Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well

Join me and guest Sara Zeph Geber, an expert on solo aging, as we discuss the growing number of adults 50+ choosing to live independently. This episode explores the opportunities and challenges of aging without immediate family support, offering insights into financial planning, healthcare, social connections, and building intentional communities. Sara and I highlight the positives of solo aging, including independence, flexibility, and emotional well-being, while providing practical advice for older women seeking a purposeful, secure, and fulfilling life in later years.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/https://sarazeffgeber.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w

If you watch the Winter Olympics, you have seen and heard about luge, a sport where athletes race down an icy track on a small sled, lying on their backs with their feet pointing forward, reaching speeds over 90 mph. At age 34, today’s guest, Anne Abernathy, set the record as the oldest female to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. But that wasn’t the ending of her career.She made the US Virgin Islands’ luge team six more times. At age 63, Anne was the oldest woman to compete in the sport at the Olympics.And just for the heck of it, she honed her archery skills. As you might have guessed, Anne’s journey was not trouble-free, far from it. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma just before her first Winter Olympic Games; she’s had twenty knee operations, too many broken bones to count, and her home was demolished in a hurricane. So, the question remains: What drives a star athlete to continue competing against all odds, and what has Anne learned about herself and the process of getting older?TakeawaysAnne Abernathy set the record as the oldest female luge competitor.She faced numerous challenges, including cancer and serious injuries.Her background in music helped her cope with the pressures of competition.Anne discovered luge during a trip to Lake Placid, New York.She trained for three years before competing in her first Olympics.Despite being told she couldn't train due to cancer, she persevered and competed in six Olympics.Anne's serious brain injury led to a unique recovery process.She transitioned to archery after retiring from luge and continues to compete.Aging has provided Anne with a wealth of experience and knowledge.She believes that getting older is liberating, not limiting.https://anneabernathy.com/https://www.facebook.com/anne.abernathy1/https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-abernathy-709213/

I've been asked a zillion times to do an episode about me and to answer many of the same questions I ask guests. Listeners (now viewers, too) are curious about who I am, how I started a podcast, the books I've written, the experience of losing a brother to suicide, and life as an 80-year-old. It's taken me three years to get to this solo episode, not because I underestimated the value, but because of all the stellar guests I've been privileged to interview. It is so exciting to share the stories of older women who are out there living what some call the Third Act with enthusiasm, joie de vivre, and wisdom.I'd love you to send me a comment on janeleder.net. What questions remain about me and my journey? It's been quite a ride!TakeawaysJane started podcasting at 77, driven by curiosity.She learned the technical aspects of podcasting through trial and error.Aging can be vibrant and fulfilling, contrary to stereotypes.Humor plays a crucial role in coping with aging.Making mistakes is a natural part of learning at any age.Writing helped Jane process her grief over her brother's death.Sibling relationships can be complex and challenging.Jane's books explore deep emotional themes and personal connections.Teaching shaped Jane's perspective on storytelling and learning.Engaging with others through podcasts has been a joy for Jane. TitlesA Journey into Podcasting at 77Vitality and Humor in AgingSound bites"I want to be a podcaster.""It's okay to make mistakes.""Humor is key to aging."Chapters00:00 The Birth of a Podcaster05:12 Embracing Aging and Vitality10:52 Reflections on Life and Learning15:33 The Journey of Writing and Healing22:36 A Life of Teaching and Storytellingjaneleder.nethttps://youtube.com@olderwomenandfriends

