Sky Bergman set out to pay tribute to her very active 99 year-old grandmother. She soon realized that “everyone has a story to tell if we just take time to listen.” Sky’s listening project evolved into a documentary feature length film starring 40 people between ages 75-100 (two-thirds of whom are women). These are stories about resilience in the face of hardship and loss. These are stories about love, learning and giving back. Sky shares life lessons from these inspiring individuals. She highlights how story can bring the generations together. I am combatting ageism one story, one connection at a time. - Sky Bergman Contact Sky Bergman www.lives-well-lived.com [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenover70/ YouTube: WomenOver70

Active writer, and published author, Mary Gray graduated from Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University in 1955. A long career in public relations, then as a corporate travel agent, led Mary to ghostwriting and worldwide travel. She always traveled to the places she wrote about so she could experience them for herself and bring them to life for her readers. Poetic Justice, her recent novel, was a semi-finalist as a novel-in-progress in the 2017 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition before it was contracted to Adelaide Books. Also available on Amazon. Mary is active in local writers and book groups, works with the Goodman Theatre GeNarrations - creating the spoken word, and is a committee member of the Village of Chicago. "Walking the beach is the answer to managing rough periods in your life." - Mary Gray TAKEAWAYS: Keep following your dreams - rainbows do exist Practice your art until you become skilled in it, then use your art because it is yours Do not let others prevent you from being the best you can be Connect with Mary Gray.: Email: [email protected]. Book: Poetic Justice Poetic Justice is available from the publisher adelaidebooks.org, amazon.com and bookshop.org (an organization of independent bookstores that shares profits from sales with all participating booksellers). Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenover70/  

Frances Fuller grew up in poverty. All of her books belonged to the state of Arkansas. Her mother had a 4th grade education. It is a wonder, then, that Frances became a writer and publisher and left a legacy in the form of an entire body of literature in Arabic, for Arabic children. From an early age, Frances was a devotee of the American columnist, Ernie Pyle. Committing to a lifetime of missionary work in Lebanon and Jordan combined her two loves: the Christian faith and journalism. Initially, she worked with groups of Americans as their press representative, and reported to America what was happening in Beirut. Soon, she became the director of a small publishing house and produced children’s curricula. On one of her furloughs home, she determined to teach others how to write so that the curricula could be produced in Arabic by Arabs for the Muslim world. That was when decided she had to know what the process of writing was in order to teach Arabs how to write. She earned her Master’s degree in English and then returned. Author of 2 books, we spoke extensively with Frances about her recent memoir.   “When we get it done, we’ll know how to do it.” - Frances Fuller Takeaways: Children thrive in uncertain circumstances when they believe in your passion for your work. Journalism is a tool with which to do many things. Life during wartime in Lebanon was chaotic, but manageable. Connect with Frances Fuller: Email: [email protected] Books: In Borrowed Houses: A True Story of Love and Faith Amidst War in Lebanon Helping Yourself Grow Old: Things I Said to Myself When I Was Almost Ninety   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please review our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Master mediator, attorney, author and professor, Mari Frank is a bundle of energy and information. Her primary focus is conflict management and she helps women (and men) get what they want. Mari believes in emotional intelligence and how having it increases our self-awareness and ability to deal with other peoples’ emotions. She also understands the importance of touch and that committed relationships are so much more than purely sexual. Intimacy can be achieved best when both parties talk about how they feel in the first person. Mari is warm, funny and intelligent. She is working to end the bias towards people over 50 and believes in intergenerational mentoring. "Solutioneering is more financially and emotionally advantageous than a court battle." - Mari Frank Takeaways: New or long-term relationships (personal or professional) need continuous positive communication to thrive. Your later years are when you come to know yourself best. Expect respect and you will earn it. Connect with Mari Frank, Esq.: http://marifrank.com http://conflicthealing.com [email protected] Books: Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict Into Intimacy - A Couple’s Guide Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.  

For the past five decades, Rebecca Sive, age 70, has built coalitions—across lines of age, ethnicity, race, gender, and political persuasion-- to address a range of social issues. Her primary focus is advancing women’s rights in all fronts, especially their leadership in local and national politics. Rebecca’s rich experiences as a public official, civic leader, political analyst, historian, college teacher, and speaker are fodder for her books on getting women into public office and her podcast #VoteHerIn. She appeals to younger women to appreciate and draw on the hard-earned wisdom of older women who have broken down so many institutional and systemic barriers. Take-Aways: You can build coalitions by finding common denominators that transcend differences. Every day is the time to do something you think is worth doing, for others and for self. Lead a life that is rich in your contributions to the common good We get older and wiser and have so much to contribute. Contact Information: [email protected] www.rebeccasive.com Podcast: #VoteHerIn For speaker: [email protected] Books: Vote Her In: Your Guide to Electing Our First Woman President (2018) Every Day Is Election Day: A Woman’s Guide to Winning Any Office, from the PTA to the White House (2013)

Dinah Lin began life in Shanghai, China.  She, along with her mother and two siblings, escaped on the last boat out of Shanghai in 1949, just before the Communists closed the borders. Her father was already in the United States on a research grant. Dinah grew up in Ohio, then after college she spent 15 years in five countries in Asia as a young wife and mother. At 38, she went back to school to get her MBA from Columbia Business School as she made her transition from stay-at-home mom to international business executive. At 58, Dinah followed a dream and moved to Beijing to study Chinese and reconnect with her roots. At 73, she finally realized a long held dream and wrote her bestselling memoir, “Daring to Dream Once Again - It’s Never Too Late!”. "Listen to your heart, the heart has a wisdom, and it will not lead you astray." Dinah Lin Take-Aways: If your head and heart don’t agree, follow your heart, it will not lead you astray Remember to look for the opportunity in your crises, they are blessings in disguise A true dream never dies...it waits patiently for you to take action Eating less, exercising regularly and maintaining an attitude of gratitude will help you to look and feel vibrant and energetic Book: A Memoir: Daring to Dream Once Again - It’s Never Too Late! Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theDinahLin Linkedin: https://Linkedin.com/in/Dinah-Lin You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDinah888  

