Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

Making a difference in people's lives has always been important to Jim Reed, who knew as a junior in high school that he wanted to be in the ministry. Since being ordained as a Methodist minister in 1965, Jim has served as a "faithful servant," and he shares his own ups and downs during these later years of his life.

While Gerald Schmidt—a former Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Deputy, Army brat, and Vietnam veteran—travelled the world, he is quite content with his retirement years. While admitting to a few regrets over the years, he suggests making the best of life and enjoying each day.

Although he is relatively young, in his 50's, Don Stubbings shares his work as Director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. This group, which has a rich history, includes many older adults in its mission. Stubbings gave up 24 years in law enforcement, including training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, when he felt called to work with the Sisters, but he feels all his background has brought him where he is today. His wife and two daughters keep him grounded, and he shares ...

"Become involved" and "Be social" are just a few thoughts on how to age gratefully from Judy Lundberg, who has lived in Manhattan, KS, most of her life, with fond memories of her late husband and their Tuttle Creek Lake home. While working many jobs in Manhattan, her years at the K-State Student Union Bookstore and First Presbyterian Church bring back some of her fondest memories. Judy also shares her efforts in dealing with grief after losing many family members in a short period of time.

As one of the very first women's basketball players for Kansas State University in the '60's, retired educator Mary Stamey has an inspiring story to tell. Losing her childhood home to the Tuttle Creek Dam construction, Mary shares her love of children and how blessed she is to have lived in the different eras she has experienced. Her belief in humanity and positive outlook on life truly are inspiring.

This unique interview with Gayle Doll, former Director of Gerontology at Kansas State University, gets into the history of nursing homes and also her study of sexuality in older adults. Gayle also shares her personal story of aging after working so many years in this field. You don't want to miss this interview.

'Don't go to bed angry' are words of advice from this special Valentine's Day couple, Diana and Preston Chapel. Staying connected and needing to listen are other thoughts from this retired military couple. Diana also shares her transition to a whole new career in the ministry and the difference that it has made in both of their lives.

Sitting all day is not the answer, according to Physical Therapist Travis Nichols. Travis shares his passion for working with older clients with a variety of techniques such as Functional Dry Needling, individualized personal training, and other physical therapy methods as he brings his expertise to each individual in their own home.

"Keep active, if not physically, mentally," are words of advice from retired K-State accountant Susan Keller. Susan shares how she survived a horrific accident, leaving her badly injured the year of her retirement, and how she continues to keep active with her husband, 4 dogs, and the many activities she participates in--she also talks about how much Manhattan has changed in the nearly 60 years she's lived here.

Inaugural guest Robbin Cole, a retired mental health professional, rejoins producer Dave Lewis and Cathy on the first anniversary of this Aging Gratefully Podcast. We reminisce about a dear centenarian friend, C. Clyde Jones, who recently passed away, and explore how grief impacts us all, especially during the holiday season. Join us for a thought-provoking, very open discussion on shifting our focus during down times in our lives.

From his early days in Chicago to 40-plus years at the Manhattan Mercury as Executive Editor for many of those years, Bill Felber obviously enjoys being able to set his own agenda in retirement. Bill has a wonderful perspective on striving not to worry, even though he was in a very high-stress occupation for so many years, and he shares other thoughts during this transitional period of his life.

Jim and Sally Lindquist share information about their busy careers in extension service, providing practical and research-based education on agriculture, food safety, health and nutrition, youth development and community development, and even specialized programs for seniors. This delightful couple, who started out in locales far apart in Kansas and Louisiana, found each other later in life, and talk about the importance of appreciating each other and making health a priority in their later y...

Don't be afraid to ask for help or to offer help are some thoughts from nonprofit manager, active community volunteer, and "community activist" Debbie Nuss. Debbie shares her life experiences with the passing of her husband and soul mate, as well as a childhood with a very young mother, in this episode of "Aging Gratefully."