WomanWorthy

A 39-year old single woman, owner of a short-term apartment rental in Arequipa, Peru, is following in her mother's footsteps -- asserting her financial independence through real estate development. 

Rafiah Al-Talei, a delightful, outspoken journalist from Oman now living and working in Washington, D.C.,  defies stereotypes about Muslim women. In this conversation, she candidly talks about navigating bi-cultural and gender expectations, while opening a window for us onto the religion she proudly practices and the conservative Arab culture from which she comes.

Mercedes Alvarez uses the the sun's power...and her own...to change the lives of poor rural women in Nicaragua.  

Not just for "women over 60":  This holiday, I share some myths I've learned about our nation's Independence Day! 

There's a lot of talk these days about about women's "bodily autonomy", which usually refers to their reproductive years; but what about the autonomy of our bodies beyond that? 

It's so noisy!  Is it me, or is the cacophony real?  Exploring sound and aging in this episode.

June is "Pride" month, recognizing the humanity and achievements of our LGBTQ+ population; but while there are parades and parties and news coverage of the celebration, what about the more "invisible" gays -- those who are gay...and gray, our gay elders? 

How in the world do you parent or grandparent an adult child or grandchild, whether or not you live with them?  What's your role?  What dynamics are at play, and how can you address them?  

We older women are a powerful force in the global economy...but here in the U.S., if you're an older woman who's still working for pay, you have some particular challenges.  What they are and how to deal with them are the topics of this week's podcast.

Thank goodness we're not in middle or high school anymore, where we were subjected to cliques and bullying.....or are we still being subjected to the mindset of group power plays? 

Older women increasingly are refusing to settle for unfulfilling lives with unsuitable partners or in unhappy situations.  Some thoughts -- both mine and others' -- on "when you're ready to leave". 

What happens to the "spiritual" side of us -- even if we're not religious -- as we age? It's not just about preparing to die!  Explore with me in this episode.

Ever wanted to be in business for yourself...or turn your hobby or skills into a money-making venture?  Some tips and thoughts on entrepreneurship in this episode of WomanWorthy. 

Tips and thoughts about the money the government gives...and takes.

Were you ever called  -- or called someone -- a "women's libber"?  What does the term "feminism" mean to you?  What does it mean as we women grow older? Some stories and thoughts for this March, International Women's History Month. 

Hacking...phishing...spoofing...robocalls...and nefarious friends and relatives! So many opportunities these days to get at your money!  In this episode, I look at a few of those schemes, and how to address them, but sometimes the solution is as complicated as the crime!

Americans live in a competitive society.  What role does competition, especially as an older woman, play in your life?  Not just in society, but in your personal relationships as well? 

If you're one of the millions of American grandparents who are living with or raising their grandchildren, this podcast is for you!

Do you find with age you're getting more, or less angry?  Are you turning into a grumpy old woman?  Is anger a positive or negative feeling?  How can it be managed?

Do you follow, or advocate the maxim, "never talk to strangers"?  The research backs up the opposite approach!

Who or what influences or inspires you? Do YOU influence or inspire?  What's the difference?  Is one "better" than the other? 

Are you boring?  How can you tell?  What can you do about it? Have a listen!

Is it time to downsize -- either to reduce clutter or to prepare for a move?  No worries.  I'm an EXPERT on that topic!

If you're over 60 and partnered or married, chances are you'll also be widowed.  Are you financially ready? 

New Year's.  A time for resolutions -- or rather, breaking bad habits and starting good ones!

Weight reducers...physical energizers...sexual enhancers...memory boosters: our media are relentless touters of dietary supplements and even some doctors are on the bandwagon. But do they work? 

During the holiday season, we are inundated with requests, demands and pleas to "give until it feels good", as charitities often express it. But donor beware: philanthropy isn't always what it seems. 

If you're estranged from your adult children or grandchildren, you're far from alone! There are many resources on this topic, but in this podcast, I share the perspective of one particular psychologist.

