Senior Living Podcast CT/MA

William Corbett

Life after 60 brings new opportunities—and plenty of new questions. The Senior Living Podcast grew out of Bill Corbett's Saturday morning talk radio show on WDRC, where conversations about aging, retirement, family, and everyday life quickly revealed something important: seniors and the people who love them are looking for practical answers, fresh ideas, and honest conversations about the years ahead. On each episode, Bill talks with interesting experts, professionals, authors, and people with experiences worth sharing. Topics range from health and wellness, retirement and finances to relationships, downsizing, staying socially connected, finding purpose, helping aging parents, and making the most of life after 60. Some episodes solve everyday problems. Others introduce fascinating people and ideas. All of them share the same goal: helping seniors—and their families—navigate the years ahead with greater confidence, purpose, and enjoyment. Born in Connecticut and Massachusetts but created for listeners everywhere, The Senior Living Podcast is about much more than growing older. It's about continuing to live. Ideas • Stories • Inspiration for the Years Ahead Download an episode, share it with someone you care about, and join us for the next conversation. Have expertise, an experience, or a story that could help our listeners? Bill welcomes potential guests and topic suggestions. Contact him at (860) 305-1838 or billcorbett@yahoo.com

  1. Aug 30

    You Retired From Your Job—Not From Life

    Featuring Senior Achiever at MIT AgeLab, Henry Quinlan.    What are you going to do with the rest of your life? Retirement may mean leaving a career behind, but it doesn’t have to mean leaving behind purpose, curiosity, connection, or the desire to make a difference. In this episode of the Senior Living Podcast, I sit down with Henry Quinlan for a fascinating conversation about finding meaning and purpose in the later years of life. Henry speaks to seniors about an idea that is simple but powerful: your life is in front of you, not behind you. We talk about why some people thrive in retirement while others gradually become isolated and disengaged, and why having something to look forward to can make such an important difference. Henry shares ideas for discovering purpose after retirement—from volunteering and mentoring younger generations to helping in the community, becoming more socially active, and finally writing down the stories and lessons of a lifetime for children and grandchildren. We also discuss the challenge adult children sometimes face when Mom or Dad seems perfectly content spending every day in front of the television. How do you encourage someone you love to become more engaged without trying to run their retirement for them? Henry suggests beginning not with what you think they should be doing, but by discovering what might bring meaning and enjoyment to their life. You can find more on Henry on his website, The Golden Years Learning Lab. You can also email him at Henry@omni-pub.com. Purpose doesn't have to mean starting another career or accomplishing something extraordinary. Sometimes it's simply having someplace to go, someone to help, something to contribute, and a reason to look forward to tomorrow. Whether you're already retired, approaching retirement, or wondering how to help an aging parent rediscover a sense of purpose, this conversation may cause you to look at the years ahead a little differently. Because the question isn't only, “What did I do with my life?” There's another question worth asking: “What am I going to do with the rest of it?”

    You Retired From Your Job—Not From Life
  2. Aug 28

    Is There More to Retirement Than Watching The Hallmark Channel in Your Underwear?

    Featuring Nancy Hopkins, author of Sassy the Green Tea Boa.   Bill Corbett has published a new book for you to color along with your grandchild. It's called COLOR TOGETHER and it's now available on Amazon. ======================================================== Are we ever too old to return to something we once loved—or to begin an entirely new chapter of our lives? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Nancy Hopkins, known to many as The Snake Lady, whose story is a wonderful reminder that our passions don't necessarily disappear when life gets busy. Sometimes they simply wait for us. Nancy has been a nature lover and avid outdoorswoman throughout her life. In the early 2000s, she developed an environmental education program focused on native New England snakes, sharing with audiences the important—and often misunderstood—role snakes play in our ecosystem. But life had other plans. Nancy stepped away from environmental education to focus on raising her children and later spent 20 years working as an optician. Yet her fascination with snakes never disappeared. She always hoped that someday she would return to being a voice for these remarkable creatures. And she did. Now, decades later, Nancy has returned to her passion in an entirely new way—as a children's author. Her book, Sassy the Green Tree Boa, allows her to introduce a new generation of children and families to the animals she has spent so much of her life appreciating and defending. Our conversation originally centered on snakes, children, and helping families overcome their fears of reptiles. But Nancy's personal journey carries another powerful message—especially for those of us in the second half of life. There doesn't have to be an expiration date on a dream. Nancy's story reminds us that retirement and our senior years don't have to mean stepping away from meaningful work. They can provide an opportunity to rediscover interests we once put aside, pursue creative dreams, write the book we always wanted to write, volunteer, teach, mentor, or finally explore something we've been thinking about for years. In this episode, you'll hear Nancy's infectious enthusiasm for snakes, nature, education, and children—and discover what can happen when someone decides that it's not too late to return to what they love. Whether you're 55, 65, 75, or beyond, perhaps there's something you've been thinking about returning to yourself. Nancy Hopkins did. And today, The Snake Lady is back.

