Older Women & Friends: Real Women. Real Experts. Real Talk About Aging

What does it take to keep growing, reinventing yourself, and finding your voice as you move through life?

In this episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder talks with Machan Taylor, a Japanese American singer, vocal teacher, trained vocalologist, author, and longtime performer whose extraordinary life has taken her from Japan and New Jersey to stages around the world.

Machan shares her story of growing up Japanese American after being born in postwar Japan and moving to the United States as a young child. She describes struggling with identity, belonging, discrimination, and a difficult family environment, and how music became the place where she found her identity and a sense of belonging.

Her professional music career eventually took her around the world, including tours with artists such as Pink Floyd, Pat Benatar, George Benson, Foreigner, Sting, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. But behind the success, Machan says she struggled with insecurity, imposter syndrome, and questions about whether she truly belonged.

The conversation also explores reinvention and personal growth after 50. In her 50s, Machan returned to school, earned both a bachelor's and master's degree, and expanded her work as a voice teacher and vocalologist. She reflects on why she was a better student later in life and why curiosity and lifelong learning remain important to her.

As she approaches 70, Machan talks openly about struggling with turning 60, the transformation and self-discovery of her 60s, therapy, healing from past experiences, and feeling more comfortable in her own skin.

She also discusses her book, Naked Out Loud, and its message about telling the truth about who you are, seeking help when needed, and letting go of shame so you can continue growing and evolving.

For older women, women over 50, and anyone interested in aging well, reinvention, personal growth, purpose, creativity, and finding fulfillment later in life, this is an honest and inspiring story of continuing to evolve.

https://www.facebook.com/machantaylor/

https://www.machantaylor.com/

https://www.machantaylor.com/bio

https://www.machantaylor.com/songs

https://www.youtube.com/@MachanTaylorOfficial

What if some of the challenges you've struggled with for years have a name and you've never been diagnosed?

In this episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder talks with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, author, and pioneer in ADHD research for girls and women across the lifespan.

Kathleen shares her own experience growing up with ADHD before she understood what was happening. She describes being active, athletic, intensely focused on academics, and a passionate reader, while still experiencing challenges that, in hindsight, made sense through the lens of ADHD. She also explains why ADHD can look very different from one person to another and why girls and women have historically been overlooked or diagnosed later.

The conversation explores late ADHD diagnosis, attention and focus, anxiety and overwhelm, family patterns, genetics, and the impact of environment and expectations on women with ADHD. Kathleen discusses how traditional expectations around homemaking, caregiving, multitasking, and managing a household can create particular challenges for women with ADHD.

Jane and Kathleen also discuss hormones, puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, and how hormonal fluctuations can affect women with ADHD. They talk about ADHD medications, working collaboratively with healthcare providers, and the importance of understanding individual needs rather than assuming there is one solution for everyone.

But this conversation isn't only about difficulties. Kathleen offers a different perspective: ADHD can also come with creativity, energy, problem-solving, enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to think on your feet. She encourages people to understand their strengths and find environments where those strengths can flourish.

For women over 50, older women, caregivers, families, and anyone interested in ADHD across the lifespan, this is an insightful conversation about diagnosis, self-understanding, personal growth, and learning how to live well with a differently wired brain.

*Personal Experiences

*Signs and Symptoms

*Across the Lifespan

*Role of the Environment

*Genetic Factors in ADHD

*Hormonal Influences

*Medication

*Tools & Strategies for Managing ADHD

https://drkathleennadeau.com/

https://www.accelevents.com/e/ilatglobal

Real women. Real experts. Real conversations about what it actually means to grow older—and why the best parts of life may still surprise and excite us.

What does it really mean to age well, and how can we prepare for the life we want in the years ahead?

In this episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder talks with Sharon Rose, a social gerontologist who specializes in aging in place, age-friendly communities, and intergenerational relationships. Their conversation explores the practical questions that come with planning for the next stage of life and how we can approach aging with greater awareness and preparation.

