Not Born Yesterday

Today we are looking at the loneliness and isolation of older men. Older men often have trouble making new friends once they retire, and are often too dependent on their spouses for social interaction.   Meet Grandpas United, a group working to involve older men in volunteering in their communities, sharing their knowledge with younger people, and finding support and meaning in their lives.  For more information on Grandpas United you can contact them at: grandpasunitedwpyb@gmail.comBrought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Do you remember saddle shoes, knee socks, or crinolines? Or guys, did you let your sideburns grow longer than usual to look fashionable? In keeping with our series on the culture of the Boomer generation, today we examine the fashions of the Boomer generation as we moved from strict rules to anything goes, from covering up to showing off.  Our guest today is Shawn Grain Carter of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Shawn takes us on a nostalgic journey, reminding us that fashion is a business and we all have a choice in what we choose to wear.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently. 

This episode was originally released October 25th, 2024The world is full of scammers who are geniuses at separating you from your money. Older adults are too often targeted, but you can protect yourself. Steve Weisman of Scamicide has warnings and tips.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

*This episode was originally released on June 7th, 2024*We are all familiar with variations of “The Talk”- those important conversations between parents and young children. Now it may seem necessary for adult children to have “the talk” with aging parents as they notice reckless or dangerous behavior or mental or physical changes in their parents.Laura Tamblyn Watts, expert on aging and author of “Let's Talk About Aging Parents” suggests how and when to start the important conversations. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Though Baby Boomers are blamed for many things, there's one cultural gift we created better than any other generation: we had the best music! So instead of the usual topics on aging, this episode is about us! We visit the soundtrack of our lives, and all your favorite music. Our guest is Ben Fong Torres, former senior editor of Rolling Stone Magazine. It is a longer than usual episode, so join us as we visit the music that influenced our generation and the world. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

The Boomer generation is known for not accepting the status quo if change will make things better, so today we are talking about change and how each of us can become involved in saving the world.  Third Act, an organization of activists over 60, (thirdact.org) is using our generational power to safeguard our climate and democracy. Bill McKibben is the founder of Third Act and shares his vision and advice.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

As we age, we have more and more losses in our lives. We grieve ourselves and comfort friends or  family members who are grieving. Our guest today, Rebecca Soffer, created Modern Loss, (modernloss.com) a website devoted to changing the dialogue around grief. She believes sharing candid and creative ideas for exploring the long arc of loss and resilience can teach us all important life lessons.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Today we look at how the film and TV industries exclude or misrepresent older adults. Too many ticket buyers feel Hollywood is not portraying us accurately. Madeline De Nonno, president of the Geena Davis Institute, talks about what is changing and what is not. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Driving is an important part of staying independent, but aging may bring changes that affect safety on the road. A difficult tasks for families is how to tell a parent or loved one that they might not be as safe as they once were behind the wheel. Whether it be cognitive impairment or side effects from medication, how do you tell a family member?Our guest, Melanie Henry, a driving assessment specialist, runs sessions called "What the Honk" and offers tips and warning signs to help identify when it is time to put away the keys.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that spirituality is one of the key factors in aging well. It can contribute to greater optimism, longevity, and a more meaningful life. Listen as we  investigate how spirituality can play a role in the lives of older adults. Our guest, Reverend David Faust, believes that the challenges of older age are enriched when we have a spiritual component.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

In a culture that values youth over age and experience, many older adults try to hide their chronological age, but few are looking at how we can prepare for the inevitable changes ahead.   Dr. Katherine Esty, a social psychologist and therapist, interviewed ordinary eighty-somethings regarding their worries and attitudes to see how they make sense of their lives as they age. The result is her book, Eightysomethings: A practical guide to letting go, aging well, and finding unexpected happiness.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

If you love travel but don't have a companion to join you, try traveling solo. You will learn about your destination and yourself as you acquire new skills, meet other travelers and local people and gain self-confidence.Solo traveler Barbara Winard is a 77 year old who has been solo traveling for years. Tune in, be inspired and be sure your passport is up to date!Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Taking a break from our more serious subjects, this episode features cabaret and jazz singer Marilyn Maye.With over 80 years of performing behind her, she is still traveling and performing in night clubs and concert halls around the country. Discovered by Steve Allen and a Johnny Carson favorite, Maye shares her story of longevity in the world of entertainment.*This episode originally released in January of 2023* Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

