Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Only 12% of U.S. adults are metabolically healthy—a sobering statistic Christa Rymal wants to change. With her background in nursing and holistic health, Christa brings both clinical expertise and a whole-person perspective to women’s wellbeing. In this episode, she breaks down what “metabolic health” really means and why it matters as we age. From the science of sleep to the power of protein and muscle strength, Christa translates research into practical steps for everyday life. She also shares how her nonprofit We Care—through the Minnesota Holistic Health Group, wellness retreats, and conferences—supports women and even health professionals in prioritizing their own health. This conversation offers clear, empowering strategies for building resilience, preventing disease, and thriving at every stage of life.Connect with Christa:Email: Christa.r@wecarenonprofitfoundation.orgWebsite About Us | WeCare ----------Thanks To Our Sponsor, Center for Gerontology, Concordia University Chicago. Tracey Gendron will speak on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. Free online event, 12:00 p.m. CT. https://AgeismUnmasked.eventbrite.comFeaturing Age Wise Collective collaborator, podcaster Wendy Green with Boomer Banter This isn't just another podcast about retirement or getting older. Wendy Green invites you into real conversations about what it means to age with purpose, vitality, and ...[more] https://heyboomer.biz

At 85, Anna Rappaport continues to defy expectations of aging. Once uncertain about her relevance, she went on to earn five lifetime achievement awards, including Trailblazers in Actuarial Science. Beyond her groundbreaking work in retirement research and policy, Anna embraces new chapters with creativity and purpose. After decades of balancing career, caregiving, and family, Anna rebuilt her life following her husband’s death, moving to The Admiral at the Lake in Chicago. There she discovered the joys of “families of choice,” balcony gardens, and vibrant community life. Anna is also a passionate urban sketcher—an art form she has practiced since the 1960s—with the goal of one day seeing her work in a museum. She sells her art to benefit charities, advocates for solo agers and people with disabilities, and is writing a book on “how I’m aging well.” Her story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of pursuing passions no matter the limits. I have to use every minute of every day; I’m not sure how many minutes I have left. - Anna Rappaport Connect with Anna: Email: anna.rappaport@gmail.com Website: Anna Rappaport Consulting | Strategies for a Secure Retirement ---- Thanks to this episode’s sponsor: PRODUCTION PLUS From custom-printed graphics and scenic designs to event rentals, Production Plus makes any event a visual masterpiece. To truly engage your attendees and make a lasting impact, add a touch of custom flair. Your business meeting, product launch or gala event deserves to be extraordinary. Visit productionplus.com to learn more. Meet This Month’s Podcast CollaboratorWendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, Real Talk About Aging Well. https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/. Women Over 70 is a member of The Age-Wise Collective, comprised of ten women-led podcasts that are redefining the narrative around aging. We empower adults 50+ with authentic stories, expert insights, and inspiring voices.

Jeannine Bryant is expert at helping seniors move. After you have lived in your home for so many years, you accumulate possessions that seem to identify who you are. Losing a partner or spouse certainly changes our lives. Leaving the place that we called home, together, can be very difficult. Jeannine understands every aspect. Through her website, EasyRightsizing.com she provides all the resources, classes and videos you, and other family members, can use to guide you and make you feel she is right there helping you to manage the move. If you are lucky and live in Lincoln, NE, you can hire her team to be there with you every step of the way. On this podcast, Jeannine shares meaningful ideas that change our very approach to getting this monumental event done. Suggestions such as how best to sort, the power of counting, how to deal with sentimental attachments, and setting priorities will right size this daunting task so it no longer feels like you are eating an elephant."Letting go of our possessions does not change our value." - Jeannine Bryant CONNECT WITH JEANNINE:Website: EasyRightsizing.comEmail: Jeannine@changingspacessrs.com

