the top of our list.

Gerry (pronounced Gary) Turner, is the perfect choice for TV's first "golden bachelor." He's TV handsome, and his back story is perfect. He married his high school sweetheart, and stayed married to her for more than 40 years until her death 6 years ago. He's ready to find the next love of his life. And he's totally charming.

Of course, the "bachelorettes" are glamorous TV material. But this time, they are age appropriate for a 72-year-old bachelor. This show provides plenty of encouragement for other seniors who are ready to start dating again.

The Golden Bachelor TV show is great fun. But for most of us who aren't on a TV show about senior dating, getting back into the dating game as a single senior can be a real challenge. As a matter of fact, all three of the Camp Codger hosts have been in that situation. That's why we wanted to share our experiences and insights.

Our special guest on this show, Hoyt Prisock of the Behind the Swipe podcast, has also traveled the "dating later in life" path. On this episode, we talk about senior dating, including how to use online dating apps safely. Indeed, online dating has become a baseline for seniors who want to restart their dating lives. We're sure you will enjoy this episode, no matter what your relationship status is.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about The Golden Bachelor and senior dating, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Do seniors love e-bikes? If you ask Randy Schultz, Richard Kipling, and Gary Ebersole the answer is clear. Absolutely!

In the last decade, the use of e-bikes for outdoor fun and as a non-polluting alternative to cars has exploded. And in big cities, e-bikes have become the de facto vehicle for home delivery services. Order a pizza and Chinese take-out in New York City and it's a good bet the delivery person will be riding an e-bike. Over a million e-bikes are sold each year in the U.S. and the numbers are growing. The global trend is even stronger, and experts suggest that using e-bikes rather than cars for many trips could have a measurable impact on climate change.

It's a simple answer—riding e-bikes is just plain fun! There is nothing quite like zipping along almost effortlessly at 15 or 20 miles per hour while still getting exercise. It's also a wonderful social activity since group rides give seniors a chance to spend time with family and friends.

In this episode, we look at how seniors should approach purchasing an e-bike. There are a multitude of frame types to suit every riding need whether running errands around town on a utility bike or hitting the trails and dirt roads with an electric mountain bike.

Where to buy an e-bike is a common question for riders of all ages. For seniors who have less experience with biking, purchasing from a local bike shop might be the best approach. Most towns have good shops that can assess your needs and get you on the right kind of e-bike. The shops are also around after your purchase to provide support and maintenance. For seniors who love e-bikes, have decent mechanical skills, and feel comfortable assembling and maintaining an e-bike, there are many reliable manufacturers who sell their e-bikes online.

If you have ridden a non-electric bike, then you can ride an e-bike. Riding safely requires the same equipment used for regular bike riding—a good helmet, gloves, and riding glasses (sunglasses are fine). New and experienced riders need to think in terms of riding an electric scooter than just a bicycle. E-bikes typically go much faster than non-electric bikes and are significantly heavier.

Want to learn more about buying and riding an e-bike in your golden years? Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about how seniors love e-bikes, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Seniors and falling is a serious health issue. Falls among the elderly can cause hip fractures, hospital visits, and even deaths among older people. That's why it's important to learn how to prevent falls.

Let's face it, seniors and falling is a daily concern. Older people, especially the very elderly, take tumbles every day. In June 2023, President Joe Biden fell at the podium while addressing cadets at the Air Force Academy. More recently, Camp Codger co-host Richard Kipling fell at a museum, looking at his phone and not where he was walking. Luckily, both survived these falls with no damage.

The point is, if we’re senior citizens, most of us have fallen, or nearly fallen.

According to the CDC, every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls and falling a public health concern, particularly among an aging population.

Here are a few more facts from the CDC about older adults and falling:

-- More than 35 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.

-- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.

-- And each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. More than 95% of those fractures are caused by falling. 

So given these alarming numbers, what do we do? What can we seniors do to stay on our feet and avoid a health catastrophe and even death?

On this important episode about Seniors and Falling, we invited Emily Nabors, an expert on the elderly and falls. Emily holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, where she is a Program Manager specializing in Falls Prevention. 

She educates aging and health providers and housing professionals on what they can do to help seniors NOT become part of those alarming statistics. To that end, Emily conducts research on home modification to support aging in place and has developed a home modification toolkit with resources for seniors and professionals.

So, how did a younger person get into the field of studying older people and falls?

"I kind of 'fell' into it," says Emily. "One of my earliest jobs was working at an art gallery. There were older clientele who I really connected with. After a few years, I decided to segue from the art world to a career where I was helping older people. I wanted to do work that could improve our quality of life in our later years."

