Grandma Moses started painting seriously at 78. Norman Maclean published his first novel, A River Runs Through It, at 74. Truly, it’s never too late to start painting, drawing, writing, making music, dancing—whatever inspires you. The creative payoffs can be huge. But it also presents challenges: you must be willing to learn and be a "beginner" again, take some risks, and be open to critique.
Canadian artist Janice Mason Steeves, herself a late bloomer, joins us to talk about her book, Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life. In it, she shares thoughts and observations from dozens of older artists who describe their creative journeys and explain how art has helped them find their voices, know themselves better, and become more enlightened.
Steeves also discusses the idea of “elderhood” – the idea that artists can use their enlightenment to make the world a stronger, kinder, more interconnected place. She manifests the concept of elderhood through her “Workshops in Wild Places” programs that allow her to take fellow artists to beautiful, remote locations around the world to connect to and be inspired by nature.
For more information on Janice Mason Steeves, her art, book, and workshops, visit www.janicemasonsteeves.com
At 61, Lyn Slater, a seasoned social welfare professional and social work academic at Fordham University, combined her passions for clothing and writing by launching an Instagram blog in 2014. The Accidental Icon was born.
Modeling Valentino eyewear thrust her into the spotlight of the fashion industry, global notoriety, and unexpected opportunities. The Accidental Icon transformed into a social influencer with a million followers and became a brand in its own right.
In 2020, Lyn pivoted her blog away from fashion blogging and sponsored posts to writing about aging and advocating for pro-aging public policy. Her Stubstack newsletter gave rise to her first non-academic book, How To Grow Old, published in 2024.
Lyn Slater holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from The Graduate Center, City University of New York.
Links:
Join host Jan M Flynn in conversation with Kira Reginato as they explore the issue of where it makes the most sense to live as we or our loved ones age and our needs change.
As an elder care manager and consultant, Kira has served hundreds of older adults and their families in a variety of settings: hospitals, residential care and skilled nursing facilities, hospices, Alzheimer’s adult day care programs and Meals on Wheels.
Kira's three decades of expertise, as well as her warm personality and compassion were enjoyed in two weekly radio shows focused on aging: The Elder Care Show and Call Kira About Aging!
Kira is the author of the book Tips for Helping Your Aging Parents...Without Losing Your Mind – click the link to purchase a copy.
For more information about Kira, visit her website at www.Callkira.com and check out her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyO7atbCToRbKmnFI6EZGAg
Interested in finding a care manager for yourself or your family? Visit the national Aging Life Care organization at www.Aginglifecare.org
You can also book a phone or video consultation with Kira to discuss your needs and help connect you to a local care manager by clicking this link: "https://tinyurl.com/2p855cyx"
(Note: this information is provided as a potential resource but does not indicate an endorsement nor any other business relationship. Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age does not receive any financial consideration for providing this link).
Meet Alicia Littman, the quintessential New Yorker, constantly reinventing herself and, at 82, star of her own one-woman cabaret show, "Senior Living." Alicia drove a taxi, designed clothing in her tiny Greenwich Village apartment, sold advertising for the New York Times and now sells high-end apartments in Manhattan. But her real love is theater. She attended a professional school for children, starred in every high school production, and snagged a featured role in a community theater production of The Pajama Game, singing and dancing the legendary “Steam Heat” number. Alicia never made it to Broadway, but even with a few replacement parts, she’s still a babe — sassy, smart, and not afraid to make fun of herself.
Creating a vibrant, satisfying experience of aging sometimes means reinventing ourselves: taking on a new profession, pursuing a long-held dream, or remodeling our home, or ourselves, from the foundation on up. It can be really exciting – but also takes courage, and there isn’t a handy instruction guide for how to get started. So it’s inspiring and helpful to check in with people who have embarked on one or more reinventions and can attest to the risks and rewards.
