Ironing Out The Wrinkles with Ros McMaster & Cate Shaw

S1 Ep38. Embracing Impermanence: A Buddhist Journey through Death and Dying" with Ven. Lozang Tsultrim (Australian Buddhist Nun), from Karuna Hospice Service

In this season finale episode of "Ironing out the Wrinkles", Ros McMaster and Cate Shaw speak with Tsultrim, an Australian Buddhist nun and counselor at Karuna Hospice Service in Brisbane, about the Buddhist philosophy of accepting impermanence and letting go of attachment. They delve into practical skills in compassionate care and support for the dying and their families, and the importance of preparing emotionally and spiritually for death.

Tsultrim shares her extensive experience, knowledge, understanding, and insights into the important field of palliative care, providing a Buddhist perspective and how her faith guides her work. They discuss topics such as why people are afraid to talk about death, what the dying are most afraid of, and how to help patients who are struggling with fear and anxiety about death.

They also explore the importance of emotional well-being at the time of passing and how to prepare for it, regardless of one's spiritual beliefs. Tsultrim explains the significance of contemplative practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, in preparing for death. Additionally, they discuss how Tsultrim works with patients from different religious backgrounds or those who may not be religious at all.

This episode offers valuable insights and guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of dying well and provides a Buddhist perspective on embracing impermanence.

Karuna Hospice Service: https://karuna.org.au/

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light   https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight 

Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

#BuddhistApproachtoDying #KarunaHospiceService #karuna #deathanddying #

S1. Ep37 Stacey McCray - Starting Over at 50: Embracing Change, Finding Joy, and Building a New Life (mental health and self-care, community building, dating, and embracing aging).

In this podcast episode, Ros and Cate talk with Stacey McCray, who shares her personal story of starting over in her early 50s. After leaving her successful career, her long-term marriage ended unexpectedly, and she vacated the home she lived in for 22 years, which took a toll on her mental health. Stacey's journey relates to the transitional turning points that occur in life and reminds us that how we respond to them can impact our well-being. Today, Stacey is passionate about using her newly acquired skills to help others through trauma, mental health issues, and loneliness.

Stacey discusses her process of choosing joy and stepping into becoming a more authentic version of herself. She talks about how she coped with post-divorce stress, including fear of moving into change specifically because she was an older woman. She also discusses how these changes impacted her sense of identity and how she balanced building a business and dealing with the stress of a protracted divorce.

Stacey's journey is characterized by self-care, including meditation, holistic health and nutrition courses, energetic healing, and aromatherapy. She discusses healthy habits she incorporated into her daily routine and how they impact her energy, decision-making, and motivation. She also talks about decluttering and creating new spaces as a form of self-care, and how she furnished her apartment to reflect her new chapter in life.

Stacey became a soul coach, a concept she first came across when she began to take care of her soul and identify areas for growth. She is now passionate about building community, finding purpose, and combating loneliness, which she does by getting involved in community projects and initiating groups that bring people together. Stacey also talks about dating, body image, and aging, and provides advice to those struggling with these issues.

Stacey's Meetups: ⁠https://www.meetup.com/noosa-social-connections/⁠

Stacey LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceymccraycoach/⁠

WEBSITE Ironing Out the Wrinkles

Full Guest Line-up ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup⁠

Meet Ros & Cate ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/meetrosandcate⁠

To read Ros's full bio or purchase her self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight⁠

Email Ros McMaster ⁠[email protected]⁠

S1. Ep36 Men's Emotional Health After Retirement: Exploring the Benefits of The Men's Shed Organization with Stephen Look"

Relationship breakdown, retrenchment or early retirement from a job, loss of children following divorce, physical or mental illness…. These are just some of the problems that men may find difficult to deal with on their own.  Most older men in particular have grown up in a culture where they don’t talk about feelings and emotions, don’t generally ask for help, and seldom take a vested interest in their own health and well-being. And it’s probably because of this, that many older men are less healthy than women, drink more, take more risks, and suffer more from isolation, loneliness, and depression. And that is why, we’re excited to have Stephen Look joining us today to talk about a wonderful worldwide organization called The Mens Shed. For those unfamiliar with Men’s Sheds, they promote healthy aging by providing an avenue for men to be productive, contribute to the community, connect with friends, and maintain an active body and mind, all in an atmosphere of old-fashioned mate-ship. ……. Stephen, a quirky ex-air traffic controller who doesn't like flying, is a secretary at Carina Men's Shed.  He says that other than his wife Leanne, he doesn’t have any passions, believing they can blinker you to possibilities. Besides the men’s shed, he’s involved with the Australian electoral commission, is a casual proctor at a Uni, enjoys lawn bowls and travel, and..… helps a local theatre group with props and scenery. Who said retirement was boring?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

LINKS

Australian Mens Shed Association https://mensshed.org/

World Wide Sheds https://mensshed.org/about-mens-sheds/mens-sheds-around-the-world/

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Meet Ros & Cate https://www.rosmcmaster.com/meetrosandcate

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight 

Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

S1. Ep35. Dismantling Ageism: A Manifesto Against Society's Last Acceptable Prejudice with Ashton Applewhite, Ageism Activist & Author | Embrace Aging, Combat Prejudice, and Foster Healthy Aging"

Show Notes:

Keywords: ageism, anti-ageism, healthy aging, activism, prejudice, older persons, quality of life, society, stigma, discrimination, awareness, advocacy.

