Aging In Full Bloom

I’m speaking to you directly from my heart. This week marks the fifth anniversary of my baby brother’s passing, and it’s been a difficult time for my family. As I reflect on my own experience with grief, I want to share what I’ve learned—about the many ways people move through loss and how important it is to be kind to yourself and to others during this journey.I’ll talk about the well-known stages of grief and why it’s absolutely okay to grieve in your own way, on your own terms. I’ll share stories from my neighborhood and my family, from neighbors who find comfort living alone after loss to others who choose to remarry quickly. I believe there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and we all deserve the space to do it in the manner that feels right for us.If you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more about the process, I hope this episode encourages you to be gentle, to stop judging, and to start listening with empathy. May it bring you comfort, perspective, and the remind

I sit down with author Cammie McGovern, whose latest book, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter, is set to hit shelves soon (April 2026). Cammie brings her wealth of experience as a novelist and teacher to the conversation, sharing the inspiration behind her new work—a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and new beginnings in the later years of life.Set in a vibrant retirement community, Cammie's novel centers on Sally, a 73-year-old Scrabble prodigy, and Walter, her club leader and soon-to-be companion on and off the Scrabble board. The story beautifully explores the power of connection, the importance of lifelong learning, and the joys of forming rich relationships in your golden years.We also talk about the realities of aging, the meaningful friendships that blossom later in life, and the importance of seeing older adults authentically represented in books and on screen. So whether you're an older adult, an adult child, or simply interested in stories that celebrate life at every age, this episode i

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending time truly living in Florence, Paris, Portugal, or somewhere off the beaten path, this episode will inspire you to explore the world—and your own joy—at any stage of life.Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom. I’m Lisa Stockdale, your host, and today I’m bringing you a conversation that reimagines what travel can look like for older adults. I’m joined by Andrew Motiwalla, founder and CEO of The Good Life Abroad—a company that takes travel beyond sightseeing tours and solo adventures in unfamiliar cities.In this episode, I talk with Andrew about his unique, immersive programs that bring together people aged 55 and over for month-long stays in beautiful European cities. We discuss how these experiences are designed to help you build community, learn new things, and add real joy to your life—what Andrew calls expanding your “joy span.” We also get into the practicalities you need to consider, like health care abroad and mobility, all while focusing on intentional, m

If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you.Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! In this episode, I sit down with my special guest, Jonathan Askholm, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of olfactory training—the art and science of strengthening your sense of smell. Together, we dive into how our nose isn’t just about pleasant aromas or powerful memories; it’s deeply connected to brain health, cognition, mood, and our overall well-being.Jonathan Askholm shares his personal journey—from corporate wellness into a passionate advocate for olfactory training—sparked by his own family’s experience and compelling scientific studies.Through our conversation, I discovered some surprising truths, like how the olfactory system is the only sense capable of regenerating neurons throughout life, and why smell training is now being

Whether you’re excited by new technology or wary of its risks, I invite you to listen in as we talk about the real-world opportunities and challenges AI brings to our lives.In this episode of "Aging In Full Bloom," I’m tackling the complex and sometimes intimidating world of artificial intelligence—and what it means for older adults. I’m joined by Henry Quinlan, an author and speaker who’s spent years teaching seniors about technology, and together we break down the basics: what AI really is, how it works, and where it’s headed.Henry Quinlan shares eye-opening examples, like using AI to write personalized messages, plan trips, or even improve recipes at home. But we also dig into the tough questions—loss of jobs, the lack of government regulation, and how AI might impact our sense of connection and companionship. There’s even talk about the possibility of using AI for emotional support, which, to be honest, raises some mixed feelings in me.My goal is to help you see both sides, and to remind you that, even in

I had the pleasure of chatting with Kathleen Sheldon, Director of Outreach and Engagement for BoldAge PACE.BoldAge PACE is a new, comprehensive senior care program now available to Franklin County, OH residents—and it's truly changing the landscape for aging at home.Here are three key takeaways anyone in senior services, caregiving, or healthcare should know:

I had the opportunity to speak with Melanie Henry, who specializes in driver rehabilitation and cognitive driving assessments for older adults. If you have aging loved ones or work with older adults, this episode is an invaluable listen.Key Takeaways:Recognizing Warning Signs Matters: Subtle changes—like increased irritability while driving, new dents or scrapes, or changes in social driving habits—could signal it’s time to reassess driving abilities.Compassionate Conversations Are Key: When approaching this sensitive topic, coming from a place of care, preparation, and concrete examples (like ride-alongs) makes all the difference. Avoid assumptions based merely on age.Assessment & Independence: Tools now exist to objectively assess driving safety, combining cognitive and on-road evaluations. Many older adults remain safe drivers, and having a clear, unbiased assessment can provide much-needed peace of mind for everyone involved.This conversation is never easy, but with the right information and a compass