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Crow’s Feet writer and podcast team member Jean Feldeisen, who never stopped starting over throughout a productive and creative life. From pursuing a doctorate in philosophy to running a catering business, to a long career as a psychotherapist, and recently transforming herself into a published poet, Jean approaches reinvention like she plays piano — in a spirit of exploration, fascination, and challenge.
She’s not afraid to start over. And when necessary, to go slower.
Jean Feldeisen (jeanfeldeisen.com) is the author of:
Not All Are Weeping, a poetry chapbook available through Main Street Rag
https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/not-all-are-weeping-jean-anne-feldeisen/
Dear Milly: A Love Story ‘Til the End of Time, the story of Jean’s parents and their love that survived and flourished through the Great Depression, World War II, and all the tumultuous times that followed. Dear Milly: a love story 'til the end of time'
Catching Fireflies with Argy Nestor is a “picture book for adults:” poems and imagery riffing on the seasons in Maine.* Available for $25 plus a $5 fee for shipping & handling Contact Jean at empowermepeople@gmail.com or Argy at meartsed@gmail.com. Let them know if you want your copy autographed.
Follow me at jeanfeldeisen.com. Email me at empowermepeople@gmail.com
Join the fun. To receive my bi-weekly email, click the link below.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/BXZnupW
Join psychologists and seasoned relationship experts Drs. Gloria Horsley and Frank Powers sharing insights from their new book Open to Love: The Secrets of Senior Dating. It’s a guide to stepping out into the bewildering and sometimes intimidating world of online dating. Host Jane Trombley explores with them the joys and trials of forging a committed relationship, including their own, in one’s older years.
Dr. Gloria Horsley, Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical nurse specialist. She President and Co-founder of the Open to Hope Foundation, and a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.
Dr. Frank Powers, Ph.D. has been a licensed psychologist in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the last 30 years. He served as Chairman of the Psychiatric Security Review Board for the State of Arizona and is now an award-winning sculptor.
Gloria and Frank split their time between Palo Alto, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Links:
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Dr. Greg Hampikian, founder of the Idaho Innocence Project and one of the leading forensic DNA experts in the U.S. A present-day Renaissance man, Dr. Hampikian is also a professor at Boise State University, an inventor, a NY Times contributing columnist, a playwright— and a fan of Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age! Listen as Dr. Hampikian lets his lively mind loose on wide-ranging topics — most notably, how his work informs his own aging, and what he finds so exciting about life in his 60s.
Bio & links:
Greg Hampikian, PhD is an American biologist and the founder and director of the Idaho Innocence Project. He is considered one of the foremost forensic DNA experts in the United States.
Dr. Hampikian lectures on DNA science generally as well as DNA in forensic evidence specifically nationwide. He is perhaps best knownfor his work on several exonerations both nationally and internationally, including his work on the Amanda Knox case.
He is currently a professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Criminal Justice at Boise State University.
He’s also a New York Times contributing columnist whose two most popular contributions to date have been "Men, Who Needs Them" and "When May I Shoot a Student?".
Dr. Hampikian has been inducted as a Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. His inventions range from a magnetic shape memory alloy micro-pump to a forensic DNA labeling kit that prevents contamination of samples given to the police
Dementia is one of the greatest fears of people today and a growing problem worldwide. Yet many people avoid talking or thinking about it. Cynthia Stone's new documentary, Keys Bags Names Words hopes "to shift that narrative of fear and hopelessness to one of hope and action." Using a quirky and inspiring lens, Keys Bags Names Words portrays both personal stories and the work of experts studying the disease to create an inspiring tribute to the human spirit. Join host Jean Feldeisen as she talks with producer Cynthia Stone, and Jill Harmon, one of the caregivers featured in the film, about making the documentary and the impact of its message on their own lives.
You can find more information about the film, including how to arrange for a showing in your community, at the film's website keysbagsnameswords.com
The holidays mean more as you look back on a long life. So we asked our readers and listeners what they’re feeling — probably much the same as you, ranging from love to loneliness and stress to nostalgia. Listen as they share their thoughts with you, like an old friend by a cozy fireside.
