Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show. I’m so glad you’re here with me today, because we’re diving into a topic that’s been stirring up conversations across dinner tables, doctor’s offices, and even retirement communities: marijuana.

🌿 Segment 1: Why Older Adults Are Turning to Cannabis

“Let’s start with a surprising fact that might challenge some assumptions: seniors are one of the fastest-growing groups of marijuana users in the United States.

• A 2022 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older increased by a staggering 75% over five years.
• According to a survey by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy, nearly one in five adults over 50 have tried cannabis in the past year, and most say they use it for medical reasons.

💊 Segment 3: What Conditions Can It Help Treat?

Across the United States, medical marijuana is approved to treat a wide range of conditions. And while the list varies from state to state, here are some of the most common:

• Alzheimer’s disease:
• HIV/AIDS:
• Crohn’s disease:
• Epilepsy and seizures:
• Glaucoma:
• Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
• Chronic pain:
• Nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment: I

⚖⚖️ Segment 4: Legal Confusion & Federal vs. State Law

“Now, let’s talk about something that causes a lot of head-scratching: the legal status of marijuana. If you’ve ever tried to look up whether you can use cannabis in your state, you’ve probably run into a maze of conflicting information.

Here’s the deal. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug. That means it’s considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse—right alongside heroin and LSD. This classification makes it illegal at the federal level to possess, distribute, or prescribe marijuana.

But here’s where it gets complicated. 38 states have legalized medical marijuana in some form. That means in those states, doctors can recommend cannabis to treat certain conditions, and patients can legally purchase it from licensed dispensaries. However, because of federal restrictions, doctors can’t technically ‘prescribe’ it like they would antibiotics or blood pressure medication.

🎧 Closing Thoughts

“So, is marijuana good or bad? Maybe that’s the wrong question. Maybe the better question is: can it help you live better?

For many older adults, the answer is yes—with caution, guidance, and a willingness to explore new options. As always, talk to your doctor, do your research, and listen to your body.

Thanks for joining me today. If this episode sparked your curiosity, share it with a friend, and let’s keep the conversation going.”

Medical Marijuana: What It Is, Uses & Side Effects

Bing Videos

Dr Sanjay Gupta: Weed - CNN Special Documentary

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This midweek, bonus episode is going to be a bit different from my usual episodes.

Today we are talking about skin and body care. We all know that our skin and bodies change as we age: wrinkles, creepiness, etc. People address these changes in different ways. There are minimalists who recognize these changes as a normal part of aging and don't make any changes to their normal self-care routine. On the other extreme are the people who actively work to combat the signs of aging with surgeries such as face lifts and tummy tucks. Then there are those in the middle, like me, who aren't willing to go the surgical route but also aren't willing to give up. None of these approaches are wrong. I believe that everyone should do whatever makes them feel comfortable.

Today I am welcoming back to the show Tami Edwards. She was on the show a few weeks ago and discussed how she keeps herself healthy and happy. Today she is going to tell us about the products that she sells - Nu Skin.

Tami describes Nu Skin as a 40-year old, debt free, publicly traded company. The motto of Nu Skin is "all the good and none of the bad." All their products are extensively tested so they have years of clinical research to back up their products claims.

Nu Skin has over 400 products including skin care devices, body care devices, neutraceuticals among others.

Two of their best sellers include the LumiSpa a skin care device which properly cleanses and preps skin so that your beauty products can be properly absorbed.

The ReNu Spa is a micro-current device for the body. It is used to eliminate creepiness, dimples and cottage cheese skin.

Tami's contact info is below:

Facebook

My Site Home

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Most of us are familiar with the word lifespan—it’s the measure of how long we live. It’s a number, a timeline, a biological clock ticking from birth to our final breath. Then there’s healthspan, a term that’s gained traction in recent years. Healthspan refers to how long we stay healthy, active, and independent. It’s not just about living longer, but living well.

But there’s another word—less common, but deeply important—joyspan. Joyspan refers to how much joy we feel as we age. It’s not about the number of years we live, or even how physically fit we are. It’s about the quality of those years.

Because let’s be honest: why would we want to live longer if we don’t feel any joy?

Joyspan invites us to ask a different kind of question—not “How long will I live?” but “How fully will I live?” It’s a shift in perspective.

Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist who has spent decades studying what makes aging meaningful, offers a powerful insight: Living a long life does not automatically mean living a good life.

Dr. Burnight outlines four key practices that help increase joyspan. Let’s explore each one, not as a checklist, but as an invitation to reflect, adapt, and grow.

🌿 1. Keep Growing and Learning

Growth doesn’t stop at retirement. In fact, many people find that their later years offer a unique opportunity to explore new interests, deepen their understanding, and expand their horizons.

Trying new things—whether it’s learning a language, picking up a musical instrument, or simply reading about a topic you’ve never explored—keeps the brain engaged. It sparks curiosity. It creates a sense of vitality.

The brain thrives on novelty. And joy often follows close behind.

🤝 2. Give to Others

Generosity is a powerful antidote to stress and loneliness. When we give—whether it’s our time, our attention, or our wisdom—we create connection. We feel useful. We feel seen.

Volunteering at a local food pantry, mentoring a younger person, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who needs it can elevate mood and reduce anxiety.

🔄 3. Adapt and Be Resilient

Aging brings change. That’s inevitable. But how we respond to change—that’s where resilience comes in.

Maybe driving to the grocery store isn’t feasible anymore. That’s frustrating, yes—but it’s also an opportunity to learn something new, like using a delivery service or asking for help. Maybe playing competitive tennis is no longer possible. That doesn’t mean the joy of the game is lost—it might just shift into coaching, teaching, or watching others play.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Foster Connections

Humans are wired for connection. We thrive in community. We need each other. In-person connection—like sharing a meal, joining a book club, or attending a local event—can be deeply nourishing.

🌅 Closing Reflections

Joyspan is not a destination—it’s a journey. It’s woven into the fabric of daily life, waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and celebrated.

As we reflect on what it means to live fully, let’s remember that joy doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet, steady, and deeply felt. We may not control how long we live. But we can choose how we live.

So wherever you are in your journey, may you find joy in the ordinary, meaning in the everyday, and connection in the spaces between.

Why Joyspan Is the Secret to Aging Well - GoH

'Joyspan' Is the Opposite of Burnout—How to Grow Yours

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Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast—where we walk, talk, and occasionally scroll our way through wellness, one episode at a time. Today we’re diving into social media. Is it good? Is it bad?

Now, if you’re an older adult—or someone who loves one—this episode is especially for you. Because while social media often gets painted with the same brush as teenage angst and influencer drama, it’s also become a lifeline for many older folks navigating retirement, isolation, and the search for meaningful connection.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Social media has a dark side. I’m talking about the mental health toll it can take—especially when it becomes a mirror for comparison.

Studies have shown that young people who spend hours scrolling often end up feeling worse about themselves. They compare their bodies, their lifestyles, their relationships to curated, filtered versions of other people’s lives.

But here’s the twist: social media can also be a powerful tool for older adults. It can combat loneliness, foster community, and even spark creativity.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the chat room: comparison.

You know that feeling when you see someone’s vacation photos and suddenly your backyard barbecue feels lame. That’s the comparison trap.

But here’s the good news: awareness is power. Once you recognize the comparison trap, you can step around it. You can curate your feed to include uplifting content.

Now let’s flip the script. Because while social media can be a source of stress, it can also be a lifeline.

For older adults, especially those living alone or far from family, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok have become virtual gathering places.

Some examples of how to use social media for good:

1. set a virtual family dinner where you set up your phone and eat with far flung family
2. join a virtual club
3. play games
4. make future plans
5. send a 'thinking of you' text

“Let’s bust a myth, shall we? The myth that we’re too old for tech

There’s this lingering idea that older adults just ‘don’t get’ technology. That social media is for the young. The truth is, older adults are not only capable of using social media—they’re reshaping it.

Social media has opened up new avenues for friendship—especially for older adults who may be navigating retirement, relocation, or loss.

Of course, not every online interaction is sunshine and daisies. But with a little digital savvy you can navigate the noise and find your people.

Let’s get real, social media can be a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers connection, creativity, and community. On the other, it can stir up anxiety, comparison, and information overload.

