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© 2025 Aging ain't for Sissies
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Aging isn't easy. My name is Marcy Backhus and I am your host! Make sure your complete well-being is handled with a community and information that can make it easier and FUN. Aging needs humor, which you can find in the "Aging ain't for Sissies" Podcast, along with informational guests that give us the information we need.
108 Episodes
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What if getting older made life simpler, not smaller? That’s the thread we follow as we move from Chicago’s weather whiplash to the quiet freedoms that come with age: flexible plans, honest rest, and the courage to let the map change without calling it failure. We talk candidly about health—finding a cancer lump in a dream, doing workouts through chemo, managing a rare connective tissue disorder—and how reframing the body from enemy to expert messenger shifts everything. It’s not sugarcoating...
The small things got louder: the grunt when we stand, the menu we can’t read, the shoulder that protests a perfectly innocent night of sleep. I wanted to untangle those moments with honesty and humor, then offer tools that actually help. We start with the floor—why getting up turns into a negotiation with nearby furniture—and land on the big culprit: muscle loss. From there, I share a simple plan that works in real life: eat protein first, vegetables next, carbs last, and add two or three sho...
The snow is piling up, the sun ducks between skyscrapers, and we’re choosing warmth the easy way: small sparks that actually stick. Instead of white‑knuckle resolutions, we map out 54 tiny, feel‑good changes that make 2026 brighter without draining your energy or your wallet. From the emotional comfort of a beloved movie to the joy of a shower playlist you actually sing along to, we explore simple rituals that lift the day and keep your momentum moving. We get practical about low‑effort wins...
Forget the glossy brochure version of retirement. We get honest about what happens when the calendar opens up, the title falls away, and the to-do list is yours to write. From late drops and real-life health worries to the small rituals that keep a day anchored, we map how freedom and responsibility can live side by side without burning you out. I share the unedited arc: decades of work that look different from the traditional path, the decision to downsize into a one-bedroom in Chicago, and...
A blizzard, a burst of seventy degrees, and a brush with the northern lights set the perfect backdrop for a truth we don’t hear enough: solo doesn’t have to mean sad. I’m unpacking what aging solo actually looks like—across divorce, widowhood, never marrying, and reinvention—and why autonomy can be a superpower when you pair it with planning, community, and a little mischief. We dig into the five most common solo scenarios and the real challenges underneath them: financial resets after a spl...
Holiday lights are on, travel is messy, and family dynamics are about to get real. We’re choosing connection over perfection and sharing the exact moves that turn “creepy elder energy” into warm, genuine bonds with the kids and teens who make these gatherings worth it. No guilt, no lectures—just practical ways to show up as the grown‑up they actually want to sit next to. We break down how to meet younger family members where they are: recognizing the names and trends that matter to them, ask...
Imagine paying top dollar for a tool that could save you time, money, and stress—and then using it like a coffee warmer. That’s how many of us treat our iPhones. Fresh off a trip to Ireland, I’m sharing the simple, real-world features that turn a $2,000 device into a trusted daily companion instead of a fancy texting machine. We start with the camera’s hidden talents: identify plants from a photo, decode laundry labels so you stop guessing at symbols, translate menus instantly, and copy text...
Dinner doesn’t need a crowd to feel good. We dig into the real challenge of cooking for two (or one): old habits that make too much food, too many leftovers, and a crisper full of regret. With a few smart tools and a calmer plan, small-batch cooking becomes faster, fresher, and way more fun. We start with the gear that actually makes a difference in a compact kitchen—small air fryers for crisp, quick meals; a downsized slow cooker for cozy, right-sized braises; and multipurpose helpers like ...
Sunscreen on cloudy days, hydration that actually shows, and a routine you’ll still follow next month—this conversation keeps anti-aging honest, affordable, and doable. We swap guilt for a recovery plan, especially for those of us who survived baby oil summers and now want real results without the noise. I walk through dermatologist-backed basics that make the biggest difference: daily SPF as your first line of defense, antioxidants as your city-proofing backup, and retinoids for long-term te...
Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about retirement planning? Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a candid conversation that goes far beyond the typical financial advice. Retirement isn't just about quitting work—it's about intentionally designing the next chapter of your life. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, this episode offers practical wisdom wrapped in humor and real-life experiences. You'll discover why defining your retirement vision must ...
Tired of complicated health advice that's impossible to maintain? What if protecting your brain health was as simple as taking a five-minute walk after dinner or spending 40 seconds looking at nature? The latest research reveals that "micro habits" – tiny actions requiring minimal time and effort – can create powerful, lasting impacts on cognitive function when practiced consistently. This episode dives into ten science-backed micro habits that take seconds or minutes but deliver outsized be...
We dive into the confusing world of supplements, examining what actually works for aging bodies and what might just be expensive urine producers. • Exploring the trendy mushroom coffee phenomenon and its claimed benefits for focus, stress reduction, and immunity • Multivitamins serve as general nutritional insurance but may not address specific needs • Calcium supplements are ineffective without vitamin D to help with absorption • Magnesium acts as the "relaxation mineral" helping with sleep...
Ready to keep that gorgeous brain of yours in ship shape? Aging doesn't mean your learning days are behind you—in fact, they might just be getting started! We're diving into the world of free and affordable online education specifically designed for seniors and retirees. From the comfort of your favorite chair (pajamas optional but recommended), you can access courses from prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, learn practical skills on YouTube, or discover new creative outlets...
Have you ever felt your power slipping away as you age, wondering if your relevance is fading along with your youth? You're not alone—but you're also not powerless. In this raw and revealing episode, we tackle the myth that aging means decline and invisibility. After sharing my personal journey through cancer treatments and an unexpected sidewalk tumble (complete with 14 stitches!), we dive deep into how society tries to strip away our power as we age, and more importantly, how we can reclai...
What happens when the world tells us our purpose has an expiration date? After decades of defining ourselves as parents, employees, volunteers, and caretakers, society quietly expects us to fade into obscurity once we reach a certain age. But what if we're not done evolving? Fighting against the subtle and sometimes blatant effects of ageism requires recognizing its impact on our self-perception. When doctors speak louder, job applications disappear into voids, and our suggestions get dismis...
Come join me on an enlightening journey as I converse with the remarkable Jeannie Gormick, bestselling author and renowned speaker. As we wade through her acclaimed 10-seasons of relationship and marriage workshop, our focus sharpens on one unique season - the triple-decker sandwich generation. This phase embodies the struggles of juggling an aging parent, one’s own life, and children, a subject that resonates deeply with many. Navigating our way through the labyrinth of intricate topi...
Welcome to a new episode where we explore all things health related - everything from the seemingly mundane to the seriously critical. I'm your host, Marcy Backhus; we're diving headfirst into the importance of proactive healthcare. From the simplicity of a bathroom mirror self-exam to the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, we're focused on empowering you to take control of your health as you age with confidence and grace. Ready to demystify the world of self-diagnosis? We're ...
Ever wondered how to avoid becoming a grumpy old person as you age? Join me this week as I share my recent adventures, from electric bike rides down Lake Michigan to catching the West Side Story musical, and even my hilarious encounter with a girl dressed as a princess. I also reveal how I've been staying positive and enjoying life in preparation for my upcoming trip to California with Craig. But more importantly, I dive into the idea that grumpiness isn't an inevitable part of aging. Throug...
It is never too soon to think about your care for the long term, we never know what tomorrow will bring. I also squeeze in a little more about discounts. Go to www.agingaintforsissiespodcast.com for Jim’s information. Email me at agingfast1@gmail.com with any questions.
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