Aging into health is an idea that centerarian Dr. Gladys McGarey knows well. For more than six decades, "Dr. Gladys" has been a medical pioneer in the interconnectedness of her patients' physical, mental, and emotional health.
She’s board-certified in Holistic and Integrated Medicine and co-founder of both The American Holistic Medical Association and the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine.
Become a supporter of the Crow's Feet Podcast.
Dr. Gladys recently published her 8th book, A Well-lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets To Health and Happiness at ANY Age. Join host Jane Trombley in exploring those secrets: the importance of finding one's “juice” and movement, defining boundaries, confronting the tough times we all go through, the power of love, and spending our energy wildly, even as we age.
Now at 103, Dr Gladys continues to lead an active life as a sought-after speaker and hosts a weekly Instagram Live program. Her book is available on Amazon or through her website.
November is a time for gratitude and remembrance — and it's also National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. It's a topic often surrounded by confusion, especially since many of us find it difficult to talk about. But the more we know, the more we can help ourselves and our loved ones — and the less intimidating and scary it becomes. In this episode, you'll hear an interview with a leading hospice and palliative care expert, Dr. Glen Komatsu. Then join Crows Feet hosts Warren Turner and Jan M Flynn in a conversation about what it's been like for them as they've had family members in hospice care — and what those experiences have taught them.
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Show Link: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
https://www.nhpco.org/
Our nations Veteran’s have gone above and beyond to ensure the freedom of the United States and its Allies. In this episode, host Lee Bentch, illuminates the rich history of Veteran’s Day, November 11th, while introducing the work of Honor Flight. Honor Flight is an organization dedicated to flying Veterans of all branches and years of service to Washington D.C. to visit the War Memorials. In this touching tribute you’ll hear the voices of Honor Flight Vets who lived to tell their story of service and survival.
Villains and victims, evil witches and vengeful scourges—at the movies, getting old is scary business. It also generates big business at the box office. But what do these frightening depictions actually have to say about aging? Host Betsy Allen talks with Cynthia Miller, writer, cultural anthropologist, and college professor, about what Hollywood finds so scary about getting older and how we just might be on the verge of flipping the script.
For more information about books by Cynthia J. Miller.
Movies discussed in our conversation:
- The Brotherhood of Satan (1971)
- Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
- Drag Me to Hell (2009)
- Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
- The Hunger (1983)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
- Insidious: The Last Key (2018)
- Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
It wasn't 'love at first sight' for Elaine LaLanne, when she met Jack LaLanne, the "Godfather of Fitness." In fact, Elaine was eating a donut when Jack quipped "The only thing good about a donut is the hole in the middle." Now 97, Elaine is fit, active and effervescent. Listen in for her secrets to living a longer, healthier life and how she's keeping the legacy of her husband alive.
Professor Ellen Langer, better known as "the mother of mindfulness,” spent the better part of her 45-year career challenging widely-held assumptions about the power of our minds. Her famous "Counterclockwise" study, first conducted in 1979, showed it's possible to reverse the affects of aging in one week. In her latest book, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health, she says our minds can make us more hopeful, speed the healing process, and even help us live longer. The key: remember your mind and body are one integrated unit. "Where you put the mind, the body will follow." Langer defines Mindfulness as being in the moment — noticing new things about yourself and the environment rather than assuming today will be the same as yesterday which, in turn, opens us to new possibilities. In this rapid-fire conversation with Melinda Blau, Langer talks about applying mindfulness to aging, grief, caretaking, and serious illness. You can find Ellen's books on Amazon and her website
Thinking about returning to work, “working in retirement,” or launching an encore career? Ever experienced ageism in the workplace, felt pressured to leave a job before you’re ready, or overwhelmed at the thought of trying to rejoin the workforce?