So let’s talk boundaries. You don’t have to be online 24/7 to stay connected. In fact, studies show that limiting screen time can improve mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

So What do the Experts Say....

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has spoken extensively about the epidemic of loneliness, especially among older adults. He’s called it a public health crisis, right up there with smoking and obesity.

So what’s the takeaway?

Social media isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it depends on how you use it.

Social media is a mixed bag. It can be a source of stress—or a source of joy. It can isolate—or it can connect.

For older adults, it holds incredible potential. To combat loneliness. To share wisdom. To build community.

Thanks for spending this time with me.

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Hello friends, and welcome back to the show.

Today, we’re tackling a topic with a dramatic name—Sedentary Death Syndrome—but I promise you, this is not a fear-fest. It’s a clarity conversation. It’s about understanding what long stretches of sitting do to our bodies and brains as we age.

“Sedentary Death Syndrome,” or SeDS, isn’t a formal diagnosis your doctor writes in a chart—it’s a term researchers and health educators began using in the early 2000s to sound the alarm that physical inactivity is quietly fueling many chronic diseases and premature deaths. In other words: the modern, chair-bound lifestyle is not neutral—it's erosive.

I want you to imagine two dials on your life dashboard. One dial is exercise—that weekly walk, the class at the Y. The other dial is sedentary time—the hours we’re sitting, reclined, or not moving much. Most people only think about the exercise dial. But here’s the kicker: the sedentary dial matters independently. You can go for a brisk walk in the morning and still spend 9–10 hours sitting—and that sitting still drives risk.

This episode is your invitation to turn both dials—gently, consistently, and joyfully.

Part 1: What “sedentary” really means (and why it’s different from “not exercising enough”)

Sedentary time means low-energy, sitting or reclined behaviors: TV, computer, reading, long drives, scrolling on your phone, long lunches, long meetings. It is not the same as simply “skipping a workout.” You can meet exercise guidelines and still accumulate long, uninterrupted sitting time that harms metabolic health, circulation, and muscle.

Think of the body like a smart hybrid car. When we sit for long stretches, the “idle mode” is on: blood sugar control worsens, fat-burning enzymes go quiet, muscles stiffen, and pressure builds in the back, hips, and neck. Messages between the gut and brain slow. Even our mood can flatten.

The big risks, simply explained

• Heart and blood vessels: Long, uninterrupted sitting raises blood pressure and impairs how our blood vessels relax. That’s part of why breaking up sitting—even with light walking—can lower blood pressure within a single day.
• Blood sugar and insulin: Imagine your muscle as a sponge that soaks up sugar from the bloodstream. When we sit for hours, that sponge hardens. Short “movement snacks”—1–5 minutes every 30 minutes—make that sponge springy again, lowering after-meal glucose and insulin.
• Muscle and bone: Inactivity accelerates sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Less muscle means weaker balance, slower walking, and higher fall risk. Sedentary older adults show higher fall risk in population studies.
• Longevity: Large cohort studies consistently link more daily steps and less sedentary time with lower mortality—especially in older adults. In one study of women with an average age of 72, mortality dropped substantially around 4,400 steps/day and plateaued near 7,500. Translation: you don’t need 10,000 to gain real benefit.
• Prolonged sitting bouts: It’s not just how much you sit; it’s how you sit. Long, unbroken bouts—60–90 minutes at a stretch—are especially risky.

Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting? - Mayo Clinic

13 Reasons Why Sitting Too Much Is Bad for Your Health

Sitting for long periods causes health problems - Sanford Health News

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Today I have the pleasure of being joined by an old friend, Sally Saks. We met when we both lived in Acton, MA many years ago.

Sally will soon turn 70 years old but she is not slowing down. In fact, she wakes up every day feeling lucky that she is active and can move. She continues to work part-time as a social worker because she loves her job. She loves to work with people.

She is married, has 2 grown children and 2 dogs. She gets plenty of exercise walking her dogs but she also loves hot yoga and takes classes at her local YMCA. She exercises 5 times per week.

Some of her tips for healthy aging included:

- don't think of age as a limit

- try new things, get out of your comfort zone

- meet people

- exercise

- get involved in your community

She brought up a quote that her uncle used often. It is a line made famous by Clint Eastwood - " I don't let the old guy in". This summarizes her attitude towards aging. There are no "shoulds" - don't let anyone tell you that you should not do something or you should not wear something just because you are a certain age. Don't limit yourself.