Sharon explains that aging is not a hill we reach and stop climbing. She encourages us to keep moving forward by staying healthy, positive, socially engaged, and financially smart. She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity, learning, new activities, and meaningful relationships throughout life.

A major focus is aging in place, what it means and how to make a home more comfortable and safer as needs change. Sharon discusses practical ideas such as zero-entry showers, lever handles, appropriate lighting, lower shelving, secure rugs, and other elements of universal design.

Jane and Sharon also explore why community and social connection matter so much. They discuss the difference between multigenerational and intergenerational relationships and share examples of ways older adults and younger people can connect, exchange knowledge, build friendships, and learn from one another.

The conversation also looks at the evolving 50+ marketplace and how today’s older adults want clothing, food, makeup, and other products that reflect active, modern lives rather than outdated ideas about aging.

For older women, women over 50, and anyone interested in aging well, this episode offers practical perspectives on health, mobility, independence, community, home design, relationships, and preparing for the next chapter of life.

A thoughtful conversation about aging well, staying engaged, and creating a life that continues to work for you.

Summary

Jane Leder and social gerontologist Sharon Rose explore what it means to age well, from aging in place and creating safer homes to staying healthy, socially engaged, financially prepared, and connected to community. They discuss health span, mobility, intergenerational relationships, age-friendly communities, universal design, and the evolving 50+ marketplace, offering practical perspectives for older women and women over 50 planning for the next stage of life.

What happens when the career, identity, and titles that once defined your life no longer feel like enough? In this powerful episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder welcomes empowerment speaker, leadership development professional, author, and life coach Eva Kennedy for an honest conversation about purpose, resilience, self-discovery, and remembering who you are.

Eva spent 29 years building a successful leadership career at Allstate, eventually becoming the company’s first Black director of the claims department. But major life transitions, including a breast cancer diagnosis, reconstructive surgery, and her eventual departure from Allstate, forced her to reconsider what success and a fulfilling life truly meant.

She shares how leaving a career she had been deeply connected to created an unexpected question: “What is my purpose?” That period of uncertainty ultimately led her to identify her five core values, pursue coaching, develop her voice as an empowerment speaker, and create a new chapter centered on helping women reconnect with themselves.

Jane and Eva explore personal growth, self-worth, women’s empowerment, health, meaningful relationships, financial independence, self-care, and life transitions. Eva explains why knowing your values can become a personal roadmap for making better decisions, and why being honest with yourself is essential when discovering what you genuinely want.

She also shares her practical framework: awareness, honesty, acceptance, alignment, and action. Her message is simple but powerful: you don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, transformation begins with one small step.

Through her work with One Million Women, One Million Steps, Eva encourages women to take that first step toward the life they truly desire.

Whether you're navigating a major transition, searching for purpose, rebuilding confidence, or simply wondering what your next chapter could look like, this inspirational conversation offers meaningful life advice for women, personal growth, empowerment, and fulfillment.

https://www.evamkennedy.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/eva-kennedy/id1744428189?i=1000735481698&l=nb

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQk7SPQNDDvY8GhTQqF7lag

https://www.amazon.com/Just-L-P-Messages-inspire-ebook/dp/B09FMWC8ZY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N6D57GDU5QY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y1etN9Zcc9qAtDMegDgsMLbzayuGyCzriguQRlnjVZh3QoR0yx990YMAtiKvc-H9.8ELM1AUhqFN7CJlogmn7Inh-nQ0qVfn8RAF5R79rlP0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Eva+m+Kennedy+book&qid=1789501667&s=digital-text&sprefix=eva+m+kennedy+book%2Cdigital-text%2C131&sr=1-1

It's amazing, but research shows that 98 percent of five-year-olds rate themselves as a creative genius. But that number drops to two percent by adulthood. Creativity gets trained out of us, and we need to figure out how to get it back. Today's guest, therapist, coach, and wisdom sharer Claudine Marchand has a toolbox filled with science and ancient traditions. She was born in Morocco, now lives in Switzerland, and has spent time with Hawaiian elders and First Nations people.

