Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging

COVID 19 - We all went through it. We have our own experiences, our own stories.
Today on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan talk about the pros and cons of this deadly virus. 
The cons are pretty easy to see, but there were some positive outcomes too. COVID 19 highlighted the importance of personal connections for the quality of mental health. There was an increase in the effectiveness of digital technologies in order to maintain these personal connections for remote working and learning. Families found new and creative ways to be together.
We often look back at events like this and wonder, “How did we ever get through that?” The simple answer is…because we had to.

“We have not forgotten” was the opening chant of the rally held at the McCook, NE ICE Detention Center on August 15th, reminding detainees of the facility and their families that they are not alone. Sue and Shan were part of the nearly 300- unpaid, peaceful-protesters gathered to remind everyone that the fight for justice for all is alive and well…we have not forgotten!
Please join us at Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we share our amazing experiences at this rally and we encourage you to not forget to VOTE in November!

“Lies” isn’t really the correct word. Untruths? Fibs? Little white lies? Basically, things our parents told us to keep us healthy, behaving, and free from serious injury.
Of course, there are those involving Santa Claus, but were you told about swallowing gum or putting pennies on railroad tracks? And we’re sure that you didn’t take the chance of cracking your knuckles too often!
Join Sue and Shan on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we discuss those lies our parents told us (and those we told our own kids!)

This week Sue and Shan will answer the other half of the family questions found in the raspberry sherbet container. 
Sue and Shan recently enjoyed getting together with our family for our annual reunion, EDC-Ellis Days Celebration. Amid the eating, games, laughing, …and drinking, we asked our kids and grandkids to help write this episode. The famous Raspberry Sherbert bucket was put to use. We asked everyone to write their answers to the question, “What are your burning questions or worries about aging?” and pop them in the bucket.
There are bound to be some interesting conversations as we respond to their questions!

Have You Read It? Theo of Golden - The Ending
Looking for some positivity in your life right now? Does it seem like the only news is bad news lately?
Please join Sue and Shan on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we present our first book talk. We have often talked about actually reading a book and discussing it on the podcast someday. Well, thanks to a recommendation from a couple of listeners, today is that day and Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the perfect book to start with.
 
This book was such a welcome departure from all the negativity going on around us right now. Theo of Golden reminds us that there is so much good in the world. We just have to take time, slow down, listen, and recognize it.
Sue and Shan share their impressions of Theo and all those he meets…an artist, a barista, a homeless woman, an aspiring musician, and so many more. He manages to bring them all together as friends and family. All it takes is a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, and someone who truly listens - things we could all do if we would just take the time.

This week’s episode of Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging is truly a family affair.
Sue and Shan recently enjoyed getting together with our family for our annual reunion, EDC-Ellis Days Celebration. Amid the eating, games, laughing, …and drinking, we asked our kids and grandkids to help write this episode. The famous Raspberry Sherbert bucket was put to use. We asked everyone to write their answers to the question, “What are your burning questions or worries about aging?” and pop them in the bucket.
There are bound to be some interesting conversations as we respond to their questions!

Season 4 is coming to a close so Sue has selected her favorite episode from this season. Enjoy a "rerun"....
“Gone, but not forgotten” is the saying, but Sue and Shan prove this week that, unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
 
 Chanhassen Alan, Shan’s brother-in-law, joins us this week in a little game created by Tim, our Production Supervisor. Tim has put his research skills to work assembling a list of “famous” people who died in 2025. Alan will give us the date and a few clues as to who this person is and we will try to come up with a name.
Join us this week playing, “Gone But Not Forgotten”, and see if you can do better than we did.
(We have no doubt that you will!)
 
And thank you, Alan, for being such an amazing MC and faithful fan!

Season 4 is coming to a close so Sue has selected her favorite episode from this season. Enjoy a "rerun"....Sue and Shan are contemplating if we older people are wondering if any one still sees us. Everyday, 11,000 Americans are turning 65. No wonder we ask the question, “Do you see me?” We are finding that retirement is not always a bed of roses. It can be lonely, frightening, and sad. It does not have to be that way for retired people, all people matter, it just that sometimes we as individuals have to find our purpose. Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging helps tell older people find that purpose and explains the importance of “mattering.”

Theo of Golden got us thinking about other books we have enjoyed over the years. From our elementary years to our golden years, we have those books that have stayed with us. Do you have a favorite book that you read as a kid or maybe some that you read to your own kids? Even some of the professional books you’ve read may have left a lasting impression. 
Please join Sue and Shan this week on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as they share some of their favorite reads.

     Looking for some positivity in your life right now? Does it seem like the only news is bad news lately?
     Please join Sue and Shan on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we present our first book talk. We have often talked about actually reading a book and discussing it on the podcast someday. Well, thanks to a recommendation from a couple of listeners, today is that day and Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the perfect book to start with.
     This book was such a welcome departure from all the negativity going on around us right now. Theo of Golden reminds us that there is so much good in the world. We just have to take time, slow down, listen, and recognize it.
     Sue and Shan share their impressions of Theo and all those he meets…an artist, a barista, a homeless woman, an aspiring musician, and so many more. He manages to bring them all together as friends and family. All it takes is a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, and someone who truly listens - things we could all do if we would just take the time.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Narrated by David Morris
The Dash by Linda Ellis