The Value of Wrinkles

Show Notes: Today's episode I'm coming unfiltered to wrap up the year and reflect on what I enjoyed in 2022 and what I want to do more of in 2023. A huge thank you to all my listeners! Most listened to episodes in 2022: Episode 22:  Kay Lam, 78, + My 5-year-old, A New Friend Through Sign Language  Episode 24 : Steve Roberts, 79, Why Grandparents?  Episode 26 :  Steve Roberts, 79, Maintaini...

Shownotes: How can you connect with your Asian grandparent especially when you don't speak the same language? In Asian American families, there is not just a generation gap that makes it hard to build strong relationships with our elders, the language gap also is a huge issue too.  In today's episode I share 5 ways to develop a stronger relationship with your Asian grandparent that can be...

Shownotes: How can you support your parent who is a caregiver for your grandparent? As a grandkid, you may feel like you can't do anything but standby and watch, but there's actually SO MUCH you can do! In today's episode, I'll try with you some ideas on how you can improve the quality of life for your entire family, both parent and grandparent. Highlights: Why it's important t...

Shownotes:  Looking for good gifts ideas for your older loved ones? Do you want to get a gift, but maybe you are short on ideas? In this episode, I outline four qualities of a good gift for an older person in your life AND I even share an actual gift that you can use this holiday season! Listen in!   Highlights and the gift ideas for you to use this holiday: Thoughtful   Get a custom painting of t...

Shownotes: It's a question you may have never asked or considered but one that we should consider: When it is a season of giving, why is it hard for our aging parents, grandparents, older neighbors and friends to give? In this episode, I'm sharing three reasons they may not be giving and what you and I can do about it! Find out how to support them and help them overcome challenges when it...

Shownotes: Get 4 tips on how to make Thanksgiving super duper special for the older adult in your life. If you're going to see family then be sure to listen to this episode beforehand! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, friends! Resources mentioned: FREE RESOURCE to grab before your Thanksgiving meal -  3 Things Your Aging Parent is Thinking But May Never Tell You

Shownotes Have you ever wondered how you can support an aging parent who is newly widowed? I had the chance to interview Steve Roberts about the loss of his wife, Cokie Roberts, who was an American journalist who just led the way for female leaders not just in journalism but in many other career paths. It really is a special conversation I have to share with you today.   Highlights: How Steve’s tw...

Shownotes:  Counselors help us with our mental health, but have you ever thought about how they can help us age well. That's right, they help us to become nicer older people!  Highlights: How counseling has been worth the money. How the stereotype of the grumpy old person has come about. Why your older loved one may be extremely difficult or "grumpy". What counseling can do for you a...

Shownotes:  Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Steve Roberts. Steve Roberts has been a journalist for over 50 years, has saved as the Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, where he has taught for over 30 years. Currently, he serves as the chief political analyst for ABC Radio and writes a nationally-syndicated newspaper column...

Shownotes In today's episode, I’m going give you an idea of what caregiving will be like for you. This episode is for those of you who have parents, grandparents, or aging relatives or friends that are healthy for the most part but let’s say you’re realizing that they’re getting up there in age.   One truth you need to know before you get into caregiving (3:21) A short exercise to help you kno...

Shownotes:  In today's episode I interview Steve Roberts, American journalist and author of Cokie: A Life Well Lived.  Why is being a grandparent so important? Steve’s present for his daughter when she moved back to the area. His message to grandparents. Thoughts on what happens when the grandkids get older. How he drives his grandchildren to school.  Did they teach them how to drive? My advic...

Shownotes:  Society says that older adults are a burden, does the church believe that too?  Today I'm reading a recent article that I wrote for The Mission Alliance so that you can LISTEN instead of READ the podcast.  In today's episode: 4 Reasons Why Loving the Old Strengthen Your Church Learn how to get a t wo-week trial  of my Prepare to Care course so you can provide support to caregiv...

Shownotes:  Do you ever wonder what life is like for someone in the deaf community especially as they age? In today’s episode you’ll get to meet Kay Lam, who is an Asian American, 78-year-old, who is now a source of courage for this mom and my little guy. Sign language brought us together and I am so thankful! This episode will be the first of a few where I feature Kay's story to inspire the h...