LINKS:
Old School Anti-Ageism Clearinghouse
Ashton Website 

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Meet Ros & Cate https://www.rosmcmaster.com/meetrosandcate

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight

Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

S1. Ep34. Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Insights with Dr. Chris Gillespie" (incl. incontinence, constipation, and defecatory difficulties)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, and seeking to learn more about the condition, its causes, and potential treatments.  Dr Chris Gillespie, a specialist colorectal surgeon, joins as a guest to discuss common pelvic floor issues, including incontinence, constipation, and defecatory difficulties. He also sheds light on the causes, warning signs, and treatment options for these issues which can affect individuals of all ages and genders, with a higher prevalence rate in older adults.

Dr. Gillespie explains the intricate functions of the pelvic floor and its importance in the body's anatomy and physiology. He discusses the effects of aging on the pelvic floor and how it can lead to pelvic floor disorders; common causes of these disorders, including psychological reasons and lifestyle choices; the role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in treatment; and shares non-invasive treatment options such as diet, exercise, and ways to sit on the toilet. He also explains the importance of pelvic floor kegel exercises and how to perform them correctly.

If you're considering surgical intervention, Dr. Gillespie sheds light on the potential complications and risks associated with such treatment. He also provides advice on how to manage pain associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Dr. Gillespie practices at Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane and has a special interest in functional issues with the bowel, He has set up a multidisciplinary service called the Queensland Pelvic Floor Centre in Bowen Hills in Brisbane

LINKS

Brisbane Colorectal  http://www.brisbanecolorectal.com.au/

Queensland Pelvic Floor Centre https://qldpfc.com.au/about-us/

EXTRA BIO

He has particular interests in minimally invasive surgery, anal fistula, and colorectal pelvic floor disorders including fecal incontinence and defecatory dysfunction. Chris set up the colorectal pelvic floor unit at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, now the Queensland center for public patients with colorectal pelvic floor disorders, and this successful model is what has driven the development of the QLD Pelvic Floor Centre for private patients. He has many years of experience in investigating patients with anorectal problems using anorectal physiology and endoanal ultrasound and is widely published in this area.

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Meet Ros & Cate https://www.rosmcmaster.com/meetrosandcate

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light   https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight

  Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

S1. Ep33. Pain and Perception: A Closer Look at Why We Hurt - Insights from Dr. Daniel Harvey on the book co-authored with Professor Lorimer Moseley

For those of you who feel you can’t joyfully run towards older-hood because you’re suffering through chronic pain… we haven’t forgotten you… help is on the way. Today we’re joined by Pain Scientist Dr. Dan Harvie, to discuss the book  "Pain and Perception: A closer look at why we hurt,” which he co-authored with Professor Lorimer Moseley.

This book provides an in-depth understanding of pain and perception, and why people experience pain differently. Dan and Lorrimer take a closer look at the relationship between pain and the brain because pain is actually not just a physical sensation, but a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors that affect our perception of pain.

Dr. Daniel Harvey is a Pain Scientist and Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia. His research focuses on exploring new approaches to treating persistent pain using virtual reality and sensory training approaches. Daniel also serves on the education and committees for the Australian Pain Society and has an advisory role at an organisation known as More Good Days who offers pain management programs for those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Throughout the book, Harvie and Moseley provide readers with a wealth of scientific evidence to explain how pain perception works, and provide practical advice on how to manage pain, including tips on mindfulness and techniques to reframe our thoughts about pain - that will be a big relief to many of you!

Overall, "Pain and Perception: A closer look at why we hurt" is has been described as a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides a compelling argument for a more holistic and patient-centered approach to pain management.

LINKS:

BOOK:  Pain and Perception: A closer look at why we hurt. By Daniel S. Harvie & G. Lorimer Moseley - order through Noigroup: https://www.noigroup.com/product/pain-and-perception/

This Virtual Reality paper is open access so anyone can view/download: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frvir.2020.00013/full

Painrevolution.org fact sheets/resources: https://www.painrevolution.org/factsheets

Moregooddays online pain program: https://www.moregooddays.com/ 

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight

Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

The fear of crime can have a significant impact on the quality of life for older adults, so it's essential for them to recognise risky situations and take precautions to protect themselves and their property.  To help us help you in achieving this, today we’ve invited Sergeant Kimberley Richter from Gateway District Crime Prevention Unit in Brisbane to provide practical advice and tools for seniors to protect themselves in and out of their homes. We’ll cover topics such as improving home security, and personal safety when out and about.

