Grandma Has ADHD

Jami Shapiro
  • 5.0 (24)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 110 - Aging, ADHD & Planning for What's Next

    Have you ever thought about what you want your later years to look like? Not what your children want for you, or what everyone else thinks you should do, but what YOU actually want? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro welcomes her friend Kim Shea, senior living guide, author, and founder of Game Changing Counseling Services, for a conversation about aging, ADHD, caregiving, and planning for the future. Kim has worked with older adults since 2003, helping individuals and families navigate senior living decisions and life transitions. She's also the author of Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience, a guidebook and workbook designed to help people think through their choices before someone else has to make those decisions for them. Jami and Kim also share how they first connected, the moment Kim began recognizing possible ADHD in herself, and why understanding how our brains work can make a difference at any age. In This Episode How meeting Jami led Kim to recognize possible ADHD in herselfWhy ADHD can go unnoticed in girls and women for decadesFinding organizational systems that work for your brainWhy planning for aging should start with what YOU wantWhat families should consider when exploring senior living optionsKim's book, Dare to Plan Your Aging ExperienceHow body doubling and accountability helped Kim write her bookADHD, retirement, and adjusting to changes in daily structureClutter, emotional attachments, and the challenges of rightsizingHelping aging parents make decisions without taking away their independence Discovering ADHD Later in Life Kim remembers meeting Jami at an aging expo and noticing a photo of a cluttered desk that looked suspiciously familiar. When Jami asked whether she had ADHD, Kim's immediate answer was no! But the conversation stayed with her. Thinking back to her son's ADHD evaluation, Kim realized how many of the same questions could have applied to her. Although Kim hasn't received a formal ADHD diagnosis, learning more about it has helped her better understand her experiences and explore strategies that work for her. She and Jami discuss why so many women grew up without recognizing these patterns, especially those who were quiet, well-behaved, or successful in school. Aging on Your Own Terms After more than two decades working with older adults, Kim has seen how difficult aging decisions can become when families haven't talked about them ahead of time. Her book, Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience: An Insider's Guide and Workbook to Discover What Matters to You, encourages readers to explore their preferences, consider different possibilities, and document what matters most. From choosing where to live to navigating relationships and changing care needs, Kim emphasizes the importance of having a plan, and a backup plan. Because aging shouldn't mean losing your voice in decisions about your own life. ADHD, Retirement, and Finding What Works What happens when the routines that have kept you going for years suddenly disappear? Jami and Kim explore how retirement, an empty nest, and other life transitions can change the structure of everyday life, particularly for people with ADHD. Kim shares how color-coded lists, realistic priorities, and working alongside someone else helped her manage projects and even finish writing her book. Sometimes the most helpful strategy is simply finding a different way to get things done. Caregiving, Clutter, and Compassion Helping an aging parent downsize can be frustrating, especially when you're looking at a house full of belongings and wondering where to begin. But as Kim reminds us, those belongings often carry memories and emotional significance. Jami and Kim discuss why it's important to approach these conversations with patience, respect, and compassion rather than taking over. They also explore how bringing in a professional can help families navigate difficult decisions while preserving an older adult's independence and dignity. About Kim Shea Kim Shea has worked with older adults since 2003 in caregiving, senior living guidance, retirement coaching, and community engagement. Through Game Changing Counseling Services, she helps older adults and their families navigate senior living options and important life transitions. She also facilitates discussion circles that encourage connection and community among older adults. Kim is the author of Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience: An Insider's Guide and Workbook to Discover What Matters to You. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is a certified ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She's also the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, helping individuals and families navigate rightsizing, organizing, moving, and major life transitions. Through her coaching, speaking, and podcast, Jami helps adults better understand their ADHD and find practical ways to make life easier. Resources Kim Shea: https://seniorlg.comKim's Book: Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BookBabyJami Shapiro: https://jamishapiro.meGrandma Has ADHD: https://grandmahasadhd.comSilver Linings Transitions: https://silverliningstransitions.comRemember: It's never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  2. Oct 13

