Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

On the northshore of Chicago, there has existed a magical boutique gift store for 37 years. Its name: The Yellow Bird. Recently the shopping center where it had thrived all those years, was sold to make room for new residential buildings and some commercial. Yellow Bird’s lease was over but Carol was not. Yellow Bird’s owner, Carol Schaner, 87, was not yet ready, however, to lock the door and walk away. She, her daughter and indispensable manager, Laura, were determined to successfully relocate. And, indeed, they did. The Yellow Bird can now be found in downtown Wilmette.Carol’s handling of the situation is an example of her resilience; of a can-do attitude that has held Carol in good stead over her entire life. She is resilient, courageous, creative and connected. The community loves her and proved it by supporting her in her new location.What will I do in the future? I’ll continue with everything I am doing now! I am blessed to be here. Joy abounds.This episode tells her story. CONNECT WITH CAROL:Email: yellowbirdstore@sbcglobal.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowBirdStore/Yellow Bird Stationery, Invitations & Gifts: 1199 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091, 847-256-1380

Andrea Gilats—writer, educator, artist, yoga instructor—believes that“when one writes a memoir, one has to be oneself.” Andrea’s captivating newmemoir, Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity,reveals her journey of ‘discovery through the pitfalls and possibilities ofaging.’ She reflects on dealing with prolonged grief following the early deathof her husband, navigating serious chronic illnesses while living alone, andlearning to recreate her identity and sense of belonging after retirement.Now age 79, Andrea highlights the “singular pleasures of growing up again.”With deeper self-knowing and well-earned wisdom, “this time we can enjoyit… My horizon is no longer longer than I can see—I have arrived!” Andreashares how she is now able to “live a life of peace, joy, and contentment.”Connect with Andrea:Email: agilats@gmail.comBooks by Andrea:Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity (2024).After Effects: A Memoir of Complicated Grief (2021)Restoring Flexibility: A Gentle Yoga-based Practice in Increase Mobility at Any Age (2015)

For 15 years, Karen Allen (age 73), actor and director of stage and film,and Sarah T. Schwab (age 39), writer, director and producer, have enjoyedcollaborating on theatre and film productions, notably addressing oft-avoideddiscussions about dying and loss. Their award-winning film, A Stage ofTwilight—written and directed by Sarah and starring Karen—is a “grass-roots awareness campaign for end-of-life care and decisions.” It raises thedifficult question: “Whose death is it—who has the right to decide when,where, how, and with whom someone dies?” Karen’s directorial debut, theaward-winning A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud., is a short film about the “passingof wisdom from an older man to a young boy.” In 2025, Karen will bedirecting her first feature film, The Batting Cage, with Sarah on theproduction team. This film depicts how two sisters reconnect after the deathof their sibling. In her upcoming third feature film, Crybaby Bridge, Sarahapproaches suicide through the genre of psychological thriller. Please meetKaren Allen and Sarah T. Schwab—friends and collaborators who “reach forthe light” while pursuing what they love."Loss ties us together as human beings; we must learn to respecttime and cherish loved ones."CONNECT with KAREN and SARAH Karen Allen Karen Allen - Biography - IMDb Sarah T. Schwab Sarah T Schwab - Biography - IMDbWATCH A STAGE OF TWILIGHThttps://tubitv.com/movies/100026437/a-stage-of-twilightWATCH A TREE. A ROCK. A CLOUDhttps://tubitv.com/movies/100002111/a-tree-a-rock-a-cloudFor information to support the BATTING CAGE, Via Brian Long, producer.Brianlong.blong@gmail.com

Sharon A. Brangman, MD, Syracuse NY, is a geriatrician who has been a leader in the field of geriatrics for over two decades.  Her focus is directly on the phenomenon of normal cognitive aging, concentrating on prevention. Dr. Brangman serves as Chair of the Department of Geriatrics, Director of the Center for Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and is a Distinguished Service Professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.  She has held leadership roles at the national level and was elected to the board of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs in 2013 and served as President from 2015-2017." My goal is to help people maintain the highest quality of life throughout their lifespan. "Dr. Brangman is a widely published researcher by the National Institute of Aging. In 2024, Dr. Brangman was elected to serve as a Trustee of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation in 2023.This episode is full of information to guide you in proactively caring for your brain health. Connect with Sharon:Website:  https://mcknightbrain.org/brainworks/

From a very young age, Pamela Rand, 81, described herself as a comic, a clown, a funny kid who liked to make people laugh. She continues today to sing, dance, speak in multiple accents and create skits on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTock. Laughing at herself is her prime mode of comedy. In her early 20’s, Pamela went to Clown School in Paris where she journeyed within to discover her inner clown. Having lost both her mother and brother, this “school of movement, mind and theater” helped her regain her innocence- her silly side-and she learned that 20 minutes of daily laughter enriches your life and is good for your brain. Today she focuses on physical comedy, formerly known as slapstick.  ”Humor is vital to our sanity and longevity.”Pamela is the “Self-proclaimed president of the mature mothers’ society”. Her daughter was born when she was 42, and not wanting her to be an only child, she birthed twins at 51.  She believes in positive addictions - meditation, eating healthy foods, chi gong, weight training, Pilates, and, of course, humor.Pamela Rand is a role model for an aging population and an inspiration for youth.CONNECT WITH PAMELA:Website: PamelaRand.netWebsite: Adventures in Feeling YoungYou Tube: Adventures in Feeling YoungTikTok: Adventures in Feeling YoungInstagram: Adventures in Feeling Young

Marcia Naomi Berger, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares her transformative journey from madness to meaning after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She discusses the complexities of the illness and the stigma surrounding it, offering insights into her personal experiences with manic episodes. Marcia emphasizes the healing power of relationships and therapy, highlighting how love and understanding can reshape lives. She also reflects on the joy of aging, encouraging listeners to embrace their multifaceted identities and find happiness daily.

