Building Resilience

In this episode of 'Sixtysomething', your host, Grace Taylor Segal, explores the concept of resilience, particularly as it pertains to life in our sixties and beyond.

Inspired by an article by Eric Vance in the New York Times, Grace shares reflections, personal experiences, and scientific insights into how we can build and strengthen our resilience over time.

The episode includes five strategies to enhance resilience, stories of influential figures like Nelson Mandela and Sheryl Sandberg, and highlights the importance of self-compassion, social connections, adaptability, and having a sense of purpose.

References to several excellent sources of information on the subject of Resilience are listed below.

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Hey Friends! It's me, Grace! I just want to thank you for listening. I hope you’ll let me know what you think about the podcast and if any particular episodes resonate with you.

Listed just below here is my contact information and all of the social channels where you can find me, as well as the link to our Facebook Group. Some of these are in the infant stages, so please keep that in mind if you don't see too much activity in these early days. We'll get there, I promise.

Contact Info

Grace Taylor Segal

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: 60something Page 

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553062496332)

Instagram: @60somethingpod

Facebook Group: 60Something Pod

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1665326354000332

(I’ll be expanding this list soon, so please check back to find me on Pinterest & TikTok.)

Resources

Books:

Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

• Focuses on building resilience after life’s setbacks and finding joy again after loss or adversity. It’s full of practical advice and moving personal stories.

The Resilience Factor by Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatté

• This book breaks down resilience into a set of skills that anyone can develop. It’s a more step-by-step guide to building emotional strength.

Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness by Rick Hanson

• This book blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and psychology to offer strategies for developing resilience.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

• Although focused on the concept of grit, this book offers great insights into perseverance and resilience in both personal and professional life.

The Road to Character by David Brooks

• Brooks dives deep into the moral and ethical choices that shape strong character, resilience being one of the key traits explored.

Articles:

"I Used to Be Resilient. What Happened?" by Erik Vance (The New York Times)

• The article that inspired this episode, examining why resilience might wane over time and how we can regain it.

"How to Build Resilience" (American Psychological Association)

• A practical guide with specific tips on how to cultivate resilience in your daily life.

"What Resilience Looks Like in Later Life" by Jane E. Brody (The New York Times)

• Discusses how older adults can build resilience in the face of age-related challenges.

"How Resilience Works" by Diane Coutu (Harvard Business Review)

• Offers an insightful look into what makes people resilient and how they recover from adversity, based on research and interviews.

Podcasts:

On Being with Krista Tippett

• A deep-dive into life's big questions, including resilience and finding meaning in difficult times. Specific episodes often touch on emotional strength and adaptation.

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

• This podcast offers science-backed tips on improving happiness, which often intersect with resilience practices.

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

• Focuses on vulnerability and courage, two important aspects of resilience. Brené’s episodes often feature discussions on how to rise after a fall.

Films & TV Shows:

The Pursuit of Happyness (Film)

• This inspiring film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who faces extreme challenges but builds resilience through perseverance.

Wild (Film)

• Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, this film follows her journey of self-discovery and resilience as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome her past.

Inside Out (Film)

• While it’s animated, Inside Out is a powerful exploration of emotions, including sadness and resilience. It’s a great watch for reflecting on emotional health and how we process challenges.

The Queen’s Gambit (TV Series)

• A fascinating series about a young woman who battles personal demons while rising to become a chess champion. It’s a great example of resilience in the face of adversity.

Call the Midwife (TV Series)

• This long-running series portrays resilience in so many different forms—through the personal struggles of nurses and midwives, and the challenges they help their patients overcome.

Credits

Sixtysomething Theme Song

Music & lyrics by Lizzy Sanford

Vocals by Lizzy Sanford

Guitar: Lizzy & Coco Sanford

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to 60 Something: The Sleep Episode

00:09 The Importance of Sleep and Personal Anecdotes

03:33 Understanding Sleep's Role in Health and Aging

06:05 Practical Tips and Remedies for Better Sleep

10:02 Exploring Sleep Supplements and Outside-the-Box Ideas

11:51 Leveraging Expert Advice for Sleep Improvement

16:25 Conclusion and Future Topics