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...
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Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain
Zestful Aging
Are you as confused as I am about what to do to prevent Dementia? Are you considering buying the supplements made from jellyfish advertised on TV? Well we get the straight story from a researcher and clinician who is an expert in Dementia. Dr. Mitchell Clionsky is the co-author of ” and he’s going to help us make sense of all of the science. Find out more here: Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com
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Is Your Head in the Sand About Your Future Finances?
Zestful Aging
Are you one of those women who would rather talk about sex than money? Midlife women can put their heads in the sand about their financial future, and it’s to our detriment. I know for myself money brings up a lot of anxiety. Will I have enough to retire? What about long term health needs? Ruzanna Queenan helps women who live life to the fullest grow their financial confidence and financial wealth. Growing up in Soviet Armenia with a single mom, she experienced the stress of financial vulnerability. She learned that financial planning has the power to help us feel more in control of our...
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Empty Bowls: An Innovative Approach to Addressing Hunger
Zestful Aging
Many of us are aware that hunger exists in our communities. Some of us may even donate our non-perishables to food banks. Guest Kate Artessa and I talk about the initiative that she directs that brings attention to hunger in our community. is a grassroots, innovative and creative approach to addressing hunger. It’s a brilliant collaboration of ceramics makers, community restaurants and organizers. The local is a collaboration with Syracuse University and its Ceramic Arts Department, Clayscapes Pottery, in support of the Interreligious Food Consortium and its mission. For more information,...
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Parent Child Estrangement: More Common Than You Think
Zestful Aging
When our child has mental illness or a substance abuse problem, we often focus on the adult child and getting them help– if they are willing. But how do the adult child’s difficulties impact the mother and how long is she responsible for parenting her troubled child? If he or she is violent, does she call the police on her own child? Professor and advocate Dr. Judith Smith has written a groundbreaking book that has sparked a long overdue conversation about the hidden and prolonged struggles of older mothers with adult children facing serious mental health and substance use...
info_outlineAnyone out there believe in synchronicity? Many of you know that I am walking part of the Camino de Santiago in May. I’ve been thinking, planning and talking about it alot. One night I was scrolling and I fell upon a group called Women of a Certain Age–WOACA. I was intrigued. Then I was surprised– more than 10k members. Comments stating how special this group is. They debated on the best walking shoes and if you really need a pee rag. I looked up a little bit about the FB group’s administrator…wait! A social worker? Yup. Synchronicity.
Alysa Golden is a psychotherapist and coach who lives in Toronto. She is also the creator of Woaca the Camino, a community of almost 12,000 women who are over the age of 50 and either planning on or walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Last year Alysa edited the book “Hearing the Camino's Call” containing 58 stories written by women in the group about their experiences walking the Camino. FInd out more about WOACA here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/woacathecamino
Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com.