Anne Burke, age 80, retired Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, began her career as a physical education teacher, earned her undergraduate degree as an adult student at the School for New Learning/DePaul University, completed a law degree while raising four children, and created the Special Olympics. Her law practice centered on helping vulnerable children and citizens. Anne served on the Illinois Supreme Court for 16 years, the last three years as chief justice, during the covid pandemic. Upon retirement, Anne returned to DePaul University as a non-degree seeking student taking courses in history, philosophy, ethics, and creative writing. She has received numerous awards and 13 honorary degrees, including from her alma mater."The core of me is children; I am devoted to helping special populations."Connect with AnneEmail: ambjurist@gmail.com

Ruth Schimel, 84, has original ways to make the most of life’s possibilities. An author of over 70 published articles and seven books, she was previously a diplomat/foreign service officer at the Department of State. She has also taught at four universities. With her mother, Ruth created the Schimel Lode to promote collaboration and innovation in the DC area.In her 40’s, Ruth designed an inside-out approach to career and life management that transcended narrow labeling of her clients. Preferring to honor their complexity using adventure and good judgment, she continues to provide the tools and experiences to help clients access and keep developing their true selves independently. As a child, Ruth and her family were isolated by a flood for four days. She learned first-hand the power of uncontrolled water. That experience makes her involvement with efforts to mitigate climate change reality based. Finding ways to transcend isolation during the pandemic, Ruth and her long-time friend and colleague, Shari, developed a process for using art to generate engaging conversation, deeper relationships and visual intelligence. Their mashups of juxtaposed paintings with poetry became recordings to share online to benefit others’ explorations and insights."Becoming courageous is a process accessible to most people to step into the life they want."Her PhD research on courage, international experience, work with a range of clients and continuing curiosity are catalysts for her own growth and her work assisting others. Ruth knows that becoming courageous involves “the willingness to realize your true capacities by going through discomfort, fear, anxiety or suffering and taking wholehearted, responsible action.” It is a process accessible to most people.CONNECT WITH RUTH:Website: https://www.ruthschimel.com/Website: https://artingconversations.com/Website: https://www.theschimellode.net/Books: https://www.ruthschimel.com/books/

Susan Baur, 84, has been a writer, historian and psychologist for 50 years. As a child, nothing grabbed her passion like listening to her father’s stories which seemed to describe other worlds that exist inside our own. Pursuing these other worlds ever since, the force of nature keeps pulling at her very being and led her first into an obsession with turtles and then to start removing garbage from ponds in Cape Cod, MA. This is hard work. The water is often cold, visibility poor but nevertheless she dives in and sees . . . garbage - garbage like tires, futons, bicycle wheels and tons of beer cans. Trash. She couldn’t do this work alone so invited others to help. Women 64-84 joined in. It led Susan to be named Climate Resilience Hero by the Red Cross. If you align yourself with the force that governs, you know how to age.Susan believes in this work. Although she has written books on the history of science and psychology, and books about turtles for children, it is her sense of wonder and how it changes a person that unites her varied interests. She is happiest exploring Wonderlands and encouraging others to join her.  Although she is widely seen as creating the next generation of conservationists, she is more focused on fostering enchantment wherever it is found. Susan is, herself, the embodiment of wonder.CONNECT WITH SUSAN:Website: OLAUG-MA.COMBooks: The Turtle Sisters series and A Guide to the Best Ponds on Cape Cod AND the Best Ways of Preserving Them may be found on her personal website: theturtlesisters.com  Email: OLAUG.MA@gmail.comAging Reimagined Symposium Celebrating Who We Are as We AgeSat Oct 19, 2024 [8:00] AM – [6:00] PMPlymouth Place, 60526https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenover70/1255769

Karen Ross, 76, is a champion who keeps reinventing herself. Self-confident, curious and proactive, Karen never stops finding new ways to stay involved, support herself and others, and meet interesting people.She thought she would be a musician and entered college intending to major in music. However, Broadway show music is what interested her and classical music was what the college preferred she study. It didn’t take long for Karen to move on and several years and careers later found herself hosting a radio show. When that show ended she moved to South Carolina. "Curiosity leads me to keep engaging in new topics, career choices, and environments."A change in formats sent her back to Chicago where she decided to hire a coach to help her find what was next. The coach noticed that she was always desirous to be of service and, so, suggested she become a coach.Soon after starting her practice, Karen discovered hypnosis, believing it could help her patients find deep relaxation and access to their subconscious minds, while eradicating chronic pain, sleep issues and major loss. She continues to this day working with clients who benefit from hypnosis and personal coaching. Karen pays close attention to her health, doing a daily practice called Aging Backwards. She walks all over the city and listens for her inner ageist to consciously reject the notion that she is old.CONNECT WITH KAREN:Email:   info@KarenRossNow.comWebsite:   https://karenrossnow.com/Meet with her at:  https://karenrossnow.com/schedule/           Watch my 60-second video:https://karenrossnow.com/schedule/           https://womenover70.com/symposium/https://linktr.ee/womenover70