Zestful Aging

Did you know that the majority of older adults with mental health concerns do not get the mental health care they need, resulting in worse medical problems, higher health care costs, family strain, and needless suffering. Loneliness, depression and addiction are just some of the challenges older people may face.

Dr. Regina Koepp is a gerontologist and aging expert with a wealth of information about everything related to mental health and aging. This is a new topic and is coming more into play as the world's population is aging. Questions might include "How do I support my parent who is a caregiver?"; and "What do I do when I suspect cognitive decline?" Dr. Koepp has developed trainings and support resources through her institute, The Center for Mental Health and Aging. Find out more here: https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/ .

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Laurie Gerber is an expert in the field of life and relationship coaching with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands of individuals and couples. She has a unique focus–on the mental and physical problems associated with lying. She calls it "personal pollution". All of us do it. Examples include shopping more than we admit, drinking more than we say we did, sending our kids money and not telling our partner. She suggests we try a "secret free diet" and points to the research looking at ways even little lies have deleterious effects on our mental and physical health. Find out more at LaurieGerber.com.

Listen on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SXrtW1dCVSatkHtcNoN90

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN was named the Humanitarian Ambassador for "Oprah Magazine" for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world. Her life's mission is to increase access to high quality end of life education and care for patients and families She has firsthand experience as a hospice and oncology nurse and palliative care professional at the bedsides of more than 1,000 end of life patients. Today we're going to talk about what makes a good death. Find out more at Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN at https://doulagivers.com/ and her new book: https://thegooddeathbook.com/

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

It's no secret that we're in the middle of an anxiety epidemic. Many factors are contributing to this–but one thing is for sure….people are feeling unmoored. As a psychotherapist I've learned various tools and techniques to manage anxiety and I've been using them over the years. Then I stumbled on a tool that really helps and it's simple and fun to use. I'm talking about the Camigo. It's a little monitor that helps us breathe in the way that helps our nervous systems get out of fight or flight. I find it especially effective before bedtime for sleep.

Adi Wallach is the inventor of Calmigo. She has her own story of anxiety and is going to help us understand how we can better manage our anxiety without drugs or side effects. Find out more here: https://calmigo.com/

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I met Pearlette Ramos when she invited me to the screening of her first feature documentary: Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, held at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The documentary tells the story of three women of color who were brought together through friendship and a desire to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each woman experienced childhood trauma, abuse and oppression—yet, went on to find the path to their power. They use the imposing mountain as both a metaphor for overcoming personal adversity and an opportunity to challenge insurmountable odds--like ending violence against women, undoing racism and overcoming fear. Find out more at ThreeExtraordinaryWomen

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One of the fun things about being a podcaster is that you can find great guests everywhere even when you least expect it. Recently I joined a community snowshoe and I overheard one of the volunteers say, "Yeah they cancelled world's. Not enough participation." That got my attention. I asked her about it and she mentioned that she was a snowshoe racer. You can imagine how I'll be interested in a zesty snowshoe racer. She went on to say that she's participated in ten triathlons. And here we are.

Chary Griffin is an elite athlete and at 75, she shows no sign of slowing down. She's been all over the world participating in endurance activities. We're going to talk about what it takes to be a world athlete in your 70s. Follow Chary here: https://www.facebook.com/chary.griffin.5

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Did you know that the gut is called "the second brain" and has its own nervous system? In this conversation we are going to learn about the gut brain connection especially as we age. Our guest is an expert in problems like reflux, bloating and conditions that women might complain about as we age.

Dr Mary Pardee is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor who says "she fixes people's poop". We're going to find out what poop tells us about our health. Find out more at https://www.modrnmed.com/

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

I first became aware of today's guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller "The Courage to Heal" 37 years ago. It's a book I've recommended many times in my psychotherapy practice. "The Courage to Heal" gave hope to millions because it provided sexual abuse survivors with the first real map of the healing process. In the years since then, Laura Davis has continued writing and leading workshops all over the world that have mirrored her passage through life: learning to be a parent, exploring the dynamics of reconciliation, living in the cancer underworld, making peace with a difficult parent, and caring for a mother with dementia. She's created a writing retreat for older women to explore their lives–and you don't have to be a writer. The retreat is held in Santa Cruz and is sure to be spectacular. Find out more here: LauraDavis.net.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com

Today's subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter.

Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on the cover of Money Magazine!) who was an avid pickleball player. One night, the show 60 Minutes aired a segment on Chicago's Cook County Jail. Roger noticed that many of the inmates were playing cards or watching TV. Being an avid pickleball player, he commented to his wife, "They should be playing pickleball. They'd not only get exercise but learn valuable "life skills" like learning from mistakes and how to be a good teammate." And so, "Pickleball in Prison(™)" was born. The success of his program in Chicago led Roger to prisons from coast to coast, from Rikers Island in New York to San Quentin in California. A documentary is currently in the works. Find out more at https://www.picleague.org/ .

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By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at a gym grinding it out on an elliptical. And the idea of a "boot camp" makes my blood run cold. Isn't life hard enough?

At this age, I want things to be healthy and fun. That's why we're going to talk about rebounders (mini trampolines). I've used my rebounder to train for the Senior tennis Games and my walk on the Camino in Spain. It's hard not to enjoy jumping up and down to your favorite dance music.

My guest this week is Rob Nells from Needak–the brand of rebounder I've used for 20 years. He's going to tell us about the far reaching health benefits of rebounding and fair warning…you are going to be impressed. Find out more at Needak.com. Use the coupon code "Zestful" and get a free rebounder cover.

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com