If you are retired or close to it but want to be trendy and relevant, listen here and discover the option of UN-retirement, returning to work or choosing a new career at any age. Current studies show that almost half of current working adults are re-thinking their retirement and staying in the job market. Guest expert Chris Farrell explains why this is happening and its effect on society.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

This holiday season, Not Born Yesterday is proud to partner with the San Francisco Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund to bring much needed attention to rental assistance programs in our community. Rental assistance programs like Season of Sharing Fund are there for people when a month or two of rent can make the difference between staying in their home or becoming unhoused. Ultimately, rental assistance programs help prevent homelessness.In this Not Born Yesterday bonus episode: we are eager to share story of Marlus Stewart, a 72-year old retired nonprofit leader in Sonoma who ended up homeless after she got sick. Her story is part of Sharing Stories, Season of Sharing Fund's six-episode podcast If you or someone you know has experienced an unforeseen crisis and could benefit from one-time financial assistance from the Season of Sharing Fund, go to seasonofsharing.org/get-help/ to learn about how to apply. If you want to hear more stories from people like Marlus, who've benefited from this safety net, subscribe to Sharing Stories wherever you listen to podcasts. Or go to seasonofsharing.org/podcast/

At Not Born Yesterday we keep listeners informed on the issues confronting us as we age. This episode from our archives is being offered again as family visits during the holidays and the issue of who should be in charge when help is needed is so important. The state run guardianship/conservatorship program is largely unregulated and too often attractive to predators. Currently there are more than two million Americans, mostly seniors, who are under court control with unwanted and unnecessary restrictions that violate constitutionally protected rights . Our guest, journalist Diane Dimond, has written "We're Here To Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong" and dissects this industry which profits off the confinement of others.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

There is a lot of talk about living to the age of 100 or more, but not as much about the threat of age-related disease. Dr. Gordon Lithgow of the Buck Institute, the world's first biomedical research institution devoted to research on aging, believes we can stay healthy as we live longer. It all starts with biology...and worms. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Do other countries and cultures treat their elders better than the US? Professor Lisa Wagner researched how various cultures deal with age-related stereotypes and discusses aging and diversity as it affects us all. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

The world is full of scammers who are geniuses at separating you from your money. Older adults are too often targeted, but you can protect yourself. Steve Weisman of Scamicide has warnings and tips.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Trillions of dollars will soon be changing hands as people die and leave money to their heirs. But how many of us are ready to take on this new responsibility? It is not too late to learn about budgets, investments and other money matters, especially if you have been kept in the dark or trusted your partner to manage the money. Financial consultant Summer Salisbury offers advice and tells us how to start.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

With all the treatments and support systems available for death and dying, today we are talking about a specific one--Hospice. Although almost half of all Americans die in hospice care, many patients who could benefit from hospice don't know about it or enroll at the very end of their life, missing out on the benefits. Our guest, Karen Gordon, a hospice social worker, explains the process. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

What is artificial intelligence and what is it's impact on older adults? Unless you've been working with it for a while, you know that you've got a lot to learn and maybe even a little bit to fear... and we're not just talking about robots or medical devices.AI can benefit seniors in many ways, and our guest, Bebo White, an author, lecturer and expert on AI  shares his knowledge and concerns with this complex technology. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

In this period of age-segregated living, young and older people rarely meet each other or have real time to connect. To remedy this, our guest, Ellie Katz, created Sages and Seekers, (sagesandseekers.org) an organization that brings teenagers and older adults together in inter-generational programs to connect and learn from each other.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

As we get older, we may notice mental and emotional changes in our friends. Didn't he tell me that story 5 times already? Why is she reluctant to go to new places when she used to love them?As a close friend, what is our role in supporting friends and maintaining our relationship, changed and challenging though it may be? Our guest expert, Mary Hulme, understands the dilemma and the challenges of trying to do the right thing for our friends.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Longevity and the fact that we are living longer is having a huge effect on our population and culture. As older adults continue to contribute to society we are transforming what it means to be old. Paul Irving, author of The Upside of Aging, helps us to embrace longevity.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

If you sometimes find technology frustrating, you are not alone. Everyone hates technology at one time or another. Luckily for older adults who came of age without computers or smart phones, there are now companies that can help navigate tele-health, zoom calls, scams and other tech challenges.Our guest today, Ryan Greene, founder of GoGoQuincy.com, created a company designed for older non-techies. His goal to be everyone's tech savvy "grandchild" led to an on-call company to help seniors solve tech problems on the computer, printer, or smart phone. Whether you are concerned about online safety or installing new software, GoGoQuincy is there to walk you through it with knowledge, patience and empathy.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