Description: Sue Ross, age 74, took 8 years to transition from her full-time faculty position in Social Work to “being done” in 2018.  Even though Sue taught gerontology and retirement transition, she needed plenty of time to “find my way” through the process. A ‘spinster’ by choice, Sue’s curious mind, thirst for travel,  self-reliance, and commitment to community has led her to work in several fields, visit many parts of the world, connect with spiritual communities, and be planful about what may lie ahead. Living solo, and for nearly 30 years with ‘silent disabilities,’ Sue is strategic about the kind of ‘home’ she wants to create for the next phases of her life. "Just because you ‘know’ something doesn’t mean you can skip living through it." - Susan Ross Take-Aways: Every retiree needs to find her own way. Intentionally seek ways to socialize that generate energy Living single teaches to take good care of yourself; no one else will do it for you. Be honest with yourself about future realities, and plan wisely for them. Contact Information: [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen to Episodes by Season https://womenover70.com/season-two/ https://womenover70.com/season-one/ Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

Amid a global pandemic, from separate locations, Catherine and Gail reflect on themes that emerge from the inspiring and provocative stories of our guests. In this retrospective episode, we highlight women who have experienced spiritual awakenings and now focus on healing; others, who have dedicated their lives to righting injustices, who find joy and happiness in the ‘now’ of life, and who are working to create pathways for the next generation. 4 themes that emerged throughout episodes 31-44: Spiritual Awakenings Episodes # 37, 38, 35, 31, 44 Social Activism Episodes #32, 36, 39 Finding Passion in our Present Phase # 42, 34, 41, 33 Creating Pathways for Younger Women #40, 39, 74 Listen to Episodes by Season https://womenover70.com/season-two/ https://womenover70.com/season-one/ Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify   Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Jennifer is an inspiring advocate of aging. A horrific accident that fatally killed all members of a friend’s family, plus her own bout of unremitting pain from a shingles attack, completely shook her faith. The path she embarked on resulted in authoring her 1st book in 2006: “Becoming Conscious - 1 Woman’s Story of Spiritual Awakening”.  Jennifer takes her work, health, fitness and positive attitude very seriously. At 81 she has totally reinvented herself and has collaborated with 5 authors which led to her publishing her own book, and that led to ghostwriting 2 other books (so far) from scratch. Remarried to a man 10 years younger, she lives what she says. As you listen to her speak, you unravel the path she took from where she was to where she is now. Her goal at age 90 is to be able to climb 2 flights of stairs carrying 2 bags of groceries. “What we focus on expands & what we are grateful for multiplies” - Jennifer Grainger  Takeaways: Growing up with an inactive left brain only means you have so much to look forward to as you learn to develop it. Copywriting and ghostwriting are similar in name only. Be conscious of the words we say. Words have so much power.   Connect with Jennifer Grainger: Website: https://JenniferGrainger.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Book: Becoming Conscious - 1 Woman’s Story of Spiritual Awakening Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined   Twitter: @womenover70

As soon as the conversation starts with Jackie Walker, you are drawn in. Here is a woman who has spent her entire career in mainstream fashion, first on the retail floor, then in HR. And then she had an AHA. She reinvented herself  and became known as the Dr. of Closetology. Author, speaker, consultant. She has written many books, including one for tweens named Expressionista. Jackie works with women, is passionate about women, and took clothing to a higher purpose so you can discover your internal personna and bring your closet into harmony with your life. Quote: “A woman’s vision of herself has less to do with how she looks and everything to do with what she thinks.” Takeaways: Your closet must be in harmony with who you really are if you are to be satisfied when you look in the mirror There is no such thing as age, weight, size - we are all beautiful and unique Never think about aging - just maintain excitement for what comes next Connect with Jackie Walker: Website:: https://JackieWalker.com Book: I Don’t Have a Thing to Wear - the Psychology of Your Closet Book: Expressionista - How to Express Your True Self, through (and despite) Fashion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackieWalkerDunscomb/ Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

Come springtime, you will find 70 year old Linda Schaefer at the Minnesota Twins ballpark, where she works as an usher about 55 days of the season. Linda’s love of the Twins spans over 60 years, starting in grade school when she listened (yes, listened, no TV) to games with her parents on their farm. She never outgrew this passion. The ballpark is Linda’s ‘happy place,’ which provided respite during 42 years as a full-time nurse, mostly working Intensive Care and ER during the night shift. Linda describes the culture shock of small-town girl exposed to the brutalities of battered women, neglected children, rape and gun shot victims. What began as a form of therapy—creating customized greeting cards—Linda now does for pure pleasure; and is happy to take orders for sale. "Being alone is an opportunity to spread your wings and fly."- Linda Schaefer   Take-Aways Stay active; do what you want; be where you want You need to have something outside of yourself—family, friends, hobbies Avoid a victim mindset; rather, be the master of your own destiny “I used to think about aging but since I’ve gotten there, I don’t think about it much.” Contact: [email protected]   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram:WomenOver70

Cory Ryan is a former nun of the Congregation of Maryknoll Sisters in Maryknoll, New York. She saw it as a way to pursue a life of exploration and service. She participated during a period of time when the church began to recognize that sisters were individuals. However, she decided this was not how she would spend her life. Cory was a social activist whose explorations took her to 13 countries in 2 years, returning to New York to live and work. After trying corporate life, she entered the world of non-profit in areas of addiction, HIV Aids and domestic violence. A good part of her career centered on abused women and their children and continued until her retirement in 2014. As Cory says, she walked away with a smile on her face. Life after retirement has been active to say the least. You will gain inspiration from all the ways Cory has reimagined aging.   "Higher education and training can provide more versatility and advancement in nonprofits." - Cordelia Ryan   Takeaways: Travel that exposes us to other cultures provides a better sense of our own place in the world Volunteering that requires learning new skills keeps the aging mind more agile I am grateful to have lived to see women reach for and begin to gain equality Connect with Cordelia Ryan: Email: [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70   Instagram:WomenOver70

