Aging ain't for Sissies

Send us Fan Mail A blizzard, a burst of seventy degrees, and a brush with the northern lights set the perfect backdrop for a truth we don’t hear enough: solo doesn’t have to mean sad. I’m unpacking what aging solo actually looks like—across divorce, widowhood, never marrying, and reinvention—and why autonomy can be a superpower when you pair it with planning, community, and a little mischief. We d...

Send us Fan Mail Holiday lights are on, travel is messy, and family dynamics are about to get real. We’re choosing connection over perfection and sharing the exact moves that turn “creepy elder energy” into warm, genuine bonds with the kids and teens who make these gatherings worth it. No guilt, no lectures—just practical ways to show up as the grown‑up they actually want to sit next to. We break...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine paying top dollar for a tool that could save you time, money, and stress—and then using it like a coffee warmer. That’s how many of us treat our iPhones. Fresh off a trip to Ireland, I’m sharing the simple, real-world features that turn a $2,000 device into a trusted daily companion instead of a fancy texting machine. We start with the camera’s hidden talents: identify pla...

Send us Fan Mail Enjoy this best-of episode while I'm touring Ireland. Ever thought of your local library as a life-hack headquarters? We start with a raw, moving reflection on the gift of aging—how wrinkles mark joy, gray hair signals wisdom, and time itself is the rarest present—then swing into a lively tour of how libraries have reinvented themselves to meet real needs. From staying connec...

Send us Fan Mail I'm on vacation, so enjoy this best of episode! Ready to travel on your terms, not your twenty-something pace? We’re diving into how to wander well as we age—trading frantic itineraries for smarter planning, softer landings, and richer memories. From airport wheelchair services that take the strain off long terminals to choosing walkable cities and central stays, we break dow...

Send us Fan Mail Dinner doesn’t need a crowd to feel good. We dig into the real challenge of cooking for two (or one): old habits that make too much food, too many leftovers, and a crisper full of regret. With a few smart tools and a calmer plan, small-batch cooking becomes faster, fresher, and way more fun. We start with the gear that actually makes a difference in a compact kitchen—small air fry...

Send us Fan Mail Sunscreen on cloudy days, hydration that actually shows, and a routine you’ll still follow next month—this conversation keeps anti-aging honest, affordable, and doable. We swap guilt for a recovery plan, especially for those of us who survived baby oil summers and now want real results without the noise. I walk through dermatologist-backed basics that make the biggest difference:...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about retirement planning? Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a candid conversation that goes far beyond the typical financial advice. Retirement isn't just about quitting work—it's about intentionally designing the next chapter of your life. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, this episode of...

Send us Fan Mail Tired of complicated health advice that's impossible to maintain? What if protecting your brain health was as simple as taking a five-minute walk after dinner or spending 40 seconds looking at nature? The latest research reveals that "micro habits" – tiny actions requiring minimal time and effort – can create powerful, lasting impacts on cognitive function when prac...

Send us Fan Mail Remember when libraries were just about books and stern-faced librarians? Those days are long gone! Today's libraries have undergone a remarkable transformation into vibrant community hubs offering a treasure trove of free resources that would make even the most frugal among us do a double-take. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the surprising evolution of modern librar...

Send us Fan Mail Remember when phones had cords that tethered us to kitchen walls? When you'd dramatically slam a receiver down to end an unwanted call? Those days are long gone, replaced by pocket-sized computers that have fundamentally transformed how we navigate the world—especially for seniors. Smartphones have quietly revolutionized aging, offering unprecedented tools for independence, h...

Send us Fan Mail We dive into the confusing world of supplements, examining what actually works for aging bodies and what might just be expensive urine producers. • Exploring the trendy mushroom coffee phenomenon and its claimed benefits for focus, stress reduction, and immunity • Multivitamins serve as general nutritional insurance but may not address specific needs • Calcium supplements are inef...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to keep that gorgeous brain of yours in ship shape? Aging doesn't mean your learning days are behind you—in fact, they might just be getting started!  We're diving into the world of free and affordable online education specifically designed for seniors and retirees. From the comfort of your favorite chair (pajamas optional but recommended), you can access courses f...

Send us Fan Mail What if I told you that at 64, the best financial advice isn't about saving more money, but actually spending it? Join me as we explore a viral wisdom list that's packed with uncomfortable truths about aging, money, and letting go of the need to control everything around us. We tackle the tough questions that many seniors face: when to stop hoarding pennies like we'...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to add years to your life while having fun? This episode delivers the surprising science behind volunteering as a health intervention. Forget expensive supplements—research shows that dedicating just two hours weekly to volunteering lowers blood pressure, fights depression, and literally extends your lifespan. This isn't wishful thinking; it's science. Discovering...

Send us Fan Mail Facing down Medicare enrollment can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in another language. I've been getting bombarded with Medicare Advantage plan offers as my 65th birthday approaches, and I know I'm not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the options. That's why I invited Medicare expert Nita Wenrick (the Medicare Diva) to cut through the confusion and give us the s...

Send us Fan Mail Decluttering isn't just about creating space—it's about leaving the right legacy. Welcome to a candid exploration of Swedish Death Cleaning, the surprisingly uplifting practice of methodically clearing out your possessions before others have to do it while grieving your loss. Fresh from completing cancer treatment and finding my new normal, I dive into this concept that...

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...