Topics
• What does “Aging Gratefully” really mean?
• How do we, as older women, thrive and not just survive   
• Helpful ways to tap into body positivity

Quotes Worth Repeating
To me, Aging Gratefully means finally not being afraid to look at myself in the mirror. J Henry
It means looking at scars straight on and saying out loud – remember how afraid you were? And look, you got thru it J Henry
It means finally saying aloud to my body, “Thank you. Thank you for sticking with me despite the years I’ve taken you for granted.  J Henry
Try looking at your body and finding at least one thing you can love. J Henry
Focus less on standard physical beauty as a measure of your worth,  and more on embracing what is uniquely you. J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
Stasia Savasuk – Be Full of Yourself
Embrace Aging: 10 Strategies to Foster Positive Body Image 
Seven Strategies to Deal With Body Image Issues
Love Your Body More As An Adult
Body Image and Chronic Illness
Style and Creativity From A Senior Perspective
Expand Your Horizon – 3 Writing Activities to Encourage Positive Body Image
Hollie Holden – Artist, Writer, and Podcaster

Topics
• The Henry Beemus Book Club
• Judith’s Recommended Non Fiction – New isn’t always better
• Judith’s Recommended Fiction – spiritual, mystical and totally lovely
•Judith’s Friends Recommend Some Good Fiction  

Website/App/Book Recommendations
Judith’s Recommended Non-Fiction Everything Happens For A Reason And Other Lies I’ve Loved By Kate Bowler

Memoir as Medicine: The Healing Power of Writing Your Messy, Imperfect, Unruly (And Gorgeously Yours) Life Story by Nancy  Slonim Aronie

Writing Begins With The Breath: Embodying Your Authentic Voice by Laraine Herring

In The Neighborhood: The Search for Community On An American Street by Peter Lovenheim

Good People Stories From The Best of Humanity edited by Upworthy

Congratulations, By The Way by George Saunders

Barking to the Choir; The Power of Radical Kinship by Father Gregory Boyle

Judith’s Recommended Fiction

The House in the Cerulean Sea  by T J Klune

Mystic Tea by Rea Nolan Martin

Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo

Judith’s Friends Recommend Some Fiction

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

Eddie Winston is Looking For Love

The Wedding People

Sipsworth

A Hundred Years of Lenni And Margot

Topics
• Laughter and hospice in the same sentence?
• Disclaimer: I am not offering medical advice here…
• Medicare requirements to be eligible for hospice
•How hospice can help
• Other general facts about hospice
• My family’s experience with hospice

Quotes Worth Repeating
I’m not offering medical advice here. I just want you to know more about Medicare’s hospice services in the event they can be of help to you and your loved one. J Henry

Considering hospice is not about giving up hope. It’s about making the most of the time remaining. J Henry

Being proactive on the subject of hospice is a good idea. Talking to your family member before the actual need arises will help you all feel more comfortable with the decision to move forward with hospice care at the appropriate time. J Henry

Keep in mind that a person can also opt to go off hospice should circumstances or feelings change. J Henry

If you’re wondering how to find out which hospice organization is right for you, start by talking to nurses and other healthcare professionals, friends or neighbors who’ve used their services, senior centers or nursing home facilities. J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care
http://www.nationalhospicefoundation.orghttp://www.caringinfo.org
http://www.hospicenet.org
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide To Caregiving

Topics
• Hibiscus, Hysterectomies, and Humor – What do they have in common?
• Time to get serious about laughter
• Why is the topic of laughter important enough for a podcast episode?
• The physical benefits in laughter
• The emotional and social benefits of laughter
• Planning mom’s funeral with Barbara Streisand’s help
• Laughter in the face of life’s challenges takes guts

Quotes Worth Repeating
Laughter can help us reestablish social connections and make us feel less alone J Henry

Research shows that it allows our bodies to relax during stressful times; releases endorphins, a natural pain fighter; lowers blood pressure, and boosts our immune system. J Henry

When dealing with life and death situations, protects us from being crushed by our feelings; and sometimes it can be a powerful way to soothe a broken heart. J Henry

“As we grow older, it’s critical to cultivate a healthy attitude towards the mental, emotional and physical changes that can occur as we age, and a sense of humor can really help.”    J Henry

 “In this world, a good time to laugh is any time you can.” – Linda Ellerbee

Website/App/Book Recommendations
Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a secret weapon in business and life by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas
It’s not just a joke
Laughter is the best medicine
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide To Caregiving

Topics
• Leaving a legacy isn’t just about money or things. Your words matter, too
• Where Legacy Letters came from
• Benefits of writing a Legacy Letter – Physically and emotionally
• Getting started - things to consider when composing your Legacy Letter
• Sharing your Legacy Letter now, while you’re here to enjoy and engage with others
• Some topics to include
• Different formats for your Legacy Letter
• Let me know if you’re interested in learning more by emailing me: [email protected]

