Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Long a member of the Apostolic Church of God in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, Darlene’s faith has been a constant even as she experiences the inevitable ups and downs of life. At 71, Darlene’s serene manner shines through and she peppers her conversation with thoughtful musings based on living a life of scripture. And a successful life it has been, despite an unsettling bout with breast cancer - happily married, blessed with a healthy child born in later life, and a “bonus” son; her career as an IRS agent and accountant fulfill her. Darlene’s interests are varied. She is a lifelong learner full of curiosity about the world she lives in, and loves to travel to jazz festivals in this country and beyond. Conscious of the importance of physical activity and social endeavors, she also serves with the Women’s Ministry and teaches at Children’s Church. "Don’t worry about anything, pray for everything - God will give me peace." - Darlene Norman

When Laurel married in her late 50s, she never imagined she’d become her husband’s full-time caregiver just five years later. Now, twenty years into that journey, she calls it a blessing: “He is so easy to care for…. I have released early feelings of resentment, realizing that I’ve been training my whole life to do this.”As Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Village Chicago, Laurel works mainly from home, crafting a monthly newsletter that shines a light on aging and ageism. Reflecting on life in her late-80s, she says, “I feel more myself than ever before in my life.”“I consider myself a solo ager because I am primary caregiver for my husband and am making all decisions and doing all tasks by myself.” - Laurel BaerConnect with Laurel:Email lbaer938@aol.comThe Village Chicago https://thevillagechicago.orgThanks to our Sponsor—Plymouth Place, LaGrange Park, ILDiscover the extraordinary at Plymouth Place—a vibrant community designed for active adults. Elevate your retirement living experience with tailored independent options, premier amenities, and a full continuum of care. https://plymouthplace.orgRecognizing the AGE-WISE COLLECTIVEWomen Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement.MEET: Yvonne Marchese, founder and host of Late Bloomer Living https://www.latebloomerliving.com a podcast for women in midlife, inspiring and cheering each other on, sharing stories and taking bold action, in order to define and rock the next chapter of life and achieve new life goals

Jody’s life reads like a movie—one she ultimately wrote and directed herself. Growing up in isolation and surviving severe trauma, she moved through poverty, rape, separation from siblings, and profound loss—the deaths of her mother, grandmother, and daughter. Yet Jody transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a mother, model, teacher, TV’s beloved adult facilitator on Romper Room, guidance counselor, and author. At 84, she achieved what few could imagine: becoming the Oldest Female First-Time Feature Filmmaker, earning awards and international recognition. Her film, Letters to Stephanie, tells an inspiring adoption story drawn from her decades-long fight to reconnect with her granddaughter. When South Carolina law blocked grandparents from signing the Adoption Reunion Registry, Jody helped change it. Now, at 85, she’s writing her memoir—the final dream on her bucket list. Jody’s journey is a radiant testament to resilience, courage, and the unstoppable power of reinvention.“Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead. Don’t listen to dream snatchers—and know who your angels are.” - Jody WilhelmConnect with Jody Email: jodywilhelm9@gmail.comWatch Letters to Stephanie: Letters to Stephanie (2024) directed by Jo-Ann Wilhelm • Reviews, film + cast • LetterboxdLearn more about Jody: This is 85: Filmmaker Jo-Ann "Jody" Wilhelm Responds to The Oldster Magazine QuestionnaireThanks to our Sponsor Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, IL Discover the extraordinary at Plymouth Place—a vibrant community designed for active adults. Elevate your retirement living experience with tailored independent options, premier amenities, and a full continuum of care. Explore our diverse living choices and embrace the joy of a life well-lived.https://plymouthplace.orgThanks to Age-Wise Collective Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement.MEET: Yvonne Marchese, founder and host of Late Bloomer Livinghttps://www.latebloomerliving.com a podcast for women in midlife, inspiring and cheering each other on, sharing stories and taking bold action, in order to define and rock the next chapter of life and achieve new life goals.

