Growing Older Together | Facing Fears. Embracing Resilience.

Lourdes Valtierra Dirden
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Growing Older Together is a short-form podcast that explores the fears, turning points, and resilience of aging, with episodes under 15 minutes.  Season One: Echoes of the Past, Visions of Tomorrow, looks at how earlier experiences continue to shape who we become. Season Two: Finding Strength in Our Fears, shares stories about fears, how it shows up in everyday life, how it keeps us quiet, and what it takes to speak about it in later life.  From time to time, I share interviews with guests about their experiences of aging and the resilience they discovered along the way.  Let’s keep growing older and wiser together.

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  1. S2 EP 1 – Why Fear?

    Episode 1

    S2 EP 1 – Why Fear?

    Send us Fan Mail In the Season 2 premiere of "Growing Older Together," Lourdes explores how our fears shape us and how we can find strength in facing them. This first episode, "Why Fear," launching on the 4th of July, reflects on personal journeys and the importance of supporting each other through life's challenges. Lourdes shares her story of overcoming the fear of judgment and introduces the season’s focus on inspiring stories from people who have faced their fears and come out stronger. Tune in biweekly to join this journey of finding strength in our silent struggles. Let's grow older and wiser together.  LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    8 min
  2. S2 EP 2 – Exploring The Fear of Aging

    Episode 2

    S2 EP 2 – Exploring The Fear of Aging

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Growing Older Together," host Lourdes addresses common fears about aging, such as losing independence, dealing with health issues, and financial worries. Through personal stories and practical advice, Lourdes explores ways to confront and manage these concerns. Tune in for a discussion that encourages self-care, staying connected with loved ones, and finding strength in our shared experiences. Join us as we face the challenges of aging with confidence and support, turning moments of doubt into opportunities for growth. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Institute of Aging, https://www.ioaging.org/Season 1, Episode 12, 'New Hobbies and Skills,' https://www.buzzsprout.com/2291141/15035665 LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    10 min
  3. S2 EP 3 – Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

    Episode 3

    S2 EP 3 – Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of "Growing Older Together," host Lourdes discusses the common and often unspoken fear of becoming a burden to loved ones as we age. She explores where this fear comes from, shares relatable stories, and offers practical advice on how to address these concerns. By focusing on open communication, planning, and building a supportive network, Lourdes provides listeners with thoughtful ways to navigate these challenges while maintaining independence and dignity. Listen in to gain insights and feel more at ease with the changes that come with aging.  RESOURCES MENTIONED California Department of Aging: https://aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/ Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/LearnMoreAbout/Support_Services.aspx#  DEFINITIONS Healthcare Directive:  A legal document that states a person's wishes about receiving medical care if that person is no longer able to make medical decisions because of a serious illness or injury. Power of Attorney:  The Power of Attorney gives power to another person to act as an Agent when the Principal is unable to act for themselves—that power is generally limited to financial matters and that power can be terminated at will. Living Will:  A written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donation. In determining your wishes, think about your values. Vulnerable:  A person who is weak and without protection, where may easily be hurt physically or emotionally. LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    13 min
  4. S2 EP 4 – Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

    Episode 4

    S2 EP 4 – Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes discusses the experience of loneliness—what it means to feel disconnected and how it can impact our lives. Lourdes will share a listener's story about finding comfort in a new companion and offer straightforward advice on reconnecting with yourself and others. Additionally, she will provide tips for staying safe online as you seek out new connections. Join Lourdes for a conversation on navigating loneliness and finding ways to feel more connected. RESOURCES MENTIONED Pets as Companions Human Animal Bond Research Institute, https://habri.org/about/  Importance of Animals Tackling Loneliness One Pet at a Time, https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-importance-of-animals-tackling-loneliness-one-pet-at-a-time/Human Animal Interaction, https://www.waltham.com/news-events/human-animal-interaction/pets-loneliness-during-pandemicSenior Scam Alert U.S. Department of Justice’s Senior Scam Alert, https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert.Support Eldercare locator, 800-677-1116, https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Federal_Websites.aspx LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    10 min
  5. S2 EP 5 – Confronting Health Anxieties

    Episode 5

    S2 EP 5 – Confronting Health Anxieties

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes talks about the anxiety many of us feel around health issues as we age. She shares a listener’s story about managing these concerns and provides practical tips to help ease these fears. Plus, Lourdes has a special announcement about a new series starting this season, launching on Halloween. The episode wraps up with a sneak peek at the next topic: Understanding The Fear of Cognitive Decline and simple ways to keep our minds active and healthy as we get older. RESOURCES MENTIONED Steve Maraboli Website: https://stevemaraboli.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemaraboli7 Simple Tips to Calm Health Anxieties https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S2Q4IPfo0ZDtU9l29okdjCSuJg2C6lMB/view?usp=sharingLET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    11 min
  6. S2 EP 6 – Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