The last week of September is National Employ Older Workers Week. Join Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Janine Vanderburg, founder of Changing the Narrative, a leading initiative working to increase awareness of ageism and change how people think, talk, and act about aging and ageism.
Leading Changing the Narrative, is Janine’s encore career. She's led media and social media campaigns about the value of older folks, advocated for age-friendly public policies and stronger anti-discrimination laws, launched an anti-ageist birthday card campaign, and trained over 10,000 people in research-based messaging to counter negative stereotypes of older people and advocate the adoption of age-friendly policies.
Janine has been recognized by the City of Denver, Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Colorado Center for Aging for her innovation and advocacy for older adults. Her favorite saying: “We are the leaders we are looking for.”
Links To Resources
Changing the Narrative website: https://changingthenarrativeco.org/
Anti-ageist birthday card campaign page (that also links to artist cards):
https://changingthenarrativeco.org/anti-ageist-birthday-cards/
Resources on age-friendly workplaces:
https://changingthenarrativeco.org/resources-2023/age-friendly-workplace-resources/
You know her as Granny from Space Jam 2, Dexter from Dexter’s Laboratory and memorable characters from decades of TV and movie roles. Nearing retirement age she can still sound like a 9-year old boy. Maybe growing up in a halfway house for the emotionally disturbed and developmentally disabled had something to do with it? Join voiceover artist, comedian, and author, Candi Milo as she dishes on her career, life, and thoughts about aging with host, Nancy Franklin.
A spiritual alignment coach, motivational speaker, and global ritual expert, Barbara Biziou believes rituals can help us connect with one another, expand our levels of success, and create meaningful visions for our lives. As she puts it, ritual is where neuroscience meets old world tradition. In this episode, Barbara reveals how to bring rituals into daily life with Crow’s Feet writer Jean Feldeisen, a psychologist and poet. Learn more about Barbara at her website: https://www.barbarabiziou.com/
A child prodigy on the piano, music gave Patricia Ross refuge from a chaotic home. In this episode, Ross tells host Melinda Blau how resilience, curiosity, and making good choices were key to her life — achieving what Blau calls “exuberant geezerhood.” Becoming sober in her 40s was one turning point for Ross, along with learning photography from the great Ansel Adams, which led to a career in the craft. Marrying a psychologist put her on the path to becoming a psychotherapist herself and, now in her ninth decade, she writes personal essays on Medium. You can listen to Ross’s amazing dexterity on the keyboard at https://soundcloud.com/patricia-ross-131826129.
Join host Jan M. Flynn in conversation with Lenore Guido, Bereavement Coordinator for a New Jersey hospice program, who has a private counseling practice focusing on compassionate grief care. Grief is something we often shy away from thinking about, but it’s also something we’ll all experience. Lenore, who is drawing on more than 45 years’ experience in the field to write a book on healing from loss, shares a perspective both clear-eyed and hopeful. There is, she says, life after loss — and even joy.
Her famous husband thinks he's signing autographs when being admitted to the ER. He runs from airport security as if he's scoring a Super Bowl touchdown. Famous for bulldozing would-be tacklers, he's blindsided by brain trauma. Meanwhile, his remarkable wife not only coped, she launched a new career and became a fierce activist for other football families dealing with former players' brain injuries. Today, she's still flying high as an 81-year old flight attendant.
What if there were a way to get your teen grandkids to put down their phones and talk to you? Join host Jan M Flynn in conversation with Elly Katz, who left a successful career as a graphic designer to found Sages & Seekers — an innovative, immersive, and award-winning program that brings older adults (Sages) together with Seekers (teens). Over eight weekly sessions, the Sages and Seekers share their stories, linking the wisdom and experience of the elders with the energy and curiosity of the youth. With the program now reaching across international boundaries, two independent studies have shown that both the Seekers and the Sages reap significant benefits — and some that might surprise you. Check out the program, including fun shots of participants, at sagesandseekers.org
The New Florida Follies Proves That People Of All Ages Can Put on a Show. Artistic director and choreographer Cheryl Steinthal has been dancing most of her life, from Radio City Music Hall to a career in choreography and retiring to Florida where she joined the dancers of The New Florida Follies. Host Jean Feldeisen talks with Cheryl about the troupe of dancers who put on an annual Broadway calibre show, complete with tap dancing and Rockette-style big production numbers to raise money for children's charities in South Florida.