Would you want your claim to fame be that you attacked a mysterious shooter, at your monthly Board Meeting in 2010, by smacking him in the head with your small (Brahmin) purse? At this Bay District school board meeting, with 300+ people attending, Ginger Littleton chose bravery over safety and did not exit when she had the opportunity to escape. Doors continue to open for her as people recognize that she is the ‘woman with the purse’. Today, Ginger is brave in so many other ways. As the Director of the STEM Institute at Florida State University in Panama City, Florida, she consistently creates programs that attract students into physics and other STEM subjects. Her most recent accomplishment? The 2019 Nuclear Science Camp in Florida. "All kids can fly, some just need a longer runway”. - Ginger Littleton   Takeaways: When you always question the needs that exist, you can find ways to solve them Remember who you are and what you represent Believe there can be a more equitable playground for all kinds of kids Connect with Ginger Littleton: Email: [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1345166715655554/?notif_id=1583384664776770&notif_t=groups_invite_confirmed_feedback&ref=notif Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70   Instagram: WomenOver70

At age 74, Heather Booth thrives as a visionary leader who makes big change happen. Ever since her teen years, Heather has championed social movements and built organizations—civil rights, women’s rights, labor rights, and others.  She describes her entry into organizing in the 1960s and her founding, in the 1970s, of the Midwest Academy, a national training institute, that unites community organizing with “movement’ background and spirit.” A long-time resident of Washington D.C., Heather advises organizations and leaders on adapting strategies for changing times. The death of Heather’s husband two years ago—her movement partner—rocked her world. Yet she describes herself as a ‘long distance runner’ who keeps visions alive. "We must build and exercise the public power for social good." - Heather Booth Take-Aways: Sometimes one must stand up to illegitimate authority. Do what gives you joy in life. Build community around family, friends, others—and cultivate relationships. Plan strategically, not just to protest, but to build power. If we organize, we can change the world.  We need to organize. Contact Information: [email protected] www.heatherbooththefilm Changing the World www.MidwestAcademy.com   Connect with Catherine & Gail: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Facebook Group: Women Over 70 Aging Reimagined Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1345166715655554/ Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70

Born and raised in Kobe, Japan, Yukiko moved to the United States in the 9th grade when her father accepted a job in New York. After 4 years, her family returned to Japan. She was determined to complete her education in the States. Graduating from City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Yukiko worked in corporate environments for several years, then went on to complete a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood, Curriculum and Teaching. Twice, Yukiko sublimated her own interests to her husbands’. Twice she divorced, finally recognizing her true strength was to be a healer. She returned to Japan for two years to study with a well-known Zen master. As her story unfolds we are struck by her unrelenting perseverance to follow a path that serves others and honors the body’s wisdom. Today she teaches Yoga, coaches men and women and applies her 7-Step Blueprint of “Soul Mind Body Revitalization” to transform our personal and business lives so we can enjoy and share an abundant lifestyle. “What people do matters - honor what the universe offers to us.” - Yukiko Iino   Takeaways: You can elevate human potential and personal development through spiritual mind/body training Learn the stewardship of the land through sustainable farming Subjugating yourself for another person results in loss of your identity Connect with Yukiko Iino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yukikolino Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

Jania Aebi, age 86, lives and works in Switzerland as a healer. Challenges have always shaped her. Born in Poland before World War II, she was sent to England at 11 years old to continue her studies. She had no language, no family and a belief system that differed from the majority of her classmates. Early on, Jania learned to construct a map of the world by which she could navigate in the most comfortable way possible. “Everyone’s map,” she says, “is based on your own truth, your individual perspective of your life”. At 9, Jania asked God for the ability to unconditionally forgive, never realizing that at age 75, having discovered her life’s purpose, forgiveness would take on a whole changed meaning. This extraordinary woman has lived in Poland, England, West Africa, Switzerland and France. Her husband was killed in a flying accident in West Africa and her only son was murdered when she was 63. How has she survived? Through spiritual work that eventually led to her true purpose of being a healer. Jania works remotely over Skype. She addresses the emotions that get stuck in our bodies and cause pain or disease. Releasing the emotions results in healing. If not released, they simply keep manifesting as other illnesses. She also heals pets. “Heal your life, be the best version of you, and begin to live your dreams.” - Jania Aebi Connect with Jania Aebi: www.JaniaAebi.com Book: Your Infinite Power - The Hidden Path to Manifesting Real Freedom & Abundance. Available at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Jania+Aebi&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.  

In this episode, Gail and Catherine talk with Jacky about her long career advocating for equitable transportation and environmental justice.  She has worked with the nonprofit Center for Neighborhood Technology since 1992, currently in a part-time role as Vice President for Government Affairs.  We hear how transportation affects all aspects of our lives, particularly access to opportunities for medium and low-income families. Jacky has long been a champion for women and minorities to enter male-dominated, STEM fields. On a personal note, her retirement plans changed dramatically when her husband died. Jacky  describes how she stays active and engaged with her passion projects, relationships, and travel.   "Transportation is fundamental to sustainable urban living." - Jacky Grimshaw   Take-Aways Everything in our lives is governed by political decisions—participate as a social being Without access to transportation, people are shut out from essential opportunities Women need more information and training to work in male-dominated fields When life plans are disrupted, pivot and find other ways to stay active and engaged   Connect with Jacky Grimshaw [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