When I think about moving from a home that my husband and I have shared for 32 years, I break out in a cold sweat. There's the kitchen with its overabundance of antique bowls and gadgets, my great-grandmother's china, my office with decades worth of my books, research materials, and file folders. And then there's my husband's studio with . . . Well, don't get me started. So this is where Jeannine Bryant can help save the day. She's a senior move manager who owns her own company and knows all about helping seniors or their sons and daughters. Well, let's face it, we're talking daughters. She helps find that place between too much and too little, and how we can keep the memories and not the stuff. TakeawaysMoving can be an emotional experience, especially after many years in one home.Women often take on the responsibility of organizing family belongings.Right-sizing is a more positive approach than downsizing.It's never too late to start decluttering and organizing.Discussing death and planning ahead can ease the burden on loved ones.Family experiences can motivate proactive planning for one's own belongings.Start decluttering with easy items to build momentum.Keepsakes should be displayed or used to bring joy.Gifting items to loved ones can create meaningful memories.Resources like senior move managers can provide valuable assistance. Chapters00:00 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Moving02:57 The Role of Women in Family Organization05:45 Understanding Right-Sizing vs. Downsizing08:43 The Importance of Early Planning11:38 Confronting the Topic of Death14:41 The Value of Proactive Planning17:36 Practical Steps to Declutter20:40 Making Decisions on Keepsakes23:42 Gifting and Sharing Memories26:43 Planning for a Move29:47 Connecting with Seniors32:53 Resources for Moving and Declutteringhttps://easyrightsizing.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNA775OFJQif29NHbfuovwhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanninebryant/https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jeannine+bryant&crid=13KK34II4WFGS&sprefix=Jeannine+Bry%2Caps%2C91&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_12_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

Kelly Jackson, 73, and Sally, 75, are sisters who have lived together without husbands or children for almost 20 years. They reconnected as live-in caregivers for their mother, and during the four years they cared for her, they turned to blogging and short videos to keep their spirits up. They used the handle, "Midlife Gal's Gone Gray," and their mission was to ensure that women in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond never stop laughing. After a decade living in Honolulu, the sisters are back on the mainland, intending to become senior social media influencers.With over 300,000 viewers on their platforms and thousands of likes, shares, and subscribers, I'm betting on their success.Chapters00:25 Introduction and First Impressions00:48 Sisters Reunited: A Journey Begins10:25 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics17:16 Caring for Mom: A New Chapter23:06 Finding Laughter in Life's Challenges28:40 Political Humor and Social Media Aspirations30:26 Words of Wisdom for Older Women"We're two sisters, old as dirt and bold as brass. Reality at its most bizarre."TakeawaysThe sisters had a non-traditional upbringing with a mother who was not very maternal.They decided to care for their mother when they realized she needed help.Laughter and humor are essential for coping with life's challenges.Moving to Hawaii was a significant turning point in their lives.They found creative outlets to express themselves and cope with caregiving.The importance of sibling relationships and shared experiences is highlighted.Aging can be navigated with humor and creativity.They reflect on their childhood memories and how they shaped their lives.The sisters emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life.Wisdom gained from experiences can be shared with others, especially older women.https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shorts  https://www.youtube.com/@TheMidlifeGalsGoneGrayINF/shortshttps://www.tiktok.com/@themidlifegalsgonegrayhttps://www.instagram.com/sallyjackson5848/?hl=enI'm now up on YouTube.You can watch this episode at  https://youtu.be/72wGKcF6m4U

In this conversation, Patricia Madson, a drama professor emeritus and author, shares her journey from a curious and adventurous child to a seasoned educator in improvisation.She discusses the importance of embracing mistakes, the transformative power of improvisation in personal and professional life, and the significance of findingpurpose and gratitude in everyday experiences. Patricia also introduces Eastern philosophies that emphasize self-reflection and proactive living, encouraging listeners to appreciatethe interconnectedness of their lives and the people who have influenced them.You can go to her website:https://improvwisdom.com/bio.htmlOrder "Improv Wisdom" on that site or go to Amazon and all other online book storesMy friend and fellow podcaster, Wendy Green, is the host of "Boomer Banter."heyboomer.biz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-green-heyboomerpodcast/https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/

