In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro sits down with Judith Rosen, a licensed clinical social worker with ADHD and a wealth of lived and professional experience. Judith shares her late ADHD diagnosis journey at age 36, her decision to pivot careers in her fifties, and how her ADHD diagnosis empowered her academic and professional success.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges and strengths of living with ADHD at any age, the importance of addressing shame, and practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms. Judith also emphasizes the transformative power of diagnosis and treatment, particularly for older adults.

In this episode we:

• [00:03:00] Talk about the genetic component of ADHD and Judith’s self-medication with nicotine before her diagnosis.
• [00:05:00] Explore Judith’s diagnosis journey and how an episode of Oprah led to her life-changing realization.
• [00:07:00] Discuss differences in ADHD presentations, such as inattentive versus hyperactive types, and how they can vary within families.
• [00:12:00] Address why recognizing ADHD in older adults matters and how it can improve quality of life through strategies and self-compassion.
• [00:14:00] Focus on combating shame associated with lifelong ADHD and the importance of physical and mental activity after 50.
• [00:18:00] Highlight effective ADHD strategies like the Pomodoro method, habit stacking, and acknowledging small achievements with a "to-done" list.
• [00:23:00] Discuss practical tips to overcome procrastination and time blindness, such as identifying personal pivot points.
• [00:26:00] Celebrate the creativity, problem-solving skills, and unique strengths of people with ADHD.
• [00:31:00] Judith emphasizes the transformative potential of an ADHD diagnosis, regardless of age.

Resources Mentioned:

• Judith Rosen's Website: www.JudithEveRosen.com
• Finch App for building healthy habits.
• The Adult ADHD and Anxiety Workbook by Russell Ramsay
• Learn more about ADHD at CHADD and ADDA
  
  
  

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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In this episode, host Jami welcomes Wilma Fellman, a counselor, author, and expert in career and life transitions, to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retirement for adults with ADHD. Wilma shares her insights into how ADHD individuals can navigate the challenges of retirement, reassess their strengths, and find meaningful ways to spend their time post-career. Drawing from her own experience of retiring three times and her work with clients, Wilma offers practical advice and inspiring stories about the limitless potential of life after retirement.


In this episode we:

• [00:02:00] Wilma explains her "life chapters" concept, emphasizing planning for the post-retirement chapter to avoid anxiety and find meaningful activities.
• [00:04:00]  Wilma shares how her son’s ADHD diagnosis led to her own discovery in the 1980s, highlighting the lack of awareness about ADHD in women at the time.
• [00:10:00] Jami and Wilma discuss how focusing on strengths can help ADHD individuals find fulfilling careers and navigate life challenges.
• [00:14:00] Wilma shares an emotional poem she wrote for her non-ADHD child, reflecting the challenges and love within a neurodiverse family.
• [00:16:00] Wilma explains her unique "squirtle" identity—a mix of squirrel and turtle—symbolizing the boundless energy and need for rest that ADHD brings.
• [00:22:00] Jami and Wilma discuss the intergenerational impact of ADHD, from parents to children, and how recognizing patterns can lead to better understanding and support.
• [00:23:00] Wilma shares the importance of planning for retirement like any other life stage and how reassessing strengths and interests can lead to meaningful post-retirement activities.
• [00:26:00] Wilma explains how career coaching can help retirees rediscover their passions and avoid feelings of isolation and aimlessness.
• [00:32:00] Wilma emphasizes that every stage of life can be vibrant and purposeful, encouraging listeners to assess where they are today and pursue what lights them up.
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Link to the Edge Foundation: https://edgefoundation.org/
• Link to Wilma’s book “Finding A Career That Works For You”: https://bit.ly/4atVNgX

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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In this episode, Jami sits down with ADHD coach Corie Wightlin to discuss her personal ADHD journey, the power of mindfulness, and how seniors and their families can better understand and support ADHD. Corie shares actionable tips for regulating emotions, building self-compassion, and creating systems that work for ADHD brains. Whether you're navigating ADHD yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode we:

• [00:02:00] Corie shares her experience of growing up with an ADHD dad, her diagnosis, and how ADHD impacted her life and parenting.
• [00:10:00] Corie explains how mindfulness techniques like pausing and reframing thoughts can help manage ADHD.
• [00:19:00] Corie explains how taking small actions can lead to motivation, even when it feels impossible to start.
• [00:25:00] Corie introduces the concept of a dopamine menu—different strategies to spark energy and reward yourself.
• [00:28:00] Corie emphasizes the importance of resetting routines and habits at any time.
• [00:30:00] Corie and Jami encourage listeners to embrace self-compassion in their ADHD journey.