Pam’s life has unfolded in unpredictable fashion. Her experience, and practical work, as a counseling psychologist, led her to understand she was a healer. As she began to rely more and more  on her intuition, she could access, through her clients, information from their pasts that enabled them to co-create a healing experience. Guided meditation let them tap deeper into unconscious resources and find their own way of healing. Before her dad passed, it was Spirit that told both of them they were destined to have an afterlife connection. Later (after he died) he confirmed this. And, have they ever! At 63, Pam closed her practice and, sitting by a tree in her avocado grove in San Diego County, she began to allow their joint story to unfold. Soon her mother and grandparents spoke to her as well. She came to understand that it would be through her that generations of alcoholism and abuse could be transformed forever, allowing the healing they all so desperately hoped for to take place.  Their book, “The Promise of Soul Love - Unexpected Gifts from Here and Beyond” will be released shortly and details their story.   “Every setback is a challenge that informs how to move forward.” - Dr. Pam Culley-McCullough TAKEAWAYS: Heed your intuition and do not be afraid to trust in it The unknown can be unnerving - fight through it to understand why you need to know it Transformation is difficult and all-powerful Connect with Pam: https://www.pamculley-mccullough.com [email protected] Resource: Christine Kloser, https://christinekloser.com/ Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined   Twitter: @womenover70

Peggy’s love of life caused her career to move across many paths. She never expected to travel, live in unexpected places or have the life experiences she did. A graduate in biological science/zoology, it was only as field editor for Better Homes & Gardens that she even got close to animals, and these were of the garden variety. At an early age she expected to have a boring life but never wanted to regret it so decided to push herself, inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s declaration that “I am always terrified, but I do it anyway.” Peggy’s story is inspiring and urges us to keep on living the life we are meant to live. Since retiring in 2008, she maintains her enthusiasm for life and describes how she has found her way. “After fifty years of long commutes, high stress work, constant business travel and endless committee meetings, it is a treat to sit quietly in my garden, join clubs I had not had time to explore and read a good book on a winters day with a cup of tea and very good chocolate to keep me company.” “Retirement is just as much a discovery as previous phases of my life.” Takeaways: Be patient – in retirement keep trying to find what stimulates you Make a plan that includes how, and where, you want to live as you get older Do not accept invisibility – determine to remain upbeat, present and seen   Connect with Catherine & Gail Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70   Resources: Abbey’s Closet – https://www.abbyscloset.org/ (gives away prom dresses) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - https://www.olli-umich.org/ (Olli programs exist through many universities across the country.) Senior Studies Institute - https://www.ssipdx.org/  

Growing up in a patriarchal Irish Catholic home, Rita followed her 2 older siblings into the convent, believing a life of service was only available inside a religious community. 12 years later she had come to understand that she could be a witness and advocate for others outside of the convent. What followed was an extraordinary life dedicated to working with children, families and, later, detained immigrants. Every time in her life, when Rita felt a gap in knowledge she would find a way to fill it. Through courses, workshops and certifications in practice, she grew confident and capable to be of service. As Rita approached retirement, unwilling to be seen as a ‘creaky old therapist’, with lots of life ahead of her, she understood she could continue her life of purpose, commitment and social justice outside of the psychological field. Her preparation of her clients for termination, many of whom she had worked with for 15 years, became a model for other retiring therapists. “Don’t jump into volunteer work when you retire; instead, take time to reflect on your purpose and lead with your heart." - Rita Corley Baker Takeaways: Losing your life companion doesn’t mean losing the life you loved together. Giving to others is a gift to yourself. Be broad in your purpose, stay connected with others, and be brave - ask for assistance and you will receive it. Athletics, travel on your own, and curiosity enrich your life no matter your age. Connect with Rita Corley Baker: [email protected] Resource: The Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants: https://www.icdichicago.org/   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Gerda discuss her lifelong commitment to creating art that bears witness to human experiences of  conflict, disruption, loss, prejudice, and violence. Gerda chronicles her early life history as a Jew in Germany, including being on the last Kinder Transport to leave Germany, living in London and coming to live in Chicago. Recognized internationally for her Installation Art, Gerda exposes ‘man’s inhumanities to man’ with the hope of helping unite people and cultures across their differences. Gerda describes herself as a feminist and optimist who wants to do something about inhumanity all over the world. " My art is a contribution to helping people be aware of social injustices around the world, historically and right now." - Gerda Meyer Bernstein Take-Aways: I create strong emotional pieces to change people’s ways of thinking about life The female coop art gallery I helped start 47 years ago is still in existence—ARC  Artists Residents of Chicago In the face of harsh realities of life, optimism persists I never thought I could enjoy life in a wheel chair, but, indeed, I do. Contact Information: [email protected] ARC Gallery https://arcgallery.org/ More about Gerda’s Installation Art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc2H7iGTDYk Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Donna Marie discuss: What happened when Donna Marie hit a wall and how she emerged whole. How blindly joining a Women’s Circle completely changed her life. How difficult life can get and how exhilarating it is to get it back. Donna Marie spent 28 years in a convent and when she decided to leave she had no plan for what would happen next. Her hard-fought ability to rediscover her essence enabled her to emerge as a beautiful butterfly. She now helps other women to reconnect when life throws a curve in their path, weaving together techniques involving movement, drawing and writing that she learned in an expressive arts training program in the midst of her journey toward wholeness and re-engagement. The workshops she offers women tap into their bodies’ wisdom and lead to amazing breakthroughs and insights for the participants.   “You don’t have to do anything. Just be.” - Donna Marie Scheifler Take-Aways: The stages of a woman’s life continue to change - lessons learned from each Never fear aging - your crone wisdom guides you along the way Look at your life as a woman, appreciating each season you live Connect with Donna Marie Scheifler: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.yourtimetoblossom.com Download your FREE eBook: 3 Major Myths about Women 50+. Side-step these Myths and Get on with Your Life. FB Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/donnamariescheifler FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintransitioninmidlifeandbeyond Donna’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com (search Donna Scheifler)   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70  

Periodically, Catherine and Gail will reflect on themes that emerge from the inspiring and provocative stories of our guests. In this first retrospective episode, we highlight four themes that emerged during 2019: living by choice; reinventing oneself; exercising resilience; and, pioneering for social change. We illustrate these themes with brief glimpses into the lives of some of our guests. Here is a list of must-listen episodes on these themes. Living by Choice: Our power is in the choices we make, even when we can’t control what happens to us. Episodes #: 26, 23, 21, 4 Reinventing Oneself / Exercising Resilience: When we make major changes in who we are and what we do, it requires grit and keeping your eye on future possibilities. Episodes #: 17, 16, 13, 10, 6, Pioneering for Social Change: Seeing clearly the realities of social injustices and working for positive change, without giving in or up. Episodes #: 25, 12, 9, 7 Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Play, Stitcher, Please rate our show and subscribe. This is how we grow.