    Episode 6

    S2 EP 6 – Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes discusses the fear of cognitive decline as we age. She breaks down common misconceptions about aging and mental health, highlighting how many older adults maintain clear thinking well into their later years. Lourdes also explores how language around aging can shape our fears and shares practical ways to keep our minds active and engaged. Through personal stories and easy tips, this episode encourages listeners to embrace new experiences, stay curious, and maintain meaningful connections as we grow older. RESOURCES MENTIONED Harvard Health Publishing | Protecting Against Cognitive Decline, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protecting-against-cognitive-decline#National Center to Reframe Aging, https://www.reframingaging.org/National Institute on Aging, 10 Common Misconceptions about Aging, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/10-common-misconceptions-about-agingNational Institute on Aging, 12 Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/12-myths-about-alzheimers-diseaseMy author’s website: https://www.lourdesdirden.comLET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    12 min
  7. S2 EP 7 – Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

    Episode 7

    S2 EP 7 – Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes addresses the financial fears many face as they approach retirement. From rising costs to the uncertainty of outliving savings, she explores the root of these anxieties and provides thoughtful ways to feel more secure. Through a relatable personal story and practical tips, Lourdes offers guidance on navigating retirement with confidence and peace of mind. Plus, don’t miss the preview of next week's highly anticipated episode, where Lourdes introduces a new recurring series, Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence. In this series, women share deeply personal stories about overcoming silent struggles in their lives. RESOURCES MENTIONED GLOBAL FINANCIAL LITERACY EXCELLENCE CENTER: https://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Anxiety-and-Stress-Report-GFLEC-FINRA-FINAL.pdf LOW-COST OR FREE FINANCIAL CONSULTATIONS:  The Financial Planning Association – Free services through their networks of certified financial planners, https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/advocacy/pro-bono-programNational Association of Personal Financial Advisors – Advisers Give Back | Certified Financial Planners who volunteer and offer free, personalized financial advice,   https://advisersgiveback.org/napfa/Free resources for consumers and families, https://www.napfa.org/free-resources-for-consumersSavvy Ladies – A nonprofit that provides free financial education and advice to women. They offer access to a network of financial advisors who can help with a variety of topics, from budgeting to investing and retirement planning​, https://www.savvyladies.org/free-financial-helpline/ELDERCARE LOCATOR: Find your community by entering your zip code or city and state, https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: https://www.ssa.gov/. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS:  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Serves as the official governmental agency offering financial advice on a variety of topics such as student debt, mortgages, and planning for retirement, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/  Tax Counseling for the Elderly: The IRS has a separate program for taxpayers age 60 and older that specializes in retirement-related issues unique to seniors, https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-counseling-for-the-elderly.LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    9 min
  8. S2 EP 8 – Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence

    Episode 8

    S2 EP 8 – Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence

    Send us Fan Mail THIS EPISODE INCLUDES LANGUAGE AND CONTENT THAT'S MARKED AS EXPLICIT. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes introduces a new recurring series, Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence. This series provides a welcoming, private space for women to share personal stories and explore the hidden regrets they may have carried for years. Lourdes’s guest today is Lilia, a resilient woman who has learned to prioritize her own well-being and embrace life fully despite physical limitations. Together, they discuss Lilia’s journey to reconnect with herself, her daily approach to living on her terms, and courage in sharing her story. As a special look ahead, Lourdes also previews the next episode, Quiet Strength: The Power of Introverts, which will explore how introverts find energy in solitude and make a unique impact in the world around them. RESOURCES MENTIONED Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), https://adaa.org/find-help-for/women/anxiety American Psychological Associatoin (APA), https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/women-stress LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    23 min
  9. S2 EP 9 – Quiet Strength: The Power of Introverts

    Episode 9

    S2 EP 9 – Quiet Strength: The Power of Introverts

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Growing Older Together, Lourdes explores how quieter personalities can find their place in a loud, fast-moving world. She discusses the quiet strengths that often go unnoticed and how creating space for what feels right can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. It’s a gentle reminder that there’s no one way to live fully, and sometimes, slowing down is the most powerful choice. RESOURCES MENTIONED Billie Gardner, Introvert VA Club, https://desiretodone.com/ LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    13 min

  10. Episode 10

    S2 EP 10 – Returning to the Mic

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 10 was recorded on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, and released on New Year's Day. I didn’t say it in the episode, but I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! This episode is a quick update, and I’m excited to say that Season 2 is officially underway. It has a new rhythm and feel, but the heart of the podcast is still the same. A lot has changed since the last episode aired a year ago, and I’m back with a stronger voice and new stories to share.  NEXT EPISODE "Invisible with Age: Fighting Ageism"—Stay tuned and until then, I hope you're having a fantastic start to 2026! LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    3 min