    Episode 109 - The Sandwich Generation, Caregiving, & ADHD

    What happens when you're navigating your own ADHD while caring for aging parents, supporting your children, and trying to keep up with everything else life throws your way? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with LeAnn Levering, therapist, ADHD specialist, and founder of Levering Mind, to talk about the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, especially when ADHD is part of the picture. LeAnn shares her own experience of discovering her ADHD in midlife, navigating caregiving responsibilities with her 86-year-old mother, and managing the guilt and self-criticism that can come with feeling like you're never doing enough. Together, Jami and LeAnn explore how aging, grief, changing family roles, and unexpected responsibilities can affect executive functioning, and why understanding your ADHD can help you approach these transitions with more flexibility and self-compassion. In This Episode LeAnn's journey to an ADHD diagnosis in midlifeWhy ADHD in girls and women often goes unrecognizedImposter syndrome, overachievement, and years of self-doubtHow ADHD can change as we get older, especially during menopauseThe challenges of being part of the sandwich generationWhy caregiving, grief, and major life transitions can affect executive functioningHelping aging parents downsize while honoring their memoriesManaging caregiver guilt and the feeling that you're never doing enoughWhy therapy and coping strategies need to be adapted for ADHD brainsLearning to work with your ADHD instead of constantly fighting against it When Life Changes, So Does Your Structure For adults with ADHD, having fewer responsibilities doesn't always make life easier. Sometimes, losing the routines and structure we've relied on can make everyday tasks more difficult. Add unexpected caregiving responsibilities, children leaving home, or the loss of a loved one, and things can become even more challenging. LeAnn explains how grief affects executive functioning, whether we're grieving a person, a relationship, or simply a chapter of life that has ended. Caregiving, Clutter, and Letting Go LeAnn shares what it has been like helping her 86-year-old mother go through belongings and storage units accumulated over the years. What started as a downsizing project became an opportunity for three generations to share stories, revisit memories, and decide what still holds meaning. Jami and LeAnn discuss why helping an aging parent downsize isn't simply about getting rid of things. It's also about respecting their experiences and supporting them through a major life transition. Giving Yourself Grace One of LeAnn's most helpful strategies isn't about calendars, reminders, or productivity hacks. It's about changing how she responds to the critical voices in her head. Instead of letting guilt about caregiving or feelings of inadequacy take over, she's learned to recognize those thoughts without allowing them to dictate her choices. Sometimes, feeling guilty about not spending enough time with a parent is simply a reminder of how much that relationship matters. The question becomes what you can do about it, rather than how long you can beat yourself up over it. Why Understanding ADHD Still Matters Later in Life LeAnn was nearly 40 when she finally recognized her ADHD, after it had been missed during childhood. She and Jami discuss why identifying ADHD later in life can be so meaningful, even after decades of managing without a diagnosis. Understanding your brain gives you more information, more options, and a better foundation for building a life that works for you. As LeAnn explains, the goal isn't to get rid of your ADHD. It's to find ways to support the challenges while making room for your strengths. About LeAnn Levering LeAnn Levering is a licensed therapist, ADHD specialist, and founder of Levering Mind. With a background spanning technology, business, and clinical social work, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience with ADHD to her work. LeAnn helps adults with ADHD build flexibility, resilience, and practical strategies that work with their individual strengths and challenges. She also offers online ADHD classes and professional consultation for clinicians. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is a certified ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She's also the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, where she helps individuals and families navigate downsizing, moving, and major life transitions. Through her coaching, speaking, and podcast, Jami helps adults, especially those discovering ADHD later in life, better understand themselves and find practical ways to make life easier. Resources Levering Mind: https://leveringmind.comLearn the ADHD: https://learntheadhd.comJami Shapiro: https://jamishapiro.meGrandma Has ADHD: https://grandmahasadhd.comSilver Linings Transitions: https://silverliningstransitions.comJami's Book: This Explains So MuchRemember: It's never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  3. Oct 6