Sophy Burnham has lived many creative lives—and she’s still expanding. Known as a deeply imaginative and award-winning author, Sophy has written 17 books across genres: novels and nonfiction, children’s stories, poetry, plays and radio dramas, essays, and journalism. Her groundbreaking 1990 New York Times bestseller, A Book of Angels, sparked a cultural wave of curiosity and conversation about divine presence and mystical experience. Beyond writing, Sophy also embraces her gifts as a psychic, medium, and spiritual director—roles she says emerged organically later in life. Her newest book, The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old (2025), celebrates the unexpected beauty, spiritual richness, and freedom that come with age. It’s a luminous invitation—offering comfort and inspiration not just for older adults, but for younger generations curious about the journey ahead. “Becoming old is about love—love of self, of life, and of still being here to tell your stories.” - Sophy Burnham Connect with Sophy Email: sophyburnham@gmail.com Website: https://sophyburnham.com Most Recent Book: The Wonder and Happiness of Being Old (2025) Thanks to our Sponsor—Women’s Connection Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Women’s Connection is a member-driven nonprofit organization for vibrant, accomplished women who are 50 years old and beyond. In chapters around the country, including a virtual Coast-to-Coast (C2C) chapter, women connect to enjoy shared interests and empower each other to thrive. https://womenconnecting.org Recognizing the AGE-WISE COLLECTIVE Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement. MEET: Yvonne Marchese, founder and host of Late Bloomer Living https://www.latebloomerliving.com a podcast for women in midlife, inspiring and cheering each other on, sharing stories and taking bold action, in order to define and rock the next chapter of life and achieve new life goals.

At 17, Karen Gershowitz caught the travel bug—and never looked back. She’s now explored 100 countries, often returning to dig deeper than the “Disney Lands” most tourists see. Her love of discovery led her from ceramics to international marketing and, eventually, to writing about her adventures. In her books, Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places, and Curious Cuisine, Karen shares stories of meeting locals, trying new foods, and finding connections in unexpected places. Travel, she says, “has opened my heart and changed how I see the world—and myself.” Whether you’re roaming the globe or exploring closer to home, her story invites you to keep that spirit of discovery alive. “If you really want to know the people and the places, go away from where the tourists are.” - Karen Gershowitz Connect with Karen: Email: gershowitzkaren@gmail.com Website: https://karengershowitz.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karengershowitzauthor/ Books: Wanderlust (2023), Travel Mania (2021) ---- Acknowledgements Sponsor: Women’s Connection. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Women’s Connection is a member-driven nonprofit organization for vibrant, accomplished women who are at least 50 years old. In chapters around the country, women connect to enjoy shared interests and empower each other to thrive. https://womenconnecting.org AGE-WISE COLLECTIVE: Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement. MEET: Fit Strong Women Over 50, a podcast for the Becoming Elli Community, hosted by Jill McCauslin and Chris Brown, who interview experts and share their insights about losing weight, keeping it off, and working out. http://www.becomingelli.com

Judy Smith discovered that 70 would be the best year of her life after a devastating public humiliation at 67 by her now ex. Allowing herself to open up to new relationships, social engagement and creative expression, she discovered that life became richer and she felt blessed as gratitude filled her soul. No stranger to discomfort, Judy previously suffered from grand mal seizures and lived with the fear of having one while out in the world trying to live her life. Judy’s first novel, “The Golden Years Glitch…..just when she thought she had it all”, became therapeutic, if a “little revengeful” for her. More than that it is a fictional story born out of her own experiences and embellished with imagination. Filled with humor, Judy discovered she is a writer and now visualizes expanding this book into a future series. “Writing The Golden Years Glitch was therapeutic and a little bit revengeful.” - Judy Smith Connect with Judy: E. Judy@jmaustin.com Book: The Golden Years Glitch