It may not be easy to get older, but fighting the prejudice of ageism is important to our lives and internal attitudes at any age. Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, exposes the history, myths, and costs of this stereotype. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Memory is important at all stages of life and especially as we age. Dr. Richard Restak, author of The Complete Guide To Memory, offers tips and advice on how to keep our memory active and to not worry if you can't remember the name of your second grade teacher.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

We are all familiar with variations of “The Talk”- those important conversations between parents and young children. Now it may seem necessary for adult children to have “the talk” with aging parents as they notice reckless or dangerous behavior or mental or physical changes in their parents.Laura Tamblyn Watts, expert on aging and author of “Let's Talk About Aging Parents” suggests how and when to start the important conversations. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

People of all ages have begun to travel again and older adults are ready to get out and see the world. While our bodies may have aged a bit during the pandemic, our curiosity is still active and we can travel as usual- with perhaps a few changes.Travel expert  Kelsey Perri joins us with advice about how to expand our horizons at any age.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Almost a third of older adults have some hearing loss, but too many either ignore it for years or delay help because they think hearing aids are a sign of aging or are just too vain to wear them. But hearing loss can lead to  more serious consequences like quality of life and even dementia.Our guests are specialists in hearing loss. Dr. Cathy Kurth is an audiologist and Lisa Elenes is a Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser. Give them a listen!Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Downsizing can be both depressing and liberating. If you have moved recently or plan to, or added new people or possessions to your home, you know that “stuff” can sometimes be overwhelming.   Accumulated objects often become a burden, and the resistance to getting rid of them can begin to limit your life choices. It is emotionally difficult to part with things that hold memories, yet the upside of downsizing can be liberating.Our guest today, Cathy Rice, helps people with the emotionally difficult decisions to remove, sell or store “stuff” we no longer need or use.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Groups of older women have been raging – nonviolently – for peace, justice, and progressive causes in general for years. They are called the Raging Grannies and have 60 chapters in the US. Dressing in aprons, shawls, and outrageous hats, the Grannies riff on the stereotype of the “sweet little old lady” in order to deliver their strong opinions and satirical song lyrics.They rage at demonstrations, city halls, state legislatures and wherever they can sing their protest song lyrics. The Raging Grannies provide a positive example of channeling rage and despair. Our guest today is Raging Grannie Vicki Rider.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

AI scams use artificial intelligence to impersonate people, using voice cloning and altered videos to sound like someone you know and trust. Older adults are the target of many of these scams which  steal money and personal information. More than one million seniors were scammed last year and the numbers are increasing.Shawna Reeves and Glen Fishman are elder abuse specialists who provide advice and assistance to elders who may become victims or already are.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Professor Amanda Barush, a professor who had dealt with ageism academically for 40 years, was surprised at her anger when ageist remarks and actions were aimed at her. She has written about the sources of anger and believes we can harness its energy for social change. Her book, "Aging Angry," can empower listeners with an understanding of anger and its possibilities.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Whether you are retiring as a couple or alone, many people find it easier to postpone the difficult and confusing options of where to live than to deal with them. It is important to know the choices ahead of time - independent living, assisted living or medical support-- the differences, the costs and the amount of care one might need in later years.Our guest, Brent Hensley, works with older adults and their families to simplify the search and understand the options. Even if you are sure you want to age at home, it is nice to know there are many choices to consider. And it helps to have a plan. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Aging is tied to many health issues and for some older adults, sleep quality is an issue. While most older adults have no significant disruptions in sleep, others complain about not getting enough sleep. And then there are the naps. Does napping affect your nighttime sleep?Our guest, Dr. Jamie Zeitzer, a circadian psychologist and professor at Stanford University, wakes us up on issues of sleep.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Aging exists for all of us but it might mean failing health, medical interventions and disability. How can we successfully navigate aging and its challenges? Dr. Rosanne Leipzig tells us what to expect as we age and provides the framework for future life changes.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Too many of us have not saved enough money or even thought about the needs we might confront as we age, like whether we will need caregivers or move to assisted living or other care facilities if we are unable to care for ourselves.It is never too soon to be prepared says our guest, University of Montana Professor Robert Saldin and expert on long term care. He discusses our misconceptions about what Medicare provides and is a wake up call for all.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Midlife is a life stage often seen as a crisis. Our guest, Chip Conley, believes midlife is an opportunity to examine where you are in life, embrace your self knowledge, and love yourself. The author of Learning to Love Midlife, 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, Conley shares his thoughts on how midlife can be a wake-up call to transformation and joy.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

