Aging Gratefully with Cathy Dawes Scroggs

"Do not just sit in a chair," but "get out there, get engaged, and do something," are thoughts from Steven Graham, who recently retired from an active career in agriculture. Steven shares how he continues to keep busy with a variety of boards and groups, but most importantly with numerous friends and the loving support of his wife.

From his early days in Chicago to 40-plus years at the Manhattan Mercury as Executive Editor for many of those years, Bill Felber obviously enjoys being able to set his own agenda in retirement. Bill has a wonderful perspective on striving not to worry, even though he was in a very high-stress occupation for so many years, and he shares other thoughts during this transitional period of his life.

Enjoy this whimsical and touching episode beginning with a very special chat including Santa and Mrs. Claus, followed by a talk with Lynda and Stephen Bachelor, who share what transitioning to retirement has meant for them. This retired military couple shares what has kept their marriage of 50-plus years going, and they offer solid words of wisdom on how to age gratefully. 

Jim and Sally Lindquist share information about their busy careers in extension service, providing practical and research-based education on agriculture, food safety, health and nutrition, youth development and community development, and even specialized programs for seniors. This delightful couple, who started out in locales far apart in Kansas and Louisiana, found each other later in life, and t...

Stay positive and keep on keeping on are just some words of advice from Peg Jansen, who has been a teacher, a Mary Kay business entrepreneur, and a health and wellness businesswoman. This wife, mother of 2, and grandmother of 6 talks about how God has a plan for each one of us--which has helped her through many ups and downs in her life.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or to offer help are some thoughts from nonprofit manager, active community volunteer, and "community activist"  Debbie Nuss. Debbie shares her life experiences with the passing of her husband and soul mate, as well as a childhood with a very young mother, in this episode of "Aging Gratefully."

Doing what you want to do now is just one suggestion from Roni Deeds and Sally Garvin of Triple AAA Manhattan, KS., who share 21 travel tips for seniors for a smoother vacation. Roni quotes one of her clients who puts it best: "I want to cover the earth before the earth covers me." Join us in this episode for a variety of travel suggestions and a glimpse at these 2 ladies' own &quot...

This coach, banking/financial expert, former city commissioner, husband, and father shares his philosophy of being positive and doing things that give you great pleasure. Rich Jankovich also tells about his near-death experience and how it changed his outlook on life and relationships with others in many ways. You don't want to miss this episode.

An educator for more than 40 years, with nearly 30 years as a school district superintendent, Denise O'Dea has learned to embrace her age, saying, "You can't stop the years going by." Finding joy in her children, grandchildren, school district, flower garden, and even in being able to walk three miles a day, Denise truly is an inspiration as she wants to be remembered for makin...

Find what gives you joy and pursue it. Find new things, and care about other people and their situations. These are thoughts from lifetime musician, teacher, dancer, and actress Linda Uthoff. While music and being on stage are a huge part of her life, Linda also shares how much family and other groups mean to her in these later years.

Being open to the opportunities God has put in front of us is just one belief State Senator Brad Starnes mentions during his discussion on this episode of Aging Gratefully. Brad adds that finding your niche and focusing on what's important has also gotten him through life. Brad shares his memories of years of being a coach, teacher, principal, and school superintendent, and even opens up abou...

After a fulfilling career, including time as Assistant Dean of K-State's College of Agriculture, Dean of Global Campus, and many years with community colleges, Duane Dunn exudes a sense of peace as he continues his transition of aging gratefully. Duane tells us it "isn't worth it to be angry" and adds he's not as frustrated or stressed as he was at times during his active...

Married for 51 years, Deanna and Brady Burton have a lot to share, with both their careers in education taking them across the state of Kansas. The 2 of them might be retired from education, but continue to be active with part-time jobs. The importance of staying physically and mentally active, as well as spending as much time as possible with family, are just a few suggestions from the Burtons.

Having fun, apparently, is a big part of what goes on at the Manhattan Senior Center of Riley County. Director Liz Nelson and Program Coordinator Dane Schmidt have a lively discussion on this Aging Gratefully Podcast episode, talking about the many activities and services offered, including games, music, talks, exercise sessions, Halloween parties, and wonderful meals. They also share some insight...

Taking life day by day and doing the best we can are suggestions from Lori Bishop, who has 40-plus years in nonprofit management, primarily as Executive Director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and Director of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Riley County. Lori not only shares her own personal story, including the death of one of her sons by suicide, but also talks about the incredible services...

Continuing to stay community-minded is important, according to retired Riley County Fire Chief and Emergency Director Pat Collins. Pat shares how he is spending his days later in life, as he still does volunteer fire/rescue work and serves with his local township. Pat stresses the importance of financial considerations, though, as many of us find unexpected expenses with taxes, insurance, and medi...

Meadowlark Hills' Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman rejoin "Aging Gratefully" to talk about the Memory Program, that offers free services for those throughout the community who are dealing with memory issues. Through their day to day work with clients and care-givers, these two women offer encouragement through the many ways they help those with dementia, Alzheimers, and other memory i...

Dave and Sonya Baker are living full lives, with Dave in the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame after years of playing and coaching, and Sonya still serving as Curriculum Integrity Manager at Kansas State University after nearly 50 years in higher education. "You're only as old as you feel" and "God puts you where he wants you to be" are just some thoughts from this amazing and...

For 40-plus years, Julie Govert Walter has worked with older Kansans in her role as Executive Director of the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging. She reminds us all to be grateful and to remember that even if we're older and gray, we still have something to say. Julie also shares important information about services offered and regarding the upcoming Sunflower Fair geared for olde...

"Look around you" and "try ways to get engaged" are thoughts from retired K-State Dean of Libraries Lori Goetsch as she transitions to her new stage of life. Lori shares highlights of her career, but also tells us how work with the local animal shelter, singing, and serving as president of the local Fairy Godmothers that serves women in need has helped fill her days. 

"Do what you enjoy" and "Find Something to keep you busy" are suggestions from Donna Keyser, a retired registered dietician who worked with several school systems and now teaches yoga four days a week. Donna shares stories about her earlier life as the oldest of four girls on a ranch with her race horse trainer dad and a bit later as a single mom. She has some diet and exercise...

After 52 years of marriage and active career lives, Carol and Michael Warden have a lot to share about Aging Gratefully. "Give and Take," and remembering to say "I love you: are just some suggestions from this couple, despite Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis attributed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. 

Keep going, listen, and learn to tolerate the unknown are thoughts coming from Dee McKee, who really has not retired, with her continuing commitment as a county commissioner. Dee also mentions saying a prayer and "letting go" at times for God to handle things. Dee shares her early days in a big family on a Spearville, Ks. farm. to her work with special education and current role in count...

As he begins his fifth year of retirement from many years of service at Kansas State University, former Associate Provost Brian Niehoff talks about being open and giving back to the community you're in. From his early years of being a middle child in a big family that enjoyed music, Brian continues to enjoy life with his wife Usha, his role as a new grandfather, travel, and working on communi...

"Get healthy" and be willing to listen and engage with others are just some suggestions from Sydney Carlin, a State Representative for 20 plus years, a widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and active community member. Sydney shares her experiences during the many chapters of her life with some tears and laughter--from the early 4-h days in Chanute, Ks. to her current busy lifes...