What a pleasure to have her as a guest on Episode #100, a milestone.

Claudine shares the story of growing up with spina bifida and how supportive parents encouraged her to participate fully in life rather than allowing her physical challenges to define her. Her mother, she says, was the perfect mother. She never let Claudine feel compromised in any way and taught her the analytical skills to evaluate what she read, saw, and listened to. Her journey eventually led her through life sciences, a PhD in neuroscience, years of research, and work in the United States before she moved toward psychotherapy and alternative medicine.

• Claudine explains:
• Why she believes modern education and social expectations can gradually suppress our natural creativity, curiosity, playfulness, and joy.
• She shares practical ways to reconnect with those qualities, including remembering moments of childhood joy, playing without judgment, moving your body to music, humming, and becoming more present in everyday life.
• Explores her holistic approach to working with people as whole human beings rather than simply as a diagnosis or case
• Includes psychotherapy, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, Tibetan teachings, and other traditions, as well as the importance of considering physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences

.

Claudine also challenges the idea that meaningful change requires hard work, suggesting instead that curiosity, play, presence, and experimentation can open new possibilities.

If you're navigating aging well, personal growth, life transitions, reinvention, purpose in life after 50, fulfillment, or finding greater joy in later life, this conversation offers a refreshing invitation: slow down, reconnect with yourself, and discover what may still be waiting to emerge.

Claudine is a wise, wise woman with so much to share.

Don't miss this episode.

A gift for listeners

Download "Nine Things I Know At 80 (That I didn't at 50)

http://hclaudinemarchand.net/

In this episode of Older Women & Friends, I welcome geologist, author, educator, entrepreneur, and world traveler Dr. Tamie Jovanelly for a fascinating conversation about reinvention, purpose, adventure, and creating a life without limits.

After nearly two decades as a successful geology professor, internationally funded researcher, and Fulbright scholar, Tamie made the courageous decision to leave her tenured academic career and pursue a lifelong dream. Together with her husband, she built a custom camper van, launched Adventure Geology Tours, and began exploring the world while helping others discover Earth's most extraordinary landscapes through geology, travel, and education.

Tamie shares how solo travel helped build confidence, resilience, independence, and self-trust long before she married. She reflects on why stepping outside your comfort zone can transform your perspective, how meaningful travel creates lifelong friendships, and why curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can cultivate at any age.

The conversation explores reinvention after 50, purpose in life, women embracing new adventures, lifelong learning, geological tourism, volcanoes, Iceland, global travel, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the value of remaining open to change rather than settling into routine. Tamie also explains how travel reveals our shared humanity, reminding us that people everywhere seek the same things: community, safety, kindness, and connection.

She also offers practical travel advice for older women, discusses how to build confidence through independent travel, and explains why meaningful experiences often matter far more than comfortable routines.

Whether you're considering retirement, dreaming about traveling the world, searching for a new purpose, or simply wondering if it's too late to reinvent your life, this conversation offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and proof that your most exciting chapter may still be ahead.

https://us.amazon.com/Volcanoes-What-Everyone-Needs-Know%C2%AE-ebook/dp/B0GX2Y9SV9?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.52c3Wn8KEJ4iMP4grSLohcVx6K9TuIpgMTAbO1CHw6M.QGyOCKdUT51ihb5aH7iYaTsxFyUC2o1PWfb0UVVKrMo&dib_tag=AUTHOR

https://us.amazon.com/Iceland-Tectonics-Volcanics-Geophysical-Monograph-ebook/dp/B086RFF3J2?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.52c3Wn8KEJ4iMP4grSLohcVx6K9TuIpgMTAbO1CHw6M.QGyOCKdUT51ihb5aH7iYaTsxFyUC2o1PWfb0UVVKrMo&dib_tag=AUTHOR

In this inspiring episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder sits down with actress, writer, producer, director, singer, and lifelong creative Judy Norton, best known for portraying Mary Ellen Walton on the iconic television series The Waltons. Together, they explore how creativity, resilience, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life at every age.