Regrets.  We all have them...but what do we do with them?  And at this stage of our lives, do we need them?

What does "maturity" mean when we're...well, mature? Does it mean being responsible for ourselves?  Thinking for ourselves?  Does that mean we should be "freethinkers"?

When someone talks about "self-image", most women tend to think about their physical self.  In this episode of "WomanWorthy", we explore the impact of our "cultural image", and learn from an expert about one ethnic group, in particular.

Marriages or partnerships where there's no sex?  What's going on there?  Turns out, could be a lot.

Are you ready for techno-aging?  Tele-health?  Do-it-yourself testing? Robotic companions? Well, on your mark, get set...because it's here and growing! 

Is beauty really "in the eye of the beholder"?   Or are there actual standards for what we consider "beautiful"?  Does it really have to be through the "eye" that we experience beauty? Does our concept of beauty change as women age?  All this and more in just 21 minutes! 

Is age really "just a number"?  Or is there actual science going on?  And if so, what -- if anything -- can we do about it?

Are you solo aging?  Even if you're not now, you could be in the future. In this episode, I interview a board-certified Independent Patient Advocate who specializes in this growing societal trend. 

Interested in doing good while also traveling internationally? A growing trend in volunteering -- for all age groups -- is "voluntourism". Is it right for you? 

Is patience really a virtue?  And if so, is it worth to us as older women to practice it? 

The one lasting relationship in our lifetimes is that with ...food.  As we get older, that relationship changes, one way or another, for better or for worse.  Some things I've learned  (but don't necessarily do) about eating and "healthy aging". 

What does the July 4th holiday actually mean?  Some thoughts about America and being an American in this Independence Day episode. 

Yes, I'm angry about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.  I'm REALLY angry about the effect it will have on women, and I'm even more angry that we have to fight again -- still -- against institutional sexism.  Especially discrimination against older women and women of color. One theory for why it exists, is that it's because of how the media portray us.  

Inflation has been raging and last week, the Feds raised their benchmark short-term interest rate by the largest increase in decades.  What does that mean for us?  I break it down and offer some experts' tips in "Our Money", the latest episode of WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

This first of two episodes on how older women are represented on-stage and on-screen, features interviews with two theater women who tell it like it is, and their organizations that are trying to change that.

Last week's Memorial Day podcast was on grief and loss, so of course, this week's has to be on joy and happiness.  Are they the same?  Do we understand and experience them in the same way?  Thoughts and, of course, research on the elusive concept of "joy" from some folks who claim to know.

While Memorial Day is meant to honor military men and women who died in service, for me it is about remembering and honoring those who died who were dear to us. Some thoughts, interesting takes, research, helpful hints and even humor on grief and loss in the latest episode -- published a bit earlier this week -- of WomanWorthy:  Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60.

A psychology professor at Shepherd University in West Virginia has a unique way of teaching her annual "Psychology of Aging" course.  Dr. Heidi Dobish works with both college students and community senior adults, bringing them together online in an in-depth approach to debunking stereotypes.  New older adult participants are welcome! Contacts and comments on the WomanWorthy Facebook page.

A couple of questions to ponder:  do we in the U.S. have any public policy that's directed specifically toward older women?  And if we do, are older women at the policy-making table?  Here's what I found out. 

People are going back to work and there are plenty of jobs available, and one of the growing number of populations doing this is retirees -- the "boomerang boomers".  Why? For the money?  For a "purpose-filled life"?  Or to have..."something to point to"? 

No, not as in cartography, but as in Medicare Advantage Plans.  I have one.  Do you, or are you considering one?  If so, you should know about this "late-breaking news".

Active boomers have always been trend-setters, and we're still at it as we look down the road to the finishing line, opting for aging in place.  The pros and cons, and innovations are all in this podcast!

It is not uncommon for women over 60 to find themselves in -- or avoiding -- a caretaking role.  Or is it caregiving?  The two are not the same and they can encompass very different emotions.