Quotes Worth Repeating
Our lives are rich in story, shaped by culture, traditions and family of origin.  By exploring our past, we come to know ourselves more clearly, where we’ve been, see what we’ve achieved and who and what we treasure most deeply. J Henry
Reminiscing, which is part of writing a Legacy Letter, can lower depression, reduce pain; encourage social interaction, and help adults make sense of their past. J Henry
Don’t gloss over the challenges in your life. Loved ones want to know how you’ve overcome adversity during tough times. J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
Nothing Left Unsaid by Mary Polce-Lynch PhD
So Grows The Tree by Jo Kline Cebuhar, JD
Guide to writing a Legacy Letter or Ethical Will
Writing A Legacy Letter: Sixty and Me

Topics
• A crazy dream that made lots of sense.
• Letting go of stuff, emotions, old ways of thinking. My friends weigh in.
•Is letting go easier or harder as we age?
• Good list of things to let go of

Quotes Worth Repeating
Letting Go is such a powerful topic and one that becomes even more important as we grow older. J Henry
Letting go doesn’t always refer to physical stuff. We all have mental and emotional burdens that can weigh us down because we’re…well….human. J Henry
For me it’s about allowing myself to be lightened and enlightened by letting go of what no longer serves me- whether that’s an 50 piece collection of old china or worrying incessantly about what’s coming round the bend. J Henry
Another way to look at giving away possessions is that it creates an opportunity for others to cherish them. J Henry
Stay mouthy. J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
The Power of Now By Eckhart Tolle
Keep The Memories, Lose The Stuff by Matt Paxton
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Topics
• Your dream life may make more sense than real life
• A few things to have ready in case of an emergency
• When faced with decisions re: a procedure/treatment/surgery, take a breath and ask good questions
• Dealing with compassion fatigue
• Keeping a journal can really help
• The first rule of self-care
• End of life conversations
• Four phrases to minimize regrets
• A caregiver’s mantra

Quotes Worth Repeating
“The good news is there’s tons of information and resources out there, and the bad news is there’s tons of information and resources out there.” J Henry
“The reality is that most of us are not prepared for taking on the role of caregiver. So while just winging it is one option, there are actually ways to prepare ahead.” J Henry
“The first step in self-care is giving yourself permission to feel what you feel without judgement.” J Henry
“It’s not a stretch to imagine that caregivers can suffer from something called, “compassion fatigue.” J Henry
“Remember you’re only human.” J Henry
“When initiating end-of-life discussions try reframing them as an act of love” J Henry
“There are no easy answers or perfect solutions to situations that involve caregiving.” J Henry
“Don’t become a prisoner of regret after a parent is gone.” J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
The Dutiful Daughter’s Guide to Caregiving
Questions to ask during a check-up
Other questions to ask your doctor
The Four Things That Matter Most

Topics
• Look into budget plans or senior discounts for home utilities like water and electricity
• Some Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and other benefits
• Grow your own herbs
• Use your local library to check out books and new or old films or series for free
• Thrift store shopping will net you great bargains and savings
• Attend or hold book, plant, or clothing swaps. They’re fun, community building and money savers!
• Use muslin as your painting substrate. So much cheaper than canvases or large paper
• Use paint samples from the paint or home improvement store for your art
• Visit local recycling stores for great deals on art and office supplies

Quotes Worth Repeating
““As a disclaimer, I’m not giving financial, legal or healthcare advice in this episode. But if you’re wondering are there really  ways to save money these days, then keep listening.” J Henry
“Small things can often lead to big savings before you know it.” J Henry
“I’ve given up some things but truly, it has brought me more peace, more joy, and more love, and acceptance of myself, than I ever imagined.” J Henry
“I’m crazy careful on all of the “little “ spends (eating out, brands vs generics, clothes, coupons, disposable items, etc) that add up big so that when I spend - it’s on memorable things like trips” Catherine
“For me, being retired is a luxury and I appreciate it every single day!” Val

Website/App/Book Recommendations
https://simplefrugallife.org/
https://bloggers.feedspot.com/frugal_blogs
https://www.seniorliving.org/finance/frugal-living-tips/
https://www.judsonmeadowsassistedliving.com/resources/blog/frugal-living-tips-for-seniors/
https://www.goodrx.com/
https://www.costplusdrugs.com/

Topics
• The facts of life as a child
• The facts of life as an adult
• Ways to stay safer in your own home

Quotes Worth Repeating
“Simple home modifications can help us live safer and healthier lives.” J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
https://aginginplace.com/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place

Topics
• My mom’s Celebration of Life 
• Grief is not always linear
• Don’t be stuck in guilt and regret. Say these four things now.
• It’s okay to feel relief
• Ways to soften the edges of grief
• Try writing through the grief
• Give yourself the gift of forgiveness

Quotes Worth Repeating
“Grieving rarely follows the script in your head.” J Henry
“In times of great loss, regret can often keep us stuck in the grieving process.” J Henry
“It’s okay to feel relief.” J Henry
”Grief is so often muddled together with other thoughts and feelings. My advice? Give yourself permission to Feel what you feel without guilt, shame, or second-guessing – because this is how the healing begins.” J Henry

Website/App/Book Recommendations
The Four Things That Matter Most by Dr Ira Byock
David Kessler Website On Dealing With Grief
Modern Loss
Passed and Present by Allison Gilbert
The Great Book of Journaling
There Is No Good Card for This