Aging ain't for Sissies

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt your power slipping away as you age, wondering if your relevance is fading along with your youth? You're not alone—but you're also not powerless. In this raw and revealing episode, we tackle the myth that aging means decline and invisibility. After sharing my personal journey through cancer treatments and an unexpected sidewalk tumble (complete with 14...

Send us Fan Mail Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you're there? Or called your grandchild by your dog's name? You're not alone – and you're probably not losing your mind either! Memory blips and brain fog happen to all of us as we navigate the wild journey of aging, but how do we know what's normal and what might signal something more serious? That&apos...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the world tells us our purpose has an expiration date? After decades of defining ourselves as parents, employees, volunteers, and caretakers, society quietly expects us to fade into obscurity once we reach a certain age. But what if we're not done evolving? Fighting against the subtle and sometimes blatant effects of ageism requires recognizing its impact on...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to dust off your passport and embrace adventure in your golden years? Traveling doesn't have to stop when the knees start creaking or reading menus requires glasses. If anything, our wanderlust grows stronger with age, when we finally have the time, perspective, and freedom from work schedules to truly savor new experiences. After returning from my hiatus, I'm shar...

Send us Fan Mail Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with me, Marcy Backhus, as we transition from the beloved "Aging Ain't for Sissies" to the fresh and exciting "Inside Marcy's Mind." Reminisce with me about the enchanting vistas of Santorini and the hustle and bustle of Thessaloniki, where I unearthed the true spirit of Greece beyond the beaten path. Let&ap...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an odyssey through the Greek Islands as I, Marcy Backhus, recount the unforgettable moments from my recent trip with my California church group, tracing the path of St. Paul. Picture the majesty of an eclipse in New York, the transition to the warmth of sun-kissed skin in sandals, and the profound appreciation for the resilience of spirit required to navigate the ancient...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had one of those weeks where every little win felt like conquering Everest? That's exactly what I, Marcy Bacckhus, experienced, and I'm here to share it all with you. From the comical annoyance of a phone dying just as you arrive at the airport to pick up someone to the ever-present question of when to switch from weight loss to maintenance mode, it's been a ro...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the tranquil aftermath of St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, I, Marcy Backhus, found myself reflecting on the importance of balance—a theme that's distinctly echoed throughout this week's chat. From the heart-pumping thrills of aqua sculpting that's keeping my joints jubilant at 63, to the quiet introspection that comes with an empty nest as my family whi...

Send us Fan Mail As I sat basking in the glow of Oscar night glamour, I couldn't help but ponder the juxtaposition of Hollywood's dazzling facade against the weightier discussions of life's inevitable outcomes. In this episode, I, Marcy Backhus, invite you on a journey from the red carpet's luster to the intimate, often unspoken conversations about informed care choices. We&apo...

Send us Fan Mail Ever dreamed of jet-setting without breaking the bank? Let me, Marcy Backhus, be your guide as I spill secrets on how to transform your travel dreams into a cost-effective reality. Picture this: You've just scored an unexpected first-class upgrade, thanks to a loyalty program tip I'll share. And imagine the satisfaction of reuniting with distant family members, without t...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever been chuckling over something as mundane as toilet paper placement? Oh, the joys of domestic life! It's Marcy here, and this Podcast episode is a rollercoaster ride through the hilarity of household quirks and the profound moments of family bonding. I'm unpacking the complexities of our daily lives, from the lighthearted debate over toilet paper orientation...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey with me, Marcy Backhus, as I reveal how transforming your space can lead to a tranquil mind. Picture the warmth of the Arizona sun as I weave tales of retirement bliss, from launching a church book club to private art viewings in Chicago. You'll be inspired to tackle your own cluttered corners and overstuffed drawers with my personal tales of decluttering...

Send us Fan Mail Ever find yourself tossing and turning, unable to find that sweet slumber? You're not alone, and this episode is a cozy blend of personal insights and practical tips on conquering those restless nights, especially during the menopausal marathon. It's a February affair on Aging Aphorsis, where I, Marcy Backhus, weave tales of my serene week drenched in self-love rituals—p...