Jan Golden is a one-woman force when it comes to changing how the media and greeting card agencies represent aging. For 4 years, Age-Friendly Vibes has featured cards, buttons, stickers and prints that reflect pro-aging sentiments. Active in the American Society on Aging, Changing the Narrative and the American Greeting Card Association, Jan’s passion to revolutionize how older people are represented on greeting cards is making waves. Influencers in her pursuit include Ashton Applewhite, Dr. Becca Levy, Jeannine Vanderberg (and Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined). She has 120 designs in many different categories and her cards are on the shelves at Barnes and Noble and Paper Source. "Negative self-talk and deprecating humor are harmful, but reversible." - Jan Golden Connect with Jan: E. Jan@Age-FriendlyVibes.com W. Age-FriendlyVibes.com

At 81, Phyllis Rubin embodies tikkun olam—repairing the world. After her husband’s death, and during the pandemic and political upheaval, she stepped fully into activism. A “feet-on-the-ground” leader, with a collaborative style, Phyllis champions progressive politics, environmental sustainability, and vital community living for older adults. She earned her Psy.D. at 50, retired as an attachment-based therapist at 80, and continues to live vibrantly—singing, writing, gardening, engaging with her Temple, and devoting nearly full-time energy to social change."The Jewish sages tell us that we are not obligated to finish the task, neither are we free to desist from it." - Phyllis RubinConnect with PhyllisEmail: Phyllis.rubin@comcast.netWomen Over 70 is proud to be part of the Age-Wise Collective, a group of women podcasters championing pro-aging voices.We shine the light on Fit Strong Women Over 50, a podcast for the Becoming Elli community where Jill and Chris interview experts and share motivational stories that inspire and encourage each other about all aspects of fitness.www.BecomingElli.com

Nicole J. Smith, Advocate, Dementia Daughter, Certified Senior Advisor and author of Diagnosis Dementia, was living 3,000 miles from her mother and didn't register the “weird things” she had witnessed her mother say and do over the past couple of years. That is, until these strange things escalated into a financial and legal situation that was not sustainable. The journey that followed upended Nicole’s life, took place across five states, and changed the families involved forever. This book is a result of that journey and particularly useful for navigating dementia and understanding the important documents families need. Hearing Nicole’s experience is a wake-up call for all of us. CONNECT WITH NICOLE: Email: hello@njsmithbooks.com Book: Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management

At 75, Kathleen (Kathy) Haney embodies resilience, purpose, and care. Family duties once slowed her college path, but persistence carried her to an undergraduate degree in occupational education and a graduate degree in vocational education administration. She went on to become the coordinator/director of dental hygiene and dental assisting at the community college and university levels. Her career spanned teaching, mentoring and serving as an accreditation site surveyor for American Dental Assistant/Dental Hygiene Programs. Ultimately, Kathy moved on to become the Asst. Director of Education for the IL. State Medical Society and then the Academic Coordinator of Pediatrics at RUSH University Medical Center, again her duties included preparing accreditation documents. Kathy’s self-care story includes surviving uterine cancer and enduring a grueling replacement of a hip implant that fractured within her after 20 years of use. She has devoted years to the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s Children’s Clinic as a volunteer, and she mentor’s women dealing with gynecologic cancer through the Northwestern Univ. Medical Center’s Woman to Woman Program, and the OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) Support Groups, which addresses all types of gynecologic cancer. "I strive to grow older with dignity and self-respect as I live my life with purpose and help others do the same." - Kathleen Haney Connect with Kathy Email khaney48@gmail.com ---- This episode is supported by Our Sponsor: Women’s Connection is a nonprofit women's group with chapters around the country, connecting vibrant, accomplished women, age 50 and forward, around common interests--empowering each other to thrive, and sticking together as we travel through the stuff of life, no matter what comes our way. womenconnecting.org Age-Wise Collective: Boomer Banter with podcaster Wendy Green. This isn't just another podcast about retirement or getting older. Wendy Green invites you into real conversations about what it means to age with purpose, vitality, and ...[more] https://heyboomer.biz