Shownotes:  You get to meet Betty Mills and learn about the things she enjoys doing. Betty tell us she doesn’t really care about housekeeping anymore. Hear how Betty’s family ended up getting a TV (it has to do with royalty!)   Get two practical tips about cleaning: 1. Clean during the commercials 2. Learn to clean thoroughly Resources mentioned: Prepare to Care Digital Course (Introductory Rate s...

Shownotes:  You're noticing that things are not as easy as they once were for your parent or older loved one. Are you starting to think about how you will care for them as they age? This episode is short and sweet and shares two ways you can ensure your loved one gets the best. How can you ensure your aging parents gets the best? 1. Don’t leave it for last minute – When you leave anything to l...

Shownotes:  Today, I'm announcing a practical resources. This online course for caregivers is something I'll be launching in the coming month! Sign up for my email list at isabeltom.com to find out RIGHT when it comes out!  For this first episode of 2022, it's all about running. And if you've read my book... at least up to Chapter 8, Old is Healthy, you know, you know that I tell r...

Shownotes:  Just say FOOD and the people will come. I think we all know that there are actually SIX love languages out there and the 6th one…it cannot be forgotten. If perhaps your parent or grandparent isn’t fazed by the gifts or the compliments you’ve been giving.. well, then I’m glad you’re here because today you may have found your secret weapon. FOOD my friends is the way to warm your grandpa...

Shownotes:  You may know you have many things you should be grateful for, but inside you may not be feeling. Today’s episode includes FOUR tips to get out of that space.  Also, this CYBER MONDAY, The Value of Wrinkles will be 50% at Moody Publishers. Get the deal at  https://bit.ly/32qj0BN . 

Shownotes:  An apple a day they say keeps the doctor away… could a hug do the same? According to The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, hugs can help improve sleep, our reactivity to stress, increases our physical and emotional well-being, and it can even help us fight off infections. Yes, physical touch is another unique and powerful way that we can value the o...

Shownotes:  In today's episode: How does Asian culture pass down the value of respecting the elderly? How can you pass that value on even if you're not Asian? Listen to Cecille Valoria's story to how she learned to respect the elderly. Hear about the organization that Cecille started called  Flowers for Elders . Info About Today's Guest,   Cecille Valoria: Buy her book:  Slaying Yo...

Shownotes:  Today's episode I talk about Yeye, my paternal grandpa, and what I learned about acts of service. In today's episode, I discuss: The word "burden" and how it affects how we love someone through acts of service. How grandchildren and those who are NOT primary caregivers are in a position to show the older person how valuable they are. Why one woman was sad when her adu...

Shownotes:  Today's featured guest is someone who has a life FULL adventure. Though he and his wife now live with Parkinson's disease, he is using his gift of storytelling to give hope to those who have Parkinson's disease. His book,  Lions on the Prowl: Living with Parkinson's  is not simply a story to educate, but one that encourages as well. I hearing Jon tell a story. His gift...

Shownotes:  "What is one gift you will never forget? A special thanks to the attendees at WinterGrowth Adult Day Program sent in some great responses. Today we chat about gifts and how they can be a powerful way to love an older person. Gifts can be especially helpful in four situations: When you have a difficult relationship/baggage When you don't know the older person that well  When yo...

Shownotes:  BreAna Moss graciously shares a memory she had years ago with her Grandma Zelma. Grandma Zelma had Alzheimer’s and was one of the two powerful forces that influenced BreAna to study Gerontology in college. Whether you have a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or are just curious to learn more, stay tuned. Today, I want to give you a peek into BreAna Moss’s story.   Organizations and Educati...

Shownotes:  Have you ever hung out with someone and gotten annoyed because they weren’t really paying attention? Sometimes, we can spend time with someone without giving them your attention. We can love our older family and friends on a low budget and even from a distance. Listen to today's episode for more insight. 3 Ways to spend quality time with a grandparent/aging parent: 1. Do an activit...