Summary

In this conversation, Sara Zeff Geber discusses the phenomenon of solo aging, particularly among women, and the societal changes that have led to an increase in the number of people choosing to age alone. She emphasizes the importance of planning for the future, including financial, legal, and social aspects, and highlights the need for community and connection as people age. The discussion also touches on evolving definitions of solo aging and the implications of family diaspora for relationships and support systems.

Takeaways

Women gained independence through higher education and job opportunities.

The ability to support oneself has changed divorce rates.

The family diaspora affects where children live in relation to their parents.

Solo aging can be a positive experience if planned well.

Community and social connections are crucial for solo agers.

Planning for aging should start early to avoid crises.

Financial literacy is essential for long-term planning.

Living in a supportive community can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Older men are more likely to remarry than older women.

The trend of solo aging is expected to continue. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/

https://sarazeffgeber.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w

If you watch the Winter Olympics, you have seen and heard about luge, a sport where athletes race down an icy track on a small sled, lying on their backs with their feet pointing forward, reaching speeds over 90 mph.

At age 34, today’s guest, Anne Abernathy, set the record as the oldest female to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. But that wasn’t the ending of her career.

She made the US Virgin Islands’ luge team six more times. At age 63, Anne was the oldest woman to compete in the sport at the Olympics.

And just for the heck of it, she honed her archery skills.

As you might have guessed, Anne’s journey was not trouble-free, far from it. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma just before her first Winter Olympic Games; she’s had twenty knee operations, too many broken bones to count, and her home was demolished in a hurricane.

So, the question remains: What drives a star athlete to continue competing against all odds, and what has Anne learned about herself and the process of getting older?

Takeaways

Anne Abernathy set the record as the oldest female luge competitor.

She faced numerous challenges, including cancer and serious injuries.

Her background in music helped her cope with the pressures of competition.

Anne discovered luge during a trip to Lake Placid, New York.

She trained for three years before competing in her first Olympics.

Despite being told she couldn't train due to cancer, she persevered and competed in six Olympics.

Anne's serious brain injury led to a unique recovery process.

She transitioned to archery after retiring from luge and continues to compete.

Aging has provided Anne with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

She believes that getting older is liberating, not limiting.

https://anneabernathy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anne.abernathy1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-abernathy-709213/

I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom.

I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride!

Takeaways

Jane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity.

She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error.

Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes.

Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging.

Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age.

Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death.

Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging.

Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections.

Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning.

Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane. 

Titles

A Journey into Podcasting at 77

Vitality and Humor in Aging

Sound bites

"I want to be a podcaster."

"It's okay to make mistakes."

"Humor is key to aging."

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster

05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality

10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning

15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing

22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytelling

janeleder.net

https://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends

When I think about moving from a home that my husband and I have shared for 32 years, I break out in a cold sweat. There's the kitchen with its overabundance of antique bowls and gadgets, my great-grandmother's china, my office with decades worth of my books, research materials, and file folders. And then there's my husband's studio with . . . Well, don't get me started. So this is where Jeannine Bryant can help save the day. She's a senior move manager who owns her own company and knows all about helping seniors or their sons and daughters. Well, let's face it, we're talking daughters. She helps find that place between too much and too little, and how we can keep the memories and not the stuff. 

Takeaways

Moving can be an emotional experience, especially after many years in one home.

Women often take on the responsibility of organizing family belongings.

Right-sizing is a more positive approach than downsizing.

It's never too late to start decluttering and organizing.

Discussing death and planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones.

Family experiences can motivate proactive planning for one's own belongings.

Start decluttering with easy items to build momentum.

Keepsakes should be displayed or used to bring joy.

Gifting items to loved ones can create meaningful memories.

Resources like senior move managers can provide valuable assistance. 

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Moving

02:57 The Role of Women in Family Organization

05:45 Understanding Right-Sizing vs. Downsizing

08:43 The Importance of Early Planning

11:38 Confronting the Topic of Death

14:41 The Value of Proactive Planning

17:36 Practical Steps to Declutter

20:40 Making Decisions on Keepsakes

23:42 Gifting and Sharing Memories

26:43 Planning for a Move

29:47 Connecting with Seniors

32:53 Resources for Moving and Decluttering

https://easyrightsizing.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNA775OFJQif29NHbfuovw

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninebryant/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jeannine+bryant&crid=13KK34II4WFGS&sprefix=Jeannine+Bry%2Caps%2C91&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

Kelly Jackson, 73, and Sally, 75, are sisters who have lived together without husbands or children for almost 20 years. They reconnected as live-in caregivers for their mother, and during the four years they cared for her, they turned to blogging and short videos to keep their spirits up. They used the handle, "Midlife Gal's Gone Gray," and their mission was to ensure that women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond never stop laughing. After a decade living in Honolulu, the sisters are back on the mainland, intending to become senior social media influencers.

With over 300,000 viewers on their platforms and thousands of likes, shares, and subscribers, I'm betting on their success.

Chapters

00:25 Introduction and First Impressions

00:48 Sisters Reunited: A Journey Begins

10:25 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

17:16 Caring for Mom: A New Chapter

23:06 Finding Laughter in Life's Challenges

28:40 Political Humor and Social Media Aspirations

30:26 Words of Wisdom for Older Women

Takeaways

The sisters had a non-traditional upbringing with a mother who was not very maternal.

They decided to care for their mother when they realized she needed help.

Laughter and humor are essential for coping with life's challenges.

Moving to Hawaii was a significant turning point in their lives.

They found creative outlets to express themselves and cope with caregiving.

The importance of sibling relationships and shared experiences is highlighted.

Aging can be navigated with humor and creativity.

They reflect on their childhood memories and how they shaped their lives.