Haven't made a trip to your local cannabis dispensary? Haven't talked to your physician about a medical marijuana card? Don't have a clue how cannabis may help with all kinds of health issues, from insomnia to anxiety, from certain serious diseases to focus/concentration? Or, what the hell? Maybe for relaxation and fun. How did cannabis get a bad rep in so many circles? What role has racism played? Greed? And why the heck is alcohol seen as somehow okay when cannabis is not?My guest today is Kelly Goldberg, a cannabis educator and advocate, about the health benefits of cannabis, particularly for women as they age. Kelly shares her personal journey into cannabis advocacy, the historical context of cannabis legality, and the various medical benefits of cannabis. The discussion also covers how to navigate cannabis use, dosage, and the importance of understanding THC and CBD. Kelly emphasizes the need for education and advocacy in the cannabis space, especially for older women seeking alternative health solutions. It's important to find an RN, MD, or a "budtender" who is knowledgeable and can answer questions and suggest or prescribe.I assume that many of us have smoked "pot" in college and beyond. Or, at least took a "hit" or two at a raucous party. One woman I spoke to said all she knew how to do was "roll" a "joint," but had no idea about the best way to consume cannabis today.Stick around. You'll learn a lot!https://scps.depaul.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty-a-z/Pages/kelly-goldberg.aspx https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyjudgegoldberg/https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goldberg.3/For Questions About Cannabis (or any of the other topics we've covered) j.leder@comcast.netSally Duplantiersally@myzinglife.com

This episode, "Likeable Badass" with author/PhD Alison Fagale, covers so many bases that I've chosen more of a summary or an outline. As I wrote on another site, Alison is a Dynamo who knows her stuff inside and out because she's lived it, taught it, and written about it.What is it? It is a woman who studies people, the science of people. It is a toolbox that women (and men) can use to hone their communication skills and succeed at what's most important to them.What does that mean?Well, here you go with some examples:The Two Dimensions of StatusThe Art of Self-PromotionThe Power of ComplimentsAuthenticity in Reputation ManagementIt's always great to get feedback from listeners. You can go to my website at janeleder.net, subscribe to my site for podcast episodes, my blog 80 & Me, information about upcoming guests, and more.Here is Alison's website:https://alisonfragale.com/about/And here is the link to Wellness Wednesday, hosted by Sally Duplantier. This is a free monthly webinar series that brings practical, evidence-based strategies for healthy aging to hundreds of people each week. Each program is also recorded, so no one misses out on the inspiration and tools to live well. Learn more at www.myzinglife.com. 

At 60, Denise Taylor began again: downsized, got a divorce, embraced single living, and set off on a journey that included a vision quest, game ranger training, and time living with a Maasai tribe. At 64, she completed her doctorate exploring how people find meaning after full-time work. That research became the seed for ThriveSpan, one of nine books, a model, a philosophy, and a way of living more consciously in later life."I could see the future," Denise said. "If I were going to make any changes, I'd better make them now."Single living was difficult. She realized that she had no friends. Denise and her ex-husband had done everything together. There'd been no room, time, or convenience of friends. But she put in the time and energy and developed enough social contact to make her happy.But the beauty of being single allowed Denise to make her own decisions. She no longer had to placate her ex. "There was such freedom," she said. "Every decision is mine."You'll want to listen to Denise talk about her experiences as a vision quester (Is there such a thing?), her time spent with a Masai tribe, and the owner of four acres of woodland. "Nature has influenced me in so many ways; it certainly influences my writing and the connection I feel to Mother Nature."https://denisetaylor.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/retirement-relevance-question-who-we-without-doing-dr-denise-taylor-9vn1e/https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisetaylor/?originalSubdomain=uk

