Growing Older Together | Facing Fears. Embracing Resilience.

Lourdes Valtierra Dirden
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly Series

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. 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.  Tune in biweekly to join this journey of finding strength in our silent struggles.  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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 1 – Why Fear?

  2. Episode 2

    S2 EP 2 – Exploring The Fear of Aging

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 2, 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.  RESOURCES 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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 2 – Exploring The Fear of Aging

  3. Episode 3

    S2 EP 3 – Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 3, 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.  RESOURCES 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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 3 – Handling The Fear of Becoming A Burden

  4. Episode 4

    S2 EP 4 – Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 4, 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 suggestions on reconnecting with yourself and others.  RESOURCES  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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 4 – Overcoming The Fear of Loneliness

  5. Episode 5

    S2 EP 5 – Confronting Health Anxieties

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 5, 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 tips to help ease these fears.  Lourdes has a special announcement about a new series starting this season, launching on Halloween.  RESOURCES 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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 5 – Confronting Health Anxieties

  6. Episode 6

    S2 EP 6 – Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 6, 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. RESOURCES  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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 6 – Addressing the Fear of Cognitive Decline

  7. Episode 7

    S2 EP 7 – Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 7, 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.  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.  RESOURCES  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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 7 – Facing Financial Fears in Retirement

  8. Episode 8

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

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 8, Lourdes introduces a new recurring series, Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence. This series provides a private space for women to share personal stories and explore the hidden regrets they may have carried for years.  Lourdes’s guest today is 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. This episode contains explicit language. Listener discretion is advised. RESOURCES 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@lourdesvaltierradirden.comThank you for listening and for being here with me.

    S2 EP 8 – Whispers of Regret: Women Finding Peace in Silence
See All Season 2 (13)

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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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