Growing Older Together | Facing Fears, Embracing Resilience

Lourdes Valtierra Dirden
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Growing Older Together is a podcast for older adults, centered on the stories, memories, and changes that shape how we see ourselves over time.  All solo episodes are under 15 minutes and explore themes like identity, fear, aging, and personal growth.  Interview episodes are longer and released as part of the ongoing series. I started this podcast because society often treats aging like the end of the story—like we no longer count. And sometimes, we start to believe it. But our stories still matter, and they deserve to be heard.  Season Two: Finding Strength in Our Fears centers on fear—how it shows up in everyday life, keeps us quiet, and what it means to speak about it.  This season also includes an interview series: What the Eyes Carry—conversations with women who share personal stories about regret, silence, and the moments that changed them.   After stepping away from the podcast in December 2024 to care for my mom, I am returning with new episodes every 2 to 3 weeks starting again in December 2025.  If you've ever felt unseen, dismissed, or feel like you no longer matter, this podcast is for you.  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 a text 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.  CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    8 min
  2. S2 Ep 2 Exploring The Fear of Aging

    EPISODE 2

    S2 Ep 2 Exploring The Fear of Aging

    Send us a text 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 CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    10 min
  3. S2 E3 Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

    EPISODE 3

    S2 E3 Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

    Send us a text  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. CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    13 min
  4. S2 E4 Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

    EPISODE 4

    S2 E4 Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

    Send us a text 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 CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    10 min
  5. S2 E5 Confronting Health Anxieties

    EPISODE 5

    S2 E5 Confronting Health Anxieties

    Send us a text 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=sharingCONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    11 min
  6. S2 E6 Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

    EPISODE 6

    S2 E6 Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

    Send us a text 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.comCONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    12 min
  7. S2 E7 Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

    EPISODE 7

    S2 E7 Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

    Send us a text 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.CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    9 min
  8. S2 E8 Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence

    EPISODE 8

    S2 E8 Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence

    Send us a text 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 CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    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 a text 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/ CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    13 min

  10. EPISODE 10

    Returning to the Mic

    Send us a text I recorded Episode 10 on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, and published it on New Year's Day. Although I didn’t say it then, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! This episode serves as an update, and I’m excited to share that Season 2 is underway with a fresh sound and rhythm, but the same heart at its center.  A lot has changed since the last episode aired a year ago, and I’m returning to this space with a stronger voice and stories that need to be heard.  Coming up next is Invisible with Age: Fighting Ageism. Until then, I hope you have a fantastic 2026! CONTACT INFORMATION: Remember to subscribe and rate the podcast on your favorite platform. You can watch all episodes on my YouTube channels, access show notes, and enjoy captioned content in English and Spanish. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/growingoldertogether. You can also email me at podcast@lourdesdirden.com. Thank you for listening.

    3 min
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About

Growing Older Together is a podcast for older adults, centered on the stories, memories, and changes that shape how we see ourselves over time.  All solo episodes are under 15 minutes and explore themes like identity, fear, aging, and personal growth.  Interview episodes are longer and released as part of the ongoing series. I started this podcast because society often treats aging like the end of the story—like we no longer count. And sometimes, we start to believe it. But our stories still matter, and they deserve to be heard.  Season Two: Finding Strength in Our Fears centers on fear—how it shows up in everyday life, keeps us quiet, and what it means to speak about it.  This season also includes an interview series: What the Eyes Carry—conversations with women who share personal stories about regret, silence, and the moments that changed them.   After stepping away from the podcast in December 2024 to care for my mom, I am returning with new episodes every 2 to 3 weeks starting again in December 2025.  If you've ever felt unseen, dismissed, or feel like you no longer matter, this podcast is for you.  Let’s keep growing older and wiser together.

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