When Sally Connolly's late husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, she started writing down everything. Those notes eventually evolved into a memoir. In this podcast, Sally talks about her husband's struggle with brain cancer from her perspective — as his caregiver.
Rita Losee describes herself as a Woman of adventure, Doctor of Success, Proponent of Prosperity, InspirACTional Speaker, Author. She is that and more. Decades ago, she made a promise to herself that she would live a life of adventure. What a ride it has been and she is not even close to slowing down. At 78, Rita is also doing her best to encourage people to follow her lead. Instead of thinking it's all downhill from here, you could be a soaring senior — just like Rita.
Whether they were caught off guard or they've been expecting their parents to divorce for years, many adult children are rocked to the core when it actually happens. Family therapists Carol Hughes and Bruce Fredenburg have written a book called Home Will Never Be the Same Again. They did it because, in their experience, few people recognize the impact divorce can have on adult children. In this episode of the Catching Health podcast, the authors offer a useful guide for so-called adult children of gray divorce.
How can you grow older with joy, fulfillment, resilience, and no regrets? You could begin by reading the book Our Wisdom Years by psychologist Dr. Charles Garfield. Instead of fighting against aging or later life as he calls it, he suggests that we embrace the opportunity to live a more meaningful life. His book provides a roadmap that is guaranteed to lead you down a road of adventure and deep reflection. Listen to our conversation and learn more.
At 98, Jim Mardin has led an incredible life, and he intends to keep on living it for several more years. We had our conversation shortly before COVID-19 forced him to stop his three days a week volunteer job. He still drives, takes no medications, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and loves sharing stories about his life. He is kind, optimistic, curious, unafraid, and very entertaining.
Wayne Newell is a Passamaquoddy Indian Man who was born and raised on the Pleasant Point Indian Reservation in Maine. After getting a master's degree at Harvard he and his family made their home on the nearby Indian Township Reservation, where he taught until his retirement in 2012. Although struggling with health issues, Wayne's mind and spirit are going strong. I hope you enjoy and will learn from our conversation. I did.
What are you grateful for? In this podcast, researcher Dr. Robert Emmons discusses what gratitude is, how easy it is to find it, and why it's important to try. Especially right now.
For many people in Maine, my guest in this episode of Conversations About Aging is like an old friend. For 37 years, he broadcast the weather on the state's top news station — WCSH-TV. What's Joe Cupo up to now? He's enjoying retirement to the fullest and still keeping an eye on the weather.
What do you think it would be like to live your life as a nun? In this episode of Conversations About Aging, Sister Maureen Wallace gives us a glimpse into what it's been like for her. Trust me, it may not be exactly what you had imagined.
She's got a lilt in her voice and a twinkle in her eyes. The time flew by as I sat and talked with Ann Quinlan for the latest conversation about aging. She's certainly not going to let a few decades (like about eight) get in the way of her enjoying life to its fullest. Settle in for some stories.
You know the book Where's Waldo? Well, I could probably name this podcast episode Where's Jennifer? She always has something going on and no intention of slowing down any time soon.
When World War II ended, Alma Thomas was living and working in New York City. While she didn't witness the iconic picture of the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square, she says everyone was celebrating and hugging each other. She moved from New York to Maine and later traveled around the world with her late husband. Now Alma is 96 and back in Maine with lots of stories to share with us.
It may be a cliché, but life does have its ups and downs. That's certainly been true for Loring Newcomb, who prefers to be called Bob. He says if he could go back in time, he might change a few things. He'd change some things right now, too. At 94, he's pretty active, but he says he's often lonely. Hear Bob's story in the latest episode of Conversations About Aging.
When Tom Antonik was diagnosed with AIDS in the late 80s, he expected to die a young man. All around him, people he cared about were dying and he never dreamed that he might have a different fate. But he did and he's now old enough to share his personal perspective on aging.
Vikki Choate told me that when she hit 50, something magical happened — things that used to bother her didn’t anymore. In this episode of Conversations About Aging, we talked about her view on life and how she is preparing for the future. Hint: it doesn't include retirement.
Imagine living most of your life on an island off the coast of Maine. That's what Paul Quinn has done and he has lots of stories to share. Like about the time he came home to find a lobster boat (not his) half in his garage and half out in the driveway. Listen to our conversation to hear that story and more.
Joanne Santee was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition 25 years ago. She knew that someday she'd need to be hooked up to an oxygen tank in order to breathe. That day arrived, but it hasn't stopped her from enjoying life. At 78, Joanne has a lot of wisdom and humor to share.
At one time, Ernie DeRaps was a lighthouse keeper in Maine. After retirement, at age 80, he became an artist. What do you think he painted? Mostly lighthouses, of course! I hope you enjoy our conversation.
He's 97, but he hasn't seen it all yet. That's because Dr. Bill Taylor has an insatiable curiosity and eagerness to learn new things. And I learned a lot from him, including about windsurfing. He was a champion. In many ways, he still is. Listen now to our conversation about aging.
Try to imagine living to 98 years old. Mary Hamblen didn't and yet, it happened. She's had a good life filled with ups and downs. You just have to go with it, she says. We talked about her life, her thoughts about being older, and her last car, which she misses a lot.
It's not easy giving up your independence and moving into an assisted living facility. That's what Bill Saltzer decided to do. He talks about the challenges and also reminisces about being a Marine during WWII.
Have you ever heard of the Code Girls? They were part of a top-secret mission that helped end World War II. You're about to meet one: Leona Chasse, now 95 and living in Cornish, Maine. Listen to our conversation. I think you'll be glad you did.
When I decided to launch Conversations About Aging, I contacted lots of people and organizations for recommendations on individuals I might interview. One of them was Jess Maurer, Executive Director of the Maine Council on Aging. One of her recommendations was Shirley Weaver. "In her 80s, a force to be reckoned with — a must interview!" I took her advice. Listen to my conversation about aging with Shirley Weaver, 82. She IS a force to be reckoned with.
Joy Hare tries to live up to her name in all aspects of her life. You can't make it to 75 without experiencing some heartache, and she has. But she is always seeking joy, which is reflected in the poetry she writes, the art she produces, the work she does, and the adventures she takes. She reflects on all of that in the latest episode of my special series Conversations About Aging.
Join me for a conversation with Bill Green, a familiar face on Maine television for more than 40 years. This time the stories he's telling are mostly about himself, including what his plans are for the next chapter of his life.
Lavon Harris is grateful to have lived as long as she has — 100 years! She considers herself healthy, happy, and also sad because you can't live without some sadness in your heart. She shares her joys and her sadness in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Sue Hoyt has spent her entire life helping people. She's retired now but continues working as a volunteer. Listen to our conversation and hear her stories about living in the Maine woods, going back to college, and being a volunteer.
Retired surgeon Dr. Bob McAfee no longer sees patients but he still contributes to the health and wellbeing of his fellow human beings. In our conversation about aging, he reflects on his accomplishments and his life now that he is 84. He also shares a bit of wisdom.
Peesh wants to move and Paul wants to stay right where they are. How is this couple, who are now in their 70s, handling this conundrum? We talked about it and more in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
During a serious episode of depression that landed him in the hospital two years ago, Jack found out just how important friends can be. Good medicine and good friends made all the difference. We talk about that and a lot more in Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Emma celebrated her 86th birthday in early March. The month before marked the first anniversary of her husband Warren's death. We talk about the beginning and the end of their long life together in the latest episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.