    Episode 108 - Redefining Menopause and Living Bigly with Sass and Soul

    What if getting older isn’t about becoming less of yourself, but finally giving yourself permission to become more of who you are? Jami sits down with longtime friend Tina Bernard, founder of The Badass Arts, for a candid conversation about resilience, big emotions, relationships, personal growth, and what it means to live “bigly with sass and soul.” Tina shares how a chaotic childhood shaped her resilience, why healing requires more than simply surviving what happened to us, and how she learned to recognize and interrupt patterns that were no longer serving her. Together, she and Jami also talk about the freedom that can come with getting older and redefining menopause and aging on your own terms. In This Episode What it means to live with “sass, soul and substance”Why big emotions can give us useful informationSimple ways to pause and respond instead of reactResilience, healing, and breaking familiar patternsLetting go of the “would’ve, should’ve, could’ve”Friendship breakups, grief, and changing relationshipsWhy knowing something isn’t the same as actually practicing it“Self-help” versus “shelf-help”Why small, consistent practices can matter more than collecting more informationRedefining what menopause and aging can look likeGiving yourself permission to live more authentically as you get older From Self-Help to “Shelf-Help” For fast-moving and creative minds, learning can become its own form of procrastination. Tina jokes that all those unread self-help books sitting on the shelf aren't self-help at all. They're “shelf-help.” Instead of constantly searching for the next book, podcast, or solution, Tina encourages choosing one practice and actually trying it. As Jami puts it, so many of us are always thinking, “This is gonna be the thing that sticks.” Sometimes the better approach is simply picking one thing and starting there. Episode 108 - Redefining Menopa… Redefining Menopause and Aging Jami and Tina also reflect on what it means to be a Gen X woman getting older. Rather than following an old idea of what women are supposed to look or act like at a certain age, they’re interested in defining it for themselves. As Jami says, she’d happily banish the phrase “anti-aging.” Aging is happening. The question is how we choose to do it. Episode 108 - Redefining Menopa… About Tina Bernard Tina Bernard is the founder of The Badass Arts, a platform focused on helping people recognize and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them and put personal growth into practice. Her philosophy centers on resilience, authenticity, compassion, and what she calls living with soul, sass and substance. Episode 108 - Redefining Menopa… About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, host of Grandma Has ADHD, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Her work focuses on ADHD, aging, life transitions, clutter, and helping people better understand how their brains work. Resources The Badass Arts: thebadassarts.comBadass Arts Collective on FacebookTina Bernard Official on FacebookJami Shapiro: jamishapiro.meGrandma Has ADHD: grandmahasadhd.comSilver Linings Transitions: silverliningstransitions.comIt’s never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  4. Sep 29

    Episode 107 - Why Understanding Your ADHD Matters (ADHD Awareness Month)

    For ADHD Awareness Month, Jami Shapiro is doing something a little different: a solo episode. Jami walks through her own ADHD journey, from dismissing the possibility that she could have ADHD, to being diagnosed at 45 alongside her child, to finally realizing years later just how much ADHD had been affecting her life. She also shares how recognizing ADHD in her mom at nearly 77 changed the way she understood her family, her work, and herself.  In This Episode Why Jami initially dismissed her ADHD diagnosisHow ADHD can look different from the stereotypes many of us grew up withWhy women and older adults can go decades without recognizing their ADHDHow ADHD has affected Jami’s relationships, work, clutter, and everyday lifeWhat understanding her mom’s ADHD changed in their relationshipMasking, overachievement, rejection sensitivity, and impulsivityWhy awareness can lead to more compassion and less self-judgmentThe practical systems Jami now uses to make life easierWhy Jami wouldn’t push the button to get rid of her ADHD Why Does Knowing Matter? When Jami was diagnosed at 45, she had graduated college with highest honors. She assumed ADHD was primarily an academic issue and figured she had already learned how to handle it. So she put the diagnosis on a shelf. Years later, learning more about ADHD made her realize it was showing up in far more places than school. Understanding those patterns gave her a chance to stop fighting against them and start building a life that works better for her brain. Working With Your Brain For Jami, understanding ADHD hasn't meant changing who she is. It has meant learning where she needs support. That can be as simple as setting timers so she doesn't lose track of an appointment, leaving visual reminders where she can see them, or booking every part of a trip at once so nothing gets forgotten. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, host of Grandma Has ADHD, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Her work focuses on ADHD, aging, life transitions, clutter, and helping people better understand how their brains work. This ADHD Awareness Month, Jami's message is simple: it's never too late to understand yourself better. Resources Jami ShapiroThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroGrandma Has ADHDSilver Linings TransitionsIt’s never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  5. Sep 22

    Episode 106 - What is Extreme Clutter Disorder?