Judy reflects on her remarkable journey from child actor to accomplished storyteller, sharing the lessons she learned about confidence, self-worth, and staying grounded while growing up in Hollywood. She speaks candidly about overcoming self-doubt, navigating criticism, protecting her mental well-being, and discovering the inner strength needed to build a successful life beyond childhood fame.

Their conversation also explores aging well, ageism in the entertainment industry, women over 50, healthy aging, personal growth, reinvention, and the importance of embracing change instead of fearing it. Judy explains why lifelong learning, staying physically active, exercising your mind, and remaining open to new opportunities are essential for creating a vibrant life filled with purpose and possibility.

She also shares how directing, writing, performing on stage, producing creative projects, building a thriving YouTube community, and competing in equestrian events have allowed her to continue evolving while inspiring others to pursue their passions with confidence, regardless of age.

Whether you're navigating life after 60, reinventing your career, overcoming ageism, rebuilding confidence, or simply looking for motivation to embrace your next chapter, this conversation offers practical wisdom, honest encouragement, and timeless inspiration for living life with curiosity, creativity, and purpose.

https://judynorton.com/

https://www.facebook.com/judynortonproductions/

@officialjudynorton

The older we get, the more loss and grief we experience.

For me, my brother's death by suicide when I was 33 and he was 30 turned my life upside down.

I turned to writing a book to help me work through my grief. Dead Serious: A Book For Teenagers About Teen Suicide tells the stories of parents who lost a child to suicide, teens who attempted suicide, and friends of teens who took their own lives.

I am dedicating today, my 81st birthday, to GOOD GRIEF, the organization that helps children, teens, and families learn from each other as they adapt and rebuild their lives. Good Grief builds resilience in children, strengthens families, and empowers communities to grow from loss and adversity.

You can check out the organization's website at:

https://good-grief.org/

And you can help sustain Good Grief by donating today as part of the AgeWise Podcastathon.

It's easy:

Donate to Good Grief Here:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/acpfgg/

Or Text "agewise" to 50155

Thanking you in advance.

Evelyn challenges many of society's assumptions about aging. She explains why curiosity, lifelong learning, resilience, and purpose matter far more than the number of candles on a birthday cake.

Jane Leder sits down with Evelyn Kelly, a 91-year-old author, world traveler, professor emeritus of genetics, and passionate advocate for healthy aging to explore what it truly means to live a vibrant, purposeful life at every age.

Having written 22 books, traveled to 90 countries across all seven continents, and continued pursuing new goals well into her nineties, Evelyn challenges many of society's assumptions about aging. She explains why curiosity, lifelong learning, resilience, and purpose matter far more than the number of candles on a birthday cake.

Evelyn reflects on growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, building a successful academic career, becoming fascinated with genetics and gerontology, and later discovering a new passion for travel writing with her daughter. Together, they discuss how travel can improve mental well-being, build resilience, strengthen confidence, and help older adults step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

The conversation also explores ageism, retirement, independence, emotional health, community, friendships across generations, widowhood, self-efficacy, and maintaining an active lifestyle after 60, 70, 80, and even 90. Evelyn shares practical wisdom on staying mentally engaged, adapting to physical changes, finding purpose after retirement, and refusing to let age define what's possible.

Whether you're navigating retirement, searching for purpose later in life, caring about healthy aging, or simply looking for uplifting real-life stories from extraordinary older women, this episode offers powerful encouragement and actionable inspiration for creating a meaningful, joyful future.