Host Betsy Allen talks with Bobbi Carducci, Certified Caregiving Consultant, author, educator, and caregiver advocate, about caring for Rodger, her father-in-law, who suffered from Lewy Body Dementia, COPD, and schizophrenia. It was a challenging, life-altering experience for Bobbi: navigating the healthcare system, weathering her own health issues, and dealing with the stress it put on her relationship with her husband. After Rodger passed away, Bobbi became an advocate for other caregivers—and she’s got a lot of practical advice for the growing number of older adults who will either become caregivers or be cared for. Learn more about her at her website: www.bobbicarducci.com
“I never planned on doing this in my 50s,” says humor writer Amy Sea about Breast Stories, her online publication on the Medium.com platform. It’s dedicated to all things related to breasts, from cancer to breastfeeding. On the podcast, she talks with host Warren Turner about her publication and how she uses humor to figure herself out. When you hear Amy Sea read her work, you’ll laugh knowingly about all the quirky things haunting our minds when we can’t sleep at night. Read more of Amy Sea’s work on Medium here or visit the publications she writes for Muddy-Um, Contemplate and Breast Stories.
Aging Artfully – How Painting, Writing, and Other Creative Pursuits Can Transform Your Later Years
28:15
Lyn Slater, the Accidental Icon, Reinvents Herself
28:30
Where Will You Call Home? Housing Options for Elders and Their Loved Ones
38:06
Alicia Littman: Never Too Late To Dream
23:59
Meet a piano virtuoso/shrink/caterer and poet who never stopped starting over
27:53
Are You Ever Too Old to Be Open to Love?
31:23
Meet the 62-year old Inventor/Playwright/DNA expert fighting for justice
28:58
The Human Face of Dementia – A Filmmaker Shares Music, Art, Love, and Hope
36:36
Our holiday card in sound from the many voices of Crow's Feet
24:24
A Well-Lived Life: Insights Into the Secrets of Aging Into Health
26:15
A Hospice Doctor Pulls Back The Curtain on A Better Way To Go
35:16
A Salute in Sound to The Veterans Who Fought to Ensure Our Way of Life
21:35
Witches, Bitches, and Geezers: Hollywood Horror Stereotypes of Aging with Cynthia Miller
24:45
Fit & Fabulous at 97, Meet Elaine LaLanne, wife of "Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne
25:12
Can Our Minds Makes Us Younger? Yes, says a renowned Harvard Psychologist
28:15
Older Workers Rock: Janine Vanderburg Combats Ageism in the Workplace
32:01
Candi Milo: The Voice That Launched a Thousand Cartoons
32:22
Bringing the Sacred into Your Everyday Life with Barbara Biziou
27:52
Patricia Ross: Pianist, Photographer & Psychotherapist on What She’s Learned at 84
28:33
Growing From Loss: Bereavement Counselor Lenore Guido on The Journey Through Grief to Healing
33:07
Sylvia Mackey, Widow of an NFL Legend, Honors the Love of Her Life -- and Makes the World a Better Place
26:25
Real Life-Changing Magic: When Older Adults and Teens Actually, Like, Connect
29:14
A 68-year old Former Rockette is a Youngster in This Chorus Line
17:50
Caregiver Confessions: Bobbi Carducci Gets Real About the Challenges and Rewards of Caring for a Loved One
27:49
Boobs, Belligerence & Belly Laughs from Amy Sea
16:07