    Is There More to Retirement Than Watching The Hallmark Channel in Your Underwear?
  3. 07/25/2025

    "Who’s Driving Grandma?" Fixing the Ride Gap for Seniors & Vets

    Visit our website   Visit our Facebook page   Visit our Youtube Channel ABOUT THIS EPISODE I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephen Kaminski, the mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut's "The Way to Go" program. Their goal is to promote and coordinate transportation options for people with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans in the state of CT. ============================== ABOUT THE SHOW MUSIC You So Zany by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ ============================== ABOUT THE EPISODE GUEST My guest on this episode was Steven Kaminski, mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut.  The Way to Go program is a division of transportation in conjunction with Amplify CT out of Glastonbury CT.  The Way to Go program offers resources to our Older Adult Community, Disabled and our Veteran communities.  In conjunction with the Kennedy Collective and Greater Hartford Transit District, The Way to Go program offers extensive help in connecting people with reliable and affordable transportation. Steven can be reached at 860-267-5439 x 100. ============================== SHOW TRANSCRIPT Challenges -In just a few years (2037), our state’s population age 65 or older will increase by 12%. CT Life expectancy at birth is 81 Y.O. (National Average is 79) Access to reliable transportation has become a very pressing issue for many older CT residents.   In some cases, our older populations also have disabilities (Approx 1/3) This current generation (Mostly) has email but are not always as comfortable with the internet and navigating websites. Cost is, in most cases, a determining factor for mobility choices. Navigating public transit is intimidating and often too diicult to access. Some towns are rural and have limited access to medical appointments OR the primary care is in another town hard to access.  Talking points/Solutions Greater Hartford Transit District and CT DOT have taken into consideration the growing age demographic.  With programs like Dial a Ride/Associated often with Town Senior Centers there are some solutions for current and future needs.   ADA Paratransit-Using a user-friendly online Application, if you have a disability, whether it is temporary or permanent, you can apply for the ADA paratransit status.  This opens several resources that can be free or at a low cost to assist in your mobility needs.  FREEDOM RIDE, M7 Taxi, oer reduced fares. CT DOT sets the rate.  Our Program is available to anyone with a disability and or Veteran status despite their age.   Currently, technology must appeal more to caregivers.  But most services still allow setting up rides via phone calls. Reduced fares for ADA paratransit and services like GO GO Grandparent.  Lyft also has a Price lock for commonly traveled routes. We do have travel training programs through the GHTD and the Kennedy Collective that will “Literally” guide you through every step of your public transit route. Part of any mobility resource identies the “Gaps” and through collaboration and the use of a steering committee, we can strive to create new solutions. Transportation for our Older Adults will be an ongoing need. So, it’s great we have resources in place, but it’s crucial we change with the times.

    "Who’s Driving Grandma?" Fixing the Ride Gap for Seniors & Vets
  4. 07/17/2022

    Getting a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and What to do

    Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support. Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.   Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.   In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.   The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure. 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 Website: alz.org/ct Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut General email: ctchapter@alz.org

    Getting a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and What to do
  5. 07/17/2022

    The Eight Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

    Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support. Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.   Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.   In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.   The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure. 24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900 Website: alz.org/ct Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut General email: ctchapter@alz.org

    The Eight Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

About

Life after 60 brings new opportunities—and plenty of new questions. The Senior Living Podcast grew out of Bill Corbett's Saturday morning talk radio show on WDRC, where conversations about aging, retirement, family, and everyday life quickly revealed something important: seniors and the people who love them are looking for practical answers, fresh ideas, and honest conversations about the years ahead. On each episode, Bill talks with interesting experts, professionals, authors, and people with experiences worth sharing. Topics range from health and wellness, retirement and finances to relationships, downsizing, staying socially connected, finding purpose, helping aging parents, and making the most of life after 60. Some episodes solve everyday problems. Others introduce fascinating people and ideas. All of them share the same goal: helping seniors—and their families—navigate the years ahead with greater confidence, purpose, and enjoyment. Born in Connecticut and Massachusetts but created for listeners everywhere, The Senior Living Podcast is about much more than growing older. It's about continuing to live. Ideas • Stories • Inspiration for the Years Ahead Download an episode, share it with someone you care about, and join us for the next conversation. Have expertise, an experience, or a story that could help our listeners? Bill welcomes potential guests and topic suggestions. Contact him at (860) 305-1838 or billcorbett@yahoo.com