Jane sits down with Diane Heiler to talk about her memoir, A Widow's Fire. Diane shares the remarkable story of losing her beloved husband of 25 years to lung cancer and the emotional reality of becoming his caregiver during the final years of his life. She speaks openly about anticipatory grief, caregiver burnout, and the overwhelming loneliness that followed his passing, while revealing how journaling, poetry, and self-reflection became powerful tools for healing.

Diane also reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before widowhood—including divorce, single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and learning to trust her own strength. She courageously discusses Widow's Fire, the often misunderstood emotional and physical longing for connection after losing a spouse, and explains why finding companionship, happiness, or even love again should never be met with guilt or shame.

Throughout the conversation, Diane shares practical wisdom on emotional resilience, rebuilding life after loss, navigating life transitions, traveling with a new partner while honoring cherished memories, and transforming heartbreak into purpose through writing. Her story is an inspiring reminder that grief and joy can exist together, and that healing doesn't mean leaving the past behind—it means carrying love forward while embracing a meaningful new chapter.

Whether you're coping with the loss of a spouse, caring for someone with cancer, rebuilding after divorce, searching for purpose after retirement, or simply looking for encouragement about aging well, this conversation offers compassion, hope, and honest insight for every stage of life's journey.

https://awidowsfire.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-heiler-9707202a/

https://medium.com/authority-magazine/diane-heiler-on-the-5-things-you-need-to-be-a-successful-author-or-writer-775f33422d6f

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/widow-traveling-europe-with-boyfriend-in-80s_n_6a411e17e4b0f4826b45e175

In this episode of Older Women & Friends, Jane Leder welcomes bestselling author, leadership expert, and aging well advocate Erika Andersen for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly means to create your best life after 60.

Drawing from her acclaimed book, The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, Erika shares a practical roadmap for aging well, finding purpose, embracing change, and staying engaged, curious, and fulfilled in later life. Rather than viewing aging as a period of decline, she challenges women over 50 to see it as an opportunity for reinvention, growth, freedom, and possibility.

Erika explains why becoming the boss of your own life is one of the most important keys to healthy aging. She discusses how creating a personal vision, building meaningful relationships, overcoming ageism, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose can dramatically improve happiness, emotional health, and overall well-being.

She also shares fascinating research showing that people with a positive mindset about aging can live significantly longer, while offering practical strategies for strengthening confidence after 50, managing self-talk, practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, and adapting gracefully to life's inevitable transitions.

The conversation explores loneliness after 60, community for older women, life after retirement, active aging, emotional resilience, lifelong learning, and finding joy in new experiences. Erika reveals why your 60s, 70s, and beyond can become some of the most meaningful, productive, and rewarding years of your life.

Whether you're navigating a major life transition, searching for deeper fulfillment, building a new chapter after retirement, or simply looking for inspiration on aging gracefully, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights.

Jane Leder sits down with legendary fashion designer, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, and pro-aging advocate Diane Gilman for an unforgettable conversation about women over 50, aging well, reinvention, purpose, confidence, and creating a meaningful life at every age.

Known worldwide as the “Queen of Jeans,” Diane Gilman transformed the fashion industry after age 60 by designing jeans specifically for middle-aged women, eventually selling nearly 25 million pairs worldwide.

But this episode isn’t just about fashion. It’s about what happens when success, aging, health challenges, and purpose collide.

After surviving breast cancer in her 70s, Diane experienced a profound shift in perspective. Instead of slowing down, she embraced reinvention, challenged ageism, launched a new career in podcasting, and became a powerful voice for older women who refuse to become invisible.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Diane Gilman reinvented her life and career after 60
• The story behind creating jeans for real women and changing an industry
• How breast cancer transformed her outlook on aging and purpose
• Why ageism remains a challenge for older women—and how to overcome it
• The importance of confidence, self-worth, and independence after 50
• How to find purpose, fulfillment, and happiness later in life
• Why it’s never too late to start something new
• The role of mindset, wellness, and healthy aging in long-term success
• How to create a meaningful legacy in your 60s, 70s, and beyond
• Practical life advice for women embracing reinvention and personal growth

This episode explores how our earliest family experiences—especially the complex bond between mothers and daughters—shape our mental health, emotional patterns, self-worth, and relationships across the lifespan. From childhood attachment and unmet emotional needs to adulthood independence and identity, this discussion uncovers the hidden layers that influence how women navigate life after 50, retirement, and aging well.