Resources Mentioned:

• Corie Wightlin’s Website: www.WightlinCoachingServices.com
• Phone: 619-549-0472
• Books: "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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In this episode, Jami Shapiro speaks with Cathi Nelson, the visionary CEO and founder of The Photo Managers, the world's leading educational community dedicated to helping individuals and businesses manage, organize, and preserve their photo and video collections. 

Together, they discuss the significance of photos in preserving memories, the emotional and practical challenges of organizing and preserving photo collections, especially for people with ADHD. Cathi shares practical tips for tackling photo organization, the emotional connection to our visual histories, and how to create manageable systems. Whether you're organizing decades of family photos or wondering where to start, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration.

In this episode we:

• [00:02:00] Cathi shares her journey as a visionary in photo management and her connection to ADHD.
• [00:07:00] Discuss how ADHD affects executive functioning and makes organizing photos overwhelming.
• [00:18:00] Cathi introduces her simple system for sorting photos: A for archival, B for keep in the box, and C for discard.
• [00:24:00] Why it’s okay to let go of photos and focus on the ones that tell meaningful stories.
• [00:29:00] Tips for tackling photo projects in manageable chunks using timers and a clear goal.
• [00:34:00] Cathi and Jami share how to approach ADHD with kindness and humor, turning perceived flaws into strengths.
• [00:37:00] Cathi emphasizes the importance of preserving memories and reminds listeners they don’t have to tackle photo projects alone.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman - Cathi suspected she had ADHD when she read this book.
• Cathi suggests ranking photos by A,B,C,S: 
  A= archival, album worthy
  B= Not sure box with a note that says “my permission to dispose when I pass” allowing family members to keep what’s important rather than feeling obligated to keep all photos.
  C= Can throw away anything blurry or scenery
  S= What is the story behind the photo
• www.thephotomanagers.com - Cathi’s company 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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In this special solo episode, host Jami Shapiro opens up about her experiences with ADHD and shares her thoughts on embracing a new year with kindness, self-awareness, and optimism. Jami dives into the importance of setting realistic goals, building community, and finding gratitude amidst the chaos. She also reflects on her journey as a podcast host, her takeaways from the international ADHD conference, and the many gifts of living with ADHD.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:01:14] Authenticity Matters: Jami shares why staying real and embracing imperfections is her personal and professional mantra.
• [00:04:21] New Year’s Perspective: A fresh start doesn’t have to wait for New Year’s Day you can make changes anytime.
• [00:06:06] Choosing a Word of the Year: Jami reveals her 2025 word and how it helps shift her mindset toward positivity and trust.
• [00:08:33] 30 Days of Gratitude: Jami discusses her gratitude challenge and how focusing on the positive transforms your outlook.
• [00:13:46] Lessons from the ADHD Conference: Highlights include meeting Penn Holderness and learning the importance of celebrating ADHD’s strengths.
• [00:19:24] ADHD Challenges and Solutions: The importance of planning for forgetfulness, managing clutter, and embracing your strengths.
• [00:28:00] Celebrating ADHD Strengths: Jami encourages listeners to find the silver linings in ADHD and shares inspiring stories from past podcast guests.

Resources Mentioned:

Books:

• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer

Guest Mentions:

• Dr. Ken Druck and his work on resilience and grief
• Penn Holderness and his experiences 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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In this inspiring episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami welcomes special guest Heidi Eagleton, a 76-year-old trailblazer who has lived an extraordinary life with ADHD. Heidi shares her journey from undiagnosed challenges in her youth to becoming a lawyer, architect, and now a memoir writer. She dives into the importance of recognizing and embracing ADHD's unique strengths, including creativity, resilience, and hyperfocus, while addressing the struggles that come with aging and ADHD.

Together, Jami and Heidi discuss the stigma around ADHD in older adults, why diagnosis matters even later in life, and how seniors can harness their ADHD traits to live fulfilling lives. Heidi also shares her favorite hacks for navigating life without medication and emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and celebrating differences.