  11. Episode 11

    S2 EP 11 – Invisible with Age: Fighting Ageism

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 11, Lourdes addresses a topic that many people encounter, but many may not recognize by name: ageism. She shares the stories from the community as well as a personal story from a friend. Lourdes discusses how it shows up in everyday situations and offers guidance on how to respond when it occurs. She emphasizes that growing older should not result in being ignored, dismissed, or talked down to.  RESOURCES Ageism and Age Discrimination: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Age Discrimination at Work: what it is, how you’re protected, and how to file a complaint, https://www.eeoc.gov/age-discriminationAmerican Society on Aging – Ageism Toolkits & Resources: practical guides and campaigns to help challenge ageism in your community, https://asaging.org/toolkits/Reframing Aging – Resources to help you talk about aging in more accurate, respectful ways, https://www.reframingaging.org/resourcesIf you are worried about ICE at home, work, or in your neighborhood, here are some resources in English and Spanish: National Immigrant Justice Center – “Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE” (flyers in simple language, English & Spanish), https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/Immigrant Defense Project – “Conozca sus derechos con ICE” (practical Spanish guidance about home visits, what to say, and what not to sign), https://www.immigrantdefenseproject.org/conozca-sus-derechos-con-ice/ACLU of Northern California – “Know Your Rights: If ICE Confronts You” (short, clear steps, including not opening the door without a warrant), https://www.aclunorcal.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-if-ice-confronts-you/If someone you love is detained or you see ICE activity, these hotlines can help you understand what to do next: California Rapid Response Network (to find local hotlines, including LA), https://www.ccijustice.org/carrnLos Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network: (888) 624‑4752.Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Hotline (SoCal): (213) 833‑8283 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.),  https://www.immdef.org/contactFor legal help, planning, and local support in Los Angeles County: CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) – legal screenings, deportation defense help, and community education,  https://www.chirla.org/Policy/advocacy/program info example: https://www.chirla.org/what-we-do/programs-initiatives/policy-advocacy/Immigrants Are LA Resources Hub – centralized information on rights, family safety planning, and local support in LA County, https://www.immigrantsarela.com/knowyourrightsLos Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs – Know Your Rights Resource Hub, https://oia.lacounty.gov/kyr/For listeners anywhere in the United States: National Immigration Legal Services Directory – search for nonprofit immigration legal help by state and city, https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/ LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    12 min

  12. Episode 12

    S2 Ep 12 – Awareness Is Your First Defense

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 12, Lourdes discusses the importance of awareness in self-defense, emphasizing how recognizing early signs of danger can prevent physical confrontations. She shares personal experiences, practical tips, and mental models to help listeners stay alert and protect themselves effectively. RESOURCES Self‑defense – Los Angeles area Peace Over Violence – Empowerment Self‑Defense, https://www.peaceoverviolence.org/empowerment-self-defenseSeniors Fight Back – free self‑defense classes for older adults, https://seniorsfightback.com/events/self-defense-workshop-downtown-los-angeles/ [Mentioned in episode]Safety Classes, Scam Prevention, Senior Centers – Los Angeles County LA County Aging & Disabilities Department (helps older adults find safety classes, scam‑prevention talks, senior centers, and more), https://ad.lacounty.gov – Info line: (800) 510‑2020Finding Assistance for Older Adults – California Find the right office for older adults in your county, https://www.aging.ca.gov/Find_Services_in_My_County/My_County/Senior Scam Stopper resources, https://speaker.asmdc.org/protect-yourself-scams-senior-scam-stopper-resourcesSenior Scam Stopper seminars (home repair & contractor scams), https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/senior_scam_stoppers/Senior Centers in the United States To find a senior center near you in the United States, you can use an online directory  which lets you search by city and state, https://seniorcenters.com/senior-centers/Senior Centers in California  The California Department of Aging helps people find their county office, which connects people to senior centers and local programs, https://aging.ca.gov/ Finding Self-Defense Classes Near You | Suggestions for what to type in your internet browser:  In many areas of the United States, local police departments, city recreation programs, YMCAs, and senior centers offer free or low‑cost self‑defense or safety classes for older adults. You can contact your local senior center, parks and recreation department, or police community outreach office to ask about classes near you.You can also search online for ‘free self‑defense class for seniors’ plus the name of your city or county. Many short workshops are listed on event sites and city calendars.LET'S STAY CONNECTED Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast on your favorite platformCatch all episodes on my YouTube channelShow notes and captions available in English and SpanishFind everything here: https://campsite.bio/dirdenblueprintEmail: podcast@lourdesdirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    12 min
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Growing Older Together is a short-form podcast that explores the fears, turning points, and resilience of aging, with episodes under 15 minutes.  Season One: Echoes of the Past, Visions of Tomorrow, looks at how earlier experiences continue to shape who we become. Season Two: Finding Strength in Our Fears, shares stories about fears, how it shows up in everyday life, how it keeps us quiet, and what it takes to speak about it in later life.  From time to time, I share interviews with guests about their experiences of aging and the resilience they discovered along the way.  Let’s keep growing older and wiser together.

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