Dr. Debra Mandel shares real-life insights from her clinical experience, including how shame, emotional wounds, and communication breakdowns often carry into midlife and beyond—impacting long-term relationships, confidence after 50, and overall wellness. You’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin the journey toward healing, clarity, and transformation.

This episode also dives into the evolving realities of older women’s lifestyle, aging gracefully, and dealing with aging emotionally in a fast-changing world. From generational differences and modern family dynamics to the challenges of ageism, loneliness after 60, and shifting social roles, this conversation offers both validation and actionable guidance.

🔍 Episode Takeaways:

● How mother–daughter relationships evolve in midlife and beyond

● The deep connection between shame, self-worth, and emotional health

● How early family dynamics shape relationships after 50

● Practical tools for healthy communication, active listening, and emotional healing

● How to rebuild confidence, independence, and personal identity after 50

● The importance of mental health after retirement and life transitions

● How to navigate family conflict, boundaries, and generational differences

● Why community, social connection, and support systems matter more than ever

● How to find purpose in life after 50 and create fulfillment in later life

https://drdebraonline.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.debramandel/?hl=en

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debra-Mandel/author/B0CMJZ65XT?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d6d868b6-35b9-43e0-adef-f093e0020883

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-mandel-636a304b/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8Rr98_iwmpnx0_gz2BdBw

What happens when women over 50 are forced to take control of their finances after divorce, retirement, caregiving, or the loss of a partner? Or what about women who want to be financially savvy at any time in their lives?

In this episode of Older Women & Friends: Stories of Aging Well, host Jane Leder sits down with wealth management expert and Super Woman Wealth author Regina McCann Hess to discuss financial independence for women over 50, retirement planning, divorce recovery, aging well, and building lasting money confidence.

Growing up in a financially unstable household after her parents’ divorce, Regina learned early how deeply money fears, emotional health, and independence shape women’s lives. Now, after more than 25 years in wealth management, she helps older women navigate life transitions, retirement, caregiving, widowhood, gray divorce, financial planning, and long-term security with confidence and clarity.

This conversation explores:

• financial literacy for women
• retirement and aging well
• money mistakes after divorce
• caregiving burnout and women’s health after 50
• financial scams targeting older women
• building confidence after 50
• women and investing
• emotional relationships with money
• long-term care planning
• self-worth, independence, and reinvention later in life
•

If you’re searching for practical life advice for women over 50, healthy aging for women, financial wellness, personal growth after 50, or inspiration to take control of your future, this episode delivers both emotional insight and actionable wisdom. It's a great place to start!

Perfect for listeners who love aging well podcasts, women empowerment stories, lifestyle podcasts for women, inspirational stories podcasts, and real conversations about money, retirement, emotional health, and fulfillment after 50

Oh, boy, this is an episode that a ton of older women need to hear, and that includes yours truly!

In this episode, my guest is Deb Benfield, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author . Our focus: how older women can break free from decades of body shame, ageism, and diet culture—and begin rewriting their relationship with their bodies with compassion, dignity, and truth.

For many women over 50, body image struggles don’t disappear with age—they often intensify. Shaped by lifelong cultural messaging, family influences, and societal expectations around beauty and thinness, these internal narratives can impact emotional health, mental health, self-worth, and overall well-being across the lifespan.

Together, Deb and I unpack what it really means to pursue aging well—not by controlling the body, but by caring for it. We also explore the growing pressures facing women in midlife and beyond, including the rise of weight-loss drugs, unrealistic beauty standards, and the persistent belief that our value is tied to how we look.