Most falls and falling injuries suffered by older people and seniors can be prevented. Strategies to make homes and apartments can be make our homes safer. Falls are common across all age groups. But because of the risk of injury in seniors, making home modifications can help to reduce falls-- and the injuries senior citizens suffer when they do fall.

Remove clutter in the home. Remove throw rugs. And follow the tips that Emily Nabors gives in this Seniors and Falling episode of Camp Codger. In addition to all of the places you can listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.) you can also listen to our podcasts on the Camp Codger YouTube Channel.

And, of course, you can simply click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Seniors and Falling, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the Camp Codger co-hosts? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Senior Sexuality, Mature Relationships, and Love After 60 Advice from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz.

Is it normal to be a sexy senior citizen? Can mature relationships well into our golden years include intimacy? Is it normal for mature relationships to include a loving sexual relationship?

According to the advice from sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the expert guest on this episode of Camp Codger, the answers to these questions are an enthusiastic "Yes!"

Dr. Schwartz has been a respected expert on sexual topics for decades. She is a sociologist and sexologist at the University of Washington who has done extensive research on sexuality and relationships. She is a popular speaker on topics about intimacy and sexual wellness. Plus, she is the author of 26 books. That's right--26 books, including PRIME: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love and the Sensual Years. And, she is the sexuality expert on the long-running TV show "Married at First Sight."

According to Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a loving, romantic, and sexy relationship is a wonderful goal for most people in their golden years. There is no reason that older people have to give up on being sexy or sexual, says Dr. Schwartz.

It's not everyday day that you get to hear intimacy advice from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz. During this information-packed episode of the Camp Codger podcast, Doctor Pepper Schwartz answers these questions:

What are the characteristics of a good, intimate relationship as a senior?

Are medical doctors a good source of information about sex and intimacy?

Why is the media afraid to deal with the topic of love and intimacy after the age of 60?

Plus, she gives specific tips and advice about many topics of interest to older folks who are not yet willing to give up on a relationship that includes physical love and intimacy.

It's not too late to be a sexy and sensual person. With expert love advice from sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, you can continue to be in a loving, romantic relationship in your 60s, 70s, and even your 80s.

The hosts of the Camp Codger podcast wish to thank Dr. Schwartz (the sexuality advisor on the hit TV show Married at First Sight and world-renowned relationship expert) for her wisdom and for sharing her knowledge with the Camp Codger family of listeners.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Relationship and Intimacy Advice from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the Camp Codger hosts? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].

Improve memory and brain health with these tips for seniors.

How sharp is your memory? Do you sometimes forget things? Is your mind as sharp as it used to be? Do you have trouble remembering people’s names right after you’ve met them? Do you sometimes look all over the house for your phone, and then discover that it's been in your hand the whole time?

If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, you are not alone. Many of us in our golden years don’t remember things as well as we used to. On today’s episode of Camp Codger, which we call Improve Memory and Brain Health, our expert guest is Dr. Linda Sasser, author of Brain Sense: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp. She is also a nationally known expert speaker on topics about brain function and brain health.

That's the first question we asked Dr. Sasser. Thankfully, she said yes. (That made the Camp Codger counselors feel better.) As we get older, we will occasionally experience some memory problems. These include misplacing things, sometimes needing to pause to remember directions, and forgetting names.

"What we like to say is if you forget where your keys are, that's normal," said Dr. Sasser. "But if you forget what your keys are for, that is a red flag. So if your memory lapses start interfering with accomplishing daily tasks, paying bills, brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or getting lost coming home from the grocery store, then that's a concern."

Experts say some of our thinking abilities peak at age 30, and they slowly decline as we get older. So we're all going to experience things like a slowing down in our thinking speed as we get older.

If each of us is going to experience some memory lapses, is there anything we can do about it? Fortunately, the answer is yes! Here are four tips to help improve your memory and brain health.

Dr. Sasser shares more information about how to improve memory and brain health on this episode of Camp Codger. Please listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also tell your "Alexa" speaker to play the Camp Codger podcast. You can even go to YouTube and search for Camp Codger to listen to our episodes.

ONE MORE THING: We still have a few of our First Edition Camp Codger bumper stickers. If you leave a comment about a recent Camp Codger episode, we'll send you a bumper sticker. Free! All we ask is you put it on your car or somewhere else where people will see it.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Camp Codger podcast. And please tell your friends about it.

Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode called Improve Memory and Brain Health with Dr. Linda Sasser, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].