"We don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today.""Aging is a process of living." Guest Tracey Gendron, professor, author, and activist, reminds listeners that we don't want to be younger versions of ourselves: We've worked too hard to get where we are today. However, the way we learn about aging is filled with misconceptions. We've never learned the truth; instead, we think of aging as a process of physical decline and don't look at the "growth part." Yes, Tracey says, loss and decline are real. There's no getting around that. But so is change and growth. Research shows that as we age, we tend to focus on things that make us feel better, and we are much more able to "prune" the relationships and things that are not working for us. It's part of the wisdom we gain. We understand that we've wasted a lot of time on people who don't give us joy. "The world gets smaller but richer because it is filled with people and things we love.""Older Women & Friends" is richer with Tracey as this episode's guest.Her book, Ageism Unmasked, has garnered oodles of praise like this:“This book is a must-read for anyone who is aging — and that is every one of us! "Jill Vitale-Aussem, author of Disrupting the Status Quo of Senior Livinghttps://www.traceygendron.com/homeAgeism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It-  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/700435/ageism-unmasked-by-tracey-gendron/9781586423223/OR wherever you buy books

It's a new trend, well, maybe not that new. Couples in committed relationships are choosing to live apart. Interesting, eh? The couple might be married, maybe not. Perhaps they are divorced; maybe a partner/spouse has passed away. Whatever the circumstances, these couples agree that they don't have to share the same space to have a happy, healthy relationship. Vicki Larson, today's guest, has written LATitude: How You Can Make A Live Apart Together Relationship Work. "It seems as if women 50-plus are the movers and shakers," she says. "Many women (and men) are uninterested in replicating past marriages or long-term commitments."While the statistics don't tell the whole story, it is estimated that ten percent of American couples and those in other countries are living together apart. "It's becoming much more common than we thought," says Vicki.Vicki tells the story of her own parents, who lived apart for ten years. "It didn't faze me," she says. Her mother left New York City and moved to Florida. She had had enough. (They eventually lived together again.)Vicki points out that there are no rules when it comes to LAT relationships. Couples fashion whatever works for them. For some, the idea is terrifying. For others, it is a grand creative adventure.What are some of the benefits of living apart together, according to those who've embraced the arrangement? It gives some breathing space, a "room of one's own." For others, it brings a sexual novelty to the relationship. Still others subscribe to the sentiment that "absence makes the heart grow fonder."There are, of course, downsides. The romantic partner may not be accepted by the other partner's children. The negative response from some ("Why even get married or commit when you're not living together?") can cause tension between friends and acquaintances. And there are feelings of jealousy/a lack of trust between some couples.Again, Vicki stresses that living apart together is not for everyone and is not better than traditional relationships, just different. Deciding to live separately requires a lot of discussion, decision-making, and change. But for some, the setup is exactly how they want to live, what for many is a second or third shot at a long-term romantic relationship that works.https://www.vicki-larson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/vlarson/https://www.vicki-larson.com/bookshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vickilarson/How to contact Wendy Battles, host of Reinvntion Rebelshttps://reinventionrebels.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyabattles/

Maria Leonard Olsen is a civil litigation lawyer, a journalist, and an author. When she turned 50, she got divorced, got sober, and became an empty nester. For the first time in her life, she was living alone. And for the first time after 15 years as a full-time mom, she had to find a law firm that would hire her. Many women would have folded under the pressure, the loneliness, the Herculean task of putting a life back together. Not Maria. On the suggestion of a friend, Maria decided to try 50 new things in her 50th year. And some of those things were big, real big. Teaser: She bought a motorcycle with a sidecar for her dog. (All these years later, [Maria is 64], she rides on the back of her partner's motorcycle and experiences the freedom that helped her heal.)Her two-month stay as a volunteer in the poorest section of Nepal made her realize that it's not the number of things you have, but the friends, family, and shared experiences that make us happy. She began to understand that the life of gratitude is so much more precious than trying to be something she was not. A self-described "people pleaser," Maria set out to work on pleasing and loving herself. Today, one of Maria's greatest joys is helping others. Her experiences with alcoholism, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and racism have given her first-hand knowledge of the suffering and the joys of healing.Maria is a woman you'll want to get to know.https://www.marialeonardolsen.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR3cM9aRjeshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4PPYJW/?bestFormat=true&k=50%20after%2050%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_8_de&crid=1LZ6M942D3A5U&sprefix=50%20after 