The sisters emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life.

Wisdom gained from experiences can be shared with others, especially older women.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

  https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts

https://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifegalsgonegray

https://www.instagram.com/sallyjackson5848/?hl=en

I'm now up on YouTube.

You can watch this episode at  https://youtu.be/72wGKcF6m4U

In this conversation, Patricia Madson, a drama professor emeritus and author, shares her journey from a curious and adventurous child to a seasoned educator in improvisation.

She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, the transformative power of improvisation in personal and professional life, and the significance of finding

purpose and gratitude in everyday experiences. Patricia also introduces Eastern philosophies that emphasize self-reflection and proactive living, encouraging listeners to appreciate

the interconnectedness of their lives and the people who have influenced them.

You can go to her website:

https://improvwisdom.com/bio.html

Order "Improv Wisdom" on that site or go to Amazon and all other online book stores

My friend and fellow podcaster, Wendy Green, is the host of "Boomer Banter."

heyboomer.biz/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-green-heyboomerpodcast/

https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/

Haven't made a trip to your local cannabis dispensary? Haven't talked to your physician about a medical marijuana card? Don't have a clue how cannabis may help with all kinds of health issues, from insomnia to anxiety, from certain serious diseases to focus/concentration? Or, what the hell? Maybe for relaxation and fun.

How did cannabis get a bad rep in so many circles? What role has racism played? Greed? And why the heck is alcohol seen as somehow okay when cannabis is not?

My guest today is Kelly Goldberg, a cannabis educator and advocate, about the health benefits of cannabis, particularly for women as they age. Kelly shares her personal journey into cannabis advocacy, the historical context of cannabis legality, and the various medical benefits of cannabis. The discussion also covers how to navigate cannabis use, dosage, and the importance of understanding THC and CBD. Kelly emphasizes the need for education and advocacy in the cannabis space, especially for older women seeking alternative health solutions. It's important to find an RN, MD, or a "budtender" who is knowledgeable and can answer questions and suggest or prescribe.

I assume that many of us have smoked "pot" in college and beyond. Or, at least took a "hit" or two at a raucous party. One woman I spoke to said all she knew how to do was "roll" a "joint," but had no idea about the best way to consume cannabis today.

Stick around. You'll learn a lot!

https://scps.depaul.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/kelly-goldberg.aspx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjudgegoldberg/

https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goldberg.3/

For Questions About Cannabis (or any of the other topics we've covered) [email protected]

Sally Duplantier

[email protected]

This episode, "Likeable Badass" with author/PhD Alison Fagale, covers so many bases that I've chosen more of a summary or an outline.

As I wrote on another site, Alison is a Dynamo who knows her stuff inside and out because she's lived it, taught it, and written about it.

What is it? It is a woman who studies people, the science of people. It is a toolbox that women (and men) can use to hone their communication skills and succeed at what's most important to them.

What does that mean?

Well, here you go with some examples:

The Two Dimensions of Status

The Art of Self-Promotion

The Power of Compliments

Authenticity in Reputation Management

It's always great to get feedback from listeners. You can go to my website at janeleder.net, subscribe to my site for podcast episodes, my blog 80 & Me, information about upcoming guests, and more.

Here is Alison's website:

https://alisonfragale.com/about/

And here is the link to Wellness Wednesday, hosted by Sally Duplantier. This is a free

monthly webinar series that brings practical, evidence-based strategies for healthy aging to hundreds of people each week. Each program is also recorded, so no one misses out on the inspiration and tools to live well. Learn more at www.myzinglife.com.

At 60, Denise Taylor began again: downsized, got a divorce, embraced single living, and set off on a journey that included a vision quest, game ranger training, and time living with a Maasai tribe. At 64, she completed her doctorate exploring how people find meaning after full-time work. That research became the seed for ThriveSpan, one of nine books, a model, a philosophy, and a way of living more consciously in later life.

"I could see the future," Denise said. "If I were going to make any changes, I'd better make them now."

Single living was difficult. She realized that she had no friends. Denise and her ex-husband had done everything together. There'd been no room, time, or convenience of friends. But she put in the time and energy and developed enough social contact to make her happy.

But the beauty of being single allowed Denise to make her own decisions. She no longer had to placate her ex. "There was such freedom," she said. "Every decision is mine."

You'll want to listen to Denise talk about her experiences as a vision quester (Is there such a thing?), her time spent with a Masai tribe, and the owner of four acres of woodland. "Nature has influenced me in so many ways; it certainly influences my writing and the connection I feel to Mother Nature."

https://denisetaylor.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/retirement-relevance-question-who-we-without-doing-dr-denise-taylor-9vn1e/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisetaylor/?originalSubdomain=uk

"We don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today."

"Aging is a process of living." Guest Tracey Gendron, professor, author, and activist, reminds listeners that we don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today. However, the way we learn about aging is filled with misconceptions. We've never learned the truth; instead, we think of aging as a process of physical decline and don't look at the "growth part." Yes, Tracey says, loss and decline are real. There's no getting around that. But so is change and growth. Research shows that as we age, we tend to focus on things that make us feel better, and we are much more able to "prune" the relationships and things that are not working for us. It's part of the wisdom we gain. We understand that we've wasted a lot of time on people who don't give us joy. "The world gets smaller but richer because it is filled with people and things we love.""Older Women & Friends" is richer with Tracey as this episode's guest.Her book, Ageism Unmasked, has garnered oodles of praise like this:“This book is a must-read for anyone who is aging — and that is every one of us! "Jill Vitale-Aussem, author of Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Livinghttps://www.traceygendron.com/homeAgeism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It-  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/700435/ageism-unmasked-by-tracey-gendron/9781586423223/OR wherever you buy books