In this episode, Catherine and Gail discuss why Sherry Anshara is a quiet rebel who managed to circumvent the system. We ask her what it means to be a Medical Intuitive. Numerous CDs, courses, her books and her work with clients chronicle this path. Sherry doesn’t believe in aging or that you have to age!!!  She says, “Consciousness starts the minute the sperm hits the egg.” That is key to her breakthrough book, Take Back Your Power - You Becoming You.   "From the beginning, I was always asking questions.” - Sherry Anshara Takeaways Use both sides of your brain. Your left brain helps you organize your life. When you are willing, both sides of your brain come together. All fear is lack of information. When you have the information you need to make informed choices, the fear disappears. Our life consists of these 4 repetitive tasks: Creating Implementing Manifesting Actualizing Laughter is the best medicine Connect with Sherry Anshara: [email protected] FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/conversationswithsherryanshara/ FB Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/AnsharaHQ/ Anshara Website: https://www.sherryanshara.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryanshara  

  In this episode, Catherine, Gail and Naomi discuss Naomi’s long-term advocacy to improve the quality of life for older people, especially low-income women and minorities. Naomi has moved from being a grant-seeker to advising on grant making,  in her current position as consultant to The Retirement Research Foundation. Among the priorities of this “little gem in aging” are support for care-givers and economic security in later life. Naomi provides sobering statistics about women’s economic preparedness as we age. She offers an optimistic outlook that includes numerous and often untapped resources for aging women.  Married for 48 years and now working part-time, Naomi is pleased with the balance in her life. "There are always more resources for aging women to bolster their financial security." - Naomi Stanhaus Take-Aways: Gain financial literacy early in life Admit that you need help and look for it—lots of assistance is available for older women Mentor younger women Contact Information: [email protected]

As a young girl in Houston, Martha’s brother played golf but she was never invited to play. Today, Martha Sue is the reigning LPGA Teaching Professional of 2019, elected unanimously by the prestigious International Association of Top Professionals. She is also an author, life coach, speaker and business professional who recently launched an e-learning course on Thinkific, satisfying her quest to teach executives and professionals who love the GAME but are frustrated at it! As founder and president of B.I.O.N.I.C. (Believe It Or Not I Can) Golf Pro, Inc., she developed her B.I.O.N.I.C. Golf Pro teaching system to answer the dream of lower scores, greater confidence and a feeling of satisfaction on the golf course. Quote: “Action with intentional  impact gets positive results.” Take-Aways: Perseverance and determination can get you where you want to go Serving people with a full heart opens doors Never give up on yourself Connect with Martha Sue Yeary: Thinkific Course: https://empoweredgolfers.com Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70  

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Joyce discuss Joyce’s love of teaching and writing poetry, her attachment to rural life, and her decade-long experience living with Parkinson’s. Farm girl becomes college professor becomes Minnesota Poet Laureate. In her eight published collections of poetry, Joyce meets head on the challenges of living and dying, conveying beauty and peace, love and acceptance. Listen to Joyce’s reading of Crossroads about the second half of life, and How I’m Doing about her reckoning with Parkinson’s. Joyce has been heard to say, “I never want to know what the last line will be….”   "Poetry is my way of finding out what I think." Take Aways Follow the thing you love the most, using the means you have Body behaving badly—understand, accept, maintain it Poems tell us things in a language we didn’t know we spoke. They say things in ways we didn’t know we knew. Contact information: [email protected]   Joyce’s latest publication: Sutphen, J. (2019). Carrying water to the field: New and selected poems. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press.   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Patricia discuss how Patty’s work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr—starting in her teens-- was instrumental in shaping her life as a social activist and feminist.  Dr. King called her a “woman warrior.” Through Patty’s vivid descriptions, we learn about the first women’s studies courses at a local Chicago university, the birth of the Women’s Liberation Union, and how the women’s movement in Chicago crossed class and race lines. As a clinical psychologist, Patty turned to theology—the language of faith and justice—for better answers to healing injustices. Her vision now also includes the arts as vehicles for connecting with a spirit larger than oneself. "I have no doubt that anything is possible with a dream, friends and resources." - Rev Patricia Novick, Ph.D., D. Min. Take-Aways: Always the vision is to be part of the community—to share it out, to pass it on. When something causes you pain, learn about it, seek to understand it. Ask yourself—“where have your feet been today?” Aging brings more internal understanding, as in “the performance is for others, the dancing is for me.”   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Carol discuss: Carol’s path, which started when she left the convent in Philadelphia to go on a search for Celtic roots. With a lot of self-discovery along the way, she found Jungian psychotherapy. In her work with patients, Carol began to help them express their feelings through songs she writes and sings to them. The power of group underlines Carol’s most effective work. "The feminine container often creates a feeling of being invisible - stay connected to your power and wisdom." - Carol Joyce Ph.D. Take-Aways: Through our feminine energy we are built to connect with others See yourself from your inner you and resist external forces that can lead to losing yourself It’s so interesting to be a woman and experience the changing patterns of our lives Connect with Carol Joyce: Email: [email protected] Website: www.caroljoyce.net Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70  