What I’ve Learned About Aging from Our Guests and My Own JourneyIn my milestone episode, I take a moment to reflect on some of the biggest lessons learned from years of conversations, stories, and experiences in aging and senior care. Whether you’re working in the aging space, an older adult yourself, or caring for someone you love, here are a few key takeaways you might find valuable:Be Prepared, Beyond the FinancialsSo many guests have talked about planning ahead—not just financially, but also emotionally and socially. It’s easy to put off these conversations but essential for a smoother journey as we age.Good People (and Programs) Are Out ThereWhile we often hear about sad stories in senior care, there are still so many passionate people and service organizations making a big difference in the lives of older adults. Why we do what we do really matters!Stay Connected & Share Your StoriesIf there’s one thread throughout every episode, it’s the power of connection and storytelling. Staying connected not o

If you’re wondering what the next chapter after your career might look like, or you’re already there, this conversation is all about embracing "the after-work" years as a time of excitement and fulfillment.I sit down with Don Akchin, the author of "The AfterWork: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement." We talk about the realities of retirement today, pushing back against the myth that it’s supposed to be an endless vacation. Instead, Don and I talk about why most Americans can’t—and maybe shouldn’t—aspire to a life of nonstop leisure. Through his own story and research, he shares how retirement can actually be the start of something new: a time for creativity, personal growth, and renewed purpose, whether that’s through volunteering, part-time work, or picking up new hobbies. Moments00:00 "Writing Challenges and Support"05:45 Leisure Doesn’t Equal Happiness06:46 "Happiness Beyond Financial Planning"10:16 Earning in Retirement Insights14:48 Volunteering Options for Everyone17:08 "Retirement: A New Begi

Whether you’re already retired, considering it soon, or just curious about what lies ahead, this episode will leave you feeling supported, inspired, and maybe even a little understood. Welcome to another episode of "Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale"! In today’s conversation, I welcome bestselling author Tom Marks, whose latest book, "Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive Story of Enlightenment and Revelation," is making waves across multiple categories—from aging to mental health.Join us as Tom Marks shares his candid journey from a high-powered advertising executive to navigating the often-overlooked emotional challenges of retirement. In this episode, he opens up about the unexpected struggles that come with leaving behind a decades-long career, the myths perpetuated by advertising about what retirement “should” look like, and the power of letting go and finding individuality in this new phase of life. Tom and I have a heartwarming and honest discussion about the realities of aging, w

If you’ve ever felt ambivalent or even anxious about your birthday, stick around—you’ll find plenty of inspiration and insights in this episode!Welcome to another episode of Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! I’m Lisa, your host, and today I have a truly special guest joining me—Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, author of How to Have a Happy Birthday and the How to Have a Happy Birthday Workbook. In this conversation, Tamar and I talk about the complicated emotions that can surround our birthdays, especially as we grow older. We chat about everything from why birthdays can sometimes leave us feeling blue to how we can reclaim the day as a joyful, intentional celebration.Tamar shares her personal story of moving from heartbreak on her 18th birthday to discovering the power of creating her own happiness. Together, we explore practical tips for planning a birthday that really lights you up, letting go of unrealistic expectations from others, and treating your birthday like the major personal holiday it truly is. We a

If you’re looking for simple strategies to sharpen your mind and enrich the quality of your life as you age, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and actionable advice here. Join us as we celebrate the joys of learning, growing, and blooming—at every age.Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom! I’m Lisa Stockdale, and in this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Angie Dortch—an educator, caregiver, and the creative mind behind a unique wellness program designed just for us, the active aging community. Angie shares her journey, inspired by caring for her mother and her background in the performing arts, and together we dive into the importance of not just aging, but learning how to age well.In our conversation, Angie introduces practical, easy-to-use memory tips—like her object recall exercises—that I personally tried out (and loved!). We laugh about the everyday struggle of finding our keys, and Angie reassures us that those little lapses don’t mean we’re losing our minds. We also explore the value of staying socially connec

If you’re facing the challenge of helping your parents move or wondering how to open those tough conversations about the future, this episode is full of guidance, support, and smart strategies to help you—and your family—thrive at every stage.Welcome to another episode of Aging in Full Bloom! In this episode, I sit down with Marty Stevens-Heebner, a bestselling author, nationally recognized later life expert, and CEO of Clear Home Solutions, to tackle one of life’s trickiest transitions: moving your parents.Drawing from her own experience as the “designated adult” in her family, Marty opens up about helping her aging father, the emotional hurdles so many of us face, and why even the most organized families can find this process incredibly challenging. She brings heartfelt wisdom and practical tips—covering everything from “right-sizing” your life and handling sentimental clutter, to navigating family disagreements and recognizing when clutter might actually be hoarding.Together, we break down actionable ways

The Impact of Home Ownership on Longevity: "having too much of a concentration of rental in one neighborhood maybe is not helpful for longevity and the like." - Justin MoorI have the pleasure of sitting down with Justin Moor, the President and CEO of the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. Justin and his organization serve ten counties in our region, with a mission to help those who are 60 and better, not just older, live healthier, fuller, and longer lives.Together, Justin and I talk about the many services his agency offers, from case management and home repairs to meals, transportation, and vital caregiver support. We talk about how every community is unique, discuss the realities and challenges around Medicaid and long-term care, and explore the incredible value older adults continue to bring to our society.Justin also shares some eye-opening stories about how basic resources, safe housing, and social connection can impact longevity, and why advocacy at every level can make such an important differ