Join me in this enlightening episode as I sit down with Gina Vild, author of The Two Most Important Days: How to Find Your Purpose and Live a Happier and Healthier Life. I don't know about you, but I've been in a constant state of fight or flight. It feels as if the United States and the rest of the world are upside down and that there is very little we can do to find joy and awe. Enter Gina Vild and the wisdom she brings to the table, essential wisdom if we are to survive and thrive. Gina shares her journey from political activist to communication director, from associate dean at Harvard Medical School, to author. She talks about how poetry, personal purpose, and setting emotional boundaries can transform your life and find joy and awe in everyday moments. It is these moments and moments that we relive from our past that can change our brain waves and levels of "feel good" chemicals like serotonin. Tune in to learn how to navigate life's challenges with grace and strength. Habits that help us stay sane in tumultuous times.https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-vild-908a648/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/gina-vildhttps://www.instagram.com/ginavild/https://www.facebook.com/gina.vild/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B075FFS7NM?ccs_id=71032ad2-f47c-48f8-8518-35e72e6f4d84POETRYWilliam Stafford, "Yes"https://reflections.yale.edu/article/reformation-writing-next-chapter/poem-yesWilliam Stafford, "Thread"https://www.slowmuse.com/2019/06/16/the-thread/Ilana Landsberg-Lewishttps://www.wizwork.net/sign-uphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanalandsberglewis/https://ilanalandsberglewis.com/elementor-1000/

Join me as I delve into the world of classical music with Roit Feldenkreis, a trailblazing conductor and consultant. Discover Roit's journey from a small village in Israel to conducting orchestras worldwide, and how she integrates her musical expertise into corporate leadership. This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of being a female conductor in a male-dominated field, and the innovative ways Roit is bridging the gap between music and business.https://roitfeldenkreis.com/bio/https://roitfeldenkreis.com/press/Recommended Podcast, "Wisdom At Work"www.wisdomatworkpodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanalandsberglewis/

Three of the past guests on "Older Women & Friends" talk about what they've been up to since we last spoke. All three of their stories represent the exciting escapades of older women who continue to smash stereotypes to simitherenes.Melissa Davey: At age 65, she left the corporate world to follow a dream of becoming a filmmaker. And, boy, her story is one of determination, creativity, and success. Melissa and I first talked back at the end of 2022. She was one of my first guests on "Older Women & Friends." I was impressed then and even more three years later. Melissa's first documentary film, "Beyond Sixty," profiled some extraordinary older women. It is her second film, "Climbing Into Life," that has put her on the map. Dierdre Wolowniick, the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite, is the subject of this documentary. You may know about her son, who is the subject of "Free Solo." He is the first person who climbed "Cap" without any protective equipment. No ropes. Nothing.In this episode, Melissa chronicles the amazing life of Dierdre, who tries to get closer to her son and to understand his obsession with climbing.https://melissadavey.com/https://melissadavey.com/climbing-into-life/https://melissadavey.com/beyond-60/Jeanette Leardi - During these stressful times in our country's history, Jeanette is focused on the 2025 mid-term elections. "To me," she says, "that is ground zero. If we get it right, things can turn around." Switching gears, Jeanette cites the happy rise in the emphasis on intergenerational communication. "It is the most important way to defeat ageism." She offers how we can meet younger folks and the kinds of experiences we can share. I also asked Jeanette about her experience with the publication of her book, Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older.https://www.jeanetteleardi.com/https://www.jeanetteleardi.com/aging-sideways-bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-leardi-3978b126/Lucinda Skykes - Lucinda sets the record for the most frequent guest on "Older Women & Friends." She is a retired physician who has focused her attention and expertise on sleep and women 50+. It is natural to sleep as much as we age, she says. The objective is to use your time to your advantage, either in the middle of the night or early morning. Lucinda details steps any woman (and man) can take to do exactly that. If you've listened to an episode with Lucinda, you know that she is knowledgeable about so many topics, including wisdom and how we can take advantage of all that we've experienced and live happy, fulfilling lives.https://lucindasykesmd.com/https://lucindasykesmd.com/my-story/