    What’s the difference between being overwhelmed by clutter and struggling to actually let things go? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro talks with Kristine Todd, founder of KAT Organizing & Relocation Solutions, about extreme clutter, ADHD, and why understanding what’s behind the stuff matters. They explore how clutter can look similar on the surface while the reasons behind it can be very different, especially when ADHD, aging, life transitions, and other challenges are involved. What You’ll Learn How ADHD-related clutter can differ from extreme clutterWhy letting go of possessions can be so difficultHow overwhelm and trouble getting started contribute to clutterWhy trust matters when helping someone with extreme clutterHow aging and major life changes can affect clutterWhy starting small can make decluttering more manageableHow having someone there with you can help you get started ADHD, Clutter & Overwhelm For someone with ADHD, clutter can build because they’re overwhelmed, don’t know where to begin, or struggle to stay on task. With extreme clutter, Kristine explains that possessions may have specific purposes or reasons attached to them, making letting go more complicated. The key is understanding what’s happening beneath the clutter instead of approaching every person or home the same way. Start Small If the clutter feels overwhelming, Kristine’s advice is simple: don’t start with the whole house. Set a timer for five minutes. Pick one drawer. Put one thing where it belongs. And if doing it alone feels impossible, ask someone to simply sit with you. “Start slow and start small.” Sometimes getting started is the win. About Kristine Todd Kristine Todd is the founder of KAT Organizing & Relocation Solutions in the Chicago area. She specializes in senior moves and downsizing, clutter support, and working with people with ADHD. She is also a member of NASMM and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She is also the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, a move management and organizing company serving San Diego and the Coachella Valley. Her work focuses on ADHD, aging, life transitions, and helping people better understand how their brains work. Resources Jami ShapiroThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroGrandma Has ADHDSilver Linings TransitionsKAT Organizing & Relocation SolutionsInstitute for Challenging DisorganizationNational Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)It’s never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  6. Sep 15

    Episode 105 - ADHD, Overachievement & Starting Over with Dr. Molly Kerby

    After reading Jami Shapiro’s This Explains So Much, Dr. Molly Kerby started recognizing herself on page after page. The overachievement, trouble reading, constant need to stay busy, rejection sensitivity, and tendency to jump from one interest to another suddenly had more context. Jami and Molly talk about recognizing ADHD later in life, the complicated relationship between achievement and self-worth, and what happens when retirement takes away the structure and identity you’ve relied on for decades.  What You’ll Learn The ADHD traits Molly recognized after reading This Explains So MuchHow someone can be highly successful and still struggle with ADHDWhy overachievement can sometimes be tied to proving your worthHow rejection sensitivity and self-criticism have shown up in Molly’s lifeWhat happened when retirement removed decades of structure and purposeWhy transitions can be especially challenging when you rely on external structure “Could This Explain Me?” Molly spent nearly 40 years in higher education, earned a PhD, held leadership roles, and collected more than a few interests and credentials along the way. But reading Jami’s book made her look at her past differently. She remembered talking constantly in class, staring out the window, struggling with reading comprehension, changing instruments and interests, and always wanting to be involved in something. When Overachievement Becomes Personal Molly admits that earning her PhD was partly about proving she was smart enough to do it. Growing up with financial challenges and being voted “least likely to succeed” left an impact. Even after building a successful career, Molly says she can still feel like a failure. Jami and Molly talk about the complicated relationship between ADHD, achievement, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove yourself. Starting Over After Retirement After almost 40 years at the same university, Molly retired and expected to feel free. Instead, she experienced what she calls “retirement paralysis.” Without the structure, deadlines, and identity that had shaped her days for decades, she found herself asking, Why am I here? That experience helped inspire her work with women navigating retirement, empty nests, career changes, and other major transitions. The ADHD Button Question If Molly could press a button and never have ADHD, would she? Probably not. There are parts she would gladly lose, including the spiraling and physical effects of stress and rejection. But she wouldn’t want to give up the drive that has helped her accomplish so much. For Molly, understanding ADHD is becoming another way to understand the good, the difficult, and everything in between. About Dr. Molly Kerby Dr. Molly Kerby is the founder of ReInnovate U Coaching and a professor emeritus at Western Kentucky University. She holds a PhD in educational administration and a master’s in public health. She is also a certified transformation life coach with training in health and wellness coaching, yoga, Reiki, sound healing, and futures thinking methodology. Her work focuses on helping women navigate transitions, rediscover purpose, and move into their next chapter. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She explores ADHD, aging, late discovery, relationships, and what happens when we finally understand how our brains work. Learn more about Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  7. Sep 8