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Miriam discuss important lessons learned from profound life experiences. We travel with Miriam from Romania to Israel to Chicago, and through deaths of parents, departure from home of birth, and unanticipated motherhood. These experiences which “punctuated and outlined my life” have enriched Miriam’s passion for teaching, writing, and family and friends. "My life, made out of fragments, becomes whole with help from family, friends, and writing." - Miriam Ben-Yosef, Ph.D. Take-Aways—Lessons Learned: Anything is possible, and the most important thing in life is to not hurt other people Independence and self-reliance are of utmost importance Aging provides opportunity to be grateful for what we have, to take advantage of every moment, of all our choices,—rather than dwell on what has been lost ContactMiriam Ben-Yosef: [email protected] http://www.100wordstory.org/my-future-depends-on-it/ compassionandchoices.org Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Carol discuss, Carol’s journey from middle school counselor to corporate advisor. Her discovery that nothing in the school curriculum prepares you to understand yourself. How parents unintentionally mess up their children’s lives by imposing their own personality style on them. Carol shares the DISC Personality Profile with us, which measures needs motivated observable behavior, how her work with corporations enables them to build stronger cultures of understanding and communication, saving many companies from losing top executives.   Quote: “Plan activities so they light you up every day. Plan ahead, for income and independence.” - Carol Dysart Take-Aways: Aging is just a number - it has nothing to do with how you are or want to be When you embrace technology, the whole world opens up to you People need to see themselves as the gift they are Connect with Carol Dysart: Email: [email protected] Website: www.caroldysart.com Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70  

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Pam discuss Pam’s unexpected pleasure in moving from a 75 hours-a-week leadership role (for 32 years) to forming new passions. Transferring her leadership expertise as head of a nonprofit organization, Pam is now a Climate Action Leader as well as an advocate for endangered species. During this period of being healthy, after two bouts of ovarian cancer, Pam is ready for her “second mountain.” Take-Aways Just because someone wants you does not mean you have to say ‘yes.’ Being a volunteer leader requires particular ways to influence others to move to action. A combination of Eastern & Western medicine can greatly enhance healing. Concern about climate change encompasses concern for the welfare of the planet, including animals and trees.

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Recille explore the various hues and benefits of story-sharing. With candor, humor, and revelation, Recille recounts her journey from speech pathologist for students of all ages with all kinds of handicaps to creating a culture of storytelling in her area of South Burlington, Vermont. The experience of a profound personal trauma moved Recille into the emotional dimension of storytelling. Several decades later, she teaches storytelling classes, and hosts Open Mikes as well as Annual Nights out for experienced story-tellers.   "Stories are like a gift of love to oneself and others." - Recille Hamrell   Take-Aways You can be the heroine of your own story. Telling your story can create bonding, support, empathy, new insights and evaporate traumatic memories. Storytelling helps you learn how you have become who you are so you can plan the rest of your life.   Contact Recille Hamrell: email: [email protected] about Recille Hamrell: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/master-storyteller-recille-hamrell-has-inspired-generations/Content?oid=9959504   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and MJ discuss what it means to be in community—with one’s spouse, children and others in community of faith. Married for 53 years, MJ recounts the deepening of her marriage relationship through Marriage Encounters and how ‘church’ happens in lots of ways other than institutional religion.  In particular, MJ describes how women Catholics are claiming visibility and voice. As an educator, “teaching is like breathing.” As a philosophy, “leisure is an attitude into the mind and a condition of the soul.”   "What we lose in the physical, we gain in the wisdom of the spirit." - MJ Dix Ed.D   Take-Aways: Spirituality is a trip inside to learn how to become who you are You are always enough Keep your head up, keep going—just do it! Do what it is you want to do, in the time you have left     Contact MJ Dix: [email protected] Resources Recommended by MJ: 1. The Grace in Dying by Kathleen Dowling Singh.  (2000) The first half is about transpersonal psychology, taking on the journey from birth when we are strongly ourselves, through early life when the world does its best to convince us otherwise, to a re-embracing ("The Path of Return") of who we are created to be but have not yet fully become.  The second half is about the dying process and "The gift of suffering" and "The Experience of Grace".2.  Adult Faith : Growing in Wisdom and Understanding by Diarmuid O'Murchu.  (2010) This book takes us from "Conventional Inherited Wisdom" by understanding our experiences of "Embedded Codependency, to "Adult Empowerment.  This is not a book about religion. Rather it is about our relationship with our beliefs.3.  Dear Joan Chittister: Conversations with Women in the Church. (2019) This presents the experiences of eleven well-educated, talented  adult women of faith working in ministry in the Catholic Church...or trying to.  Joan responds to each offering considerable wisdom, encouragement, and grace as only she can.Joan has many other books, all of which I recommend.  Particularly "The Time is Now" which offers wisdom about our current political situation and "The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully".  When the body declines the mind and spirit have grown strong.4.  The many offerings of Anthony DeMello in both book and You-tube forms.  Just search DeMello. Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @womenover70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Cheryl discuss how Cheryl lives her philosophy of life. Asking ‘why not?’ has brought Cheryl through major career shifts—grade school teacher, bank executive, and for the past 28 years, as a consultant in communications. Her current focus is helping executives communicate effectively in this age of information overload.  Viewing life as an unpredictable adventure, Cheryl opens herself to new people and new experiences while inviting loved ones to join in. “I love my philosophy of life: Ask not ‘why’ about life, but ‘why not?’” Take-Aways:•       Be open to new ideas and possibilities—many good things come through the back door•       When you see your grandchild’s smile, you know the world is all right•       Surround yourself with interesting friends and people; it keeps you going•       Be a global person•       Live your bucket list! Contact Cheryl Cornell: Email: [email protected]:The Village, Chicagohttps://www.thevillagechicago.org Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Karen discuss Karen’s journey from her early “wild years” into a dedicated career in social work focused on community organizing. Numerous signals pointed Karen toward this career trajectory, from being a resident of a maternity home at age 19 to attending a college (her 4th one) with a strong social justice mission. Coming of age in 1960 was a time before birth control and the pill were legal and, as Karen notes, “before having sex was ‘legal’ for women.” With candor and humor, Karen reveals provocative perspectives on her experiences of making art, care-taking of an older husband, and aging. "My art is a projection of things I believe in—climate, reproductive rights, aging women." -Karen Rechtschaffen MSW Take-Aways Doing work you believe in is a gift. You don’t need to feel old just because you are over 70. Creative expression can be a great escape from boredom. Life live like it’s an adventure—wonder, what comes next? Contact Karen Rechtschaffen: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.karenrechtschaffen.com   Woman Made Gallery: https://womanmade.org   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70

In this episode, Catherine, Gail and Carol discuss key aspects of staying active and living well. During her illustrative career in journalism, Carol covered beats from paper mills to the Equal Rights Amendment/National Organization of Women. Her work with the Ounce of Prevention Fund led to earning a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education so she could do the work and not just write about it. Carol is a long-time advocate for the rights and well-being of mothers and children, including licensed home child care workers.  Carol is Executive Director of The Trillium Foundation (which her husband founded) which connects school children with Chicago’s gems—e.g., Botanic Gardens, Ravinia-- to encourage interest in science and music. As a resident of The Mather, a senior center in Evanston, Carol walks every day to Lake Michigan to enjoy the diversity of language, color, ethnicity. She delights in various offerings of her alma mater, Northwestern University. Carol’s high-level energy and spirit shine in every word she speaks. The secret of aging well is to have your mind on something or someone other than yourself. Take-Aways Pursue meaningful work, but family needs come first Travel—with family, with groups, alone—just do it! Take care of yourself so you are healthy enough to engage in different activities Biking, walking, skiing—whatever physical activity you are able to do Keep up with technology so you can be part of the world the way it is Be active in the community you live in, no matter your age   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, we discuss our lives before we launched Women Over 70 - Aging Reimagined. Our careers in education and business led us to a shared interest in the experiences and lives of women. Take-Aways: We are inspired by our guests who are women aging well in a variety of ways. WomenOver70: Aging Reimagined is a community for younger and older women who learn from each other.   “A tiny shift in mindset can mean the difference between getting stuck at a roadblock or opening up to an opportunity.” - Gail Zelitzky “We can better hear our own stories when we listen to and learn from other women.” - Catherine Marienau, Ph.D. Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Susan explore how Susan’s process for effective change—personal and organizational—emerged through her journey of personal transformation. At age 48, Susan engineered a major life turn, getting her GED so she could leave a corporate job and move into leadership of nonprofits. Over 12 years, Susan completed numerous college degrees, including a doctorate. Susan does not gloss over the chaotic, painful stage of change; rather, she offers guidance on how to confront it and move to victory. For Susan, that involves leading, teaching, writing, coaching, and motivational speaking. Susan’s story inspires us all to lead a full life built on our passions. “My mission is to ignite energy and creativity and generate ah-ha moments to awaken purpose and potential.”  - Susan Neustrom Ed.D. Connect with Susan Neustrom: Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.susanneustrom.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/susanneustrom Book: The Comfort Zone Illusion, Leaving Your Comfort Zone is Not So Hard After All, 2015, published by Happy About, Cupertino, CA.       Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Instagram: Womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70  

  In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Stephanie discuss: Life’s unplanned adventures and why resilience is so important The social and emotional effects of addiction on both individuals and families How compassion fatigue highlights the need for women to learn self-care Stephanie shares with us her own life experiences and why she is as enthusiastic about life today as when she first embraced social services at the age of 13. Take-Aways: Women need self-care and should take pride in doing so The importance of moving - physically, emotionally and mentally - as we age and learning through our own life cycles Ambivalence is a tremendous life-challenge requiring us to consider where to go from here   “Live by choice and not by chance. Have a center that is worth reaching for.”  - Stephanie Kutzen, PhD Connect with Stephanie Kutzen: Email: [email protected] Author: Grandparenting - Tales from the Crib. When Your Children Become Parents Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Susan discuss: Susan’s journey from a provincial upbringing in the 1950s to being at the front of major movements--starting in the mid-1960s--women’s rights, civil rights, student rights, anti-war (Vietnam) protests, and labor organizing. Listen to Susan’s fascinating story as she moves in Chicago circles from women’s consciousness raising groups to raising awareness about sex trafficking; as she brings her love of jazz and rhythm tap to supporting youth in the arts; and as she confronts the reality of mortality by promoting Compassion and Choices, part of the movement in medical aid in dying. Key Take-Aways: While age is just a number, pay attention to the realities of your energy levels. Commit to what you care most about and stay engaged…and don’t take on too much! We can drive toward positive change at any age. "Throughout my life, I've gravitated toward instances of injustice and movements for social justice change." - Susan Munaker Oppenheimer Susan Recommends: HerStoryTheater.org Our mission, through theater and the written word, is to shine bright lights in dark places on women and children in need of social justice and community support. We believe that if made personal, our audiences will respond to the social issues and presented and take action. Chicagotap.org The Chicago Human Rhythm Project builds community through American tap and contemporary percussive arts in world class, innovative performance, education and outreach programs.  Classes are held throughout the year at the American Rhythm Center, primarily for adults. Every summer for the past 30 years youth and adults attend master classes at the annual summer tap festival. MADDRhythms.com Master tappers teach love and respect for the art of tap dance.  These dancers pull from the tradition of the hoofers and annually teach adults and hundreds of kids over the summer and special weekends. CompassionandChoices.org Compassion & Choices improves care, expands options and empowers everyone to chart their end-of-life journey.   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: https://facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/womenover70/  

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Kathleen discuss the reality that life often does not follow a straight line and derailments can lead to new paths. Kathleen shares her passion for helping adults to continue developing and learning in ways that can be transformative.  Kathleen still has a tremendous urge to do things that make a difference—from teaching working professionals in a doctoral program to facilitating workshops for peer tutors at San Quentin prison. Key Take-Aways : Kathleen believes that— We have choices about who we are and who we can be. When we recognize the power of our own minds, and exercise our voices, we can bring about profound changes in our own lives and the world around us. One has no choice but to think about aging—Your mind may say you are a spring chicken, but your body is likely to say otherwise. Keeping doing keeps you going. "Recognizing how each of us learns best is as important as what we learn." - Kathleen Taylor Kathleen Taylor, Ph.D. full-time professor in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s College of California. Resides in Berkeley, CA.  Age 75. Co-author of Facilitating Learning with the Adult Brain in Mind (2016) and Developing Adult Learners: Strategies for Teachers and Trainers (2000). Consultant and workshop leader on how the brain ‘learns’ and effective ways to foster learning, development and change for individuals, groups and organizations.   Connect with Kathleen Taylor: [email protected]   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: https://facebook.com/womenover70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/womenover70/

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Judi discuss: · How life choices are not always final · What it means to age out of your chosen profession · Why failure is sometimes a very good thing Judi shares with us how she took a leap of faith after selling her 40-year old PR business and emerged as the funniest woman in town. Key Take-Aways: Develop new relationships with younger people as you age. That enables you to make big changes. Ask lots of questions of people who are doing what you want to do, and admit you are learning something new. Drop the technophobe act. “We have, as we get older, more room for failure, more room for risks and, therefore, more room for rewards.”  - Judi Schindler Connect with Judi Schindler: Email: [email protected] Web: https://judischindler.com Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @womenover70   Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/womenover70/

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Roni discuss: Life enriching benefits of volunteering. Opportunities for growth that come from experiences of loss and deficit. The value of community and connection for women as they age. Take-Aways: Remaining vibrant is a key goal as we age-- by sharing the “I get it” space with other women; by intentionally engaging in new learning and reinventing yourself; by sharing your talents with others in need; by believing in your own, and others, self- worth. “I define myself first and foremost as a volunteer. My life as a volunteer has helped me develop greater empathy and put judgment aside. I feel enormous gratitude for witnessing people reach their goals.” - Roni Buckley   Connect with Roni Buckley: Email: [email protected]   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Twitter: @gailzel LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gailzelitkzy  

In this episode, Gail, Catherine and Rita discuss: How life experience informs and changes us. Loving life even in the face of adversity. How journal writing is a voyage. Key Takeaways: You cannot have a testimony without having a test. Intentional silence can open your ears and eyes and help you connect with yourself and others’ spirits. In order to successfully scale, you must take time to be quiet, to journal, to take sabbaticals. That’s how growth happens. "During our lives, we’re always building - we’re evolving, and we’re building more and more to that ultimate purpose." —  Rita Ricks Connect with Rita Ricks: Twitter: @ritacricks Facebook: Speak to Your Spirit Website: SpeakToYourSpirit.com Book: Permission Granted! A Journal of Spiritual Epiphanies & #justfortoday: 365 Actions to Fuel Your Daily Rhythm Show: Speaking To Your Spirit YouTube: Rita Ricks Instagram: @ritacricks   Connect with Gail & Catherine: Twitter: @gailzel Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 - Aging Reimagined LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gailzelitkzy     Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

During her years as an integrative health physician specializing in older women, Carolyn saw the benefits of integrating alternative and conventional practices. She advocates a learning partnership with health care providers to obtain optimal care. Key Takeaways: Life doesn't need to slow down in your 60's, 70's and 80s as women look to stay healthy and active in all ways for years to come. Now there are many more opportunities to work with practitioners who address your desire for a more holistic approach, both inside and outside the traditional health care system. Be a learning partner in your own health care and take a more proactive role in getting the care you want and need. "As a practitioner, I want to understand how my female patient learns so I can tailor what I say to her way of knowing. If I don’t connect with her as a learner and active participant in her own health care, she's probably not going to make necessary shifts.” Carolyn Torkelson, MD. Connect with Carolyn Torkelson: Profile: https://familymedicine.umn.edu/bio/familymed/carolyn-torkelson Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Twitter: @womenover70 Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, Stitcher, or Spotify Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen.

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Sharon discuss: How Sharon started a Nanny Agency and wound up in Home Health Care Her path to become a name in the Over 50 market Her first book: ‘Bandstand Diaries’ and how teenagers helped bring Rock n’ Roll to the masses Her 2nd book, ‘Super Agers’ outlining Mature Resources Key Takeaways: Opportunity is everywhere you look, if you look. Ask no questions: if you want something, go for it! There’s a lot of wisdom to share with younger people. "In 100 years, I want an obituary that tells my life story with meaning.  So all these years I’ve been filling up, hopefully, a eulogy for myself that has a lot of great stuff." —  Sharon Sultan Cutler Connect with Sharon Sultan Cutler: Facebook: facebook.com/sultancutler Website: www.bandstanddiaries.com Book: Bandstand Diaries: The Philadelphia Years, 1956-1963 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonsultancutler Connect with Gail & Catherine: Twitter: @gailzel Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: www.WomenOver70.com Email:   [email protected] and [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 - Aging Reimagined LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gailzelitkzy Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Gail, Catherine, and Linda discuss: How to use your natural gifts to feel good about yourself while helping the larger world as well. Transitioning in and out of retirement. What it means to make life more fun. Key Takeaways: Look for volunteer opportunities that will help move policy forward, to help bring injustice and social justice issues to light. Speak to others about what you are experiencing in life and gain their feedback and suggestions. Rediscover activities you like,  try new ones and spend time with family and friends.  Find the things that make your life more fun. "I found myself really fighting to get my voice out there, which is something I didn't have to do when I had my title and my role." —  Linda Gesler Connect with Linda Gesler: Email: [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Twitter: @gailzel Facebook: facebook.com/womenover70 Website: www.WomenOver70.com Email: [email protected] and [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 - Aging Reimagined LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gailzelitkzy Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.