Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®
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We’re all getting older. We might as well embrace it. Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.

  1. Sep 24

    Who Am I Now? Finding Yourself After Caregiving

    Caregiving can change nearly every part of your life, including how you see yourself. But what happens when caregiving ends and you’re left wondering, "Who am I now?" In this episode of Honestly Aging, we're joined by Margo Ewing Woodacre, MSW, former Delaware State Senator, educator, author, speaker, and former caregiver. Margo shares her experience caring for her husband, Ernie, for eight years as he lived with Alzheimer's disease and the profound shifts in identity she experienced both during caregiving and after his death.  Margo reflects on losing pieces of the life she once knew as caregiving became her primary role, the grief and uncertainty that followed when that role ended, and the process of rediscovering who she was and what she wanted next.  Drawing from her own journey and her forthcoming book, Beyond the Crossroads: Reclaiming Identity When Life Changes Everything, Margo shares the four-step process that helped her move forward and explains how those same questions can help anyone navigating a major life transition.  From caregiving and grief to purpose, identity, and new beginnings, this conversation explores what it means to honor who you were while making space for who you are becoming.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #LifeAfterCaregiving #CaregiverJourney #AlzheimersCaregiving #AlzheimersAwareness #GriefAndLoss #FindingYourself #FindingPurpose #LifeTransitions #AgingWell #HealthyAging #VibrantAging  Resources:  https://www.margo360.com/   https://www.facebook.com/people/Margo360/61593076797634/   https://www.instagram.com/_margo360/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/margo-ewing-bane-woodacre-msw/   Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/  https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  2. Sep 9

    Purpose After Retirement: Putting a Lifetime of Experience to Work

    What happens to a lifetime of knowledge, skills, and experience when you retire?  In this episode of Honestly Aging, Friends Life Care member Jim Mitchell shares how retirement became an opportunity to stay engaged, keep learning, and give back in meaningful ways.  After a career in architecture and higher education, including 30 years at Drexel University, Jim now uses his professional experience to help nonprofit organizations solve problems through volunteer work. He reflects on why he began thinking about retirement years before leaving his career, how starting small helped him discover what he wanted this stage of life to look like, and why he believes purpose doesn't have to end when your career does.  Jim also opens up about caring for his wife as she lived with Parkinson's disease and how that experience shaped his transition into retirement.  From volunteerism and lifelong learning to friendship, curiosity, and finding ways to make a difference, Jim offers a thoughtful perspective on creating a retirement that continues to feel meaningful.  Whether retirement is years away or you're already there, this conversation is a reminder that the skills and experiences you've built over a lifetime can continue to have an impact.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #PurposeAfterRetirement #RetirementPlanning #PurposefulAging #Volunteerism #LifelongLearning #AgingWell #VibrantAging  Resources:   https://www.jemhelp.net/  https://www.catchafire.org/  https://www.philafound.org/   Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/     https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/    https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Aug 26

    Active Aging: Staying Engaged, Connected, and Curious as We Grow Older

    What does it mean to stay active, engaged, and curious as we grow older?  In this episode of Honestly Aging, Friends Life Care member Gerrie Schmidt shares her perspective on active aging and how retirement has given her the opportunity to embrace new experiences, stay connected, and make time for the things that bring her joy.  Gerrie talks about the role physical activity plays in maintaining strength and resilience, the importance of friendships and community, and why continuing to learn, volunteer, travel, and try new things adds meaning to this stage of life. She also reflects on adapting as we get older and one of her biggest realizations: aging well doesn’t simply happen by default.  She also shares what has surprised her most about getting older, including feeling more comfortable with herself and more present in the moment than ever before.  Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying this chapter of life, this conversation offers an encouraging look at staying engaged, connected, and open to what comes next.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #ActiveAging #HealthyAging #AgingWell #VibrantAging #PositiveAging #HealthyRetirement #RetirementLife #StayActive #StayConnected #CommunityConnection #PurposefulLiving #AgingInPlace   Resources:  https://friendscentercity.org/fitc   Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/  https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/    https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/    © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  4. Aug 12

    The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Aging Parents Without Losing Yourself

    Caring for aging parents while raising children, managing a career, and keeping up with everyday life can leave you feeling stretched thin. For many adults in the sandwich generation, caregiving responsibilities build gradually, often before they even recognize themselves as caregivers.  In this episode of Honestly Aging, we're joined by Marni Blank, founder of Begin With The End, to talk about the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges of caring for others while still making space for yourself.  Marni shares practical ways to start difficult conversations with aging parents, understand their wishes, set boundaries, organize important information, and take small steps toward planning ahead. She also explores how families can move from feeling overwhelmed to having greater clarity about what matters now and what needs to be in place for the future.  Whether you're already caring for an aging loved one or beginning to think about what may lie ahead, this conversation offers a reminder that you don't have to tackle everything at once. Planning can start with one conversation, one decision, and one small step.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #SandwichGeneration #Caregiving #FamilyCaregiver #AgingParents #CaregiverSupport #PlanningAhead #VibrantAging #AgingWell #LongTermCarePlanning #CaregivingJourney  Resources:   https://beginwiththeend.co/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marni-blank-esq-a335b28/   https://www.instagram.com/beginwith_theend  https://www.margaretamagnusson.com/books/swedish-death-cleaning   Friends Life Care:    https://www.friendslifecare.org/    https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/    https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/      © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  5. Jul 22

