This year marks a powerful milestone as baby boomers step into a new season of life, and so is Karren. In this laughter-filled episode of Walks with Mom, host Kimberly Akers heads into the kitchen with her mom for a candid conversation about aging, independence, purpose, and the role healthy cooking plays in staying vibrant through the years.

What starts as a simple conversation about meal planning quickly turns into stories that will have you giggling right along with them. From holiday French toast disasters that sent the kids running to the closest burger joint, to Instant Pot experiments that didn’t quite go as planned, this episode captures the beauty of real family moments. And in true form, Karren proudly holds the title of head chef while Kimberly has claimed her role as kitchen cleanup crew.

But beneath the humor is something deeper. As baby boomers turn 80 this year, conversations about aging in place, senior independence, and maintaining purpose are more important than ever. Karren shares how continuing to grocery shop, plan meals, and cook for her family gives her a strong sense of contribution and identity. Staying active in the kitchen is about more than food — it supports cognitive health, emotional wellness, and physical movement.

The episode also explores how nutritional needs change as we age. Energy levels shift. Digestion changes. Priorities evolve. Yet the desire to care for family remains strong. Balancing healthy meals with fun dishes for younger generations can be a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to connect across generations. The kitchen becomes a place where wisdom is passed down, laughter fills the room, and purpose is reinforced.

This conversation gently reminds listeners that supporting aging parents does not mean taking away their autonomy. It means honoring their experience, allowing them to contribute, and adapting with grace as needs change. Whether it’s planning a celebration that thoughtfully includes mobility assistance like walkers for guests or adjusting recipes to meet new health goals, it’s about meeting each stage of life with dignity.

If you are navigating caregiving, supporting aging parents, embracing your own baby boomer chapter, or simply love stories that make you feel connected to family, this episode will resonate deeply. It is a reminder that growing older is not about slowing down. It is about staying engaged, staying purposeful, and sometimes knowing when to step away from the stove and let someone else handle the cleanup.

Subscribe to Walks with Mom for more real conversations about senior lifestyle, healthy aging, caregiving, and the beauty of multi-generational connection — all shared with honesty, humor, and heart.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we lean into a conversation that many families avoid — until something happens.

A fall.

What seems like a simple misstep can quickly become something much bigger. Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury among older adults, often creating life-changing consequences physically, emotionally, and mentally. This episode explores why falls are not just accidents, but warning signs that deserve attention, conversation, and care.

Kim openly shares her emotional reaction when she learned about the fall — admitting she was heated at first. Her response came from love, but it also revealed something deeper about how we communicate in moments of fear. Together, she shares important takeaways about falls, family response, and why engagement in conversations matters more than control.

Karren vulnerably explains what really happened. Simply stepped up onto a curb, lost balance, damaged her phone, and felt embarrassed. At first, she didn’t tell anyone about the fall or what she was doing before she fell. The embarrassment. The independence. The fear of being seen as “less capable.” These emotions are real and common as we age.

But the bigger question becomes — why did she fall?

One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Karren shares why she didn’t want to tell Kim right away. It opens the door to a deeper reflection for all of us:

Are you emotionally safe to talk to?

Do the people you love feel safe telling you when something goes wrong — without fear of judgment, frustration, or overreaction?

This episode isn’t just about falls. It’s about communication. It’s about trust. It’s about understanding that sometimes what looks like a physical stumble is actually an opportunity for emotional growth.

From statistics in Arizona to personal vulnerability, this conversation reminds us that staying engaged — truly engaged — in our relationships matters. Falls can happen. What we do after them is what changes everything.

Listen in and learn how we can all grow, listen better, respond with compassion, and create safe spaces for the people we love.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

In Part 2 of Walks with Mom, the conversation moves deeper into one of the most sensitive and necessary topics in aging: finances, preparedness, and honest family communication. 