Send us Fan Mail As the dough rises and the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, I, Marcy, invite you to join me in a conversation as comforting as the bread I'm perfecting. This week, we're getting personal. From the vibrant glow of city lights that grace my home on the 36th floor to the soft paws of my cat Pickles making her presence known during our chat, we're sharing it all. I...

Send us Fan Mail Join me, Marcy Backhus, on a heartfelt journey through life's inevitable changes as I share the ups and downs of retiring, relocating, and the art of letting go in the great city of Chicago. Emotions run deep as I recount my 63rd spin around the sun, celebrating at Rosebud with a newfound zest compared to the solitude of my previous birthday. I pull back the curtain on the tr...

Send us Fan Mail Caught amidst a snowstorm's unexpected charm at Chicago O'Hare, I, Marcy Backhus, transformed travel delays into a stage for reflection and storytelling. Experience the whimsical 'snow plow ballet' through my eyes and join in the childlike wonder as we witness the magic of a snow-melting machine. But it's not all about the frosty delays; this episode invit...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a transformative journey with me as we navigate the cluttered corridors of our homes and minds, setting the stage for a serene and structured oasis. With the turn of the calendar page, I'm opening up about my personal voyage through the trials of health, the triumphs of sobriety, and the heartfelt celebration of family milestones. As I reminisce about a year well sp...

Send us Fan Mail As the snowflakes tenderly kissed the ground on New Year's Eve, my husband Craig and I found warmth in a shared serenity, an evening of reflection marked by a snowy stroll and the nostalgic episodes of the Twilight Zone. It's these quiet moments of introspection that I invite you to join on our latest podcast, where I discuss the transformative power of setting intention...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever experienced the magic of the Morton Arboretum's illumination of lights? Or the thrill of picking your own Christmas tree at a farm? Come along with me, your host, Marcy Backhus, as I navigate the joyous holiday season, sharing snippets from my exhilarating life, from my ongoing home remodel to my enchanting experiences. I'll take you on a heartwarming journ...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how to navigate the holiday season as a grandparent without feeling overwhelmed? Picture this: it's the holiday season, you're baking cookies with your grandkids, and you can't help but feel a sense of joy mixed with the occasional stress. This week on the Aging Ain't for Sissy's Podcast, join host Marcy Backes as she shares her pers...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to welcome in the New Year fully informed about the latest changes in Medicare? As the holiday season approaches, I, Marcy Backhus, take you on a cozy journey through my personal updates, from the festive spirit enveloping Chicago to the thrilling anticipation of a home remodeling project. But don't get too comfortable yet! The serious issue of increased falls among the...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered about the secret to living longer, thinking stronger, and savoring the zest of life? Brace yourself for an intriguing journey as we unveil the world of superagers and their seven key strategies to longevity. From my personal tales of city living and Thanksgiving week to my upcoming condo remodel, there's a bit of everything to keep your listening taste buds ting...

Send us Fan Mail Has the glitz of the holidays lost its sparkle over the years? Join me, Marcy Backhus as we journey down the memory lane of holiday traditions, reflecting on how they have transformed in the face of our ever-changing society. From the mesmerizing light parade on Michigan Avenue to the giddy anticipation of unwrapping presents on Christmas Eve, we'll bask in the warmth of trea...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why the holiday season can be both exhilarating and overwhelming? Why do some of us feel an inexplicable sadness amidst all the merriment? As your host, I'm here to take you on a journey through my own rollercoaster of holiday emotions. Let's talk about the elephant in the room - holiday expectations. They can weigh on us, especially for those distanced fro...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself falling into the comparison trap? We've been there, too, and in this episode, we address the destructive effects of this habit. Along with sharing our personal experiences, we offer practical tips to help you break free from comparing your life to others. We also discuss the importance of inspecting your chapstick collection for harmful ingredient...