    Episode 104 - When Burnout Leads to Discovery & Why We Need to Pause

    What happens when pushing through stops working? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro talks with Lisa Richer, neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom, about the burnout that forced her to slow down and ultimately helped her better understand herself and her ADHD. They explore late diagnosis, workaholism, masking, people-pleasing, and what can change when we stop trying to do more and start paying attention to what we actually need. What You’ll Learn How burnout played a role in Lisa discovering her ADHDWhat ADHD looked like before she knew she had itWhy a diagnosis can inform without defining youHow masking and people-pleasing can contribute to burnoutWhy understanding your strengths and struggles mattersHow Lisa learned to set boundaries and give herself permission to restWhy it’s never too late to pause and understand yourself better Before the ADHD Diagnosis Looking back, Lisa can see ADHD throughout her life. As an elite gymnast, movement helped her stay regulated and focused. In school and later at work, things were harder. She describes being great at the "messy middle" of a project but struggling with the beginning and end. She could create an entire presentation but get stuck on the title and objectives. Learning she had ADHD finally gave those experiences context. Diagnosis Informs, It Doesn't Define Lisa never went looking for an ADHD diagnosis. Two different healthcare providers eventually brought it to her attention. The diagnosis didn't change who she was. It helped her understand herself and communicate what she needed. As Lisa says: "Diagnoses inform, they don't define who a person is." That clarity helped her become more comfortable saying, "That's easy for you, but what's hard for you is easy for me." When Burnout Forces You to Stop Lisa spent years pushing herself as an athlete, professional, parent, people-pleaser, and the person who held everything together. Eventually, she couldn't keep going. Burnout forced her to reflect on the masking, pressure, and expectations she had carried for years. It also forced her to finally make room for herself. Learning to Pause One of Lisa's biggest realizations was that doing more didn't mean she was being more successful. She started giving herself permission to nap, read, sit outside, and take breaks without seeing them as wasted time. She became more intentional about her work and learned to say no, not yet, or not now. Her message: "It's never too late to pause and learn how to slow down." The ADHD Button Question Would Lisa press a button that meant she never had ADHD? No. What she would change is trusting herself sooner, even when other people didn't understand her. About Lisa Richer Lisa Richer is a neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom. She is a COPAA Certified Advocate, author, and creator of the Clarity, Confidence, Courage Journey Map. Her work helps neurodivergent individuals, families, and organizations better understand what they need to thrive. Resources & Links Journey to BloomLisa's Free Book Chapter: "Unbecoming to Become: Finding Clarity in the Chaos"Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)CHADD: Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsLisa Richer on LinkedInJourney to Bloom on Instagram Connect with Lisa Journey to Bloom Email: lisa@journey2bloom.com About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She explores ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and what happens when we finally understand how our brains work. Learn more about Jami Sometimes doing less isn't giving up. Sometimes it's exactly what we need to keep going. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

  8. Sep 1

    Episode 103 - Looking Back 2 Years After Discovering ADHD at Age 77

    What happens when you discover ADHD at 77 and then have two years to understand what it has meant throughout your life? In this special episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with a very important guest: her mom, Vicki Armel, the original “Grandma” behind the podcast. Vicki’s late ADHD discovery helped Jami see decades of clutter, disorganization, anxiety, memory struggles, and family tension through a completely different lens. It ultimately became part of the inspiration for this podcast, Jami’s ADHD coaching work, and her book, This Explains So Much. Now, Vicki looks back at what has changed since learning she has ADHD and what she understands about herself differently today. Clutter, Memories & Letting Go For years, clutter was a major source of tension between Jami and her mom. Jami once believed Vicki’s piles and difficulty letting go might be hoarding disorder. Understanding ADHD gave them another way to look at what was happening. Vicki shares how she’s become less embarrassed about her home and more thoughtful about why she keeps certain things. She talks about finally letting go of her mother’s china after realizing something important: the plates themselves weren’t what made her feel connected to her mom. That shift has helped her begin separating the memory from the object. “Oh, That’s ADHD Too?” Since discovering ADHD, Vicki has continued reading and learning about it—and keeps recognizing pieces of herself. Things she once worried about or judged herself for now have context. Even forgetting a word feels different. Instead of immediately worrying about her memory, she can recognize what’s happening, laugh about it, and move on. As Vicki puts it, understanding what’s going on makes it much easier to handle. More Grace for Each Other Perhaps the biggest change has happened between mother and daughter. Understanding ADHD hasn’t made every frustration disappear. Jami and Vicki still annoy each other sometimes. But after decades of misunderstanding certain behaviors, they now have language for what’s happening. Jami says there is “more forgiveness for each other” and “more grace.” That may be one of the greatest gifts of a late ADHD discovery: not changing who you are, but finally understanding yourself, and the people you love, a little better. Vicki’s Message to Other Older Women If you’re discovering ADHD at 50, 60, 70, or beyond, Vicki wants you to know it may not be as scary as it sounds. There are things she struggles with because of ADHD, but there are also things she believes she can do because of the way her brain works. And after more than seven decades without an explanation, she’s learning to accept those differences instead of worrying about them. Because as Jami says, it really never is too late. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she shares honest conversations about ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and finally understanding the way your brain works. Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroSilver Linings TransitionsThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

See All (111)

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Jami Shapiro
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grandma Has ADHD
  • Show Website
    Grandma Has ADHD

You Might Also Like