"Movement is the thread that weaves Jacqui Neurauter’s life together, even at 80. She believes movement has the power to transform life. Ever curious, her many pursuits often began with a comment, a book, or a conversation among friends. The suggestion of a new approach to movement would spark her curiosity, making her an avid researcher and lifelong student. Yoga led to belly dancing, which in turn led to her exploration of Feng Shui and the harmonious movement of energy, ultimately culminating in her love of the Argentine tango. Her studies and travels—encompassing spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—have only deepened her appreciation for the importance of movement. Having experienced muscular pain much of her life, Jacqui was always searching for natural relief. She read a book on Hanna Somatics and developed a personal practice. With such great results, she became trained and certified. She now teaches private clients and group classes. Jacqui’s belief in staying vibrant, alive, and curious leads her to be part of a community with others. And that leads to a satisfying life."I continue to learn as I teach others." - Jacqui NeurauterConnect with Jacqui:Jacqui NeurauterBodyMind Somatics CoachHanna Somatics EducatoriRest® Meditation Facilitator847-359-6391, Cell: 630-656-7737www.HarmoniousPathways.com

During her tenure as a successful entrepreneur and podcaster, Ande Lyons’ advice to young start-up founders was: “Don’t Be Caged by Your Age.” At age 66, she took her own advice. Ande shifted her focus to older people, especially women, with the mission to redefine what it means to thrive after 65. Ande exposes internal ageist beliefs and debunks myths that older women are no longer visible, connected, and contributing. Ande’s podcast, Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, features interviews with women whose stories are about “liberating life changes [that] shatter age-related stereotypes.” Ande hears from younger women—the 40-50 year-olds—that “these stories help them see that growing older can be something to look forward to.” Driven by her own passion for fostering intergenerational relationships and community, Ande founded the New England Podcasters Group in early 2024, and today it's a thriving, ever-growing network of podcasters connecting, collaborating, and amplifying each other’s voices.“Don’t Be Caged by Your Age.” - Ande LyonsConnect with Ande:Website: https://www.dontbecagedbyyourage.comEmail: ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.comThe Age-Wise Collective consists of podcasts that promote older women, including Women Over 70. Meet collaborator:Beverley Glazer, host of Aging with Purpose and Passion, helps women over 50 reignite purpose, power, and bold reinvention. https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com

Beverley Glazer, MA, is an ICF-Certified Transformational Coach,Psychotherapist, and Strategic Consultant with over 35 years of experienceempowering individuals, companies, and communities navigate change.She is the founder of Reinvent Impossible LLC, the umbrella company forher services, including individual coaching, strategic consulting, and herInternationally acclaimed podcast, Aging with Purpose and Passion, a boldplatform that amplifies the voices of trailblazing women redefining midlifeand far beyond. A recognized thought leader, Beverley has served onadvisory boards and contributed to publications including PsychologyToday and Kuel Life, with syndicated features on networks like MSNBC andABC. Through a unique blend of clinical techniques and strategic coaching,Beverley guides high-performing women over 50, reclaim their voice, owntheir value, and redefine their purpose on their own terms.“Your legacy starts now - in the choices you make and the truths youlive by today.”  - Beverley GlazerConnect with Beverleyhttps://reinventimpossible.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazerhttps://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/

Jean Olson, age 70, describes her 13 years in the Foreign Service as an “odd and torturous path,” that included a successful class action suit against the federal government. Jean left the Foreign Service (stints in Europe and South America) for her hometown in Wisconsin to be her mother’s caregiver and to serve as (volunteer) President of the Village Council. At age 57, and ‘unemployed’ for seven years, Jean created a path to retirement. She rejoined the Foreign Service for seven more years, having to start over as a “baby diplomat” — a “lesson in humility.”  Jean choice of Las Cruces, NM. as her retirement home affords her access to a university, a cluster of good friends, affordable housing, and excellent Mexican restaurants. Best of all--no snow shoveling! Since her move, Jean has served on the Board of the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, worked with a Refugee Resettlement project, and is currently engaged with a children’s Literacy program. When I retired from the Foreign Service, I found a home in New Mexico with a university, good friends, affordable housing, and great Mexican restaurants. - Jean OlsonConnect with Jean Email: jean.olson@yahoo.com 