In this episode we:

• [00:04:13] Share Heidi’s personal journey with ADHD and her diagnosis in her 60s.
• [00:08:46] Explore Heidi's wake-up call involving health issues and her decision to manage ADHD without medication.
• [00:10:30] Discuss Heidi's approach to harnessing ADHD strengths, like creativity and tenacity, in her career and personal life.
• [00:18:45] Talk about Heidi's career transitions from law to architecture and her passion for teaching.
• [00:20:57] Touch on the dynamics of ADHD and OCD in relationships, including Heidi’s long-lasting marriage.
• [00:22:44] Highlight the stigma around ADHD in older adults and the importance of focusing on its positive aspects.
• [00:25:00] Emphasize the value of ADHD traits, like hyperfocus, and the need for older adults to embrace their unique strengths.
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Heidi Eagleton’s Website: www.heidieagleton.com
• Heidi’s email address: [email protected]

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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In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro is joined by Dr. Daniella Karidi, an ADHD coach and transition specialist, to discuss an often-overlooked topic: preparing for the end of life. With humor and compassion, they explore how ADHD affects planning for this sensitive transition and offer practical strategies to make the process easier.

Dr. Karidi shares her personal ADHD journey, insights on overcoming challenges like future thinking and perfectionism, and tools for tackling end-of-life tasks step by step. Together, they normalize conversations about death and provide actionable tips for creating wills, organizing wishes, and leaving meaningful legacies.

What you will learn:

• [00:01:30] Dr. Karidi explains why end-of-life planning is often avoided and how open conversations can ease fears and ensure wishes are known
• [00:04:23] Dr. Karidi recounts her late diagnosis of ADHD and her transition from academia to coaching, focusing on helping people through life transitions.
• [00:07:09] Unique challenges of ADHD in end-of-life planning are highlighted, along with strategies to overcome them.
• [00:08:40] Dr. Karidi emphasizes using an ADHD-friendly checklist and starting small, such as talking to family about preferences.
• [00:13:00] Jami and Dr. Karidi discuss mistakes like not planning at all or trying to tackle everything at once, instead of breaking it into manageable steps.
• [00:18:16] Advice on how to start the planning process.
• [00:26:50] Dr. Karidi suggests using games and creativity to make discussions about death and legacy less intimidating.
• [00:29:00] Dr. Karidi provides a real-life example by sharing an inspiring client’s journey.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Daniella Karidi’s Website: www.ADHDtime.com
• Schedule your free intro coaching session with Dr. Daniella Karidi: https://calendly.com/adhdtime/chat-adhd-with-daniella-karidi
• Learn more about upcoming groups and events: https://www.adhdtime.com/upcoming-events
• Download a free Memory Types Guide: A Quick Reference to How Your Brain Stores Information: https://witty-mover-8744.kit.com/95f0e32d50

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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Host Jami Shapiro speaks with Janai Quintana, MSW, CMC, CDP an Aging Life Care Manager from Aging Focused, about supporting seniors and their families through the complexities of aging, particularly during the holiday season.

Janai shares her expertise in helping families with complex dynamics and clients with dementia and/or mental health concerns.  Her combined knowledge of aging resources, her service experience, and her focus on person-centered care provides Janai with a unique perspective to improving client satisfaction, enhancing outcomes, and increasing quality of life for clients engaged in Aging Life Care Management through Aging Focused.

Jami and Janai explore signs that a senior may need additional support and offer advice for navigating these challenges with care and compassion. Janai also discusses how her ADHD helps her juggle challenges in her role, turning what many see as a limitation into a superpower.

In this episode, we:

• [00:03:26] Janai explains her role, which includes assisting families and solo seniors with healthcare, transitions, and maintaining quality of life.
• [00:06:35] Janai shares how her ADHD helps her adapt to unexpected situations and manage multiple priorities as an aging life care manager.
• [00:08:36] Janai emphasizes using family holiday visits to identify signs a senior may need additional support.
• [00:11:50] Janai provides specific signs to watch for and how these might indicate a need for intervention.
• [00:15:24] Janai suggests observing and gathering information discreetly during visits to avoid confrontation and preserve family harmony.
• [00:20:19] Jami and Janai discuss the importance of bringing in professionals to facilitate difficult conversations and transitions.
• [00:27:31] Janai recounts a case where her intervention helped seniors transition smoothly into a new living situation, improving their safety and quality of life.
• [00:33:00] Janai and Jami discuss how ADHD traits, such as quick problem-solving and adaptability, can be beneficial in caregiving roles.
• [00:34:27] Janai encourages seniors who suspect they have ADHD to seek professional evaluation and education to better understand and address their needs.

