Jami Shapiro, welcomes Dr. Ken Druck, an expert in family psychology, resilience, and aging. Together, they dive into what it means to live resiliently with ADHD, especially as seniors, and discuss how our unique qualities can be strengths rather than challenges. Dr. Druck shares his personal journey, his approach to self-compassion, and how resilience is a work in progress. He also offers insights on supporting loved ones with ADHD and finding joy in the simple, silly moments with his grandchildren.

In this episode:

• [00:04:53] Jami shares her story of resilience.
• [00:06:14] Dr. Druck reframes ADHD as a unique way of being rather than a disorder.
• [00:09:14] Dr. Druck shares his challenges with ADHD in school, the impact on his self-esteem, and how he later recognized his intelligence and unique talents.
• [00:17:17] Dr. Druck encourages shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion, explaining how this practice fosters resilience and self-acceptance.
• [00:24:00] We discuss how people with ADHD often have a strong sense of justice, driving them to advocate for causes they believe in.
• [00:26:00] Jami and Dr. Druck explore generational perspectives on boundaries and cancel culture, focusing on finding common ground.
• [00:26:00] Jami and Dr. Druck explore generational perspectives on boundaries and cancel culture, focusing on finding common ground.
• [00:29:14] Dr. Druck redefines resilience as being honest about life’s challenges.
• [00:34:37] Dr. Druck shares playful and supportive approaches he uses with his grandsons, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and individuality.

Books written by Dr. Ken Druck:

• The Secrets Men Keep
• How to Talk to Your Kids
• The Real Rules of Life
• Courageous Aging
• Raising an Aging Parent
• How We Go On
  
  

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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Jami and Justin welcomed ADHD coach Ian Wahlert to discuss the unique experiences of adults with ADHD, particularly in later life. Ian shares his personal ADHD journey, from diagnosis in his twenties to finding a path of thriving through coaching, structure, and self-awareness. He introduces the idea of the "hunter in a farmer's world," exploring how ADHD traits that may have been advantageous in early human history can feel out of place in today’s structured society. Together, Jamie and Ian dive into practical insights and coaching strategies that help seniors with ADHD find fulfillment and confidence, emphasizing that it's never too late to embrace one's unique mind.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:09] Welcome ADHD coach Ian Wahlert, who shares his journey from diagnosis to coaching. 
• [00:05:40] Discuss Ian's school struggles with inattentive ADHD and their effects on his confidence.
• [00:07:50] Explore how coaching can enhance work, social life, and relationships for those with ADHD.
• [00:07:50] Address the challenges seniors face with ADHD and offer strategies for establishing routines.
• [00:14:15] Discuss the preference for deep conversations among individuals with ADHD and their social isolation.
• [00:19:34] Explain the "hunter" mindset of ADHD and its contrast to society's "farmer" approach.
• [00:23:39] Encourage seeking support and provide contact information for ADHD coaching.

Resources Mentioned:

• "A Hunter in a Farmer's World" - a book that Ian talked about in this episode
• “Boundaries” - a children’s book which written by Justin
• AdhdCoaching.Life - Ian Wahlert’s website 
• Silver Linings Transitions - Jami's company that offers move management and organization support for seniors with ADHD
  
  

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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Jami speaks with Dr. Joel Lazar, a licensed psychologist with ADHD, to discuss practical tips for managing ADHD as an adult. Dr. Lazar shares his personal experience with ADHD, how it impacts his life and work and offers useful strategies for emotional regulation, organization, and overcoming procrastination. He also highlights the importance of self-compassion, especially for older adults discovering their ADHD later in life. The conversation covers how ADHD can manifest in different ways throughout life and how common misconceptions about ADHD, especially in seniors, can lead to misdiagnosis. They also discuss how ADHD was misunderstood in past generations and the importance of positive reinforcement, structure, and creating manageable routines.

In this episode, we:

• [00:02:33] Introduce Dr. Joel Lazar and explore his experience as a psychologist with ADHD, reflecting on how he discovered his diagnosis later in life.
• [00:05:32] Talk about comorbid conditions, like social anxiety and OCD, often seen alongside ADHD.
• [00:12:33] Explore the relationship between ADHD and procrastination, reframing it as "deadline-motivated."
• [00:21:09] Share the positive aspects of ADHD.
• [00:23:19] Discuss the importance of self-compassion and the role of ADHD coaches in supporting adults with ADHD.
• [00:23:45] Share practical strategies for managing ADHD
• [00:25:42] Discuss how ADHD symptoms in seniors can be mistaken for dementia, emphasizing the need for a better diagnosis.


Resources Mentioned:

www.joellazarphd.com - Dr. Joel Lazar’s website

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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@grandma_has_adhd
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Jami speaks with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, clinical psychologist and ADHD expert, about her latest book Still Distracted After All These Years, the only available book which focuses on seniors with ADHD. Dr. Nadeau shares her insights on ADHD in older adults, discussing how many seniors are only now receiving a diagnosis. They explore the emotional impact of undiagnosed ADHD, the link between ADHD and hormonal changes, and the challenges older adults face in managing ADHD symptoms. Dr. Nadeau also talks about the misconceptions about treating ADHD in seniors and highlights the importance of continued support for older adults with ADHD.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:27] Explore the impact of ADHD on older adults, including common misconceptions and challenges.
• [00:07:48] Discuss the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their effect on ADHD in women, especially during perimenopause.
• [00:14:44] Highlight the stigma surrounding mental health issues in older generations and the need for better awareness and diagnosis.
• [00:16:36] Consider the role of community and structure in helping seniors manage ADHD symptoms and social isolation.
• [00:26:08] Talk about the benefits of support groups for older adults with ADHD, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Still Distracted After All These Years" - the book written by Dr. Kathleen Nadeau for seniors with ADHD
• "ADHD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life" - another book authored by Dr. Kathleen Nadeau
• chesapeakecenter.com - Dr. Nadeau’s website
• Safe Moves for Seniors - a non-profit organization that provides moving assistance for low-income seniors who can’t afford move management services of Silver Linings Transitions
• David Goodman - one of the other few specialists in ADHD and older adults who did a survey of memory clinics
• ADDitude Magazine - the biggest public educator about ADHD at every phase of life
• “ADHD for Smart Ass Women” - a book authored by Tracy Otsuka
• PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) - an organization that links psychological associations in many states