Beverly Schlotte, age 76, loves living on her farm near Webster, South Dakota, where she and her late husband, married 53 years, “worked and planned together” as they raised their family of four. After retirement from many years of teaching “kids that I loved,” Beverly hosted a foreign exchange student from Madrid, Spain during the 2024-2025 school year. Beverly and her family were chosen as one of the top four Education First host families in the nation. Beverly plans a trip to Spain, perhaps after her trip to Turkey where she will be shopping for a wedding dress with her grandson’s fiancé. Traveling with her adult children are special journeys that have taken them to Greece and more recently to Norway, the land of her ancestors. Beverly, 100% Norwegian, felt like “Norway was home—these are my people.” Beverly connects with people in her community through reading, cards, quilting, and church groups. She finds that growing older offers freedom “to focus on what’s important, to worry less, and to love the children.” I choose what hurts and I choose to be happy. - Beverly Schlotte Connect with BeverlyEmail: lbschlotte@itctel.com Sponsor AppreciationWomen’s Connection is a nonprofit women's group with chapters around the country. Members are vibrant, accomplished women, age 50 and forward, who connect around common interests, empower each other to thrive, and stick together as they travel through the stuff of life, no matter what comes their way. https://womenconnecting.org Podcast Collaborator—Member of The Age-Wise CollectiveRecommending Host Beverly Glazer, Aging With Purpose And Passion, a weekly podcast inspiring women over 50 to embrace bold life shifts, and unlock their potential, through captivating stories from trailblazing senior women. https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com   

As a young academic professional, Mary Ellen Jukoski, age 75, wondered: “Where are the female college presidents? I want to become one.” So, she did, serving the first 20 years as President of Mitchell College in Connecticut where she transformed a struggling two-year institution into a thriving four-year college, inspired by her feminine leadership style of inclusiveness and collaboration. Her special mission has been to mentor young women to seek and succeed at leadership roles. She credits her husband, Matt, for supporting her cherished career while they raised their daughter. In 2024, Mary Ellen and Matt moved to an independent living community where they can be closer to their daughter and her family and enjoy social and intellectual stimulation. Meeting many women in their 90s, Mary Ellen expresses new appreciation for the notion that “age doesn’t’ define the person.” As she contemplates retirement, Mary Ellen looks forward to a new purpose. She says, “It’s all about having a positive attitude and being open to opportunities.” As a leader, I come to serve, not to be served; I am a presence, being there for others. - Mary Ellen JukoskiConnect with Mary EllenEmail: maryellen.jukoski@ctstate.eduMary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D. - CT StateSponsor AppreciationPlymouth Place, LaGrange Park, IL., where senior living is redefined with options and opportunities to fit individual needs and preferences. https://plymouthplace.org Plymouth Place is the Diamond Sponsor for our Symposium, October 8, 2025.Podcast CollaboratorThis month’s podcast recommendation (member of Aging-Well Collective) is Host Beverly Glazer, Aging With Purpose and Passion, a weekly podcast inspiring women over 50 to embrace bold life shifts, and unlock their potential, through captivating stories from trailblazing senior women. https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com

You are in for a special treat as Dee Greer displays her creations of exquisite weavings from Alpaca yarn and amulet bags woven Japanese seed beads. She also enjoys watercolor painting. She learns in order to create. This is bolstered by degrees and certifications in the arts, financial planning, hand weaving, and interior design. Dee has created five businesses in rehab housing, five in Alpaca-related products and services, and a unique hand-weaving loom. Hurricane Helene completely destroyed her condo interior and precious belongings, including a specialty loom. Dee has rebuilt and redesigned her unit, along with helping 60 other residents facing the same challenge. She still makes the time to volunteer with arts programs in her community and to enjoy the rich arts culture with her partner, John. Dee’s constant ‘drivers’ are “doing good in the world” and “being in relationship with people, young and old… to enjoy life from completely different perspectives.” Hoping to help find a cure, she has now been accepted into a study sponsored by Eli Lilly to study a new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Because I have so many interests and very high energy, I’ve had to compartmentalize and prioritize. It will come to me what to do next. - Dedrea (Dee) GreerContact Dedrea (Dee) GreerEmail: deeagreer@hotmail.com Former alpaca farmer finds tranquility while weaving | Your Observer  Sponsor Appreciation  Our heartfelt thanks to Women Over 70 sponsor Wells Fargo. Podcast Collaborator This month’s podcast recommendation (Aging-Well Collaboration) is Host Beverly Glazer, who asks: Are you ready to ignite your next chapter? Aging With Purpose and Passion is the weekly podcast inspiring women over 50 to embrace bold life shifts, and unlock their potential, through captivating stories from trailblazing senior women. https://www.agingwithpurposeandpassion.com