Don't Be Caged By Your Age | Pro Aging Podcast

Ande Lyons
  • 4.7 (35)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Looking for inspiration and practical advice on aging well? Don't Be Caged By Your Age is a positive aging podcast featuring conversations with older adults who are thriving after 65. Explore healthy aging, longevity, retirement, purpose, wellness, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and the many ways people create meaningful lives as they grow older. 

  1. 5d ago

    EP 104 Is Your Tribe Helping You Thrive After 65?

    The people around us can either expand our sense of possibility or quietly shrink our world.  Have you ever stopped to consider how much the people around you influence the way you age? In this episode I chat with Walt Hampton - attorney, executive coach, author, interfaith minister, lifelong adventurer, and mountaineer - to explore why the company we keep may be one of the biggest factors in how fully we live after 65. While healthy habits and a positive mindset certainly matter, Walt believes our "tribe" can either expand our sense of possibility or quietly shrink our world. Walt shares his remarkable journey from attorney to executive coach, from aspiring priest to interfaith minister, and from climbing four of the Seven Summits to embracing new adventures like gravel biking and backcountry skiing at age 69. Along the way, he reminds us that curiosity, courage, and a willingness to begin again are timeless qualities, not age-dependent ones. Together, we talk about how to recognize whether your social circle is helping you grow or holding you back, why it's okay to outgrow limiting beliefs (even those of lifelong friends), and how staying open to new experiences keeps life vibrant and meaningful. Walt also shares one powerful coaching question that has the potential to change your life: What would you do if you weren't afraid? Whether you're looking for your next adventure, considering a career or life pivot, or simply wondering how to create a richer, more connected life, this conversation will leave you inspired to choose possibility over limitation. Visit Walt's website here to learn more about his remarkable work in the world. If this episode inspired you, please share it with someone whose world you want to help expand. Together, let's continue aging out loud and proud and never be caged by our age. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 104 Is Your Tribe Helping You Thrive After 65?

  2. Jul 16

    EP 103 Opening New Doors After 70

    What if the next chapter of your life is waiting behind a door you haven't opened yet? My guest, Mary Foerster, is living proof that life doesn't stop unfolding after 70 - it expands. At 75, Mary has reinvented herself time and again, building a life filled with purpose, connection, and contribution. From librarian to legislative advocate at AARP, from government affairs executive to house flipper and Realtor, from Rotary leader to podcast host, Mary's journey reminds us that we don't have to have life all figured out. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities arrive simply because we're willing to say "yes." In our conversation, Mary shares how ballroom dancing led her to the love of her life, why community became her lifeline after retirement, what inspired her to launch Real Estate Connections at 75, and why relationships continue to open doors she never imagined. If you've ever wondered whether your best years are behind you, this episode offers a hopeful - and practical - answer.  Mary's biggest lesson? Keep every door open. You never know which one will lead to your next adventure. 🎙️ Connect with Mary Foerster Podcast: Real Estate Connections: Where Relationships Open Doors Email: info@realestateconnectionspodcast.com If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 103 Opening New Doors After 70

  3. Jul 9

    EP 102 How Do You Become an Inspired Elder?

    Why does contribution matter so much as we grow older? It's a question I hadn't thought about in quite this way until my delicious conversation with David McNally. Like many of us, I used to think being on purpose was the goal. But David offered a beautiful reframe: our purpose doesn't change, our contribution does. Whether we're mentoring a younger generation, starting a podcast at 67, going back to college at 72, or simply showing up each day with curiosity and compassion, we're all helping move humanity forward. That's what it means to become an Inspired Elder. David McNally is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and leadership expert whose latest book, If You're Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn't Finished, reminds us that our later years can be some of our most meaningful. Approaching his 80th birthday, David shares the lived experiences that shaped his life, the personal losses that deepened his wisdom, and why he believes our greatest contribution may still lie ahead. This conversation is filled with memorable stories, heartfelt wisdom, and several "pause and think" moments that I know you'll carry with you long after the episode ends. One of my favorite moments came when David said: "I'm no longer ambitious...I'm passionate." That simple statement perfectly captures what so many of us discover in our later years. We stop striving to prove ourselves and begin living to serve, mentor, create, and contribute. Another unforgettable reminder: "The creative spirit within us only expires when we expire." If you've ever wondered what's next...or whether your best years might still be ahead of you...this episode is for you. Connect with David McNally: • Website • Book: If You're Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn't Finished • YouTube: The Inspired Elder If this conversation inspired you, please share it with a friend who could use a reminder that their story... and their contribution... is far from over. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 102 How Do You Become an Inspired Elder?

