Zestful Aging

How can we age with zest, courage and vibrance? How can we tackle the challenges of aging--including ageism-- with awareness and skill? Nicole Christina, a psychotherapist of more than 30 years, interviews culture changers from all over the world and of every persuasion–including Python hunters in the Everglades and Hospice workers at San Quentin Penitentiary. Her topics have a humanitarian theme and are typically off of the mainstream. An expert interviewer and author of "Not Just Chatting: How to Become a Master Podcast Interviewer" Nicole’s conversations are deep and heartfelt. In these conversations, the challenges of aging are not sugar coated. Bodies age. We're not as fast or agile as we once were. 60, it turns out, is not the new 40. Acceptance is the key, although it's easier said than done. Our goal, then, is to navigate the losses of aging as well as to highlight the gifts. Many people report being happier when they reach 50 and are delighted by the freedoms they experience. They may have more time to themselves, and the new ability to discover what makes them truly happy. Many women are traveling solo and finding joy in their new friendships. It's a time to be curious and adventurous while our body still is in good working condition. It's not always easy, though. Trying new things can be scary. Nicole's guests are not super heroes. They are people who have found their own ways of meeting the challenges of aging yet still delighting in the life they have left. The Show brings optimism to the experience of aging in spite of the realities of expectable losses.

The Dark Side of People Pleasing 12/28/2024

HOLIDAY BONUS: Why I Thrift for My Mental Health (Surprise Guest) 12/25/2024

HOLIDAY BONUS: Why I Thrift for My Mental Health (Surprise Guest) 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. Instead, one might ask, “what is the color of the day?”, “can I slide my cart by you?” and engage in small talk that helps us feel a bit more connected. I’ve had sweet conversations that have left me feeling a little more energized and uplifted. There’s also something about rescuing abandoned quality clothing that is satisfying to me, but may be an acquired taste. Some have expressed concerns that buying from the thrift stores takes away resources from people with less means. I’ve had concerns about this myself. That’s why I was happy to be able to put this question directly to Adam Minter, an expert in the global second hand trade (his episode link is below). From my experience, the racks are so stuffed at the thrift stores there’s more than enough for everyone. I was also surprised to see U.S. used clothes at a recent trip to a chain thrift store in the Caribbean. There’s simply too much stuff. Thrifters agree that the thrill of the hunt is addicting. It’s fun to find that needle in the haystack of discarded items. I’m partial to cashmere–especially vintage–and I’ve been lucky to find many beautiful pieces that I’ve taken home and restored. They are a pleasure to wear. Thrifting isn’t for everyone. But it might be worth trying if you like hunting for hidden gems and being around people who like that too. You never know what you will find. Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com /episode/index/show/a15fbf67-ef82-4e74-a6e0-7185b5a1fe80/id/34558925