The US Surgeon General reports that loneliness is a public health crisis and has existed unseen and under appreciated for too long. Our guest, Dr. Carla Perisonotto, a geriatrician in San Francisco, tells us how we can begin to solve isolation and loneliness and help us have more fulfilled and productive lives.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Getting older does not mean the end of learning, loving or living. According to our guests, we have entered the world of Super Aging, and our later years can be the most productive and fulfilling times of our lives.David Cravit and Larry Wolf, authors of Super Aging; Getting Older Without Getting Old, say that we can take control of our lives as we age by challenging the old view of aging and joining the latest cultural revolution.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

The state run guardianship/conservatorship program is largely unregulated and too often attractive to predators. Currently there are more than two million Americans, mostly seniors, who are under court control with unwanted and unnecessary restrictions that violate constitutionally protected rights . Created by the US government over 100 years ago to assist the most vulnerable, it is beneficial to some but impossible to escape.Our guest, journalist Diane Dimond, has written "We're Here To Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong" and dissects this industry which profits off the confinement of others. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

The relationship between parents and adult children can be wonderful..."oh, my dad is my best friend," or it can still be hung up on the problems of the rebellious adolescent years. Whichever it is, many older parents today find themselves still parenting as their adult children move back home or struggle to find their own paths.Dr. Laurence Steinberg, a child psychologist and professor of psychology, has written You and Your Adult Child: How to Grow Together in Challenging Times. His advice for parents, grandparents and adult children recognizes how parenting styles have changed in the 21st century. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Today's episode is about elder abuse, the intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates harm to a person over 60 years of age. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Elder abuse is often underestimated because most of the cases are unreported. Victims often have to choose between reporting abuse and losing the caregiver they may depend on or trust.Our guest, Dr. Laura Mosqueda, has led landmark studies on markers of abuse and neglect, and established the first forensic center on elder abuse.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

There are so many scams around that it is hard to list them all...fake grandchildren asking for money, callers pretending to be your bank asking you to clarify information, computer scams, romance scams...and many of them go after older adults. They know many older people have assets, live alone, and are happy to have a conversation with a caller who "seems nice."Our guest, Jackie Wiley, of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation,tells us how to protect yourself from future scams and recognize the warning signs of all types of fraud.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

When we talk about successful aging, where to live often comes into the conversation. While most older adults say that they want to age in place, according to our guest, that is not always the best idea. Aging in place can mean isolation, an unhealthy atmosphere, and a reluctance to go out at all. Place matters. If you're aging in the right place, you'll be inspired to engage with your community, stay physically active, and be ready for new adventures.Our guest Ryan Frederick has been studying housing for years. His new book, “Right Place, Right Time: the Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life”, examines place as the key to successful aging.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Because the transition to dying is a traumatic time for families and the dying person, a new kind of help has recently developed--the end of life doula. The doula assists in the dying process with emotional and physical support and preparation for what is to come.This is a different approach to care and our guest, Kris Kington Barker explains what a doula can do and when and why a dying person or family might choose one. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

No matter how old you are now, at some time in your life you have felt physical or emotional tension in your body and mind because of stress. There is good stress and bad stress, and our guest, Dr. Kerry Burnight, founder of The Gerontologist, a firm providing expertise on aging to businesses, tells us how to understand the causes of stress and how to deal with it.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Forty-million Americans have surgery every year, sometimes with little time to prepare emotionally. Many feel anxious before surgery and the road to recovery is often painful and prolonged due to the anxiety. The older one is, the more likely one is to feel worried as well. This need not be so, according to our guest Julie Bailit, who consults patients prior to surgery. By using relaxation, calming messages and visualization to reduce anxiety, patients use less pain medication and heal faster. Her workshops, "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster," are available online and in person in the Boston area. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.

Even though there are more older people than ever today, aging can be difficult. According to MT Connolly, author and MacArthur Genius award winner, it doesn't have to be this hard. She believes that our society has failed to build the infrastructure we need to age well, and that we should all work to change the culture and embrace the many positive aspects of aging.Her book, The Measure of Our Age, examines the systems that have both helped and harmed us so we can embrace or avoid them as we age.Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently.