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 ineffective without vitamin D to help with absorption
• Magnesium acts as the "relaxation mineral" helping with sleep, muscle cramps, and mood
• Turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits may help with joint pain but can cause digestive issues for some
• B vitamins, especially B12, become increasingly important as we age for energy and nerve function
• Get bloodwork done before starting supplements to identify what you actually need
• Many expensive supplements are literally flushed down the toilet if your body doesn't need them

Remember that supplements aren't substitutes for eating well, moving your body, and laughing at life's nonsense. Check out my other podcast "Inside Marci's Mind" where we're discussing siblings this week.

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 from prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, learn practical skills on YouTube, or discover new creative outlets through platforms like Skillshare. The best part? Most of these resources won't cost you a dime.

The lineup includes AARP's Senior Planet, which functions like a digital summer camp for grown-ups, teaching everything from Zoom skills to financial literacy. We explore the Open Learning Initiative from Carnegie Mellon, perfect for brushing up on academic subjects your grandkids think you know nothing about. Plus, discover how your local library card might be the secret key to premium learning platforms you never knew existed.

Whether you want to casually drop "when I was studying at Harvard" at your next dinner party (thanks, EdX!), learn a new language before your next trip abroad, or simply keep your mind active and engaged, these ten platforms offer something for every curious mind. Remember, aging ain't for sissies, and neither is learning something new—but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

Ready to surprise yourself and maybe a few others along the way? Listen now, then go sign up for a class that catches your fancy. Your brain will thank you, and you'll have fascinating new topics for your next social gathering. After all, we're not just getting older—we're getting started!

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're preparing for a Viking funeral, how to let our adult children actually be adults, and why peace of mind trumps potentially doomed investments every single time. As someone who's navigated cancer, 37 years of sobriety, and a cross-country move to downtown Chicago, I share personal insights about finding balance between financial security and present-moment joy.

The conversation gets real about relationships too - from spoiling your partner because tomorrow isn't guaranteed, to curating your social circle and releasing people who no longer serve you. We explore staying mentally sharp without running marathons, embracing technology at any age, and discovering that purpose doesn't retire, it just changes shape. Plus, I share why using your good china daily and laughing until you snort might be the best anti-aging strategies you'll ever find. Ready to embrace your sassiest, wisest self? Subscribe for weekly doses of truth, humor, and grace as we navigate this beautiful mess called aging together.

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 fulfilling volunteer opportunities doesn't mean wearing a hairnet at a soup kitchen (unless that's your thing). We explore dozens of ways to match your unique skills and interests with meaningful service. Love animals? Local shelters need you. Enjoy reading? Kids need literacy volunteers. Tech-savvy? Nonprofits desperately need your digital wisdom. From AARP's Create the Good platform to community gardens, food banks, and faith-based organizations, we break down where to start and how to find the perfect fit.

Volunteering provides what many seniors secretly crave: purpose without pressure, socialization without awkward small talk, and a chance to share wisdom accumulated over decades. Unlike the workplace where age discrimination lurks, volunteer settings value senior participants for exactly who they are. The benefits flow both ways—organizations receive invaluable help while volunteers enjoy improved cognitive function, expanded social networks, and that irreplaceable feeling of making a difference. Whether you're recently retired or well into your golden years, I challenge you to start with just one small commitment. Your future healthier, happier self will thank you. Ready to transform your life while transforming others? Let's begin.

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 straight talk about these mysterious Advantage plans.

Anita reveals something crucial right from the start: working with a Medicare specialist costs you absolutely nothing. These professionals are paid by the insurance companies, not by you, yet they can potentially save you thousands by finding the right plan for your specific situation. This alone might be the most valuable takeaway for anyone approaching Medicare eligibility.

We unpack exactly what Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are—essentially a way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies that contract with the federal government. Contrary to common misconception, you're not "giving up" Medicare with these plans; you're simply receiving your benefits differently. Most plans bundle your hospital coverage (Part A), medical coverage (Part B), and prescription coverage (Part D) into one comprehensive package.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Advantage plans is the additional benefits they typically include beyond what Original Medicare covers. Dental, vision, hearing aids, gym memberships, transportation to medical appointments, and even allowances for utilities or groceries are common perks. As someone who's witnessed my husband benefit from his plan paying toward our electric bill and covering most of his hearing aids, I can attest to the real financial impact these extras provide.

The limitations do matter: most Advantage plans operate within specific provider networks and require referrals for specialists. But Anita clarifies that emergency care is always covered at 100% anywhere—even internationally—which should reassure frequent travelers. She also dispels the myth that pre-existing conditions can prevent enrollment when you first become Medicare-eligible.

Take charge of your Medicare decision before you turn 65. Start exploring options three months before your birthday, be honest about your health needs, and work with an expert who can navigate the system for you. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

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 transformed my perspective on possessions. Swedish Death Cleaning (döstädning) isn't morbid—it's an act of profound consideration. Having downsized from a large house to a one-bedroom condo, I've experienced firsthand the liberation that comes with lightening the load.

Most of us have stood bewildered in a parent's home after their passing, wondering what to keep, what to discard, and why they saved 14 boxes of expired vitamins or 57 tubs of cat figurines. Death Cleaning prevents your loved ones from facing that overwhelming task. Starting with non-emotional items (those extra kitchen gadgets, clothes you never wear, mystery cords connecting to nothing), you gradually work through your home at your own pace—one room per week or month, whatever suits your lifestyle.

The unexpected benefit? Freedom. Looking around my condo now, I see only things Craig and I truly love. There's no guilt-keeping of unwanted gifts or untouched items. When everything has meaning, your daily life becomes more intentional. Your legacy shouldn't be your junk drawer but rather the love, wisdom, and memories you leave behind.

Ready to start your own Death Cleaning journey? Begin small, label important items, communicate your intentions to loved ones, and remember—you are not your stuff. Share this episode with someone drowning in decades of accumulated belongings, and together, let's age boldly and mindfully.

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 stitches!), we dive deep into how society tries to strip away our power as we age, and more importantly, how we can reclaim it.

For women, the message seems clear: unless you're maintaining Helen Mirren or J-Lo levels of beauty, prepare to become invisible after 50. Men don't escape either, being relegated to "grumpy old man" status for simply having opinions. But what if aging isn't about fading—but about finally finding your authentic voice?

We explore practical ways to reclaim your power: reconnecting with your body without judgment, speaking up without constant apologizing, making room for what truly lights you up, and recognizing that true power in your later years looks different—and possibly more genuine—than it did in youth. As I share from my own experience, "Power now is walking into a room with a face that says I've lived through a few things and I'm not afraid to tell you what I think."

Ready to stop waiting for permission to be fully yourself? This episode offers both compassion and a challenge: do one thing this week that makes you feel powerful. Because remember—power doesn't retire, it just changes shoes.

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's exactly what we're unpacking in this thoughtful, occasionally hilarious exploration of cognitive changes.

Think about this: our parents didn't have smartphones pinging them with notifications every three seconds or dozens of passwords to remember. Today's information overload would make anyone's brain fuzzy! When we forget where we put our keys, that's likely just normal aging. But forgetting what keys are for? That might warrant a conversation with your doctor.

The good news? Your brain is remarkably resilient, and there's plenty you can do to keep those neurons firing on all cylinders. From moving your body (even if that just means strutting through Costco) to getting quality sleep (think of it as a Roomba for your memories), maintaining social connections, and trying new activities – your brain health is largely in your hands.

Remember, cognitive changes are just one paragraph in the epic novel of your life. You're still creative, resourceful, and full of sass. Join me as we navigate this aspect of aging with humor, wisdom, and practical advice that proves once again that aging ain't for sissies – it's for the brave, bold, and absolutely fabulous.

Ready to show your brain some love? Subscribe now and let's face these memory moments together with knowledge and a healthy dose of laughter!