Gray With Benefits

Kelvin Brooks and Cheryl Warrick-Brooks

Gray With Benefits illuminates the later chapters of life, where experience deepens, love evolves, and every wrinkle tells a story. Through thoughtful conversations and heartfelt stories, we explore the joys and challenges of aging, navigating family, finding purpose, embracing change, and celebrating a life well-lived.

Episodes

  1. 06/17/2025

    Episode 4 - Aging Gracefully . . . or Not

    In this episode of 'Gray with Benefits', hosts Kelvin and Cheryl explore the concept of aging gracefully. They discuss their personal experiences with aging, the physical changes that accompany it, and the importance of humor in navigating this inevitable process. The conversation emphasizes self-acceptance and the idea that there is no single way to age, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.  Embracing Aging with Humor and Wisdom    Sally Jessy Raphael on Turning 90 Talk show legend Sally Jessy Raphael reflects on her vibrant life as she celebrates her 90th birthday, sharing insights on vitality, desire, and debunking myths surrounding aging. People.com     Aging Gracefully: Embrace the Golden Years on Your Terms This article discusses the shift from "anti-aging" to "pro-aging," highlighting how embracing gray hair and natural aging is becoming a symbol of confidence and self-acceptance. Aging.com+1Enotalone+1   Aging with a Smile: The Power of Humor and Nostalgia in Our Later Years Explores how embracing age with humor can enrich life, helping individuals find beauty in their experiences rather than focusing solely on what has changed. SATNEY     100 Women Dish On Why They Chose Gray Hair A collection of personal stories from women who embraced their natural gray hair, discussing the empowerment and authenticity that came with the decision. Byrdie+2The New Knew+2Allure+2     Embracing the Beauty of Aging—and the Gray Hair That Comes With It Highlights the trend of embracing gray hair, with insights from salon professionals and individuals who found freedom in letting their natural color shine. Edina Magazine     Paulina Porizkova, 60, Loves Her Gray Hair Supermodel Paulina Porizkova discusses her appreciation for her gray hair and how embracing aging has brought her a sense of authenticity and confidence. Page Six  🤣 Laughing Through the Changes     Top 55 Inspiring & Humorous Aging Quotes A compilation of funny and inspiring quotes that celebrate the humor in aging, perfect for lightening the mood and embracing the journey. SeniorFunPrints     Funny Quotes About Aging: Hilarious One-Liners for the Golden Years A collection of witty sayings that poke fun at wrinkles, forgetfulness, and the joys of senior discounts, reminding us that laughter is the best medicine. Puns About Puns 🧘‍♀️ Body Image & Self-Acceptance      Midlife Wisdom on Beauty, Body Image, and Aging Gratefully A discussion on embracing the natural changes that come with aging, from hair color to body shape, and how gratitude can significantly impact our outlook. Life, Repurposed   Send us a text

    20 min
  2. 06/03/2025

    Episode 3 Laughing through the years- Finding Joy in Aging

    In this episode of Gray with Benefits, Cheryl and Kelvin explore the importance of joy in the aging process. They discuss how joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a form of resistance against life's challenges. The conversation delves into the obstacles that can hinder our ability to feel joy, such as exhaustion and negative mindsets, and offers practical tips for inviting joy into our lives, including dancing, keeping a joy list, and celebrating small moments. Ultimately, they emphasize that joy is essential for well-being and should be actively pursued, even amidst difficulties.   📚 Essential Reads on Joy and Aging 1. The Harvard Study of Adult Development This nearly 80-year-long study reveals that strong relationships and a positive outlook are key predictors of long-term happiness and health in older adults. Harvard Gazette 2. National Institute on Aging: Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age Engaging in hobbies and social activities can lower the risk of health problems, including dementia and heart disease, and contribute to a longer lifespan. National Institute on Aging 3. Positive Attitude About Aging Could Boost Health Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that individuals with a more positive attitude toward aging tend to live longer and healthier lives. Harvard Public Health 4. Joy, an Emotion That Transcends the Age Barrier This article emphasizes that joy remains a vital component of well-being for older adults, even though it's often overlooked in scientific literature. Default 5. Aging Is Inevitable, So Why Not Do It Joyfully? Here’s How This TED Ideas piece offers practical insights on embracing joy in aging, such as engaging in cultural activities and stimulating the senses to enhance well-being. ideas.ted.com Journal Prompts - Use these prompts to reflect on your experiences with joy and aging. https://bit.ly/4dLmUG0 Send us a text

    16 min
  3. 06/03/2025

    Episode 1 The New Normal (Adjusting to Senior Living)

    In this inaugural episode of the podcast, hosts Kelvin and Cheryl share their personal experiences and insights about transitioning into retirement. They discuss the challenges and surprises they faced, including the lack of structure, healthcare bureaucracy, and redefining their identities and relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and sharing resources as they navigate this new phase of life together.   1. The Emotional Shift from Work Life to Retirement: 1.        "Adjusting to Retirement: Emotional and Psychological Challenges" This article delves into the psychological adjustments retirees face, emphasizing the importance of building a new life structure post-retirement.  Supportive Care 2.        "Navigating the Five Emotional Stages of Retirement" This piece outlines the emotional stages individuals may experience during the transition to retirement, offering guidance on navigating each phase.  NeuroLaunch.com 2. Changing Family Dynamics: 1.        "Strengthening Older Adulthood Parent-Child Connections" This resource explores the evolving relationships between aging parents and adult children, providing strategies to enhance communication and mutual support.  Psych News Daily+3NDSU+3secondwindmovement.com+3 2.        "Navigating Family Dynamics in Later Life – Boundaries Are Key!" This article discusses the importance of setting boundaries to maintain healthy relationships with family members during later stages of life.  Sixty and Me 3. The Social Side of Senior Living: 1.        "Making Friends After 65: Social Groups for Older Adults" This guide offers practical tips for seniors looking to expand their social circles and engage in community activities. Carewell 2.        "22 Ways For Retirees To Stay Social" This article provides a comprehensive list of strategies for retirees to maintain and build social connections, emphasizing the benefits of an active social life.  Senior Resource 4. Dealing with Unsolicited Advice: 1.        "6 Polite but Effective Ways to Deal With Unwanted Advice" This piece offers strategies to handle unsolicited suggestions gracefully while setting clear boundaries.  Psychology Today 2.        "How to Handle Unwanted Advice by Setting Boundaries" This article discusses the importance of establishing boundaries to manage unsolicited advice and maintain personal well-being.  Verywell Mind   Send us a text

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Gray With Benefits illuminates the later chapters of life, where experience deepens, love evolves, and every wrinkle tells a story. Through thoughtful conversations and heartfelt stories, we explore the joys and challenges of aging, navigating family, finding purpose, embracing change, and celebrating a life well-lived.