Connect with us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

Facebook:

Silver Linings Transitions

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Grandma Has ADHD

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

Facebook:

Silver Linings Transitions
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Grandma Has ADHD

Jami and Justin welcome Jami’s mother, Vicki, who shares her experiences as a senior who recently discovered her ADHD. They discuss the challenges and relief that come with realizing lifelong behaviors were related to ADHD, and how this discovery has changed their relationship. Vicki opens up about emotional regulation, social anxiety, and how ADHD has impacted her life, including her relationships and experiences with fibromyalgia. They also touch on the generational differences in how ADHD was perceived and diagnosed, and the stigma around seeking mental health support in older generations.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:08] Discuss the late-life discovery of ADHD in seniors and its impact on family relationships.
• [00:07:49] Address the generational stigma around mental health and its effect on ADHD diagnosis.
• [00:17:30] Highlight the importance of family support and how it has strengthened Jami and Vicki’s relationship.
• [00:21:51] Talk about the link between ADHD and fibromyalgia, and how the conditions can worsen each other.
• [00:26:53] Explore how ADHD affects emotional regulation and social anxiety in Vicki’s life.
• [00:28:55] Share how technology, like smartwatches and Alexa, helps seniors with ADHD stay organized.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Kathleen Nadeau’s Podcast Episode in Grandma Has ADHD - for more insight on ADHD in women
• The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICDM) - courses for better understanding of ADHD and organizing strategies
• Silver Linings Transitions - Jami's company that offers move management and organization support for seniors with ADHD
• “Fibromyalgia Patients Should Be Screened for ADHD” -  the article from ADD Magazine which Jami mentioned

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

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Grandma Has ADHD

In this episode, Jami and Justin dive deeper into ADHD traits and how they impact daily life, especially for older adults. They discuss the challenges of managing ADHD across a lifetime, touching on both emotional and organizational struggles. Jami shares her personal experiences with ADHD, including how it affects memory and daily functioning. Justin adds insight into ADHD's impact on family relationships and how it intertwines with managing emotions like rejection sensitivity and impulsivity. The conversation also covers the differences between hoarding, collecting, and ADHD, with practical tips on breaking down tasks into manageable steps.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:39] Raise awareness that seniors can have ADHD, which is often misdiagnosed as dementia.
• [00:05:26] Jami shares stories about realizing her mother had ADHD and the challenges of managing it in daily life.
• [00:14:54] Discuss common ADHD traits throughout life, including difficulties with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social anxiety.
• [00:17:22] Emphasize the positive aspects of ADHD
• [00:25:30] Explore lifestyle choices and their effects on managing ADHD and dementia risks.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Boundaries” a book written by Justin Shepherd
• “ADHD is Awesome” a book written by Penn Holderness
• “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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@grandma_has_adhd
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Welcome to Episode 1 Part 1 of the Grandma Has ADHD podcast, hosted by Jami Shapiro and Justin Shepherd. This episode begins with a fun "This or That" game, featuring questions from the ADHD community. Jami and Justin also share their personal experiences with ADHD and the reason behind starting the podcast. Jami discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and her work with Silver Linings Transitions, while Justin provides his perspective as a supportive family member and content creator. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a deeper understanding of ADHD.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:38] Share our ADHD stories and the inspiration behind the podcast
• [00:07:50] Take the clutter test from ADDitude
• [00:16:25] Explain why it’s crucial to talk about ADHD in older adults
• [00:27:33] Discuss how people are unaware of senior move managers and the emotional and logistical challenges of sorting through a lifetime of belongings.
• [00:32:13] Play an entertaining game of “This or That” with ADHD-specific questions

Resources Mentioned:

• ADDitude Magazine
• “Do You Own Your Stuff or Does Your Stuff Own You?” by Jami Shapiro
• Replacements.com - a website that can buy your stuff and then resell it to others. 

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

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Host Jami Shapiro shares the behind-the-scenes story of the unexpected challenges and setbacks that led to the delay of the podcast launch, originally planned for May 2024. Tune in to hear what caused the postponement, how Jami navigated the obstacles, and what’s next for the show.

In this episode, she:

• [00:00:29] Explanation of why the podcast, Grandma Has ADHD, was delayed from May to October 2024.
• [00:01:29] Jami's experience with ADHD and her role as a senior move manager​
• [00:02:41] Discussion of ADHD's impact on older adults and the lack of resources available for them
• [00:03:23] Jami's discovery of her own ADHD and understanding her mother's clutter habits as ADHD-related
• [00:04:57] How ADHD affects emotional regulation, self-criticism, and fear of judgment
• [00:08:19] Preview of future episodes
• [00:08:19] Insights into resources and support for ADHD

Resources Mentioned:

• "ADHD is Awesome" by Penn Holderness
• Silver Linings Transitions - Jami’ Shapiro's company that helps seniors with moving, serving Southern California, San Diego, and South Orange County.
• National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)
• www.NASMM.org - visit this site to find someone near you who can help with your move
• www.challengingdisorganization.org - visit this site if you have a lot of clutter and think you might have ADHD or hoarding disorder.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

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Grandma Has ADHD