🌿 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How your “body story” was formed—and how to begin rewriting it with awareness and self-compassion
• Why diet culture and internalized ageism continue to affect women well into later life
• The powerful shift from trying to control your body to learning how to care for it
• Practical, research-informed tools to reduce negative self-talk and improve emotional and mental health
• How to build a more compassionate, supportive relationship with your body as a lifelong partner
• Why self-care is essential—not indulgent—for personal growth, resilience, and fulfillment
• How to navigate cultural pressures and reclaim your sense of purpose, wisdom, and self-worth

Whether you’re exploring reinvention, seeking deeper self-awareness, or simply tired of the exhausting cycle of body criticism, this episode offers a refreshing and realistic path forward.

✨ This is a conversation about more than body image—it’s about reclaiming your life, your voice, and your freedom as a woman.

It’s never too late to embrace aging, redefine what it means to live well, and choose a path of self-respect, confidence, and unapologetic authenticity.

https://www.debrabenfield.com/book

https://www.debrabenfield.com/

In this compelling episode of Older Women and Friends, host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Becky Whetstone to explore one of the fastest-growing social trends today: gray divorce—and why more older women are choosing to redefine love, relationships, and personal fulfillment after 50.

With over two decades of clinical experience—and four marriages of her own—Dr. Becky brings a rare combination of professional expertise and lived experience to this powerful conversation. Together, they unpack the emotional, psychological, and societal factors shaping modern relationships, especially during major life transitions like aging, retirement, and shifting identity.

Why are women initiating nearly two-thirds of divorces later in life? What really happens behind the scenes in long-term marriages? And how can individuals navigate relationship challenges while prioritizing self-care, purpose, and emotional well-being?

This episode dives deep into the realities of aging and relationships, revealing how patterns like emotional disconnection, lack of communication, and unmet needs often build over time. Dr. Becky explains how attachment styles, personal history, and self-worth influence our relationship choices—and how we can break unhealthy cycles to create a more meaningful life.

You’ll also discover practical tools for deciding whether to stay in a marriage or move on, including key questions every couple should ask before making a life-changing decision. The conversation also explores alternative relationship models like “living apart together” (LAT), showing that modern relationships don’t have to follow traditional rules to be successful.

Beyond relationships, this episode highlights the importance of personal growth, independence, and reinvention in later life. As we age, we often reevaluate our priorities—seeking deeper purpose, stronger friendships, and a more authentic sense of self. For many older women, this stage becomes an opportunity to reclaim identity, build confidence, and embrace a new chapter with clarity and intention.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why gray divorce is increasing among older women
• The most common reasons long-term relationships break down
• How to evaluate your marriage before making a decision
• The role of emotional connection, communication, and attachment styles
• How self-worth and identity evolve across the lifespan
• Ways to rebuild life after divorce with confidence and independence
• The importance of friendships, support systems, and social connections
• How alternative relationship models can support modern lifestyles
• Why personal growth, wisdom, and self-care are essential for aging well
•

https://doctorbecky.com/about-doctor-becky/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marriagecrisismanager/

https://medium.com/@doctorbecky

What does it really mean to age well?

In this thought-provoking episode of Older Women and Friends, host Jane Leder sits down with renowned gerontologist Tracey Gendron, author of Aging Unmasked: Exploring Ageism and How to End It.

We cover a lot of ground:

• Why aging is about growth, development, and lifelong learning

• How older women can embrace their age with confidence and authenticity

• The surprising psychological benefits of growing older, including the “positivity effect.”

• Why meaningful friendships and intergenerational relationships matter throughout the lifespan

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

• Aging well with confidence and purpose

Dr. Gendron also shares powerful insights from her research and global talks, encouraging listeners to own their age proudly and reject outdated stereotypes about older adults.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate aging with purpose, curiosity, and self-acceptance, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to grow older.