    How Humor Can Help Us Navigate Aging

    In this episode of Honestly Aging, we welcome humor expert, educator, and speaker Joyce Saltman for an uplifting conversation about the powerful role laughter can play as we age. Having spent more than four decades studying the science of humor, Joyce explains how laughter can reduce stress, strengthen social connections, improve our physical well-being, and help us navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater resilience.  Throughout the conversation, Joyce shares practical ways to bring more joy into everyday life, from surrounding yourself with positive people and seeking out opportunities to laugh, to embracing the changes that come with aging rather than fearing them. We also explore humor's place in caregiving, grief, and loss, discussing why laughter doesn't diminish difficult experiences but can help us honor the people we love and find moments of light even during life's hardest seasons. Joyce leaves listeners with simple, memorable advice for aging well, including her favorite reminder: don't postpone joy.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #HumorAndAging #HealthyAging #AgingWell #PositiveAging #JoyfulAging #VibrantAging #OlderAdults #HealthyLiving #EmotionalWellness #SocialConnection #DontPostponeJoy  Resources:  The Joys of Being Chronologically Endowed: https://youtu.be/DyriFelOMGY   https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-saltman-2a02b71b/   Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/   https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/     © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  6. Jul 1

    Pilates for Strength, Balance, and Healthy Aging

    In this episode of Honestly Aging, we welcome Pilates instructor Jule Lane for a conversation about how Pilates can support strength, balance, posture, and confidence as we age. Jule shares the origins of Pilates, explains why it's a uniquely adaptable form of movement, and breaks down how it can help older adults build core stability, reduce fall risk, improve mobility, and feel more at home in their bodies.  Throughout the conversation we explore both the physical and emotional benefits of Pilates, from supporting bone health and easing back pain to reducing stress and helping people feel more confident and independent in everyday life. Jule also offers practical guidance on how to get started, what to look for in an instructor, and how Pilates can be modified for people living with arthritis, osteoporosis, or limited mobility. The episode concludes with a gentle Pilates demonstration focused on strengthening the core and supporting healthy aging.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #PilatesForAging #HealthyAging #ActiveAging #AgingWell #Pilates #MindfulMovement #StrengthAndBalance #FallPrevention #MobilityMatters #WellnessForOlderAdults #AgingIndependently   Resources:  https://pranacollective.net  https://www.facebook.com/JuleLaneYoga/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/pranacollectivenj/  https://www.instagram.com/pranacollectivenj/  https://www.youtube.com/@julelaneyoga  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jule-lane/  https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jule-Lane-Parana-Class-Flyer-1.pdf   Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/ https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/   © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  7. Jun 10

    What It Means to Carry a Family Legacy

    In this episode of Honestly Aging, we welcome Nina Foster, daughter of artist Harold Weston, for a conversation about family legacy, aging, advocacy, and her work preserving and sharing her father's art through the Harold Weston Foundation. Nina is also a Friends Life Care member.  Throughout the episode, Nina reflects on her unique childhood growing up in the Adirondacks with an artist father whose work would later become recognized as an important contribution to American art. She shares stories about family life, the role her mother played in supporting Harold’s career, and the inspiration behind preserving his legacy through the Harold Weston Foundation.  The conversation explores themes of family legacy, independence, advocacy, aging, and the responsibility of carrying meaningful work forward for future generations. Nina also discusses her own professional journey, including her work in volunteer leadership and patient advocacy during the early AIDS crisis, as well as the importance of planning ahead for aging and remaining connected to purpose throughout life.  As a special tribute, Nina honors fellow Friends Life Care member and poet Fred Dawson by reading one of his poems and reflecting on the creativity, curiosity, and lifelong growth that can continue well into older adulthood.  Viewers will also enjoy a guided look at several of Harold Weston's paintings and learn how the Foundation continues to preserve, promote, and share his artwork with new audiences.  For listeners, you can watch this episode on YouTube here. This conversation offers insight into art, family, service, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #OlderAdults #VibrantAging #FamilyLegacy #LifeStories #HaroldWeston  Resources:  https://haroldweston.org/home   Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/    © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

  8. May 22

    The Power of Friendship as We Age

    Claudia Apfelbaum, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Claudia Listens, joins Honestly Aging for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, loneliness, resilience, and the importance of meaningful connection as we age.  We explore how friendships evolve over time, why social connection is essential for emotional well-being, and the ways older adults can begin building new relationships later in life. From navigating retirement and life transitions to overcoming isolation after loss or during periods of loneliness, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical encouragement for anyone seeking deeper connection.  Claudia shares reflections from her therapy practice and friendship support groups while discussing:  The difference between solitude and loneliness  How vulnerability deepens relationships  Rebuilding social confidence after COVID isolation  Why volunteering, hobbies, and shared interests can foster connection  The importance of resilience, self-worth, and "befriending yourself"  Communication skills that strengthen friendships, including listening and paraphrasing  Whether you are looking to strengthen existing relationships, reconnect with old friends, or build new social connections later in life, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical ideas for cultivating friendship at every age.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #Friendship #ConnectionMatters #LonelinessAwareness #MentalWellness #PositiveAging  Resources:  https://www.claudialistens.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-apfelbaum-35862611/  https://www.bluezones.com/  https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch  https://www.usa.gov/agencies/americorps-seniors  https://www.unitedway.org/how-you-can-help/why-volunteer  https://pcacares.org/services/community-connection/volunteer/  https://www.philafound.org/engaging-volunteers/individuals/retirees/  Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/        https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/       https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/      https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

We’re all getting older. We might as well embrace it. Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.

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