Dian Griesel, Ph.D., a renowned perception analyst and hypnotherapist, has dedicated her career to understanding how our conscious and unconscious beliefs shape our perceptions and influence every decision we make, both personally and professionally.The middle of five siblings, Dian grew up doing her best to balance the "uppers" and the "lowers." She tried to be non-disruptive, not to cause any dissention among the ranks. She was the unofficial "peace maker" in the family. Andit was her experience growing up that groomed Dian to be the "quiet, confident advisor" or, as she describes it, "the fly on the wall."Some of the Key Points of Discussion in this energetic, eye-opening episode:Objective vs. Subjective Age: While we can't change our chronological age, our mental attitude and actions can significantly influence how young we feel. Dian's personal experiences and professional insights reveal how maintaining an active lifestyle and positive mindset can make a difference.Biological Age: Utilizing tools like the Tanita Body Fat scale, Dian monitors her biological age, which often reflects a much younger state due to her healthy habits. She shares practical advice on hydration, nutrition, and physical activity.Fountain of Youth Myths: From historical quests to modern-day fads, Dian offers a grounded perspective on the true keys to longevity and vitality—movement, nutritious eating, and genuine social connections.Embracing Mortality: Dian discusses her philosophy on aging and death, emphasizing the importance of living fully and purposefully each day, despite life's inevitable challenges.She is known to millions as @SilverDisobedience.https://diangriesel.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/diangriesel/https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/

The Woman Behind The MotherPoet, novelist, essayist, and editor Jill Bialosky had wanted to write about her mother for some time, but she was busy with other projects, and the timing was not right. But then her mother passed away from Alzheimer's during COVID, and Jill, unable to attend the burial in another city, watched the abbreviated burial on FaceTime. "It was," she said, "very difficult to process her death."As many authors do, she turned to writing to process her grief. Her essay about the FaceTime Funeral appeared in the New York Times; The floodgates opened wide. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/opinion/coronavirus-burial-facetime.htmlJill's mother was born in 1933 into a world in which women were expected to marry, have children, and live happily ever after. Tragically, her husband died when she was twenty-five, and she was left to care for three daughters, all under the age of three. "She was so unequipped," Jill said. "The advice of family and friends was to find a new husband to take care of us. That's what she did." Unfortunately, that marriage didn't last.When Jill began to write about her mother in earnest, she decided to start with her mother's death and to move from there, tracing her mother's life back to her childhood. In this episode of "Older Women & Friends," she explains why she decided to move from the end to the beginning. She also takes a hard look at what living in an institution is like and her evolving view of people with Alzheimer's. "They no longer control the narrative of their lives, but are still expressing and participating."This is a touching, insightful episode that should not be missed.https://www.jillbialosky.com/Another recommended podcast for mid-life women."Aging with Purpose and Passion" with Beverly Glazer https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/