Because aging isn’t something to resist—it’s something to understand, embrace, and celebrate.

https://www.traceygendron.com

In this thought-provoking and uplifting episode of “Older Women and Friends,” host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, sits down with singer, writer, and vintage fashion enthusiast Mollie Kaye for a powerful conversation about loneliness, visibility, personal expression, and the surprising ways older women can create meaningful connections in everyday life.

As many women move through midlife and beyond, they often face new challenges, including social isolation, changing identities, retirement transitions, and a sense of becoming invisible in a culture that tends to prioritize youth. In this episode, Mollie shares her deeply personal story of confronting loneliness after turning 50 and discovering an unexpected path toward connection and community.

Her journey began with a simple yet creative experiment: every Tuesday, she dressed in elegant, vintage-inspired 1950s clothing while running everyday errands. What started as a fun personal challenge quickly evolved into something much bigger. Strangers began stopping her to talk, compliment her outfits, share their own memories, and start spontaneous conversations. These small moments of interaction revealed something profound — self-expression can become a powerful bridge to human connection.

🎧 In This Episode You’ll Discover:

• Why loneliness and social isolation are increasingly common for older adults
•

• How personal style and self-expression can create unexpected human connections
•

• The psychological benefits of being visible and authentic at any age
•

• How creativity and individuality support confidence and emotional well-being
•

• Why older women often feel overlooked—and how to reclaim visibility and voice
•

• Practical ways to build community, friendships, and meaningful interactions in everyday life
•

• How embracing uniqueness can help people age with purpose, joy, and confidence
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Whether you are an older woman navigating life after midlife, someone supporting aging parents, or simply interested in the evolving conversation around aging well, social connection, and personal empowerment, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on how we can stay connected and engaged at every stage.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/C9imhzayMAQ/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mollie-kaye-expression-bridge-connection-9oise/

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mollie+kaye

"Without IMPERNANCE There Is No Expansion" - Kat Miller

Welcome to Older Women and Friends, where host Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women, meets fascinating women who are redefining what it means to grow older with wisdom, independence, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, Jane talks with psychotherapist Kat Miller, who challenges everything that we think we know about aging. While many believe aging means decline and loss, Kat offers a radical and refreshing perspective: aging can be a path to cognitive expansion, emotional depth, freedom, and joy.

Together, Kat and Jane explore how ageism shapes our cultural beliefs — and how older women themselves often internalize harmful stereotypes about aging. Kat explains why breaking free from ageism is the first step toward “aging freely,” and how natural declines in speed, energy, and independence can actually create growth in wisdom, adaptability, clarity, and meaningful connection.

This episode dives into:

• The hidden benefits of cognitive slowing and expanded thinking
• Why impermanence can bring peace instead of fear
• How aging reshapes independence and deepens relationships
• Why talking about impermanence can help us relax and improve the quality of our lives.

Jane and Kat also discuss purpose after retirement, redefining self-care in later years, and how older women can embrace their changing energy, shifting priorities, and evolving roles with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Is aging really all loss?
• How do I prepare emotionally for later life?
• What does aging well actually mean?
• How can I live with more freedom and less fear?

This conversation invites you to rethink aging — not as something to resist, but as something to inhabit fully.

Because aging isn’t the end of becoming — it’s a new chapter of becoming wiser, freer, and more fully yourself.

Author Field

Jane Leder | Aging Well Advocate for Older Women

www.agefreely.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibVcoFUfItI

https://mariashriver.com/collection/games/

Join me and guest Sara Zeph Geber, an expert on solo aging, as we discuss the growing number of adults 50+ choosing to live independently. This episode explores the opportunities and challenges of aging without immediate family support, offering insights into financial planning, healthcare, social connections, and building intentional communities. Sara and I highlight the positives of solo aging, including independence, flexibility, and emotional well-being, while providing practical advice for older women seeking a purposeful, secure, and fulfilling life in later years.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/

https://sarazeffgeber.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGvgGw7la5w