  4. Jul 2

    EP 101 When Creativity Refuses to Retire

    What if the most creative chapter of your life is still ahead of you? In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Irene Buchine, whose life beautifully reminds us that creativity, purpose, and self-expression don't have an expiration date. At 77 years old, Irene celebrated her very first gallery show, Beyond Words, a collection of artwork, photography, embroidery, writing, and personal reflections that span decades of her life. I had the privilege of attending the exhibit, and it inspired this special conversation. What makes Irene's story so extraordinary is that she didn't learn to read until she was 34 because of dyslexia. Yet she went on to build a successful business, become an author, and continue creating with curiosity, courage, and joy. Together, we explore what it means to stop minimizing our accomplishments, embrace our creativity, and finally allow ourselves to be seen. We also talk about Irene's beautiful book, Celia and the Little Boy, a compassionate story that helps parents, caregivers, and educators better understand childhood depression and emotional struggles through the eyes of a child. 🎧 Listen to Irene narrate Celia and the Little Boy on YouTube here. 📚 Tap here to learn more about Irene and her work. One of the things that stayed with me after this conversation was how often we tuck away our gifts, our accomplishments, and even our creativity because we don't think they're worthy of celebrating. Watching Irene gather decades of her life into one gallery exhibit wasn't about looking backward. It was about honoring the journey and giving herself permission to be fully seen. I hope this episode encourages you to look at your own life with that same generosity. Maybe there's a dream you've put on hold. Maybe there's a talent you've hidden away. Or maybe it's simply time to celebrate the person you've become. Because creativity doesn't retire. And neither do we. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 101 When Creativity Refuses to Retire

  5. Jun 25

    EP 100 Life's Too Short for Someday

    What are you waiting for? How many times have you told yourself you'll get around to it someday? Someday you'll pick up the guitar again. Someday you'll take that trip. Someday you'll start the business, write the book, learn the skill, or pursue the passion that's been quietly waiting in the wings. But what if life's too short for someday? My guest is musician Ray Toole, the creative force behind The Yellow Room, a musical community that brings together talented musicians from multiple generations to perform live, connect through music, and celebrate the joy of making music together. Ray's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reconnect with what you love. After spending more than 30 years working as a train conductor, Ray picked up his guitar again during COVID and began playing more seriously than ever before. And here's the remarkable part: he believes he's a better musician today at 65 than he was at 25. In our conversation, Ray takes me back to his early days growing up during the golden era of rock and shares how music became a lifelong passion. We talk about balancing creativity with careers and responsibilities, the joy of mentoring younger musicians, and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge later in life when you continue to follow what lights you up. One phrase came up again and again during our conversation: "Life's too short." In fact, Ray once hosted annual "Life's Too Short" parties! His philosophy is simple but powerful: don't wait for someday. Whether you've always loved music, have a passion you've put on the back burner, or simply need a reminder that it's never too late to create, connect, and contribute, I think you'll find inspiration in Ray's story. This Episode 🎸 How Ray fell in love with music and the electric guitar 🎸 Growing up in the incredible music culture of the 1970s 🎸 Keeping a lifelong passion alive while navigating careers and responsibilities 🎸 Why picking up the guitar again during COVID changed everything 🎸 The story behind The Yellow Room 🎸 The joy of bringing musicians from different generations together 🎸 Why Ray believes he's a better musician at 65 than he was at 25 🎸 What aging has taught Ray about creativity, performance, and purpose 🎸 Why mentorship matters at every age 🎸 Ray's advice for anyone thinking about returning to music—or pursuing a long-forgotten dream If there's something you've been wanting to do, create, learn, or experience, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting. Connect with Ray Toole and watch his fab music videos on these platforms: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Songs mentioned during our delicious conversation: Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Israelites Led Zeppelin - Over the Hills and Far Away Keep On Smilin' - The Wet Willie Band Coca-Cola's Ad - I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 100 Life's Too Short for Someday

