Retiree Rebels: Ditch the Rocking Chair!

Finding happiness is not the same at the point of retirement as it was at age 5 or 6. There's a lifetime of stumbles that often get in our way. Mary Helen and Carol in this edition of Kitchen Table Talks discuss figuring out what happiness means to us now, and what might be getting in our way of finding it.

When did this start? Younger people calling older people "adorable"? Carol Larson examines why this disturbing description was recent thrown in her direction.

(Hint: It has to do with sex!)

Do you have a driver's license? Do you know the rules of the road?

Mary Helen reflects on renewing her driver's license and what the rules say to her now in her bonus years. Safe driving, Retiree Rebels as the traffic signals become metaphors for helping us on the road to retirement.

"Blinking yellow lights when you're about to do something stupid.Stop signs in front of people who could hurt you.Green lights shining when you're doing the right thing.It would make the whole experience easier." The whole experience is life. (Bauer)

Helen Marks Dicks advocates for Wisconsin's office of the American Association of Retired People (AARP), pushing for legislation serving seniors. But she also advocates for all of us to become as eccentric as possible. Helen lives her philosophy, and sat down with Mary Helen and Carol to discuss ageism, AARP issues, and pursuing authenticity in our "bonus years."

Blame It On The Ukulele! More than a song lyric, the charm of Hawaiian strings has lately spiked the Uke's popularity across the US. One of the many new Uke groups is in Carol Larson's neighborhood, and she interviewed members to understand the growing appeal of the Ukulele, especially among retirees. Many thanks to: Judy Christie, Carol Tyler, Dennis Carberry, Vicki Fondrk and the other members of the Fitchburg Ukulele Network (FUN)

What's Your Brand? Are you job hunting? You already know today's market is a lot different than when we were young. Career Strategist Donna Beestman says older workers have to put more than their history on a resume. She sat down with Mary Helen and Carol to explain how developing a "personal brand" can help you in a job search.

Mary Helen talks of the remembering we need to do in retirement to help ourselves and our families continue to understand the legacy we will leave. Using her favorite holiday of July 4th she shows how remembering can make our past take focus in telling our stories.

Seniors Helping Seniors The idea has turned into a movement called Village to Village. In Madison, WI one of the founding associations of a senior run and senior targeted "villages" is called SAIL (Supporting Active Independent Lives). Executive Director Ann Albert talks with Mary Helen and Carol about the growth of a national movement.

Summer is the time for fun. Do you remember how to have fun? Carol Larson talks about how retirement can actually be hazardous to your health, and how she found her way to a happier life through the new sport of PickleBall.

Is it time for you to be selfish? It may be the means to finding your next steps in retirement. John Vardallas, publisher of Today's BoomeR, ditched the rocking chair early, and tells Mary Helen and Carol his personal quest for joy helped him craft a business he's still enjoying today.