Her purpose in life is family including her dogs and continuous learning. She is grateful that she is healthy and active. She lives life to the fullest and steps out of her comfort zone as evidenced by the fact that she recently moved across the country from California to Florida where she knew no one. She settled in Florida and immediately joined various community events to meet new people. She is enjoying her new community because it is geared toward older adults and has many opportunities to connect with others to combat loneliness. As we've previously discussed, loneliness can shorten a person's life span so finding ways to connect with others is great for our health and longevity.

Her future plans include the marriage of both of her children next year.

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We all know what it’s like to tend to a garden—whether it’s a thriving backyard oasis or a few stubborn herbs on a windowsill. There’s planting, pruning, watering, hoping. We’re cultivating life. But what if I told you that you’re also the proud caretaker of another garden… one that’s invisible, internal, and wildly important?

Welcome to your gut microbiome—a living ecosystem planted deep in your belly.

Inside your gastrointestinal tract live trillions (yes, trillions) of microorganisms.

What Lives in This Garden?

Probiotics: These are your friendly bacteria—Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and friends.

Pathogens: Harmful microbes can cause bloating, inflammation, and even infections.

Commensals: These neutral microbes go about their business quietly—but support harmony.

Fungi & Archaea: Often overlooked, but they help with digestion and compete with harmful organisms.

You don’t want just one kind of microbe taking up residence. You want diversity.

A diverse microbiome tends to be more resilient.

How can you fertilize this garden? Eat the rainbow!

Every color on your plate is like a different fertilizer for your gut garden. Nature coded nutrients in hues—each pigment represents compounds that nourish your microbiome and your body.

Now that your mental soil is fertilized with knowledge, here’s how to make your gut garden thrive:

🌱 The 7-Day Gut Garden Challenge

Day 1: Eat 3 plant colors

Day 2: Try a fermented food

Day 3: Add a fiber-rich dish

Day 4: Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes

Day 5: Limit sugar

Day 6: Take a walk outdoors

Day 7: Journal your gut feelings—note any bloating, energy levels, mood shifts

I invite you to imagine your inner garden daily. “Every bite is a seed. Every breath is sunlight. Every moment of peace is water.”

Dietary phytonutrients in common green leafy vegetables and the significant role of processing techniques on spinach: a review | Food Production, Processing and Nutrition | Full Text

9-5-258-155.pdf

Phytonutrients: Paint your plate with the colors of the rainbow - Harvard Health

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables : USDA ARS

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It is my pleasure to have Susan Miller as today's guest.

Susan is 64 years old and has worked in the health and wellness space for many years in various roles ranging from massage therapist to life coach.

One of the things she has noticed as she ages is the freedom to do what she wants and not doing things just to please others.

She recently got remarried and started her own business, Steeped in Soul, where she prepared gift boxes. She believes in gifting with intention so her gift boxes include tea, candles, crystals, healing notes which include breathwork and meditation. She created this company to help people feel more connected but she also got an extra perk from this venture - she has had to learn lots of new things so it's been great for her brain health.

She is a cancer survivor and takes care of her body in special ways as a result. Her cancer treatment left her with only 1 kidney so she avoids alcohol and eats a mostly plant-based diet. She runs courses for cancer survivors to help them thru the process.

She listens to her body and is very mindful of the signs that her body gives her. For this reason, she knows that strenuous exercise is not good for her. Instead, she goes for long walks with her dog, stretches, lift weights, dances and does yoga.

In the future, she will become a grandmother which she is thrilled about.

As a form of self-care, she treasures her "alone" time. She uses this time to ask herself some important questions such as "'what do I want" and "what makes me happy".

Her purpose in life is to help people and connect with them. Her company, Steeped in Soul, helps to fulfill her purpose. She says that creating this company was a calling that she couldn't put the brakes on. She had to do it even though she is 64.

She is mindful, intentional and living with purpose. If you would like to reach out to her, contact details are below:

Website - www.steepedinsoul.com

Instagram - @steeped_insoul

FB - steepedinsoul

Email - steepedinsoul@gmail.com

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