  6. Jun 11

    EP 99 What the Open Road Taught Me About Life After 60

    What can riding a motorcycle thousands of miles across North and South America teach us about thriving after 60? Quite a lot, according to Michael Yang. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Michael immigrated to California as a teenager and embraced the opportunities of the American Dream. He went on to earn degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University, build a successful Silicon Valley startup, and eventually sell his company during the dot-com era. But Michael's most surprising chapter began in his sixties. Rather than slowing down, he climbed onto a motorcycle and embarked on epic journeys across North and South America—from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean to Newfoundland, Canada, and through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. In this fascinating conversation, Michael shares what those miles taught him about resilience, perseverance, humility, gratitude, curiosity, and living with purpose at every age. Tap here to purchase Michael's book Coming Alive on the Ride: A Memoir of Motorcycle Travel, Self-Discovery, and Korean Heritage. Michael's Message: "Purpose and passion do not have expiration dates." If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to pursue a dream, start a new chapter, or embark on an adventure, Michael's story is a powerful reminder that some of life's most meaningful journeys begin later than expected. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 99 What the Open Road Taught Me About Life After 60

  7. Jun 4

    EP 98 How to Be Sassy and Successful After 60

    What if turning 60 wasn't the beginning of the end, but the beginning of your most confident, fulfilling, and exciting chapter yet? Too often, society tells women that life gets smaller as they age. My guest today is here to challenge that narrative and prove that life after 60 can be a time of reinvention, growth, purpose, and unapologetic ambition. Ali Miles-Jenkins is the founder of Sassy and Successful After 60, an award-winning transformational coach, TEDx speaker, trainer, and champion for women who are ready to stop playing small and start living boldly. After spending more than 30 years helping people unlock their potential, Ali now focuses on empowering women over 60 to embrace their experience, challenge age stereotypes, and create lives they truly love. In this inspiring conversation, Ali shares her own journey of reinvention, the mindset shifts that helped her embrace aging as an asset rather than a limitation, and practical ways women can step into their next chapter with confidence. We explore the impact of internalized ageism, the importance of supportive communities, and why it's never too late to pursue a dream, start something new, or redefine success on your own terms. Whether you're approaching 60, well beyond it, or simply looking for inspiration to embrace what's next, this episode is a powerful reminder that your age does not define your potential. Key Takeaway: The skills, wisdom, and experiences you've accumulated over a lifetime are not holding you back - they are the very foundation for creating an extraordinary next chapter. Connect with Ali here, and download The Reinvention Report here. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 98 How to Be Sassy and Successful After 60

  8. May 14

    EP 97 It’s Never Too Late to Remember

    What happens when you return to the memories you buried for more than half a century? In this moving episode of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, I chat with Mario Cartaya, acclaimed architect, Cuban exile, and debut author for a deeply human conversation about memory, identity, resilience, and reinvention. Born in Havana in 1951, Mario left Cuba at the age of eight when his family immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. Decades later, after building a celebrated architectural career and having his life’s work entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, Mario found himself drawn back to the memories of his childhood and ultimately back to Cuba itself. His memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints, explores that emotional journey of rediscovery. In this episode, we discuss: How childhood memories quietly shape our identityLeaving Cuba and adapting to life in AmericaThe moment Mario realized architecture was his callingBuilding spaces that serve humanity and communityBecoming an author later in lifeWhy it’s never too late to reconnect with your storyLearn more about Mario and purchase a copy of his book via his website here. If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here. Looking for a few simple ways to age well? Here are two products I use and genuinely recommend: 🚶‍♀️ Favorite Walking Pad – I use it almost every day while watching my favorite shows. It's quiet, easy to store, and makes getting more steps simple and enjoyable. 🥤 Favorite Protein Powder – Getting enough protein becomes even more important as we age. This is my go-to because it's easy to digest, delivers 25g of protein per serving, and supports healthy muscles and bones. Waving from Boston – cheers! Ande ♥ CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism! https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/  https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage SPONSORSHIP If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact throug...

    EP 97 It’s Never Too Late to Remember
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4.7
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Looking for inspiration and practical advice on aging well? Don't Be Caged By Your Age is a positive aging podcast featuring conversations with older adults who are thriving after 65. Explore healthy aging, longevity, retirement, purpose, wellness, technology, entrepreneurship, relationships, and the many ways people create meaningful lives as they grow older. 

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