Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

While emphasizing he's barely in his 60s,  Brian McNulty shares his story of retiring from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after many years and now owning two businesses. McNulty stresses staying active both physically and mentally. He also talks about Boy Scouts and its importance in his life, mentioning a sign in his former office that read, "Growing Old is Mandatory, Growing Up is op...

Although still well under the typical retirement age, Trooper Ben Gardner recently retired from the Kansas Highway Patrol and continues to build his vast social media following and give motivational talks throughout and outside of Kansas. His #HelpMore movement has inspired many. With his childhood years in special education classrooms, Trooper Ben tells us he is still trying to identify who he is...

Kathy and Tom Neill met on a blind date--with Kathy knowing from the first date that Tom was the man she was going to marry. They have been married for 56 years and have much to share about their careers in education and the pharmaceutical business, the importance of their family and Catholic faith, travels all-over the world, and a shared love of singing. The Neills tell us to "get out and e...

"Love to live" is one piece of advice from Diane DeNoon Hawk, who has found joy again in her later-in-life marriage to State Senator and Dr. Tom Hawk. Both tragically lost spouses they loved dearly, but began attending events together as friends--before falling in love. Tom also suggests making an effort to make new friends, and he mentioned the importance of adding young people to that...

Lindy and Jack Lindquist spent most of their careers in extension and 4-H and met while working together--they became friends, then married,  and have celebrated 42 years of marriage since. Both suggest taking advantage of new opportunities and just "do it"-- and not to be scared. Jack adds to "Stop and smell the roses," but also to reach down to help someone up in times of nee...

Being a good volunteer, a good leader, and especially a good friend are ways Larie Shoap hopes to be remembered. Working in the banking industry for 43 years, Larie has a lot to share from her experiences, including specific suggestions regarding financial considerations in our later years and other words of wisdom, such as the importance of listening to everybody else for ideas.

Making a difference in people's lives has always been important to Jim Reed, who knew as a junior in high school that he wanted to be in the ministry. Since being ordained as a Methodist minister in 1965, Jim has served as a "faithful servant," and he shares his own ups and downs during these later years of his life. 

This amazing man of faith, lover of history, and educator, Kevin Larson, shares his life journey. Getting out, staying active, and truly caring about people are just a few thoughts from this learned historian and minister, who also shares the tragic loss of his wife.

While Gerald Schmidt—a former Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Deputy, Army brat, and Vietnam veteran—travelled the world, he is quite content with his retirement years. While admitting to a few regrets over the years, he suggests making the best of life and enjoying each day.

Larry and Kay Weigel went from being 16-year-old high school sweethearts to over 60 years of marriage, and have so much to say. With Larry's time on Tex Winter's basketball team and Kay as a K-stepper twirler. They lead us through their delightful life as they age gratefully.

Although he is relatively young, in his 50's, Don Stubbings shares his work as Director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. This group, which has a rich history, includes many older adults in its mission. Stubbings gave up 24 years in law enforcement, including training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, when he felt called to work with the Sisters, but he feels all his back...

This dynamic woman in her 80s has travelled the world, working in Morocco and the Congo. She managed to raise two sons, earn her Master's Degree in Computer Science for a second career, and then worked many years in that field at Farm Bureau. Judy Regehr also tells us about her fight for life after being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and the need to advocate for ourselves medic...

"Become involved" and "Be social" are just a few thoughts on how to age gratefully from Judy Lundberg, who has lived in Manhattan, KS, most of her life, with fond memories of her late husband and their Tuttle Creek Lake home. While working many jobs in Manhattan, her years at the K-State Student Union Bookstore and First Presbyterian Church bring back some of her fondest memori...

Ron Trewyn, a Vietnam veteran and Vice President for Research Emeritus at Kansas State University, truly has a story to tell. He not only wrote the book "Vietnam's War of Hate—Proud Military Veterans Vilified at Home," but he also shares his difficult return home. Ron offers valuable suggestions for Aging Gratefully, reminding us to value each day, value friends and family, and reme...

As one of the very first women's basketball players for Kansas State University in the '60's, retired educator Mary Stamey has an inspiring story to tell. Losing her childhood home to the Tuttle Creek Dam construction, Mary shares her love of children and how blessed she is to have lived in the different eras she has experienced. Her belief in humanity and positive outlook on life t...

Many of us in our later years deal with dizziness or balance issues, and Emily Nichols, who has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Level 2 Certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation, tells us about the work she does. She also serves clients with water or aquatic therapy and tells us about the benefits, plus advises us about the need to move and get out into the community in our older years

This unique interview with Gayle Doll, former Director of Gerontology at Kansas State University, gets into the history of nursing homes and also her study of sexuality in older adults. Gayle also shares her personal story of aging after working so many years in this field. You don't want to miss this interview.

Leslie and Bruce Snead have been married for 52 years--both retired now from the educational field, with Bruce also spending many years in city commission and mayoral service, share how they are coping during their later years in life. Listening to your body and getting the care you may need, also anticipating and preparing for late-life transition, are just some of the words of wisdom from this c...

'Don't go to bed angry' are words of advice from this special Valentine's Day couple, Diana and Preston Chapel. Staying connected and needing to listen are other thoughts from this retired military couple. Diana also shares her transition to a whole new career in the ministry and the difference that it has made in both of their lives.

"Living forward" and "not counting my days" are just some words of wisdom from Karen and Tom Roberts, retired from the education and engineering fields. These high school sweethearts continue to keep busy, with the sometimes challenging role of caring for older parents and other relatives/friends in their late 90's.

Sitting all day is not the answer, according to Physical Therapist Travis Nichols. Travis shares his passion for working with older clients with a variety of techniques such as Functional Dry Needling, individualized personal training, and other physical therapy methods as he brings his expertise to each individual in their own home.

Retired Wamego Police Chief Paul Schliffke may be a "newbie" at being retired (retiring at the end of 2025), but his hope for a legacy is that his children continue positively and do good things. Paul tells us he learned from his own parents to "treat people as you want to be treated," and he offers suggestions for us in our golden years regarding scams and security concerns.

"Keep active, if not physically, mentally," are words of advice from retired K-State accountant Susan Keller. Susan shares how she survived a horrific accident, leaving her badly injured the year of her retirement, and how she continues to keep active with her husband, 4 dogs, and the many activities she participates in--she also talks about how much Manhattan has changed in the nearly 6...

Putting "one foot in front of the other" are just a few words of advice from this widower of more than 3 years. Mike Shepherd's barbershop music and many leadership roles with the group, as well as travel, time with children and grandchildren, and gardening, have kept him moving and in good spirits as he ages gratefully.

Inaugural guest Robbin Cole, a retired mental health professional, rejoins producer Dave Lewis and Cathy on the first anniversary of this Aging Gratefully Podcast. We reminisce about a dear centenarian friend, C. Clyde Jones, who recently passed away, and explore how grief impacts us all, especially during the holiday season. Join us for a thought-provoking, very open discussion on shifting our fo...