Life Hack to Look Younger: "There's a surefire way to look younger. Tell people to step back." - Diane Dean-EppsI have the pleasure of chatting with Diane Dean-Epps — an author, humorist, and, as she puts it, the queen of multiple jobs that make her a minimum amount of money. Diane just released a new book called Bangs and Botox: My Aging Journey Into, Through and Beyond Denial, Fillers, and Human Preservatives, and together, we’re diving into the ups and downs (and laughs!) of accepting aging.During our conversation, Diane opens up about her personal journey: how she’s learned to face her changing reflection, why she swears by bangs as an anti-aging “arsenal,” and her admittedly hilarious adventures with fillers and Botox. We also have an honest talk about the emotional side of growing older—those unsolicited public comments, the shift in how others view us, and, ultimately, the power and joy that come from embracing who we truly are, even if we’re not everyone’s cup of tea.If you’re wrestling with the idea

I enjoyed sitting down with Marc Cooper, the insightful author behind "Older to Elder." Together, we discuss the difference between simply getting older and consciously stepping into the role of an elder—a transformation that calls for intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to higher purpose.Marc brings a refreshing perspective, moving beyond conversations about ageism and decline to focus on what’s possible when we choose to live with wisdom, curiosity, and compassion. We talk about what it means to be a “contemporary elder” and how this journey involves embracing—not avoiding—life’s endings, and, in doing so, finding freedom, peace, and relevance.Whether you’re navigating your own path through aging or supporting someone you love, I think this conversation will inspire you. It’s all about seeing aging not just as something that happens to us, but something we can deeply engage with—so we can truly age in full bloom. Key Moments00:00 Overcoming Ageism: "Older to Elder"05:13 "Elders' Acceptance of Aging"07:

"...Everybody takes their car in to get routine maintenance, because they don't want costly repairs or their vehicle to break down. And the home is the same thing." - Sean FitzgeraldIn this part of our series on aging at home, I’m taking a closer look at something that’s vital for seniors—but often gets overlooked: home maintenance. I’m joined by Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue Home Service Ally, to talk about why proper home upkeep is so important for older adults who want to stay safe and independent in their own homes.Sean and I discuss the common challenges seniors face, from preventing falls to simple chores that become harder as we age. He explains how TruBlue’s services—like home safety assessments, grab bar installation, and maintenance packages—can help solve these problems and give both seniors and their families peace of mind. We also talk about how even small fixes, like improving lighting or clearing clutter, can make a big difference. Whether you’re a senior yourself, caring for an older l

What are some of the most important factors you should consider when planning to age at home?Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale. I’m so glad you’re here as we wrap up our “Aging at Home” series with a conversation packed full of practical strategies to help you—or the ones you love—stay safe, independent, and happy right at home.In this episode, I’m joined by Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization from Illinois that provides complimentary support to older adults and their families. Together, we dive into what it really takes to age well at home, covering everything from making your living space safer and more accessible to financial planning, long-term care options, and the vital importance of honest conversations and early planning.We’ll also tackle the rising threat of scams targeting seniors and point you to reliable resources and a supportive community, with highlights on the Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory—a goldmine of information f

Curious about how your local pharmacy can help you age at home?In this episode, we look into the benefits of choosing a local pharmacy, and how it can enhance your ability to age at home successfully. My guest is Hussain, an experienced pharmacist and owner of GoodNeighbors Family Pharmacy in Toledo, Ohio. Hussain shares his vast experience with seniors and discusses the personalized services his pharmacy offers, such as free delivery, home vaccinations, and medication packaging. Together, we highlight the importance of building relationships with local pharmacies and the personalized attention they provide—benefits that go beyond what's typically available at chain pharmacies. Here's what we uncover...Personalized Care is Key: Local pharmacies offer a unique level of personal attention and familiarity. Hussain emphasizes the importance of knowing each patient personally, which can lead to better health outcomes through tailored advice and support.Superior Services for Seniors: From free home delivery to in-h

With this episode, I start our our "Aging at Home" series with a focus on the invaluable role of home care. I am joined by a remarkable guest, Steven Tweed, a leading expert in the home care industry. Steven is the CEO of Leading Home Care, a consulting and publishing company specializing in the home care sector, and he's also the founder of the Home Care CEO Forum.Steven shares his personal journey and professional insights, revealing how home care can not only support individuals in staying independent but also foster a sense of peace for families. Through his extensive experience, both personally as a father to his son Jason and professionally, Steven highlights the benefits and essence of home care in today's society. We also talk about how to choose the right home care agency and discuss the significance of preparing for senior care as the fastest-growing demographic in our society continues to rise. Whether you're a family member looking for care or considering starting an agency, this episode is packed