"I tell women all the time that embracing one's authentic self in life takes time. It is like peeling multiple layers of an onion," said Clare. "You want to be the same person, no matter where you are."Clare Beckton grew up "very poor." Her family lived in a three-room shack with no running water. What she understood early on was how power was wielded by her father, her brothers, and the men in the small farming community where she lived and how women got the short shaft. "I was a feminist at an early age," Clare said. "I knew that I wanted to make a difference."There were no strong, self-assured female role models in Clare's life. But she decided to go to law school, and with no money, she set out to win all the school awards and land a scholarship, which she did. Upon graduation, she was encouraged to go to graduate school in law and nabbed a teaching fellowship. Later on, she then spent twenty-three years in the Canadian Justice Department."I call this stage of life rewirement, not retirement," Clare said. "I focus only on my passion for making a difference with women entrepreneurs and older women in the workplace.""I tell women all the time that embracing one's authentic self in life--knowing who we are as a person-- takes time, like peeling multiple layers of an onion," said Clare. "You want to be the same person, no matter where you are."How do you connect with your authentic self? Clare offers many suggestions:Reconnect with your values. Consider what's driving your life. If you're out of alignment with the values of the work you're doing, ask why you're doing what you're doing, and make any necessary changes.Seek feedback. Listen to what someone has to say. Even if the feedback is not what you'd hoped, learn from it.Reflection - Ask yourself what part you played in a situation that went wrong, and learn from your mistakes or misjudgmentsAcknowledge your successes. Celebrate.Network. Build connections. Understand how the system devalues your talents and skills, and collaborate with other women about strategies, experiences, and solutions.Show Up, Speak Up. Never lose your voice.Get up in the morning with a PURPOSE, a reason to look forward to the day."We live in a society that doesn't value the wisdom of older people, particularly women," said Clare. "Refuse to be invisible. Don't be sidelined.The title of Clare's book says it all: Own It: Your Success, Your Future, Your Life.https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Success-Future-Life/dp/1460252314 or wherever books are soldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clarebeckton/https://womensbusinessnetwork.ca/introducing-clare-beckton-honorary-bya-chair/Check out Clare's blogs on Huffington PostAnother great podcast to check out:Aging With Purpose & Passion w/ host, Beverly Glazerhttps://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com/Email Bev@reinventImpossible.comWebsite https://reinventimpossible.com/podcastWebsite: https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazerGrouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rockhttps://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/

"Anorexia of aging" may affect up to 18% of individuals 65+, more women than men.Contrary to popular opinion, eating disorders (EDs) are not just a serious health condition for adolescents. Nope, older women, often during menopause, can develop an ED. If you struggled with an ED as a teen or earlier, your chances of sliding back increase.Today's guest, Michele Mason (60), is a 44-year survivor of anorexia nervosa. She was sixteen when, at 5'11" and weighing 150 pounds, she shrank to 100 pounds. After a three-month hospital stay, she managed to keep her anorexia in check and, over the years, stuffed the experience away to the point where she'd convinced herself that none of this had ever happened.Following the Pandemic and the explosion of social media, Michele began writing a memoir titled Annihilating Anorexia. She felt compelled to share her experience and all that she'd learned along the way. "I came kicking and screaming," she said. "I was certain people would think less of me."To her surprise, she received support, kindness, and understanding. And she also discovered that older women and anorexia were much more common than she'd imagined. "When I was pitching the book, women came up to me with stories of a daughter or friend or another family member who was struggling with an eating disorder. I was amazed."In this episode, Michele and I talk about the red flags of eating disorders, the symptoms, the pressures in today's world to be thin, and the fortitude it takes to conquer the disease. Research is showing that eating disorders may be brain-based and that there are people who have a genetic predisposition. We also talk about the shame women (and men) feel and the education desperately needed to help curb a problem that is growing, one that is affecting more and more older women. https://www.amazon.com/Annihilating-Anorexia-Memoir-Michele-Mason/dp/1088178545mmstep2@yahoo.com

Melinda Blau is 81, but many of her dear friends are much older. These women populate her new book, The Wisdom Whisperers, and provide younger women (at 80, I must be a spring chicken!) with a playbook to draw from and relate to our own lives. When Melinda wrote her sixteenth book, she wanted to title it, "I want what she has!" She was deeply moved and impressed by the older women, most of whom were in their 90s and 100s. I asked Melinda what characteristics the wisdom whisperers had in common:* Interest in others - a very robust social life* A Purpose - a reason to wake up every day and live it to the fullest* Gratitude for their good fortune that they have had long, fruitful lives and for the people in their lives, past and present* Humor - Laughing with others& Yes, independence. The women were the CEOs of their own livesMelinda calls these women "old ladies." She got some flak from family and friends. But she was undeterred. "Old," she says, "is just an adjective. It describes me and others in the age group. These old ladies give me hope about aging, and that's such a good thing to have."The beginning of your life is about making memories. The end of life is about remembering. Zelda from The Wisdom Whisperers.https://melindablau.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1640657134?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_E3WDVZDAFZEWP0FKKD7N_2&bestFormat=true OR your local library.