Expanding on the framework of the Wise, the Foolish, and the Simple, the ladies explore how these patterns show up not only in health decisions but in financial planning, paperwork organization, and navigating today’s technology-driven world. Being “wise” is not simply about having resources—it’s about knowing where important documents are stored, understanding accounts, preparing legal protections, and making sure someone trustworthy knows how to access what’s needed when the time comes.

The discussion also addresses the emotional weight finances can carry. Money conversations between aging parents and adult children can bring embarrassment, pride, or fear of losing independence. Sometimes finances reveal areas where planning did not happen, and that can feel uncomfortable. The ladies talk openly about how avoidance, assuming “someone else will handle it,” or only partially understanding professional advice can lead to confusion and strain during already stressful moments. They emphasize that transparency and preparation protect dignity—they don’t diminish it.

This episode explores how to remain connected and intentional as added family members reshape the structure of relationships. From investing in the family's futures to finding meaningful ways to stay involved without overstepping, the conversation offers thoughtful insight into aging with awareness, preserving harmony, and strengthening bonds across generations.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

In this heartfelt episode, the ladies dive into the evolving nature of relationships across every stage of life—family, friendships, and romantic connections—and how those bonds change as we age.

As children and grandchildren grow into their own lives, roles within a family naturally shift. What once felt constant can begin to feel different, sometimes leaving older adults wondering where they fit, how to stay connected, or how to find companionship in new ways.

The conversation explores how healthy, fulfilling relationships help us feel loved, valued, and emotionally supported. The hosts also talk about the grief that can come with losing loved ones, and how that loss may create increased reliance on remaining family members or caregivers for connection.

Most importantly, they share thoughtful insight into how to stay involved, continue growing with your family, and navigate the reality that everyone’s lives are expanding. You’ll hear practical and compassionate ideas for maintaining purpose, building meaningful companionship, and avoiding common strains that can arise during life transitions.

Join the ladies as they open the door to honest dialogue about how relationships can deepen with time—and how awareness can help us avoid pitfalls along the way.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

In this episode of Walks with Mom, the conversation explores the different types of people encountered throughout the aging journey—and why no two experiences look the same. The Wise, the Foolish and the Simple.

Wise: A.  There is wise and there is wise.  Financial advisor would say. But I have decided to put some investment in my grandchildren’s college education. 

Foolish:  Think that the next doctor will take care of any medical problems and I will be fine and as fit as ever.  Or that they have, so let’s not worry about my diet or about any exercise.

Simple: Only hear part of what the doctor or other advisors say.  Are okay if they don’t fully understand.

Listeners are invited to reflect on an important question: which type are you, and which type are you becoming as you age?

From fiercely independent seniors to those who embrace support, the episode shares real-life examples that highlight how personality, mindset, and family dynamics shape the senior experience.
With insight from the senior industry, this discussion sheds light on patterns many don’t recognize until they are living them firsthand. 

At its core, the episode emphasizes one meaningful truth—investing in family matters. The choices made today influence future relationships, care, and connection. This episode offers thoughtful perspective, practical insight, and encouragement to approach aging with intention, awareness, and compassion.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

Walks with Mom officially launches with heart, humor, and a little nervous excitement. This podcast brings together Karren—who is turning 80 the same year the first Baby Boomers reach this milestone—her Gen X daughter Kimberly, and a shared curiosity about what it truly means to grow older together.
In the first episode, they talk about why they started the podcast, what it’s like living together, and the unexpected emotions that come with aging—both the big realizations and the small moments, like when opening jars isn’t as easy as it used to be. Kimberly shares what listeners of all ages can gain from these conversations and why there is so much value in slowing down, listening, and learning from one another.
Walks with Mom is about real life, honest conversations, and finding connection across generations. 

We hope this podcast encourages meaningful conversations with your aging parents and reminds you how much there is to learn—and appreciate—along the journey. 

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.

Aging is not for the faint of heart.  I’m Kim, a proud Generation Xer, and I’m here with my Baby Boomer mom, Karren. Together, we tackle the tough—but necessary—conversations, share the hilarious (and sometimes embarrassing) moments, and open up about the stories that truly touch the heart.

Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones.

So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom.