A Retreat for Older Women Asking “Who Am I Now?”
Zestful Aging
I first became aware of today’s guest when she co wrote the classic, groundbreaking bestseller “The Courage to Heal” 37 years ago. It’s a book I’ve recommended many times in my psychotherapy practice. “The Courage to Heal” gave hope to millions because it provided sexual abuse survivors with the first real map of the healing process. In the years since then, Laura Davis has continued writing and leading workshops all over the world that have mirrored her passage through life: learning to be a parent, exploring the dynamics of reconciliation, living in the cancer underworld,...
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Bringing Pickleball to Maximum Security Prisons
Zestful Aging
Today’s subject checks all of the boxes I care about: helping those less fortunate, racket sports and finding purpose in our third chapter. Roger BelAir was a successful businessman (and was even on the cover of Money Magazine!) who was an avid pickleball player. One night, the show 60 Minutes aired a segment on Chicago’s Cook County Jail. Roger noticed that many of the inmates were playing cards or watching TV. Being an avid pickleball player, he commented to his wife, “They should be playing pickleball. They’d not only get exercise but learn valuable "life skills" like learning from...
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The Most Fun and Effective Exercise EVER!
Zestful Aging
By now you know that I gravitate towards activities a bit off the mainstream–like hunting Pythons in Florida and hiking with alpacas. And exercise is no different. You are never going to find me at a gym grinding it out on an elliptical. And the idea of a “boot camp” makes my blood run cold. Isn’t life hard enough? At this age, I want things to be healthy and fun. That’s why we’re going to talk about rebounders (mini trampolines). I’ve used my rebounder to train for the Senior tennis Games and my walk on the Camino in Spain. It’s hard not to enjoy jumping up and down to your...
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“Life is a Play in Three Acts”
Zestful Aging
My favorite kind of zestful ager is one who has had multiple jobs and adventures that are “off the mainstream” and who offers us a new way to think about our own aging. And I’ve never had a theme park designer on the show before! Wayne Lehrer is a vibrant and curious 73-year-old who has lived an inspiring and eclectic life including: pioneering the growing of wheat grass and spirulina, studying oriental medicine and practicing silence for 5 months. Wayne has also produced and directed 3-D Imax films and he’s a Master Yoga and Meditation teacher who has taught tens of thousands, and...
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The Dark Side of People Pleasing
Zestful Aging
When you think of people pleasing, what comes to mind? Many of my therapy clients are discovering that their long history of trying to make others happy and comfortable is causing them distress. The good news is that as we age, we seem less and less interested in putting everyone’s needs first. What’s happening here and why might you want to consider paying attention to your need to please others? This week’s guest is Amy Wilson, the co-host of the popular podcast “WHAT FRESH HELL”. Amy has appeared on Broadway in a one person show, and Saturday Night Live. And she’s just written a...
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HOLIDAY BONUS: Why I Thrift for My Mental Health (Surprise Guest)
Zestful Aging
As a psychotherapist, I’m always open to ways we can feel less anxious and alone. Some of us have a destressing toolbox which might include yoga, meditation, crafting, pets and the like. I’d like to add one that is a bit less conventional. Thrift stores provide a kind of mini community and sense of shared purpose (the thrill of the hunt) that’s important in times like these. We’re in the middle of an epidemic of loneliness, and I find that frequenting my local thrift is a way of feeling less isolated. There’s no pressure to have long involved conversations with fellow thrifters....
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Stressful Holiday Get Togethers: Here Are Some Tips to Help Cope
Zestful Aging
I was invited to interview my friend and colleague, Dr. Rich O’Neil, who hosts the podcast on WCNY. We’ve co-hosted his show a couple of times before and it is so fun. We tape at the public radio station WCNY and you feel like a real radio star in the sound booth. So many buttons! He wanted to talk about holiday stress. I quipped, “Politics, alcohol and family…what could go wrong?” We have a spirited discussion about how to navigate prickly family get togethers. My personal favorite tip is using the statement, “I don’t talk politics or diets.” Find out more about Dr....
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Help! How Can I Destress?
Zestful Aging
If you’ve listened to Zestful Aging, you know that I love nature and am fascinated by its healing properties. In this episode we’re going to talk about a profoundly healing practice you may not have heard of. I do ask that you keep an open mind, because it sounds unconventional until you understand the science behind it. Dr. Laura Koniver is a holistic physician, and internationally recognized grounding advocate. Her work has been featured in many news and media outlets. She’s going to explain why grounding is essential to our good health. Find out more about Laura and grounding here: ....
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How Ayurveda Promotes Longevity
Zestful Aging
Modern society has conditioned us to see aging as a depressing deteriorating experience with a growing list of pain symptoms and an even longer list of prescription drugs. Some of our conversations can devolve into a comparison of newly discovered ailments. Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh was an emergency room doctor and experienced her own health crisis. In her search for answers, she was led back to Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of her South Asian roots. She’s written a new book called “The Longevity Formula” with the mission of honoring the passage of years and ushering in the...
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What is a Life Well Lived?
Zestful Aging
You may remember my conversation years ago with documentary filmmaker Sky Bergman. Inspired by her close relationship with her grandmother, she created the film “LIVES WELL LIVED”, where she interviewed 40 people aged 75 and older to find out their thoughts on what was a life lived well. Based on the success of this film, she’s written a new book, "Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS," which distills the wisdom gained from the film and celebrates the essence of life shaped across generations. It explores finding purpose, supporting one another, and mastering the art of thriving...
info_outlineKim Rahir is a 60 year old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago and was in a wheelchair. She ignored her doctor's advice and slowly began lifting weights. This year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category.
Kim’s journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle. Today, she helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality by reactivating and maintaining their muscles, while ditching diet culture conditioning to actually eat to nourish and flourish. Find out more at https://kimrahir.com
Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com