Discussion:

Who is most likely to experience fear of crime and why?

Tips for improving home security for older adults - in the home, away, or on public transport. 

Benefits of personal alarms and safety devices: 

Successful crime prevention programs and initiatives for older adults. 

Working with community organizations and advocacy groups to raise awareness about crime prevention strategies for older adults.

Reporting crimes and suspicious activities for older adults hesitant to report crimes for fear of retaliation or other reasons.

Protecting against scams and fraud: Learn about common types of scams and fraud that older adults are susceptible to, and how to protect against them. From phone scams to internet-based scams, discover tips for staying safe.

Community-based crime prevention programs or initiatives that involve older adults as active participants, and how these programs have been successful

Little Black Book Of Scams: https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/the-little-black-book-of-scams

Neighbourhood Watch Australia: https://www.nhwa.com.au/

CyberCrime Awareness: https://www.cyber.gov.au/

Seniors Inquiry Line: 1300 135 500

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup⁠

Email Ros McMaster ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠  

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight⁠

S1. PART 2: Detecting and Preventing Elder Abuse: Insights from a Brisbane Nth Crime Prevention Unit with Sergeant Kimberly Richter

Following Part 1 episode on Crime prevention and safety, Sergeant Kimberly joins us again to discuss the important issue of elder abuse and how to detect, prevent, and intervene in cases of abuse. Australian research suggests 1 in 6 older Australians experience some form of abuse, with psychological abuse being the most common form. Sergeant Kimberly shares insights on the role of her crime prevention unit in addressing elder abuse, including the signs and indicators of abuse. She also discusses the challenges they face in detecting and preventing elder abuse and the effective prevention strategies recommended for older adults at risk. The episode concludes with advice for older adults and their families who may be concerned about the possibility of elder abuse but are unsure about what steps to take next.

LINKS:

Elder Abuse Helpline & Prevention Unit: 1300 651 192

Seniors Inquiry Line: ⁠⁠1300 135 500⁠⁠

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup

Email Ros McMaster [email protected]  

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight

S1. Ep31. SAVI: A Model for Emotional Well-Being in Adulthood"

Today, with the help of or guest Susan Turk Charles, we’ll be discussing a fascinating model for understanding emotional well-being in older adults.  It’s called the Strength and Vulnerability Integration model (conveniently shortened to SAVI).  Susan, a Professor of Psychological Science,  and her team developed the SAVI model as an intervention to improve the mental and physical health of older adults. It’s based on the idea that strengths and vulnerabilities are not opposing forces, but rather complementary ones that work together to create emotional resilience. Strengths include factors like social support, self-esteem, and a sense of control over one's life, while vulnerabilities include things like stress, negative life events, and health problems. The SAVI model also suggests that in order to achieve optimal emotional well-being, a balance of strengths and vulnerabilities is necessary. So what does that all mean for you, our listeners, who are moving through the second stage of life?

Susan TurkCharles is a Professor of Psychological Science, and Nursing Science, at the University of California-Irvine. She’s also a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Psychological Science. Susan has always been interested in how affective experience varies across the lifespan, and how socio-emotional experiences are related to differences in cognitive and health-related processes. 

LINKS: Susan Turk Charles Research Gate - List of Research https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Susan-T-Charles-2114350900

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup⁠

Meet Ros & Cate ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/meetrosandcate⁠

Email Ros McMaster⁠ [email protected]⁠  

Ros's Book: A self-help Memoir From Shadows to Light  ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight ⁠ 

Meet Gena Alston, a vibrant and dynamic woman who has spent over 30 years exploring the meaning of life. Gena shares her wisdom on aging graceIully, spirituality, and the importance of taking care of our bodies. Born and educated in England, Gena spent most of her early life in the theatrical world until a serious accident redirected her passion for ice skating. Now in her 70s and living in Brisbane, Australia, Gena is a working Clairvoyant and Teacher of Awareness who has studied different religious beliefs and philosophical teachings. Gena talks about how her spiritual journey has impacted her journey through getting older and transitioning through the years without paying attention to the number of years she's been walking the planet.

In her 60s, Gena decided to write several books, including "In Pursuit of Understanding," a self-help memoir that focuses on her spiritual journey. The book's "Upon Reflection" passages provide a Segway to discussing mindset and how to cope with the challenges of aging gracefully. As a trained Massage Therapist, Aromatherapist, Shiatsu Teacher, and Reiki Master, Gena believes that life is precious and exciting, and we need to step boldly into who we are and where we are, creating a magical experience of living our dreams.

Links

Website. https://www.genaalston.com/

Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEB&search_query=gena+alston

Ironing Out the Wrinkles WEBSITE

Guest Line-up ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/guestlineup⁠

Email Ros McMaster ⁠[email protected]⁠  

Ros's self-help memoir: From Shadows to Light  ⁠https://www.rosmcmaster.com/fromshadowstolight