Resources Mentioned:

• www.agingfocused.com - Aging Focused website. 
• https://www.aginglifecare.org/ - Aging Life Care Association
• https://silverliningstransitions.com/ - Free downloadable checklist for what to look for when you’re home for the holidays.

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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Host Jami Shapiro speaks with Dr. Daniella Karidi, ADHD coach and founder of ADHD Time. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by seniors with ADHD, offering strategies to navigate retirement, manage transitions, and build fulfilling routines.

The conversation highlights how coaching can empower seniors to set realistic goals, enhance relationships, and live with intention. Whether you're newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one with ADHD, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

In this episode, we:

• [00:02:00] Dr. Karidi shares her personal ADHD diagnosis story, her research on memory and ADHD, and how she became a coach to help individuals with ADHD.
• [00:05:30] Discuss why seniors are getting ADHD diagnoses.
• [00:08:00] Dr. Karidi explains how coaching helps seniors set meaningful goals, find accountability, and navigate transitions with strategies tailored to the ADHD brain.
• [00:12:33] Share realistic goals for retirees with ADHD.
• [00:14:50] Address challenges of ADHD in retirement.
• [00:16:53] Dr. Karidi recounts helping a retiree organize and achieve his top 10 goals, including planning memorable weekends with his grandchildren
• [00:19:30] Dr. Karidi discusses how to identify whether forgetfulness stems from ADHD or age-related cognitive changes, emphasizing history and patterns.
• [00:23:00] Dr. Karidi describes how coaching works.
• [00:25:44] Dr. Karidi highlights the importance of planning for retirement and it’s never too late to start.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Daniella Karidi’s Website: www.ADHDtime.com
• Schedule your free intro coaching session with Daniella Karidi, PhD
• Learn more about upcoming groups and events https://www.adhdtime.com/upcoming-events
• Download a free Memory Types Guide: A Quick Reference to How Your Brain Stores Information

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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Host Jami Shapiro is joined by Barb Hubbard, a time management coach and ADHD specialist, to discuss navigating life with ADHD, especially for older women. Barb shares her personal ADHD journey, her experience coaching adults, and practical strategies for managing challenges like procrastination and lack of focus.

Together, Jami and Barb explore how ADHD impacts confidence, creativity, and life goals, particularly for women rediscovering their passions after raising children. Barb’s insights and strategies, like the Pomodoro Method and breaking tasks into manageable steps, offer listeners tools to move forward and make the next chapter of their lives truly fulfilling.

In this episode:

• [00:02:46] Barb shares her journey of working with ADHD clients, which led her to recognize her own ADHD traits after years of helping others.
• [00:07:17] Barb explains how she helps clients implement techniques like the Pomodoro Method to manage time effectively and achieve their goals step by step.
• [00:09:13] Jami and Barb discuss how ADHD traits appear across generations, highlighting the challenges and strengths often inherited within families.
• [00:12:18] Barb sheds light on how societal expectations and upbringing can influence how ADHD manifests and is managed differently in men and women.
• [00:15:29] The discussion shifts to older women, exploring how ADHD impacts their confidence and ability to pursue long-neglected dreams during the empty-nest stage.
• [00:20:00] Barb recounts working with a 60-year-old engineering professional who overcame challenges to achieve her state licensing goals, becoming a role model for others.
• [00:28:09] Barb emphasizes the importance of starting tasks, embracing progress over perfection, and using tailored strategies to manage ADHD.
• [00:30:56] Barb and Jami encourage listeners to remain curious, pursue their dreams, and make the rest of their lives the best of their lives.
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• www.barbhubbardcoaching.com - Barb Hubbard’s website.
• Finding Focus Time Strategies for Scattered but Ambitious Minds - Barb’s free Facebook group where she offers ideas and strategies.
• www.silverliningstransitions.com - Jami Shapiro’s company Silver Linings Transitions website offers move management and organization support for seniors with ADHD.

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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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